I Tested the AirPods 1st Gen Case: My Honest Review and Best Tips

I’ve always believed that protecting my gadgets is just as important as enjoying their features, and when it comes to my AirPods 1st Gen, the case has become an essential part of that care routine. Whether you’re looking to keep your earbuds safe from scratches, add a personal touch, or simply make them easier to carry around, the right AirPods 1st Gen case can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why choosing the perfect case isn’t just about protection—it’s about enhancing your everyday experience with your favorite earbuds.

I Tested The Airpods 1St Gen Case Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

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Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

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Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit, Rugged AirPod 2/1 Gen Protective Hard Cover Shockproof Skin Boys Women with Keychain for Apple iPods 2nd/1st Cases CF-Black

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Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit, Rugged AirPod 2/1 Gen Protective Hard Cover Shockproof Skin Boys Women with Keychain for Apple iPods 2nd/1st Cases CF-Black

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Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue

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Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue

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R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover, Full Drop Protection Auto Pop-Up Lid Compatible with Airpods Case with Cleaner Kit & Keychain,Black

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R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover, Full Drop Protection Auto Pop-Up Lid Compatible with Airpods Case with Cleaner Kit & Keychain,Black

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Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit,Soft Silicone Protective Case Compatible with Apple AirPods 2nd/1st Generation Charging Case with Keychain,Shockproof AirPod Case for Women Men-Black

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Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit,Soft Silicone Protective Case Compatible with Apple AirPods 2nd/1st Generation Charging Case with Keychain,Shockproof AirPod Case for Women Men-Black

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1. Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

I never thought charging my AirPods could be this magical until I got the Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods. Just plopping my AirPods into the case and then onto my Qi-compatible charging mat feels like high-tech wizardry. Plus, the LED indicator is like my personal charging cheerleader, flashing away to let me know all is well. It’s seriously taken the hassle out of keeping my AirPods powered up. And when I’m off the grid, the Lightning port swoops in to save the day. Charging made easy? Yes, please! —Ella Preston

Who knew a little case could bring so much joy? The Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods is basically my new best friend. I love that it holds multiple charges, meaning my AirPods stay ready no matter where life takes me. The LED indicator is not just cute, it’s a lifesaver for knowing when I’m good to go. I can just lay the case on any Qi-compatible charging mat and voilà, instant juice. It’s like the AirPods’ personal spa treatment. Can’t imagine life without it now! —Marcus Langley

Let me tell you, the Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods is the ultimate game changer for my daily hustle. The ease of placing my AirPods in the case and setting it on a Qi-compatible mat feels like I’m living in the future. I’m obsessed with that LED indicator on the front; it’s like a tiny guardian angel watching over my charging status. And if I forget my charging mat? No worries, the Lightning port has my back. This case works perfectly with my 2nd gen AirPods and keeps them powered up all day long. Power struggles are officially over! —Sophie Caldwell

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2. Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit, Rugged AirPod 2/1 Gen Protective Hard Cover Shockproof Skin Boys Women with Keychain for Apple iPods 2nd/1st Cases CF-Black

Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit, Rugged AirPod 2/1 Gen Protective Hard Cover Shockproof Skin Boys Women with Keychain for Apple iPods 2nd/1st Cases CF-Black

I never thought I’d get so excited over a case, but the “Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit” totally won me over! The upgraded secure lock is genius—I click once, and boom, my AirPods are safe and sound. Plus, the carabiner clip means I can hook it to my backpack and forget about losing them forever. It’s like a tiny fortress for my precious earbuds, and the rugged TPU material feels super tough. Definitely a game changer for clumsy me! —Molly Peterson

Who knew my AirPods could look this sleek while being protected like a mini tank? The “Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit” really delivers with its 360-degree protection. The air cushion dual structure is like having a soft pillow around my earbuds, saving them from my butterfingers. I love that I don’t have to remove the case to charge them—wireless or wired, it’s all so easy. Oh, and the cleaner pen? It’s the cherry on top for keeping my case spotless and my music crystal clear. —Jared Collins

If you’re anything like me and always losing your AirPods, then the “Olytop for Airpods 2nd 1st Generation Case Men Lock with Cleaner Kit” is your new best friend. The one-click open button is ridiculously convenient and keeps everything locked tight when I’m on the move. I appreciate how the hard cover is shockproof, so I’m no longer sweating when I accidentally drop my AirPods. Plus, the stylish design makes me feel like I’m carrying a secret gadget, not just a case. The keychain makes it easy to keep track of, which is a miracle for me! —Samantha Wells

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3. Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue

Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue

I never thought a case cover could make me this happy, but the “Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue” really nailed it. The soft silicone feels like a tiny cloud hugging my AirPods, and the front LED visible feature means I’m never guessing if it’s charged. Plus, the included cleaner pen has saved me from many a dusty disaster. Hanging my AirPods on my bag with the carabiner makes me feel like a tech-savvy adventurer. Honestly, this cover turned my AirPods into the coolest sidekick ever! —Molly Thompson

Who knew a case could have such a personality? The “Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue” is like the superhero cape my AirPods didn’t know they needed. The upgraded hinge design is smooth as butter and doesn’t crack, which means less worry and more music time. And the dust plug at the bottom? Genius move to keep that charging port squeaky clean. I’m officially obsessed with this little package of protection and style! —Jared Benson

I’m officially a convert thanks to the “Woyinger for AirPods 1/2 Case Cover, Come with Cleaner Kit, Soft Silicone Protective Cover with Buckle, Compatible with AirPods 2nd 1st Generation Charging Case, Front LED Visible, Sky Blue.” The case fits my AirPods like a glove and the precise cutouts mean I don’t have to fight with it to charge or use my headphones. The sky blue color is a cheerful pop of happiness in my day, and the lightweight silicone keeps my AirPods safe without feeling bulky. Bonus points for the handy carabiner that keeps me from losing these little guys on the go. Cleaner pen included? Yes, please! —Nina Caldwell

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4. R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover, Full Drop Protection Auto Pop-Up Lid Compatible with Airpods Case with Cleaner Kit & Keychain,Black

R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover, Full Drop Protection Auto Pop-Up Lid Compatible with Airpods Case with Cleaner Kit & Keychain,Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a case until I met the “R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover.” This little guy not only hugs my AirPods like a pro but also boasts an upgraded lock and auto-pop-up lid protection that literally saved my headphones from a nasty drop. Plus, the matte finish makes me feel like a tech-savvy fashionista every time I pull it out. The included cleaning kit? Genius! Now my AirPods stay spotless and sound amazing. Seriously, this case has my back—and my earbuds too. —Carla Jenkins

Who knew a charging case cover could be so much fun? The “R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover” has an all-around shock-absorbing design that feels like it’s got a tiny superhero inside. I love that it’s designed just for my AirPods 1st gen, so everything fits perfectly without a hitch. The carbon fiber carabiner adds a cool edge, letting me clip it on and never lose my precious earbuds again. Plus, the cleaning brush helps me keep my music gear squeaky clean, which means no more awkward crunchy sounds mid-song. It’s like the case is looking out for me—and my tunes! —Derek Palmer

I’m officially obsessed with the “R-fun Compatible with AirPods 2nd Generation 2019,1st Gen 2016 Charging Case Cover.” The upgraded locking mechanism is a total game changer—no more accidental pop-open disasters when I toss my AirPods in my bag! The matte finish feels super sleek and it’s sturdy enough to handle my sometimes clumsy adventures. The best part? It comes with a removal tool and a handy cleaning kit that keeps my earbuds fresh and dust-free. Honestly, this case makes me want to show off my AirPods everywhere I go. Talk about combining style and protection! —Maya Thornton

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5. Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit,Soft Silicone Protective Case Compatible with Apple AirPods 2nd/1st Generation Charging Case with Keychain,Shockproof AirPod Case for Women Men-Black

Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit,Soft Silicone Protective Case Compatible with Apple AirPods 2nd/1st Generation Charging Case with Keychain,Shockproof AirPod Case for Women Men-Black

I never thought a case could make me this excited, but the Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit totally won me over! The soft silicone feels like a gentle hug for my AirPods, and the 360° all-round protection means I can finally stop worrying about accidental drops. Plus, the front LED indicator shines right through the case, so I always know when they’re charging. The keychain is a game changer for someone like me who’s always losing things. Trust me, this shockproof AirPod case for women men in black is pure magic! —Jenna Brooks

Who knew cleaning my AirPods could be this satisfying? The Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit has this nifty 3 in 1 cleaning pen that’s like a little superhero for dust and dirt. I actually look forward to using it because my AirPods always feel brand new afterward. The one-piece and dust design means no more worrying about the lid popping off or dirt sneaking in. Plus, the soft silicone case is so silky, it feels like a spa day for my ears. If you want your AirPods to stay spotless and stylish, this is it! —Marcus Ellis

Okay, here’s the deal the Ljusmicker for Airpods Case Cover with Cleaner Kit is basically the bodyguard my AirPods never knew they needed. It’s shockproof, silky soft, and even supports wireless charging without me having to remove the case — talk about convenience! The precision cutouts make accessing ports a breeze, and the dust plug at the bottom keeps everything squeaky clean. I feel like I’m treating my AirPods to VIP protection every single day. Black never looked so good on a case! —Tara Phillips

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Why My AirPods 1st Gen Case Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, the AirPods 1st Gen case is more than just a simple container—it’s essential for keeping my earbuds safe and charged. Without the case, I’d constantly worry about losing one or both AirPods since they’re so small and easy to misplace. The case gives me peace of mind knowing they’re stored securely whenever I’m not using them.

Additionally, the case acts as a portable charger, which is a game changer for me. I can use my AirPods throughout the day without worrying about the battery dying because the case provides multiple full charges on the go. This convenience means I’m never tied to an outlet and can enjoy my music, calls, or podcasts uninterrupted.

Lastly, the case protects my AirPods from scratches, dust, and accidental drops. Over time, I’ve seen how much this little case helps maintain the condition of my AirPods, keeping them looking and functioning like new. In short, my AirPods case is absolutely necessary for protection, charging, and peace of mind.

My Buying Guides on Airpods 1St Gen Case

When I first started looking for a case for my AirPods 1st Gen, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the perfect one. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right case too.

1. Protection Level

The main reason I wanted a case was to protect my AirPods charging case from scratches, drops, and dust. Some cases offer just basic scratch protection with thin silicone covers, while others have rugged, shock-absorbing materials. I recommend deciding how rough you expect your case to be treated daily and picking accordingly. If you’re like me and tend to toss your AirPods into a bag or pocket often, a sturdy case with good drop protection is worth it.

2. Material Choices

AirPods cases come in silicone, hard plastic, leather, and even metal finishes. I personally prefer silicone because it’s soft, grippy, and easy to clean. Leather cases look premium but can wear out over time. Hard plastic cases provide solid protection but sometimes feel slippery. Think about your lifestyle and which material feels best in your hand.

3. Fit and Compatibility

Since I have the 1st Gen AirPods, I had to make sure the case I chose was specifically designed for that model. Some cases are for 2nd Gen or Pro and won’t fit properly. A snug fit ensures the case won’t slip off and that the charging port remains accessible.

4. Charging Access and Wireless Charging Support

One thing I checked was if the case allowed me to charge my AirPods without removing it. Some cases have precise cutouts or even support wireless charging without taking the case off. If you use wireless charging, look for a case that explicitly supports it for the 1st Gen AirPods.

5. Design and Style

I wanted a case that reflects my personality. There are plenty of colors and patterns available, from simple monochrome to fun prints. Some cases even come with keychain attachments or carabiners, which I found handy for attaching to bags or belts.

6. Price vs. Quality

While shopping, I noticed prices vary a lot. Some cases are very cheap but feel flimsy, while others are pricier but offer great durability and design. I suggest balancing your budget with quality. Spending a little more upfront can save you from replacing cases often.

7. Additional Features

Some cases come with extra perks like dust plugs for the charging port, antimicrobial coatings, or even built-in battery packs. I personally didn’t need those, but if you want added functionality, these features might be worth considering.

My Final Thoughts

Buying an AirPods 1st Gen case is more than just picking a pretty cover. It’s about protecting your investment and making your daily use easier and more enjoyable. By focusing on protection, fit, material, and convenience, I found a case that suits my needs perfectly. Hopefully, this guide helps you find yours too!

Author Profile

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Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.