Especially important if you are a rock climber
The Apple Watch Ultra is a rugged smartwatch designed for the adventurous. With its improved GPS, durable display, and extra-long battery life, it’s a device that can withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle.
But even the toughest of smartwatches can benefit from an extra layer of protection. That’s where an excellent protective case comes in.
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What to Look for in an Apple Watch Ultra Cover
Given its durability, you might wonder what the point is of adding a case on Apple’s toughest member of the Watch family. It might feel like putting a rubber coating on a tank – sure, it’s technically better protected, but is it a meaningful upgrade? To ensure you actually get a case that offers something over and above the bare-metal alternative, there are a few things to look out for.
Firstly, durability is vital. Your case should have sturdy materials to withstand the occasional knock or scrape. Look for terms like “shockproof” or “rugged” in the product description.
Next, consider functionality. A good case should allow easy access to your watch’s features, like the digital crown and action button. It shouldn’t make the watch harder to use.
Material is another important consideration. Cases are typically made from polycarbonate (PC), silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU), or stainless steel. Silicone and TPU cases are like comfy sneakers – lightweight and flexible, while stainless steel cases are polished dress shoes, offering a premium look and feel. The former is suitable for shock protection, while the latter stands up better to scratch damage.
If you’re using other third-party accessories with your Ultra, make sure any rugged case you decide on won’t interfere with their functionality. For example, they might make some third-party wireless charging pucks fail to send any juice to your watch.
Finally, decide on a screen protector. Some cases come with a built-in protector, while others require you to get one separately. The glass on the Watch Ultra is impressive, so a screen protector isn’t really a necessity, but a good tempered glass screen protector can prevent cosmetic scratches from appearing on your Apple Watch Ultra.
Now let’s look at some of the best cases you can throw into your Amazon checkout basket.
1. Spigen Rugged Armor Pro
The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro for the Apple Watch Ultra is where style meets strength, a harmonious union of chic and resilience. It uses a flexible layer as a shield against the relentless onslaught of daily life, ensuring your watch stays pristine.
When coupled with its carbon fiber accents, the case’s matte finish infuses a modern edge into your watch. However, the pièce de résistance of the Rugged Armor Pro is its unibody frame that seamlessly integrates adjustable wristbands, making it a comprehensive, all-in-one accessory for your Apple Watch Ultra.
The robust TPU material provides full-circle shock resistance, acting as a protective cocoon for your watch. The raised bezels serve as a protective barrier, offering an additional layer of screen protection.
At the same time, the adjustable wristband, with its secure metal clasp, ensures your watch remains firmly on your wrist, regardless of how intense your activities are.
Of course, mentioning a few bumps in the road highlighted in customer reviews is only fair. Specifically, there are a few mentions of fit and comfort issues. But let’s face it; we humans are diverse, so it’s only expected for a small percentage of people to encounter such problems. While most user reviews are positively glowing, if you’re blessed with wrists that could rival a heavyweight boxing champion, consider other options.
2. MAGEASY Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Case for the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra
The MAGEASY Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Case for the Apple Watch Ultra is a stellar blend of shiny style and protection. This case, resembling a suit of armor, is crafted from the same aviation-grade aluminum as the Apple Watch, offering a top-tier look and experience far from your average, toy-like case.
The case’s protective prowess is impressive, with its aluminum shell and soft inner bumper providing maximum protection against drops and impacts. This is a best-of-both-worlds option.
This is the only case we found that genuinely lives up to the aesthetic of the Apple Watch Ultra. Plus, it’s designed to work seamlessly with the Apple watch band lock mechanism, allowing you to easily switch bands without removing the case.
Customer reviews highlight the case’s ease of installation and compatibility with screen protectors. However, some users with larger fingers have noted difficulty twisting or turning the bezel. Despite this, the case is praised by buyers for its protective qualities and stylish appearance.
3. amBand M1 Sport Series Apple Watch Case with Band
The M1 Sport Series Apple Watch Case with Band is a robust and stylish accessory for your Apple Watch Ultra. Crafted from premium TPU and stainless steel, this shockproof design offers all-around protection for your watch. It’s precisely cut to fit snugly, making it a breeze to install and remove. Plus, it’s compatible with a range of wrist sizes, from 5.1″ to 8.7″.
This case isn’t just about protection, though. It’s also about style. The lightweight, military-grade TPU offers sleek protection, while the steel buckle adds a touch of elegance. The unibody integrated band allows easy installation and removal, and the precise cutouts ensure responsive button and crown interaction.
Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Buyers praise the case for its easy installation and snug fit. Others also commend the case for its soft yet rugged material and seamless button, screen, and crown operation.
4. Spigen Thin Fit Designed for Apple Watch Ultra Case
The Spigen Thin Fit Case is a minimalist’s dream. Its sleek design preserves the classic look and feel of the Apple Watch Ultra, while its rigid exterior provides daily defense from bumps and dings. This case is made from scratch-resistant polycarbonate for durability and features raised bezels around the screen for added protection. With its razor-thin frame and precise cutouts, you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
Customers generally have positive feedback about this product. They mention easy installation and good compatibility with the Apple Alpine watch strap. Long-term users report that the case holds up well and is never obtrusive.
It’s worth noting that this is just a bumper case with no screen protector, so if you want a screen protector specifically, you’ll have to source a compatible one that will work with this case or opt for another case with one.
5. Misxi Hard Polycarbonate Case
Misxi, a company in the smartwatch case game since 2016, has a reputation for delivering quality products that smartwatch users can rely on. The Misxi Hard Polycarbonate Case is a solid addition to their lineup.
The case is a snug fit for the Apple Watch Ultra, thanks to Misxi’s meticulous design process. The precise cutouts for the buttons and crown mean you can operate your watch as usual while the protective case does its job.
One of the standout features of this case is the 9H hardness tempered glass. It’s a robust shield against those irritating screen scratches and doesn’t compromise the display quality or touchscreen responsiveness.
However, the Misxi case has its drawbacks. It’s unsuitable for swimming or intense workouts resulting in heavy sweating. You must remove and wipe the case if moisture gets trapped inside.
You’ll find two transparent protective cases with screen protectors in the package. It’s a decent deal, considering the quality and the level of protection the cases offer.
This is a practical, no-nonsense choice for those who want to keep their Apple Watch Ultra pristine.
Even Tough Guys Need Protection
Apple markets the Ultra as the hard case tough guy in the Apple Watch Series, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw caution to the wind. In fact, if you’re specifically one of the outdoorsy folks Apple made the Ultra for, it might make even more sense to have a protective cover, since it’s doubtful cracking your watch face while falling from a cliff face is covered in the warranty.
