Updated Feb. 7, 2023 4:25 p.m. PT
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
- Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
See full bio
Why You Can Trust CNET
16171819202122232425+
Years of Experience
14151617181920212223
Hands-on Product Reviewers
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
Sq. Feet of Lab Space
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Read how we test products and services.
G-Shock vibe
Kaihand Apple Watch band with bumper case
View details
View details
Affordable thin clear cover
Spigen Ultra Hybrid
View details
View details
Each new generation of the Apple Watchthat comes along has proven to be more durable and hardy than the last. However, that doesn't mean they're impervious to damage. Not all Apple Watches are rugged like the Apple Watch Ultra, so enough force (which doesn't need to be much) can still leave a ding. Even knowing this, Apple doesn't make and sell cases for its smartwatches like it does for its iPhones, making it difficult to find the best Apple Watch case options around.
Many third-party manufacturers create cases for yourWatch 7, for both the smaller 41mm and the larger 45mm Apple watch models of that gen. Not even the best Apple Watch case will make your Watch 7 indestructible, or even completely prevent damage to the screen, but getting one is still a good idea if you want to provide some extra protection to your Watch without adding much bulk. That being the case, grabbing a reasonably rugged case with tempered glass screen protector is a pretty good idea.
We've tried out every item listed below and we will continue to add more to our best Apple Watch case list as we test more top Watch Series 7 cases.
Read more: Best Apple Watch Deals
Show less
Made from 85% recycled ocean plastic, the Lifeproof Case for Apple Watch 7 easily slips over your Watch's bezel and lives up to its "form-fitting" billing. It comes in four colors that play well with Apple's various band colors (Lifeproof also sells eco-friendly Apple Watch bands).
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
Available in black or green, Element's Special Ops Watch Band integrates a case and band in the same accessory. It's got a military vibe and seems durable, offering "double-reinforced" construction and good screen protection with an option to put a band over the middle of the Watch's screen. That said, it's lighter than it looks and comfortable to wear.
I had to watch an instructional video from Element to figure out how to get my Watch 7 into the case, but it's a straightforward process once you see how it's done. I actually dropped my watch on the pavement (face down on the screen) as I was trying to put the band around my wrist. I'm happy to report my watch survived and was undamaged so the case definitely works.
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
My colleague Jared DiPane bought this affordable band-and-case combo, which is available in multiple colors for less than $10. He reports: "The Kaihand Apple Watch band with a built-in bumper case offers great protection for the edges and front of my Apple Watch while also giving it a unique style. I've always been a G-Shock fan and this gives me some of that style to combine with the smarts of my Apple Watch."
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
Catalyst has long made attractively designed rugged cases for the iPhone and its Active Defense Vibe band with an integrated case offers decent protection in a slim design. It's easy to get your Watch in and out of the case and the band is well-designed and comfortable to wear.
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
Spigen's Rugged Armor case offers more protection than its Ultra Hybrid case. It wraps partially around the bottom of your Watch 7 but allows for wireless charging. It's easy to slip in and out of the case but you do have to take your band off to get it in the case.
Spigen also makes the Rugged Armor Pro that integrates a watch band for $7 more but is otherwise similar.
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid is a slim, translucent cover for your Watch 7. It's not super protective but will prevent your bezel from getting scratched up.
Photo Gallery 1/1
Show expert take Show less
Watch this: 9 settings to change on your new Apple Watch
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or credentials like a human expert. However, I can provide you with information on various topics based on the data and knowledge I have been trained on. I can analyze and interpret information from a wide range of sources to provide accurate and reliable answers.
Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.
Apple Watch Cases:
The article discusses different Apple Watch cases that provide extra protection for the device. It mentions that while Apple Watches have become more durable over the years, they are still susceptible to damage. Third-party manufacturers have created cases for the Apple Watch Series 7 to provide additional protection without adding much bulk. These cases often come with tempered glass screen protectors and are designed to be rugged and durable .
The article highlights several Apple Watch cases and their features:
-
Lifeproof Eco-Friendly Case: Made from 85% recycled ocean plastic, this case easily slips over the Watch's bezel and comes in four colors that match Apple's various band colors.
-
Element Special Ops Watch Band: This military-style case and band combination offers "double-reinforced" construction and good screen protection. It is available in black or green and is comfortable to wear.
-
Kaihand Apple Watch Band with Bumper Case: This affordable band-and-case combo provides great protection for the edges and front of the Apple Watch. It offers a unique style and is available in multiple colors.
-
Catalyst Active Defense Vibe Case and Band: Catalyst is known for its rugged cases, and this band with an integrated case offers decent protection in a slim design. It is easy to put on and take off, and the band is well-designed and comfortable to wear.
-
Spigen Rugged Armor: This case offers more protection than the Spigen Ultra Hybrid case. It wraps partially around the bottom of the Watch and allows for wireless charging. It is easy to slip in and out of the case, but the band needs to be removed to put it on .
-
Spigen Ultra Hybrid: This slim, translucent cover protects the bezel of the Apple Watch from scratches. While it is not super protective, it provides some level of protection without adding much bulk.
Please note that the information provided above is based on this article. For more detailed information and specific product recommendations, it is always a good idea to refer to reliable sources and customer reviews.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with!
