Don’t let your Apple Watch get damaged; get a case!
- aug
- 24
You may think you don't need a protective case for your Apple Watch. Don't make that mistake.
I love wearing my Apple Watch sans case. It looks good and is easily identifiable as an Apple Watch, which makes me feel like I'm part of a special club. However, I'm no dummy. I always keep a case or shell nearby in case I want to go on a nature hike, or if I'm doing some house painting. I want to be able to continue wearing my Apple Watch without fear of ruining its beautiful, stainless steel shine.
If you feel the same way, take a look at these protective cases for Apple Watch. You can wear one all of the time, or only take it out occasionally to keep your Watch protected from the elements.
Catalyst Waterproof Case
The Catalyst Waterproof Case is, by far, the most comfortable watch case I've ever worn. Though it looks like a serious rugged covering, it's lightweight and incredibly flexible. The bands are connected with hinges instead of a one-piece mold. Though it makes the overall look of your Apple Watch slightly larger, it's not cumbersome at all. I've worn the Catalyst on my wrist for weeks at a time without feeling like it was too big or uncomfortable. It's available now for $70.
The Series 1 (and Series 0) Apple Watches are not waterproof. With the Catalyst case, you can jump right into the deep end. It's rated at 5ATM and you can go as deep as 50 meters underwater with it. It is available for the Series 1 42mm Apple Watch (sorry 38mm owners) in Stealth Black, Rescue Ranger (gray with a red rotating crown), and Green Pod (Light gray with a neon green rotating crown).
Spigen Rugged Armor
Name the phone or accessory and, chances are, Spigen makes a case for it — and a great one at that. It goes on easily and holds tight; you won't feel it wriggling around on your Apple Watch. The best part is the $14 price tag.
The Digital Crown is left completely open and is entirely unhindered, thanks to the Rugged Armor's great fit. A metal button covers your Apple Watch's Side Button but doesn't interfere with functionality, which means the scratchable surfaces are covered all the way around. Though the screen is scratch resistant, Spigen has left nothing to chance, providing you with two screen protectors.
SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro
"Rugged" and "SUPCASE" are synonymous, especially when we're talking about their Unicorn Beetle Pro series. The SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle Pro comes in black with a black, blue, gold, red, or white accent case. It costs $18.
This case has an easy front cover snap-on design, which makes installation a breeze; you don't have to try and slide the straps through flexible silicone. It's made from hard polycarbonate on the outside — to withstand hard bumps and scratches — and soft TPU on the inside, so that it doesn't scratch up your Apple Watch. All of the necessary buttons are available and the great fit doesn't hinder any sensors, so Activate on Wrist Raise works every time.
You also have the added benefit of a SUPCASE band. Yep, it's a case and a band! It changes the look and feel of your Apple Watch from delicate electronic device to rugged superhero equipment*.
I have the SUPCASE for the 38mm Apple Watch and love how it makes my arm look like The Borg. It's tough and rugged. There's no way my Apple Watch is going to be damaged when I'm rock climbing.
Twelve South's ActionSleeve
If you're a heavy lifter, a contact sports enthusiast, or don't have a wrist to wear an Apple Watch on, you'll be happy to see what Twelve South has to offer. If you've always wanted to be able to use your Apple Watch while punching a bag, lifting weights, or playing rugby but don't want it getting in the way, check out the ActionSleeve. It'll keep track of your fitness while staying away from your wrist.
The ActionSleeve is an armband fitted with a silicon outer frame to protect your watch's casing. It has an adjustable neoprene strap for a flexible, but snug fit. The armband is designed to allow you to keep your wrists free for contact sports activities, but will still monitor your heart rate (and maybe even more accurately) while you move. The ActionSleeve comes in red or black and runs about $30.
Your thoughts?
Do you use a case with your Apple Watch? If so, which one and why does it work for you?
Updated August 2018: These are still our favorite cases for your Apple Watch.
