Not many people consider buying a case for their Apple Watch, but you definitely should if you want it to last as long as possible. There are countless Apple Watch case options in online stores alone, so it can be a challenge to choose which ones are reliable.
But don’t you fret — we’ve sifted through these choices and picked out the 15 best Apple Watch cases from brands like OtterBox, Spigen, and Urban Armor Gear. Plus, we have choices for every model, whether you have the very first Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 6, or the most recently released Series 7.
Also read: Best Apple Watch Faces: How to Download and Use Them?
Best Apple Watch Cases
- OtterBox All Day Case
- Catalyst Waterproof Case
- BOTOMALL Apple Watch Case
- Urban Armor Gear Civilian Rugged Case
- Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Case
- Caseology Nero Case
- Adepoy 2 Pack Rugged Case
- Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear Case
- Bakeey Sports Liquid Silicone Case with Watch Band
- OtterBox Exo Edge Case
- SkyB Minimalist Jewelry Case
- KALOAD Shock-Proof Protective Case
- Tranesca 8 Pack Apple Watch Case
- Recoppa Diamond Rhinestone Apple Watch Case with Screen Protector
- Penom Apple Watch Case with Screen Protector
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE
OtterBox is one of the leading manufacturers of iPhone cases, and you can expect that they offer the best protection for your smartwatch as well. With the brand’s All Day case, you get protection that’s ultra tough without the extra bulk. This case is sleek and slim, and it snaps right into place when you install it.
Besides offering your smartwatch premium protection, the OtterBox All Day case is eco-friendly as well, seeing as it’s made with 90% recycled plastic. Plus, it has antimicrobial coating and comes in seven fun colors.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE
Looking for a case that allows you to bring your Apple Watch to all your diving adventures? Then look no further than the Catalyst Waterproof case. It comes with an IP68 rating and allows your smartwatch to be submerged in up to 100m (or 330ft) water. Besides being water-resistant, the case also meets military-grade standards, making your smartwatch scratch-proof and resistant to drops of up to 2m.
The Catalyst Waterproof case is quite bulky, but it doesn’t feel heavy at all when you’re wearing it. Plus, it’s also very comfortable, thanks to the light silicone strap. The case only comes in two colors, though: Stealth Black and Grey.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SE, and 7
If you’re on a budget but still want an Apple Watch case that offers great protection, you won’t go wrong with the BOTOMALL case. Made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and soft silicone, this case protects your smartwatch from bumps, drops, and scratches. Plus, it’s soft, flexible, and lightweight, making it very comfortable to wear.
The BOTOMALL case has precise cutouts as well, making all the knobs and buttons of your smartwatch easily accessible. It comes in 14 different colors, including lavender, mint green, and midnight blue. If you want your watch’s original color to shine through, you can go for the clear case option.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE
The UAG Civilian Rugged case is another great option if you’re looking for the toughest protection for your Apple Watch. It offers military-grade drop protection and has two protective layers: an outer shell that’s made of hard PC (polycarbonate) and an inner cushion that’s made of soft TPU. Plus, it has raised edges to keep your watch’s screen free from scratches and cracks.
Despite being tough as a rock, UAG’s Civilian Rugged case is lightweight and comfortable to wear. On top of that, it snaps easily onto your watch, and you won’t even need to take off the straps to install it. You can get it in three color combinations: Mallard/Silver, Black/Orange, and Olive/Orange.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SE, and 7
Made of hard PC and impact-resistant TPU rubber, the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro case provides your Apple Watch with heavy-duty protection. It has corner bumpers and raised bezels that shield your watch’s screen from scratches and cracks. Plus, with the metal button cover, the case protects your smartwatch’s side button as well without hampering its functionality.
The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro case also comes with an adjustable wristband that’s comfortable to wear. With its matte finish and carbon fiber accents, this Apple Watch case is great if you’re looking for something modern-looking. It comes in three colors: Black, Charcoal Gray, and Military Green. Besides the newer Apple Watch models, it’s also available for the Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, SE, and 7
The Caseology Nero Apple Watch case is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something affordable. It’s made with TPU, which gives your Apple Watch ample protection from drops and bumps without being too bulky. It also has a raised lip for screen protection, tactile buttons, and corner bumpers. On top of that, the case has precise cutouts, so you can easily access the Digital Crown and the heart sensor. This also means you can power up your Apple Watch without removing the said protective accessory.
The Caseology Nero case is only around a millimeter thick, making it perfect for those who want a slim, low-profile design. It has a matte finish and comes in either black or pink.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SE, and 7
Here’s another budget-friendly Apple Watch case you should consider getting, the Adepoy Rugged case. The protective accessory sports two durable TPU shells that you can easily install onto your smartwatch. It doesn’t have raised bezels like the other Apple Watch cases in this list. On the other hand, it does have a built-in 9H tempered glass to safeguard your screen from scratches. If you’re worried that’ll mess with the display’s functionality, it won’t. The tempered glass doesn’t reduce your screen’s touch sensitivity, and it doesn’t affect the image quality either.
The case has an ultra-slim design, so it’s great if you don’t want anything flashy. You can also power up your watch with the accessory on it. Moreover, the case is available in any of these four color combinations: Black/Black, Black/Blue, Black/Gray, and Black/White.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, SE, and 7
Spigen’s Rugged Armor Pro is great if you’re looking for a case with a utilitarian design. But if you want a clear case for a more subtle look, Spigen offers that as well. The brand’s Ultra Hybrid Clear case is made of transparent and flexible TPU that lets you show off your smartwatch’s color. It also has precise cutouts, making all of your smartwatch’s features and buttons easily accessible.
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear case is designed to help your watch withstand accidental bumps and drops. It provides dual protection for its screen as well: a touch-sensitive screen cover and raised bezels. Besides the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE, the Ultra Hybrid Clear case also fits Apple Watch Series 7.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE
The Bakeey Sports Silicone case is durable yet incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, thanks to its silicone body. It’s a great option if you’re the outdoorsy type, as it protects your smartwatch from rain, sweat, and dust. Plus, with this accessory on, you can wear your Apple Watch while you’re swimming. It also has precise cutouts and a tactile button cover for the side button.
The Bakeey Sports Silicone case also comes with a watch band that you can easily adjust to your wrist size. It comes in five color options: black, white, green, pink, and green and black.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE
If you want a case that perfectly complements your Apple Watch’s elegant and minimalist design, go for OtterBox’s Exo Edge case. It offers two layers of protection for your timepiece: a tough PC outer frame and a flexible TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) inner shell. The case also has bumpers for protecting the very fragile corners of your smartwatch. Plus, it has raised bezels, which keep your watch’s display scratch-free.
Your smartwatch is sure to fit perfectly into this case, with fine cutouts that don’t hamper the buttons’ functionality at all. You can get it in any of these four color options: Black, Sandstone Beige, Beet Juice Pink, and Pacific Gloom Grey.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE
The SkyB Minimalist Jewelry case is the perfect choice if you want to elevate your Apple Watch’s look without it being over-the-top. Made with silicone, bronze, and metal plating, this case is designed to turn your Apple Watch into a fashion piece while maintaining functionality. Plus, the case’s metal plating and bronze exterior are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, and it won’t interfere with your Apple Watch’s battery life, reception, or Bluetooth signal.
Underneath the metal exterior is a soft silicone lining, which helps to absorb shock during bumps and drops and keeps your smartwatch free from scratches. The brand offers three elegant color options for this case: Rose Gold, Gun Metal Grey Rhodium, and White Rhodium.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, and 3
With KALOAD’s Shock-Proof Protective case, you get a reliable and durable Apple Watch case that doesn’t break the bank. It’s made of TPU rubber that protects your smartwatch from impact and keeps it free from scratches and dirt as well. Plus, it sports a sleek design and is not cumbersome to wear at all.
This case from KALOAD snaps right into place when you install it. You can swap it hassle-free as well. The case also comes with an adjustable watch band which is just as comfortable around your wrist as the case. There are two available color combinations for this case: Black/Red and Black/White.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SE, and 7
Tranesca’s pack of eight Apple Watch cases is the perfect choice if you’re looking for variety. With it, you get cases in different colors: clear, black, rose gold, gold, red, blue, green, and silver. It’s perfect for switching up your watch case for each day of the week or sharing with your family. Best of all, you get the said eight Apple Watch cases for the price of one.
Despite being affordable, the Tranesca case doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s made with hard-wearing TPU that has a glossy finish. Plus, it offers protection for your Apple Watch’s corners and has a built-in touch-sensitive screen protector.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE
If you’re looking for something less subtle, consider going for this diamond-studded Apple Watch case from Recoppa. Made of durable PC, this case comes in nine different hues, including clear and multicolor options. Besides having a premium look, this Recoppa case offers great protection from accidental bumps and drops. It also has an ultra-thin screen protector that doesn’t reduce the display’s touch sensitivity.
The case is also very easy to install — it’s snap-on, so you wouldn’t need to take off the bands of your watch. Plus, the exact cutouts ensure that you can still toggle the Digital Crown or power up your wearable while the case is in place. Take note, though, that the case isn’t waterproof.
Compatible Models: Apple Watch Series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE
This Penom case is a good dupe for the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear case. It sports the same sleek, pared-down design and costs a couple of dollars less. Plus, it offers more color options than Spigen. Besides Clear and Space Gray (the two color options for the Ultra Hybrid case), you can also get the Penom case in Black and Rose Gold.
Because it’s made with TPU, this case is hardy as well. It can withstand drops and bumps and protects your watch from unsightly scratches. Plus, it has a built-in screen protector, precise cutouts, and a tactile button cover for your smartwatch’s side button.
What to Consider When Buying an Apple Watch Case
So, you’ve found an Apple Watch case that you like the look of, and you want to immediately add it to your cart. But before you do, there are a few factors you should consider first so that you don’t end up regretting your purchase. We discuss them below.
Size
The first thing you should look at when you’re buying a case for your Apple Watch is its size. Just because you see your watch in the list of compatible models doesn’t mean the case is a perfect fit. Keep in mind that there are two sizes for each Apple Watch model. The earliest models (Series 1, 2, and 3) come in either 38 or 42mm versions, while the next four models in the series (Series 4, 5, 6, and SE) come in either 40 or 44mm. The Apple Watch Series 7, which is the most recent model, can fit a 41 or 45mm case.
Online stores normally let you choose among the size options before they let you add an item to your cart. If they don’t have size options, look at the product description of the case and make sure that it matches that of your watch. To check what size and model your watch is, simply look at what’s engraved on the back of your smartwatch.
Material and Protection
Another important factor you should consider is the material of the Apple Watch case and, consequently, the protection it offers. TPU, PC, rubber, and silicone are the most common materials manufacturers use for Apple Watch cases, and these give ample protection for your smartwatch. Cases made of stainless steel or aluminum are also common.
However, some smartwatches also offer two layers of protection, each made of different materials. With such cases, you’ll get the best protection from those that have a hard outer shell (normally made with polycarbonate) and a soft inner silicone or soft rubber lining. This combination absorbs shock from drops and bumps better. If you want more premium protection, you can also consider getting a case made of titanium or other high-quality metal alloys.
In terms of screen protection, you can go for one of two options: either a built-in screen protector or a case with raised bezels. Both options are great for keeping your watch’s display scratch-free. However, although marginal, some built-in cases have an impact on the screen’s touch sensitivity. For that reason, some prefer having a case with raised bezels.
Style
Apple Watch cases adopt various designs. Often sought after are the minimalist cases. Although, if you’re going to opt for this style, make sure that you don’t skimp on the protection your watch gets. Go for a case that offers advanced multi-layer protection despite being ultra-slim.
On the other end of the spectrum are rugged cases, which generally offer better protection. These cases usually look big and bulky, but keep in mind that they don’t have to feel that way. Good rugged cases are lightweight and not cumbersome, even if you’re wearing your watch for hours on end.
How to Install and Remove Apple Watch Cases
To install an Apple Watch case, follow these steps:
- Make sure that both the watch and the case are clean. If you see any dirt, dust, or lint, remove it via a neat cloth.
- Once everything’s clean, remove the bands from your watch by pressing the band release button and sliding each band across. However, note that some cases have a snap-on design, so you don’t need to remove the bands before you can install them. If you have this type of case, you can skip this step entirely.
- Press the case onto your smartwatch. How you do so depends on the type of the case. Some cases need to be pressed on starting from the opposite side of the buttons. Others require that you fit the cutouts into the Digital Crown first and then press the case starting from the side of the buttons.
To remove the case, gently lift from under the side of the case that’s opposite the watch’s buttons. Try not to use your fingernails as you might end up scratching the watch.
Keep in mind that not all Apple Watch cases are the same, so the way you install and remove each one largely depends on the type of the case. For specific installation and removal instructions, visit the manufacturer’s website or consult the installation guide that came with the package.
Get the Best Case for Your Apple Watch
Your Apple Watch isn’t immune to damage, so you’ll need to protect it if you want to keep it for a long time. Hopefully, with the help of this list, you’ve found an Apple Watch case that keeps your timepiece damage-free while also matching your style. But before you complete your purchase, make sure that the case is the right size and offers the protection you need for your smartwatch.
While you’re at it, you can also check out our list of the best Apple Watch bands and straps you can pair with your Apple Watch case.
