While throwing an Apple Watch into a case might not sound as intuitive as protecting your iPhone or iPad, wearing your watch on your wrist all day means it's exposed to plenty of bumps and scrapes. While Apple Watches are renowned for their durability, especially the Apple Watch Ultra, you might want to add a little extra protection just for added peace of mind.
A good case can protect the chassis housing from scratches and can also keep your screen clear of dings and chips. At the very least, it's a great way to ensure your watch holds a little bit more of its value should you choose to sell it or trade it in in the future.
The market is small, but we recommend a series of cases from three top trusted manufacturers, Nomad, Otterbox, and Spigen. Here are our top picks!
The best Apple Watch cases
Best Apple Watch case
Our pick for the best Apple Watch case is this Spigen Rugged Armor Pro. It gives off real Casio G-Shock vibes and is very expensive. There are five color options, and each one is available with support for either 44mm or 45mm Apple Watch casings. That means it'll work with any Series watch from the four onwards, as well as the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch SE 2.
Best Apple Watch Ultra option
If you want to add just a little extra protection to your already-tough Apple Watch Ultra, this Spigen Thin Fit should do the trick. It comes with a tempered glass screen protector, button housings, and room for the Digital Crown. This will fit either the current Apple Watch 2 or the previous-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
Best for budget models
If you own an old Apple Watch Series 3, this is the best option you can find online. It's the same Spigen Rugged Armor Pro but sized to Apple's older generation models. It's actually an entire Watch band replete with a protective TPU case, including a raised lip to stop unwanted contact with your screen.
Best colorful option
OtterBox's All Day case for Apple Watch comes in a vast array of colors, offering a stylish bumper for your Apple Watch Series 7, 8, or 9. It guards the edges of your display as well as the Digital Crown, even featuring antimicrobial protection against bacteria and disease. It's also made of 90% recycled plastic, and you can choose to add a screen protector if you wish.
Best for sport
If you want a sleek and stylish Apple Watch case for sport then this soft liquid silicone option from Spigen is perfect. It fits any Series 7, 8, or 9 Apple Watch and features an entire band with a unibody design. Perfect for hitting the gym or some track and field, the wraparound design will keep both chassis and screen safe.
Best rugged
Nomad's Rugged Case is the perfect rugged option for those who have a 44mm or 45mm Apple Watch but want the rugged and protective feel of the Apple Watch Ultra. It features a 315L hardened stainless steel body, stainless steel buttons, and TPU lining for the ultimate protective combination.
Best Apple Watch cases: Which is for you?
You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.
We'd heartily recommend all of these cases because they come from trusted retailers and manufacturers iMore has worked with over a number of years. The best Apple Watch case for you really depends on your needs. Once you've established compatibility with your model, it comes down to what you want from the case. Given its Casio G-Shock vibes and protective profile we'd recommend the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro as the best option on the market, but all of these are good picks in their own right. Watch out on Amazon, however, as the marketplace is littered with hundreds (if not thousands) of cheap knockoff picks from all manner of unnamed and unproven manufacturers. Stick to brands that you know and are trusted and you can't go too far wrong.
