Category: Technologies

You might think you have everything you need when you get a pair of Apple’s popular AirPods, but there is a litany of accessories that can bolster your listening experience. Supplementary cases and other compatible Apple AirPods add-ons can help overcome minor shortcomings (which, for some people, are huge shortcomings). The best AirPods accessories help your shiny new gadget to stay in its original condition for months.

These picks for the best AirPods accessories are based on my own hands-on experience and are mostly cases (including one charging case) and earbud enhancements, with a few other interesting AirPod accessories I’ve found. Note that these top picks of AirPods accessories are based on the non-Pro, or standard, versions of the true wireless earbuds.

Read more: Best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds of 2023

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Catalyst case

You can find cheaper knockoff versions of Catalyst’s AirPods Case ($25), but the Catalyst is arguably the best AirPods rugged case you can buy. Not only does this act as a cover to protect your AirPods’ case but it also makes your case fully waterproof. Another key feature: The bundled carabiner lets you strap the case onto a belt loop or backpack or use it as a keychain case to help keep your wireless earbuds from getting lost. The case is available in a few different color options, including a glow-in-the-dark version and special Apple Store-only colors for $5 more.

Read more about the Catalyst case.

$23 at Amazon

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Speck Presidio Pro

When I first saw the name of this accessory, I thought it was for the AirPods Pro. But Speck’s first AirPods case is actually for the standard AirPods. While it’s somewhat pricey at $30, the design is better than many AirPods cases, with a hard plastic shell rather than the soft silicone finish of the Catalyst cases. The loop where the included carabiner connects to the case is more durable than the loop on the Catalyst case.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

EarBuddyz 2.0 Ear Hooks

Some people find AirPods fit so securely in their ears that they can run with them. But other ears, like mine, aren’t perfect AirPod receptacles. And that’s where silicone cover options come in, including many that feature integrated earhooks or “sport fins.”

I’ve used the EarBuddyz, which now come in a version 2.0, but you can find plenty of other similar options, including ones from AhaStyle and others that work with both EarPods and AirPods. They all cost around $10 for two or three sets of hooks.

The only issue is that to get the AirPods back in their case you have to remove the fins and store them somewhere. That’s a nuisance, and you might want to invest in a case that fits both the AirPods and EarBuddyz. The new AhaStyle ear hooks come with a little carrying pouch for the hooks but not for your AirPods.

Read more.

$20 at Amazon

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Read more: Best wireless headphones for making calls

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EarBuddyz Ultra

The EarBuddyz Ultra are similar to the AhaStyle option (they might have been made in the same factory) — and cost the same price ($14). They do come with three sizes of ear tips instead of two. I would have liked for an XL tip to be included. The large tip didn’t create a tight seal for me, but it did create some noise-isolation and improve the bass performance of the AirPods.

$11 at Amazon

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ZenPod (Update: Out of stock)

The fidget-spinner craze may have come and gone, but the $25 ZenPod from Air Vinyl Design may help bring it back.

Yes, this is the first spinning case for your AirPods, and it’s frankly kind of ingenious. Available in three color options, the ZenPod has precision bearings on each side of the leather case that give it that spin factor that we’ve all secretly craved.

Alas, this leather case doesn’t add wireless charging case capabilities to your AirPods case (where is that new case, Apple?), so it’s not totally zen, but who knows — maybe we’ll see that battery charging feature in a future version?

Read more.

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Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

Apple’s new $249 AirPods Pro comes with a wireless charging case, but Apple also sells a wireless case separately for customers of the first-generation AirPods. The only issue is that this wireless charging case costs $79, which seems a tad pricey for the ability to have an easy way to charge your earbuds, especially as no charging pad is included with this AirPods charging case. (The Belkin pictured here is an additional $45.)

$55 at Amazon

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Twelve South AirSnap case

Made of rugged leather and equipped with a snap closing system, as well “loss-prevention” clip, Twelve South’s AirSnap leather case is a little bit of a different take on an AirPods case. It’s available in three color options in leather for $35.

$35 at Amazon

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Sarah Tew

Panasonic ErgoFit earbuds

Why would we put a set of wired earbuds in a roundup of AirPod accessories? Well, if you don’t shell out for a Bluetooth transmitter (about $30), you won’t be able to use your AirPods on a plane to watch in-flight entertainment. Of course, you could ante up for an expensive set of noise-canceling headphones (you can see our top noise-canceling picks here), but it doesn’t hurt to have a cheap, durable, good-sounding pair of wired headphones on hand. We’ve always liked the Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 earphones, which cost less than $9.

Read full review.

$9 at Amazon

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AirPods (second generation) from all angles

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• Read the Apple AirPods review

• See the best truly wireless headphones: AirPods and their top competitors
• Protect your AirPods: 5 cases under $15
• Best workout headphones in 2023

• How to choose the best earbuds

• Best headphones for running in 2023

• Best cheap true-wireless earbuds in 2023: Top AirPods alternatives for $100 or less

• Best AirPods Max accessories for 2023

The most recent version of the Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft 365, includes tools that you probably use at home, school or on the job. The most popular way to access these apps is by buying a Microsoft 365 membership. In January, Microsoft announced Microsoft 365 Basic which costs $2 a month, or $20 for a yearly subscription, but you can snag Microsoft 365 at no cost.

Microsoft’s suite of productivity software consists of classics like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as newer apps like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint. The Microsoft 365 collection typically costs between $20 and $100 every year for subscription access across devices and family members. Microsoft also has a stand-alone version of Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac, called Office Home and Student 2021, for a flat $150 — no subscription required.

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We’ll teach you why protecting your identity and data is important. Plus, get recommendations for VPNs, Password Managers and Antivirus Software.

Here are the versions of Office 365, Microsoft 365 and their apps that you can find online for free right now.

Get Microsoft Office 365 Education free if you’re a student or a teacher

If you’re a student, teacher or faculty member with an active school email address, you’re likely eligible to get access to Office 365 for free through Microsoft, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Teams, plus other classroom tools.

All you have to do is enter your school email address on this page on Microsoft’s website: Get started with Office 365 Education for free. In many cases, you’ll be instantly granted access thanks to an automated verification process. If you attend an institution that needs to be verified, it might take up to a month to confirm your eligibility.

College students can also get Microsoft 365 Personal for $3 a month with a valid school email address.

Best Laptops of 2023

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How to get Microsoft Office suite free if you’re anyone else

Anyone can get a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365. However, it does require you to enter a credit card number, and if you don’t cancel before the month is up, you’ll be charged $100 for a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Family (formerly called Office 365 Home).

The good news is if you don’t need the full suite of Microsoft 365 tools, you can access a number of its apps online for free — including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar and Skype. Here’s how to get them:

1. Go to Office.com.

2. Click Sign up for the free version of Office under the “Sign in” button.

3. Log in to your Microsoft account or create one for free. If you already have a Windows, Skype or Xbox Live login, you have an active Microsoft account.

4. Select the app you want to use, and save your work in the cloud with OneDrive.

So what’s the catch for the free version?

You may be saying, “Wait a minute, if I can get all of those apps for free, why pay for Microsoft 365 in the first place?” Well, the functionality of the free apps is limited: They only run in your web browser and you can only use them while you’re actively connected to the internet. They also have fewer features than the full Microsoft 365 versions.

There are still a number of benefits, however, including the ability to share links to your work and collaborate in real time, similar to what G Suite tools allow. If you’re looking for basic versions of each of these apps, the free version should work well for you.

For more productivity coverage, check out what Microsoft 365 Basic offers customers, all of the best features in Windows 11 and how to take screenshots in Windows 10 or 11. You can also take a look at CNET’s list of the best Windows laptops.

Samsung’s Galaxy S22 has a fresh design and an upgraded camera that’s better at seeing in the dark. But there’s plenty of room for Samsung to further upgrade with the Galaxy S23, expected to arrive in February.

In particular, I’d like to see longer-lasting batteries, more photographic features that take advantage of the Galaxy S family’s impressive cameras and faster charging that doesn’t require an expensive adapter.

Samsung typically releases new Galaxy S devices in the first couple of months of the year, and it will likely maintain that schedule in 2023. The next Samsung Unpacked is set for Feb. 1, with the Galaxy S23 very likely on the agenda.

Samsung leads the smartphone industry, with 21% of the worldwide market in the second quarter of 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. Upgrading core features like the camera and battery could help it maintain that top spot, especially as it faces increased competition from Apple and Google.

Longer battery life for the regular Galaxy S23

Battery life can never be long enough, but the standard-issue Galaxy S device is in particular need of a boost. The 6.1-inch Galaxy S22 generally lived up to Samsung’s claims of all-day battery life, but sometimes just barely. After using it for a month straight, I noticed the battery level dipped roughly to 30% or 40% by 9 p.m., even with the always-on display turned off and the screen’s refresh rate set to standard. That’s enough to get through a work day, but you’ll likely want to pack a charger if you have after-work plans or a long commute home.

The Galaxy S22 has the smallest battery (3,700-mAh capacity) of the three phones in the Galaxy S22 lineup, and it shows. For example, I was pleasantly surprised when the 6.6-inch Galaxy S22 Plus, which has a larger 4,500-mAh capacity, lasted for about a day and a half when I reviewed it in February. I also had the refresh rate set to high, which typically drains battery more quickly. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, which has a 6.8-inch screen and a 5,000-mAh battery, had similar battery life.

It makes sense that the Galaxy S22 line’s smallest phone would also have the smallest battery. But I hope Samsung finds a way to improve battery life on next year’s 6.1-inch Galaxy phone, whether it’s through better power efficiency or a larger physical battery. After all, Apple made upgrades to the iPhone 13 Mini that gave it an extra two to three hours of battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Mini. Battery life is the main complaint I had about the Galaxy S22, and addressing that would make the Galaxy S23 an even more compelling choice for Android fans who prefer smaller phones.

Korean news outlet The Elec indicates that could indeed be the case, as it reports that Samsung aims to increase the Galaxy S23’s battery capacity by about 5%.

More clever camera features

The Galaxy S22’s 50-megapixel camera and the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 108-megapixel camera capture impressively colorful and detailed photos. I only wish there was more you could do with those cameras when it comes to editing and software features.

The Galaxy S22 lineup has shooting options like panorama, night mode, portrait mode, slow motion, super slow motion and Director’s View, which lets you record video using two different lenses simultaneously. Then there’s Single Take, which creates multiple stylized shots with a single press of the shutter button. You can also download the Expert Raw app to get more granular control over photo settings.

But not much has changed between the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S22 when it comes to camera features and shooting modes. I’d love to see Samsung take a page from Google, which regularly adds nifty camera tricks that feel practical rather than gimmicky. For example, Google introduced a new feature on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro called Photo Unblur, which sharpens low-quality photos, even ones taken with an older camera. Photo Unblur builds on Face Unblur, a previous Pixel 6 and 6 Pro camera feature I also appreciate. As the name implies, Face Unblur freezes moving subjects that may otherwise look blurry.

Features like these show that Google is not just thinking about camera quality, but also ways to eliminate everyday annoyances with mobile photography. Many of Samsung’s updates, on the other hand, feel aimed at giving content creators more tools for capturing different types of shots and video clips.

While the Galaxy S23 likely won’t launch for several more weeks, Samsung is already making enhancements to the cameras on its current Galaxy phones. It added a new feature to the Expert Raw app that helps stargazers take better photos of constellations, similar to Google’s Astrophotography feature for Pixel phones. There’s also a new Camera Assistant app that lets you enable or disable certain features, like a faster shutter or automatic lens switching.

We Put the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s Camera to the Test

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Faster charging that doesn’t cost so much

The Galaxy S22 lineup supports fast charging of up to 25 watts for the Galaxy S22 and 45 watts for the Galaxy S22 Plus and Ultra. But you have to purchase a separate charger to do so. Samsung charges $50 for the 45-watt charger and $35 for the 25-watt charger, although you can often find them for less through retailers like Amazon and Walmart. In some scenarios, I also didn’t notice much of a difference between the pricier 45-watt charger and Samsung’s less expensive 25-watt charger when powering up the Galaxy S22 Plus, which you can read more about here.

With the Galaxy S23, I’d like to see a more noticeable improvement in charging speeds, as well as more affordable charger options. The OnePlus 10 Pro, for example, offers either 65- or 80-watt fast charging depending on your region, both of which are speedier than what Samsung has to offer on paper. OnePlus also includes a compatible power adapter in the box.

Samsung and Apple stopped including power adapters in their product packaging to cut down on waste, which is an admirable cause. But I at least wish Samsung would let you choose to include a fast-charging compatible adapter as an option for a discounted price when ordering a new phone, similar to the way it lets you select a storage option or add Samsung Care Plus.

If rumors turn out to be accurate, the base Galaxy S23 model might have the same 25-watt charging speed as the Galaxy S22. That’s according to Ice Universe, a Twitter account with a history of publishing details about unreleased Samsung products.

Samsung is already doing a lot right with the Galaxy S22, particularly when it comes to software support and display quality. But as year-over-year smartphone upgrades have become more incremental than revolutionary, focusing on core elements like the camera and battery are as important as ever.

Apple has released the iOS 16.3 beta 2 to public beta testers, bringing new features like help finding parking via Apple Maps. The first iOS 16.3 beta appeared shortly after the release of iOS 16.2 and brought a few new features to testers’ iPhones as well.

As always, we recommend downloading a beta only on something other than your primary device. Since these are beta versions of iOS 16.3, the features might be buggy and your device’s battery life may be shortened, so it’s best to keep betas on a secondary device.

If you’re a public beta tester, here’s what’s new in the iOS 16.3 beta software. Note that the beta is still ongoing, so these likely won’t be the only new features to land on your iPhone when iOS 16.3 is released. There’s no word on the public release for iOS 16.3 just yet.

Apple Maps helps you find nearby parking options

If you use Apple Maps to get directions to a location, you can now find nearby parking within Maps. When looking up a place to go, you can tap More (…) and tap Parking. This opens SpotHero, an online service that helps you find, book and pay for a parking spot at a nearby garage or parking lot. You can also reserve a spot through SpotHero. This feature is available only in select cities, though.

New ways to use Emergency SOS via satellite

Emergency SOS via satellite was introduced at Apple’s 2022 event in September. The new beta software brings new ways to use the service on your iPhone.

In iOS 16.3 beta 2, the Call with Hold option has been replaced with Call with Hold and Release. If you enable Call with Hold and Release, you can hold the side button and a volume button to initiate a countdown and an alarm. After the countdown, you release the buttons and your iPhone will call emergency services on its own. Before with Call with Hold, pressing the side button and a volume button would first bring up the Emergency SOS call slider. If you continued to hold the buttons, a countdown started and an alarm would go off. After the countdown ended, your phone would make an emergency call.

There’s also an option to Call Quietly in Emergency SOS. By enabling this option, when you try to make an emergency SOS call, your phone won’t start flashing or making an alarm sound.

Security keys come to Apple ID

With the beta software, users will be able to use third-party security keys instead of two-factor authentication for their Apple ID.

Security keys are a lot like keys to your home. You still use passwords, but this extra layer of security can help protect you against phishing scams and hackers.

“Hardware security keys are very, very secure,” Diya Jolly, chief product officer of authentication service company Okta, told CNET’s Stephen Shankland.

Apple’s security keys feature only works with FIDO Alliance-certified security keys.

New HomePod Handoff prompts

Beta testers who have an Apple HomePod will be shown new messages when trying to use Handoff to transfer music, podcasts or phone calls over to the speaker. The messages further explain how Handoff works with your HomePod.

One message instructs you to bring your iPhone closer to the HomePod to view controls or to transfer your audio over to the HomePod. Another message says you can bring your iPhone closer to your HomePod again later to view those same controls or to transfer music.

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Those are the major new features beta testers will see in the iOS 16.3 beta. That doesn’t mean these are the only features coming to the next iOS update. Apple will likely add more features before the release of iOS 16.3.

For more iOS 16 news, check out the new features in iOS 16.2 and iOS 16.1. Here’s how to sign up to test Apple’s iOS beta software, too.

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The Cincinnati Bengals’ quest to return to the Super Bowl begins on Sunday when they host the rival Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals enter the postseason as the AFC’s third seed, while the banged-up Ravens arrive as No. 6. Kickoff on Sunday is at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) on NBC and Peacock.

How to watch Ravens vs. Bengals without cable

If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the Ravens-Bengals game on NBC with a live TV service, or on NBC’s Peacock streaming service. The good news for football fans is that NBC is available on each of the five major streaming services. The catch is that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries NBC in your area.

If you live in an area with good reception, you can watch the broadcast on NBC for free on over-the-air broadcast channels just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live-TV streaming services guide.

The Giants and Vikings played a thriller in Minnesota in Week 16, which Minnesota won 27-24. On Sunday the two teams will meet again at US Bank Stadium with the stakes raised even higher, as the Vikings host the Giants in an NFC Wild Card showdown at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT) on Fox.

How to watch Giants vs. Vikings without cable

If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the Giants-Vikings game on Fox with a live TV service. The good news for football fans is that Fox is available on each of the five major streaming services. The catch is that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries Fox in your area.

If you live in an area with good reception, you can watch the broadcast on Fox for free on over-the-air broadcast channels just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live-TV streaming services guide.

The models in Samsung’s latest Galaxy S22 lineup are some of the best phones you’ll find on the market right now, will all three models claiming a spot on our list of the best Android phones for 2023. They are the successors the the previous generation of Galaxy S21 phones, as well as the Note series, which has been discontinued in favor of the similar Galaxy S22 Ultra. With prices starting at $800, they certainly aren’t the most affordable phones out there, but thanks to the huge variety of deals from both carriers and retailers, you’ll have no trouble getting one of these sleek new Samsung phones in your hand for less.

The Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra all feature several major camera improvements, including larger pixel sensors and Adaptive Pixel technology for improved nighttime photography and videos. There’s an improved portrait mode, as well as a new auto framing feature that can detect and track up to 10 people in order to capture everyone in a photo clearly.

However, it’s the Galaxy S22 Ultra that made the biggest splash. Samsung’s top-of-the-line phone introduces the S Pen to the S series for the first time, paying homage to the now-canceled Note.

The S22 Ultra also features significant camera upgrades, including Samsung’s largest pixel sensor ever, as well a number of raw photo tools for more comprehensive editing, and an advanced Super Clear Glass lens for smoother and crisper nighttime videos without flares.

We’ll take a closer look at all the details for each of the three flagship Galaxy S22 models and show you the best Galaxy S22 deals across the internet and in stores.

What colors does the Galaxy S22 come in?

Both the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus are available in phantom black, phantom white, green and pink gold. The Galaxy S22 Ultra has a slightly different lineup: phantom black, phantom white, green and burgundy.

How much does the Galaxy S22 cost?

The three models of the Galaxy S22 are available in various storage configurations. US pricing for each model starts at:

• Samsung Galaxy S22: $800
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus: $1,000
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: $1,200

Both the Samsung Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Plus are available in 128GB and 256GB storage options with 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra will also add in options for 512GB and 1TB with up to 12GB of RAM.

Be sure to check out all the Galaxy S22 deals below.

Best Galaxy S22 deals

You might have missed the preorder offers, but most carriers and retailers are offering some stellar deals on these Galaxy S phones, especially if you’ve got an older device you’re looking to trade in. We’ve rounded up the best Galaxy S22 deals that you can shop for right now.

We will continue to update this page as new offers become available, so keep checking back if your carrier or preferred retailer is not listed below.

The Miami Dolphins held off the New York Jets and secured the seventh AFC playoff spot last week. Their prize? A trip up to chilly Buffalo to take on the second-seed Bills. The two AFC East rivals will meet up in Sunday’s first Wild Card game with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET (10 p.m. PT) on CBS and Paramount Plus.

How to watch Dolphins vs. Bills without cable

If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the Dolphins-Bills game on CBS with a live TV service or on CBS’ Paramount Plus streaming service. Unfortunately for football fans, not every service carries every local network, in particular CBS. Sling TV, for example, doesn’t offer the network at all, and you’ll want to double check each one using the links below to make sure it carries CBS in your area.

If you live in an area with good reception, you can watch the broadcast on CBS for free on over-the-air broadcast channels just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live-TV streaming services guide.

The Galaxy S22 may be the most advanced model in Samsung’s flagship lineup — with the S23 due soon — but that doesn’t mean you need to get rid of your Galaxy S21. In fact, now more than ever you’ll want to protect it was a good case. Because the Galaxy S21 comes in three sizes, you’ll need to make sure that you’re getting a case designed for your specific model. The S21 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch screen and the heaviest build — cases with integrated kickstands are a good option for this big boy. The S21 Plus is slightly smaller at 6.7 inches, while the S21 is even smaller at 6.2 inches. But no matter what model you’ve got, we’ve rounded up all the best S21, S21 and S21 Ultra case options available.

Note that some of the recommendations for these Galaxy S21 series cases are based on my experience using nearly identical models with preceding Galaxy smartphones, as well as iPhones. Where multiple products are shown, the price listed is the starting price for the line. Make sure that you’re buying the case and tempered glass that matches the specific model of your S21 — Ultra, Plus or standard.

Speck

Speck cases

Tough but relatively slim S21 case

Leading case maker Speck brings a selection of protective case options to the Galaxy S21, including (from left to right in picture above) the Presidio Perfect-Clear, Presidio Perfect-Mist, Presidio Perfect-Clear Ombre, and Presidio2 Grip. They also have cases for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip models, the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy S7, S8, S9 and S10.

All the new models have very good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial coating. The cases start around $40 in various color options, and can sometimes be found on sale for less.

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Amazon

Spigen Ultra Hybrid series

Top budget S21 case

If you’re looking for a cheap clear case for your new Galaxy S21, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid is a good value at around $12 to $15, depending on the version you get. I like the Ultra Hybrid S (on left in photo), which has an integrated kickstand.

No drop rating is listed for this Samsung phone case, but it feels like Spigen’s transparent cases offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with decent protection, Spigen’s Tough Armor case (on right in photo) is an option for $18 to $19 and also has an integrated kickstand. Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time, which makes them less translucent. But they’re cheap enough that you probably won’t mind shelling out for a replacement if and when that happens. This Samsung Galaxy S21 case is made of a TPU bumper and gives maximum protection with a precise cutout for the camera. The case material is polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane.

$28 at Amazon

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Samsung

Samsung Leather Cover

Best leather case

Available in brown or black, Samsung’s leather case offers a hardened protective layer around the cameras while delivering a nice leather feel the rest of the way around. Leather doesn’t affect wireless charging or anything, so you can pop this on your phone and have it feel great without sacrificing anything. The soft leather case doesn’t add bulk to the phone and has good shock absorption.

$27 at Amazon

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Samsung Clear Standing Cover

Best Samsung-branded S21 case

Samsung’s Clear Standing Cover isn’t anything fancy but it’s a protective clear case that has an integrated kickstand. You can prop your phone up horizontally or vertically using the kickstand, which seems sturdy (it’s larger than Spigen’s integrated kickstand). I regularly use this case.

$28 at Walmart

$18 at Amazon

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Clckr

Clckr case

S21 case with built-in stand and grip strap

I’ve become a recent fan of Clckr’s cases, which feature a built-in stand and grip strap that folds out and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr sells just the stand-strap accessory to stick on the back of your phone or on a case, but the case with the integrated stand accessory is better. The selection for the S21 is currently pretty limited (there’s only a clear version S21 and S21 Plus, not the S21 Ultra), but perhaps the options will expand over time.

The cases aren’t rugged but they’re protective enough, with raised edges to protect the screen. The ones I’ve used with other phones have held up well over time.

With the stand clicked in place, you can use your device hands-free in either portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone with this case on, though you have to be more careful about placing it in the right spot on a wireless charging pad for it to work. The new models have antimicrobial protection.

$17 at Amazon

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OtterBox Commuter Series

Best slim OtterBox S21 case

The company’s super protective Defender series case is available for all the Galaxy S21 models, but most people want something less bulky. I like the Symmetry series cases — they’re slim with beveled edges, making them a good mix of sleek and protective. That said, I’ve come to like the more protective Commuter Series better, thanks to the grips it has on the back and sides, as well as having raised edges on the front that should help protect your screen. The raised bezel acts as a screen protector to keep your screen scratch-free and the camera module gets the same treatment.

$23 at Amazon

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ArmadilloTek

ArmadilloTek Vanguard Case

Best rugged case

Sometimes you need more than an average case, and while there are plenty which claim “ruggedness” there are only a few willing to back that claim up. ArmadilloTek’s Vanguard series is MIL STD 810G rated, which means it can survive drops of up to 20 foot thanks to its multilayer design and gives great camera lens protection. Even with those layers in between the phone and the charger, one of which includes a pull-out stand, this case still supports wireless charging.

$25 at Amazon

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Gear4

Gear4 cases

Slim, stylish protective S21 case

British case-maker Gear4, now owned by Zagg, makes cases that are right there with OtterBox and Speck. They’re all lined with the company’s D3O shock-absorbing material and feature beveled edges to protect your phone. Shown here from left to right are the Havana (10-foot drop protection), Denali (16-foot drop protection), Crystal Palace (13-foot drop protection) and Copenhagen (13-foot drop protection). All use some recycled plastic in their construction, but the Copenhagen, made out of 52% plant-based material, is the most eco-friendly.

Prices range from $30 to $50 for the top-end Denali, which is the Gear4 case I probably like best.

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ESR Kickstand case

Value kickstand S21 case

Particularly with the two larger models of the Galaxy S21, I find that having an integrated kickstand is a nice feature and the ESR kickstand case is about as affordable as you get at around $15, the same price as Spigen’s Neo Hybrid S.

$17 at Amazon

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Cyrill cases

Affordably stylish

Cyrill is a sub-brand of Spigen and like Spigen, its cases generally sell for less than $20. Cyrill doesn’t have quite the same selection for the Galaxy S21 as it does for the iPhone 12, but it has some protective clear cases with floral designs (pictured on right), as well as the Brick Matte Finish Bumper case, which has a soft-to-the-touch finish (pictured on left). It has a raised frame on the back that provides some extra protection for the camera lenses. The corners of the case have a raised lip as well.

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Amazon

Otterbox Strada Via

Slim folio S21 case

Some people like to have full-screen protection, so they go with a folio case that covers the screen. The Strada Via is a new folio case from Otterbox that has a soft-to-the-touch finish and stays closed thanks to a set of magnets. It’s also got a slot for storing a credit card or two. The only thing I didn’t like about it is that it doesn’t convert into a kickstand for video viewing.

$25 at Amazon

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Mous Limitless 3.0

Hidden features

For the Galaxy S21, UK-based Mous makes its Clarity Lite clear case with anti-yellowing tech as well as its Limitless 3.0 case, which comes in a few different eye-catching styles (Aramid Fiber is shown on left). They’re all lined with the AiroShock material that the company says delivers excellent protection in a slim design. They do seem durable and all include a lifetime warranty.

Mous’ Limitless 3.0 cases are compatible with the company’s Limitless 3.0 accessories. That includes a wallet that magnetically adheres to the back of the phone case and a few mounts, one of which is an air-vent mount for your car.

It’s also worth noting that the Limitless 3.0 cases are the only ones I’ve seen that have a SIM-card storage slot on the inside of the smartphone case for international travelers in the habit of SIM-swapping.

$60 at Amazon

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Lifeproof Wake

Eco-friendly S21 case

Lifeproof’s Wake case is made out of recycled ocean plastic. It’s attractively designed but I wouldn’t call it super tough — it isn’t enclosed at the bottom and has 6-foot drop protection. (Note that some cases on this list have higher drop-protection ratings.)

$29 at Amazon

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