AirPods won’t win any awards for their durability. Their shiny plastic case picks up scratches faster than a hip-hop DJ’s latest vinyl. So you should protect them with a decent case. And for Apple fans, nothing can beat this AirPods that case looks like a Mac.
AirPods cases don’t come much cooler than those from Elago. This one is like carrying a tiny little Macintosh with you wherever you go. And prices start at just $11.99.
Update: Elago’s awesome W3 case, which makes your AirPods look like a tiny Macintosh, is now available for the latest (third-generation) AirPods and AirPods Pro. Read on for our full review.
Elago W3 AirPods case looks like a tiny Mac
You’ve probably heard of Elago before. The company became famous for making cute Apple Watch stands that look like classic Macs and iPods. They’re ideal for any Apple fan, and they’re super-affordable.
The W3 AirPods case follows the same path. It looks just like an original Macintosh from 1984. In our opinion, it’s a must-have. But then we’re clearly biased!
Carry your AirPods inside a tiny Mac
The W3 is made entirely from high-grade silicone. It’s flexible and impact-resistant, and thick enough to ensure that your AirPods won’t suffer when you drop them onto a hard surface.
It’s not so thick that it will interfere with charging, though. The W3 is fully compatible with Apple’s Wireless Charging Case, and even lets the AirPods’ charging indicator shine through.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
The W3 isn’t sticky like cheaper silicone accessories, so it won’t pick up every bit of lint it comes into contact with. But you will find yourself dusting it off every now and then.
The good thing about silicone is that it’s completely waterproof. So you can run the W3 under the faucet whenever it gets too dirty, and it ends up looking as good as new. (Just remember to remove your AirPods first.)
The W3 AirPods case looks terrific
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Of course, the biggest reason to buy the W3 is its design. It looks terrific. And like other Elago accessories, the attention to detail is outstanding, from its tiny floppy drive to the “hello” message on its screen.
A recess on its back ensures you can open the W3 with ease — without having to remove its top section every time. It also has a cutout in its base for access to your AirPods’ Lightning connector.
The W3 slides easily onto your AirPods case and is just as simple to remove. In fact, my only complaint about the case is that the top sometimes comes off a little too easily.
It’s not so loose that it will fall off of its own accord. But if you’re not too careful, it is susceptible to coming off when you pull your AirPods out of a tight pocket, which you’ll need to bear in mind.
W3 is a no-brainer at less than $16
Despite this little niggle, the W3 is a great AirPods case. And it might just be the coolest case money can buy — especially for long-time Apple fans who fondly remember the original Macintosh.
Starting at just $11.99, the AW3 is now available for original AirPods, third-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro. You can order yours today from the Cult of Mac Store.
Elago provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. Read our reviews policy for more information, and check out more of our in-depth reviews. We originally published this review on October 25, 2019, but updated it with additional information.
