A good pair of headphones is essential when you want the best possible sound when listening to music or playing a video game. Whether they’re wired or wireless, you need to keep them in good shape.
The easiest way to make sure that they don’t become damaged when not in use is to store them in a headphone case. Simple yet effective, a headphones case is designed to protect the device from bumps, drops or scratches. Headphone cases come in a variety of designs, but something like the Homvare Hard Shell Headphones Case will give you the best protection.
What to know before you buy a headphone case
It would be easy to think a headphone case will be compatible with any pair of headphones. They tend to all look the same and have the same function, but there are a few things that can change your decision on which one to get.
Size
Finding a headphones case that fits your audio device shouldn’t be too difficult, but it’s nevertheless something to consider. Some headphones can fold up, requiring a smaller case than those that can’t. Also keep in mind the dimensions of the entire case, as it too needs to be stored somewhere.
Protection
Just because your headphones are in a case doesn’t mean they’re protected from everything out there. Consider what type of protection matters to you. Do you want something to protect it from bumps? Should the case be water-resistant?
Molded interior
Providing protection from outside forces is the case’s main function, but your headphones also need to be protected while inside the case. If you have a pair that doesn’t fit snugly into the case, they might shift around, causing damage. Some cases have molded interiors that conform to the shape of headphones, keeping them in place even when movement gets a bit rough.
Headphone case features
A headphone case can seem to only have one purpose, with different models not straying too far from the initial design. But there are a few things that set different cases apart.
Closing zipper
To keep the headphones case closed, a sturdy zipper is usually stitched into the fabric. The zipper makes sure that it doesn’t open accidentally, and it also keeps dust and other debris out. Some cases use zippers big enough to secure with a lock so they can’t be removed by others.
Additional storage mesh
Besides holding your headphones, the case may offer additional storage. Most cases have a mesh storage compartment in the lid. This comes in handy if you need to store extra cables or even smaller earbuds.
Carry handle
Walking around with a bulky case isn’t the best. To make it easier, most headphones cases have a carry handle on the side. This can either be carried in your hand or hooked onto something else. Carry handles are typically made from nylon.
Headphone case cost
Making use of lightweight and inexpensive materials, headphone cases are very affordable. The average price range for a sturdy case that can protect popular brands is $10-$20.
Headphone case FAQ
Can a headphone case be washed?
A. Headphones cases can’t be machine washed due to their construction materials. The best way to clean them is to wipe them down with a soft cloth and warm water. In hard-shell cases, the protection is often provided by cardboard. If this gets excessively wet, the protective qualities of the case will be ruined.
Are headphone cases waterproof?
A. This depends on the headphone case you get. The outer shell might be waterproof, but the zipper that closes the case will not be. With that said, most cases are water-resistant, meaning they protect headphones from occasional splashes.
Which headphone case should I get?
Best of the best headphone case
Homvare Hard Shell Headphones Case: available at Amazon
Our take: Sturdy protection that fits most popular brands.
What we like: This hard-shell case has been designed for over-the-ear headphones and is made from EVA leather. It has a sturdy zipper to keep the case closed tightly and features a carabiner to hook it onto a surface. The internal compartment is big enough to accommodate headphones that have an earflap of 4 inches or less. The case has an additional mesh compartment to store a power bank or smaller cables.
What we dislike: Users have complained that the internal compartment has a slight odor.
Best bang for your buck headphone case
Ginsco Headphone Carrying Case: available at Amazon
Our take: Compact and durable, this is an affordable option with extra storage.
What we like: With a sturdy zipper and a carry handle, this soft-shell case is big enough to fit standard headphones. The internal compartment has a strap across the bottom so the headphones don’t shift around. It also has a mesh lining in the lid for additional cables, earbuds or smaller accessories.
What we dislike: Users have complained that the strap isn’t sewn on as sturdily as you would expect.
Honorable mention headphone case
LTGEM Hard Headphone Case: available at Amazon
Our take: Elegant and durable, it’s the perfect headphones case for traveling.
What we like: Shockproof and dustproof, this hard-shell headphones case has an elegant design. The zipper is nearly 360 degrees around, allowing the case to open wide. The internal compartment is of a good size and can easily fit most brands. There’s a carry handle with a plastic finger grip.
What we dislike: There isn’t a mesh compartment for additional storage, and the inside isn’t molded to keep the headphones from shifting around.
Charlie Fripp is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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