Apple's AirPods are a popular wireless earbud option, but if someone ever loses a pair or they are stolen, Apple unfortunately doesn’t cover them with AppleCare+. Furthermore, while it’s possible to track missing AirPods via the Find My app on an iPhone or by using the iCloud website, that's only when they are not in their case. The natural place to actually store them when not in use. For reference, Apple does provide aftercare options to replace AirPods, but at a cost, making the idea of picking up an AirPods carrying strap all the more appealing.
AirPods were first released in 2016, with the second-generation pair following in 2019. Apple also released the AirPods Pro that same year, and added a pair of AirPods Max wireless headphones in 2020. The earbuds versions of AirPods come with a charging case, and customers also have the option of buying a case cover from third-party sellers like Amazon. Some of these cases include wrist straps or clips, making it a little easier to keep track of the AirPods. Still, it’s easy to lose AirPods and, in some cases, under unusual circumstances. For example, one individual recently made a trip to the emergency room after swallowing an AirPod while sleep.
A carrying strap is one way to avoid losing AirPods. A carrying strap has two magnets or clips at the end of a cord, where the users can attach the AirPods. With the carrying strap in place, users can simply hang the cord around their neck and avoid having to worry about losing them or storing the earbuds in their case only to remove them later to listen again. On paper, a carrying strap seems like a great solution for keeping AirPods on the person when not actively using them.
Where To Find & Should You Buy
Back in 2019, Nordstrom launched a leather carrying strap with magnets at the end to secure the AirPods. They are available to buy from the Nordstrom website for $60. For those looking for a cheaper option, there's the CobCobb strap, available from Amazon for $9.99. Alternatively, there's the TEKA Airpods Strap from Spigen, also priced at $9.99. However, priced at just $6.99 and available from Walmart, Sirius Survival offers an even cheaper option.
As to whether someone should buy a carrying strap, there is the problem of the AirPods becoming a pair of average earphones like EarPods once again. Essentially, defeating the purpose of buying AirPods in the first place by negating the benefits associated with wireless earbuds, including working out while unimpeded by a wire. Not to mention, a pair of EarPods from Apple are significantly cheaper than a pair of AirPods. For example, Apple currently sells a set of EarPods with a lightning connector for just $19. In contrast, the most affordable pair of AirPods start at $159. If an Apple user is specifically worried about losing the earbuds, then it might be better -- and cheaper -- to buy a pair of wired earphones, instead of a set of AirPods and a carrying strap.