Get Personal
AirPods are hugely popular. In fact, they’re one of Apple’s best-selling products, ever! They’re used by people of all ages, but teens seem to love them most, making the earbuds a very popular piece of technology.
But how do you distinguish your lifestyle-essential item from everyone else’s? When it comes to AirPods, a case (or cover) is the most obvious solution. Not only will it make them stand out, it’ll also protect them.
In this article, you’ll see a selection of 3D printed cases that fit both AirPods 1 and 2. Some of the models are even compatible with AirPods Pro.
If you like what you see but don’t have the setup to make your own case, you can always opt for a professional manufacturer to take care of things for you. If that’s the case, we suggest Craftcloud.
Now, on to the designs!
Back to Basics
This one’s just a clean, simple design. As stated by the creator, the cap opens freely without any contact with the rest of the case – just how you want it.
You’ll also notice a gap on the front. That’s there to both make it easier to open the cap as well as showcase the LED of AirPods 2.
When it comes to printing, it’s suggested to set this model in an upright position with supports. PLA, ABS, and PETG will work, but TPU would make the case a touch more usable, as it feels like rubber.
If you do, however, decide to go for PLA, we suggest you sand the parts after printing. Applying a layer or two of clear coat spray will also make the parts more refined.
Who made it? Hollandator
Who printed it? Two Thingiverse users posted their Makes of this model. They made theirs on the Creality Ender 3 Pro and the CR-10S with a layer height of 0.2 mm.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Quick Protection
The base AirPods case can scratch easily, especially if it’s living in a pocket with keys. To prevent scratching and add some fun to your AirPods case, try printing this “slip-on” cover.
It’s a very simple model but generally does its job. It doesn’t have a cap, which isn’t all that bad, but it also lacks the hole on the front to display the LED.
Printing this model should be easy, as it doesn’t require any supports whatsoever. The creator suggests printing with a 0.2-mm layer height and 20% infill.
Who made it? LagTechnologies
Who printed it? This model received 76 downloads.
Where to find it? Cults
Keychain
Although this isn’t technically a case, we still thought you might find it interesting and useful. What you’re looking at is a very simple model that enables you to carry your AirPods as a keychain.
When you download the files, you’ll find two different STLs included. One’s for the “tall” and one for a “short” version of the model. Choose the one you like the best, or get both!
As it’s a small model, it’s recommended to print with a finer layer height, such as 0.1 mm. Sub 60-mm/s print speeds can also help, as you want this as precise as possible. Last, but not least, we also suggest that you set the infill to 100% to ensure that the part is as strong as possible.
Who made it? johnmeyer
Who printed it? Sadly, no one has posted their makes of this model yet. However, what we do know is that the creator printed it on his Ender 3 with a 0.12-mm layer height and 100% infill.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Well-Made
3D printing a case with TPU filament is probably as close as you’ll get to the standard, factory-made rubber equivalent.
What we have here is a model for the case that’s for the AirPods Pro. The model is intended to be printed only with TPU. As such, printing it with other materials will probably result in not being able to fit the Pros inside the case.
Who made it? dtrickx
Who printed it? No Makes have been posted for this model yet, probably because it’s not as easy to print as other designs. The creator used NinjaFlex TPU on a Prusa I3 MK3S, and it turned out beautifully.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Protect Your Pros
If the previous model seems a bit too complicated for you to make, this could be a good alternative. Obviously, it’s a full case for the AirPods Pro.
It can be printed with all sorts of materials, but you most likely want to do it in PLA or PETG, though TPU is possible. The designer included different versions of the case in the downloaded files, both flat and rounded. There’s space left for the charging cable as well.
Who made it? XplusN
Who printed it? The creator printed the model with a 0.2-mm layer height and 15% infill. Apart from himself, it seems nobody else has posted their makes of this model. Be the first to do so!
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Always Together
This model serves both as a protective case for your AirPods 1 or 2 as well as the Tile location tracking device.
If you haven’t yet heard of Tile, it’s basically a tiny gadget – like a keychain – that connects remotely to your smartphone and keeps track of whatever you’re likely to misplace.
If you’re both a Tile and an AirPods owner, this model might be just the right one for you!
Who made it? ninj4
Who printed it? Apart from the creator, there are no posted makes of this model so far. Seems like not many of you makers are losing stuff too often to need this!
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Belt It
If you’re always on the move and want to have your AirPods within reach, this model might be the perfect solution for you.
The thing is, if you put AirPods in your pockets, it can sometimes be uncomfortable. For that reason, attaching them to a belt via this cool 3D printed “loop” seems like a solution worth trying.
The model can be printed without supports, and you won’t go wrong with a 0.2-mm layer height and 15% infill. If you want the finest of details, printing with a 0.1-mm layer height is always an option.
Who made it? Ahartescu
Who printed it? This model has 111 downloads from MyMiniFactory users, so we think it’s probably a worthy make.
Where to find it? MyMiniFactory
Flexy Filament
The creator of this option says this model is meant to be 3D printed with highly-flexible filaments like Innofil 45. Indeed, you can tell just by looking at the design that it can’t be made with PLA as it wouldn’t be functional; the cap won’t be able to open or close.
Although it can be tricky to 3D print with flexibles, the results can be phenomenal. If you manage to 3D print this without fail, you’ll be left with what’s basically a perfect case for AirPods 1 and 2
Obviously, we don’t know exactly which print setting will work best for you, but we can tell you that lower print speeds can save you here, as flexible filaments usually can’t be printed with the highest speeds due to tricky adhesion.
Who made it? KentFbr
Who printed it? Nobody posted their makes of this model, but the site states it was downloaded 80 times.
Where to find it? Cults
Charging Dock
Right, it’s not a case, but it’s still just as functional. Sooner or later your AirPods will require a recharge, but why keep them on the table? Instead, add them to a neat stand, just like this 3D printed one.
While on a stand, your AirPods won’t scratch and they’re nicely displayed and stored during charging. This particular model is designed so that the Lightning cable perfectly fits within the model and that ensures a flat and steady dock base.
The designer of this model didn’t provide any print settings suggestions. However, a 0.2-mm layer height seems to be the gold standard. Temperatures highly depend on the filament you use.
Who made it? mat_feex
Who printed it? No Thingiverse users have yet posted Makes of this model. The creator, however, did so with a nice wood filament to give the dock a natural look.
Where to find it? Thingiverse
Professional Prints
The second you look at this model, you instantly recognize a very detailed pattern and features. It looks like it’s been tailor-made, right? Well, it’s actually been 3D printed using a resin 3D printer. For best results, you should do the same.
Although you could give this a try on an FDM 3D printer, chances are you won’t get the same detailed results. If you do decide to print it on a resin 3D printer, you can paint it after and make it look just how you want.
Who made it? stanlinz
Who printed it? There are no posted makes of this model, but it already has 11 downloads.
Where to find it? Cults
(Lead image source: stanlinz via Cults)