Best Apple TV Remote Cases for AirTags – CNET [CNET]

Apple’s newest Siri remote for the Apple TV addressed almost all of the problems its previous versions had. It’s equipped with dedicated buttons for mute and power, an easy-to-use directional pad and an overall larger design that’s easier to hold. 

But… on that last point. Remotes get lost all the time — whether via young kids or forgetful housemates — but products such as the Roku Remote Pro enable you to easily find them again. Apple’s new AirTag technology opened up possibilities for finding almost any type of lost item. Does Apple’s new remote include a built-in U1 chip, like the AirTags, for easily locating it? Sadly no, but there is one way you fix this: by combining the two. 

Rather than just relying on a piece of tape, a number of companies have filled in the hole that Apple left open by creating new Siri Remote cases allowing you to place an AirTag inside. 

We’ve tested four different options for those people who never want to lose their remote again.

What you’ll need 

• An Apple TV Siri remote.
• An AirTag.
• The Find My app on an iPhone, ideally an iPhone 11 or later so you can use Apple’s “precision finding feature” that points you exactly where to go.

Note: None of these cases came with an AirTag, so you’ll want to add $29 for that, on top of whichever case you buy for your $59 remote. 

Though the Elago is the best option, there are others. The next two cases are generic options purchased on Amazon. While the brands and prices are different, the products themselves seem to be virtually identical — to the point where both came in the same style boxes from China with the same markings and branding despite being listed by different sellers. 

Beware: Abby’s Anti-Lost Case for AirTag ($23 on Amazon) 

Like our runner-up, we picked this option based on a regular Amazon search for cases that had Prime shipping. It too worked fine, with the AirTag and Siri Remote both slotting in pretty easily. No ports were blocked and like the “FUNDISINN,” it is a bit thinner than the Elago, though I did have some worry that over time the exposed AirTag might fall out of this case. 

For a product that’s nearly the same as the one above, save your money and look elsewhere than Abby’s generic option. 

For DIY fans: 3D printed case (price varies) 

Our fourth case comes from CNET’s senior managing editor — and 3D printing enthusiast — Dan Ackerman. If you already have a 3D printer and spool, this could be the easiest and cheapest option with CAD files available online for you to assemble one yourself. 

Ackerman says that the process didn’t take him “too long, because I didn’t change the design I found online, I just sliced and optimized it in a 3D program.” He adds that all told it was “maybe an hour for all the research and setup, two and a half hours to print.” 

As with all 3D printing jobs, your mileage will vary on how many tries it will take to get this right. For our test, Ackerman says that the first print worked OK, though he didn’t have a remote on hand when he did the print. In using it, I found the case definitely feels more rigid than the rubber options and was a bit harder to insert and remove both the AirTag and remote. You may need some trial and error to get a more suitable fit. 

It may not be the most polished solution out the gate, but for those looking to DIY a fix, it can work.