How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-27 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• Hermitshell Hard Travel Case — biggest strength: a compact 6 x 5 x 2 inch EVA hard shell that guards small on-ear headphones against bumps, dents and scratches, and takes up barely any room in a bag.
• Hermitshell Hard Travel Case — biggest trade-off: it's built around specific Sony and JBL on-ear models, so it's a tight fit for anything bulkier, and it isn't described as water resistant.
• co2CREA Beats Studio Pro/Studio3/Solo4/Solo3 — biggest strength: a shockproof, dustproof and waterproof EVA shell with an anti-static lining, a mesh pocket, a hand strap and a smooth zipper, sized generously at 7.24 x 5.91 x 3.62 inches.
• co2CREA Beats Studio Pro/Studio3/Solo4/Solo3 — biggest trade-off: it's the larger, heavier case (around 200 g), so it's more to carry than the Hermitshell if you're packing light.
• Who each is for: Hermitshell suits minimalists with compact Sony/JBL on-ear cans; co2CREA suits Beats owners who want a fitted, feature-rich case.
The Hermitshell Hard Travel Case is a single-purpose storage shell. It's a molded EVA case in black, measuring 6 x 5 x 2 inches, and its whole job is to stop your headphones from getting bumped, dented or scratched when they're rolling around in a backpack or a carry-on. The hard shell is the point here — soft pouches collapse, this one holds its shape.
What it does best is stay out of the way. At that footprint it's one of the more compact hard cases you can pair with small on-ear headphones, and the lightweight build means you barely notice it. It's made to fit a specific list of Sony and JBL on-ear models — the Sony MDR-ZX110 family and the JBL JR 300BT/310BT among them — so the fit is snug and deliberate rather than one-size-fits-all.
Who should buy it: someone with one of those compact Sony or JBL on-ear headphones who wants simple, no-frills hard protection and a case that disappears into a bag. Who should skip it: anyone with Beats Studio Pro, Studio3, Solo4 or Solo3 headphones — this case isn't sized for them — and anyone who wants extra pockets, a strap or water resistance. Note it's case only; the headphones and accessories aren't included.
The co2CREA case is the opposite approach: it's a bigger, more feature-loaded travel bag built specifically around Beats. The compatible list names Beats Studio Pro, Studio3, Solo4, Solo3 and Solo Pro, so if you own Beats on-ear or over-ear headphones, this is the case that was actually designed with them in mind.
It leans into protection and convenience. The hard EVA shell is shockproof, dustproof and waterproof, which means splashes and dust are covered in a way the Hermitshell's plain EVA shell doesn't claim. Inside, a soft anti-static lining is there to prevent bumps, dents and scratches, and there's a mesh pocket for cables or small accessories. Outside, a comfortable hand strap makes it easy to carry on its own rather than burying it in a bag, and the smooth, strong zipper is the kind of detail that holds up to frequent opening and closing.
At 7.24 x 5.91 x 3.62 inches it's noticeably roomier and heavier (around 200 g) than the Hermitshell — that space is what lets it swallow larger Beats models and a few extras. The trade-off is bulk. Who should buy it: Beats Studio Pro, Studio3, Solo4 or Solo3 owners who want a fitted, protective, travel-ready case with a pocket and strap. Who should skip it: someone with compact Sony or JBL on-ear headphones, or a traveler who wants the smallest possible shell. Again, it's case only — no headphones included.
• Best for Beats headphones → co2CREA, since it explicitly lists Studio Pro, Studio3, Solo4, Solo3 and Solo Pro as compatible.
• Best for compact Sony/JBL on-ear models → Hermitshell Hard Travel Case, built around the Sony MDR-ZX110 line and JBL JR 300BT/310BT.
• Best for maximum protection → co2CREA, with a shockproof, dustproof and waterproof shell plus an anti-static lining.
• Best for minimal bulk → Hermitshell Hard Travel Case, at a compact 6 x 5 x 2 inches versus the co2CREA's 7.24 x 5.91 x 3.62 inches.
• Best for carrying accessories → co2CREA, thanks to its mesh pocket for cables and small items.
• Best for grab-and-go carrying → co2CREA, which adds a hand strap the Hermitshell doesn't have.
• Best for light packing → Hermitshell Hard Travel Case, the lighter, smaller option (the co2CREA weighs around 200 g).
• Best for a splash-proof, dust-proof shell → co2CREA, since it's rated water resistant and dust resistant while the Hermitshell is not water resistant.
In my opinion, the deciding factor here is which headphones you actually own. If you're carrying Beats Studio Pro, Studio3, Solo4 or Solo3, I'd buy the co2CREA — it's made for those models, and the waterproof, dustproof, shockproof shell with a mesh pocket, hand strap and anti-static lining is simply the more complete travel case. If you have compact Sony or JBL on-ear headphones and want the smallest hard shell that still protects them, I'd choose the Hermitshell Hard Travel Case. Match the case to the headphones and you won't go wrong.
what are the best open ear headphones
This comparison doesn't cover open-ear models — both cases here are for on-ear and over-ear headphones like the Sony MDR-ZX110 line, JBL JR 300BT/310BT and Beats Studio Pro/Studio3/Solo4/Solo3. If you're shopping for open-ear headphones, this page won't help you choose a case for them.
are on ear headphones good
On-ear headphones are a popular, portable choice, and both cases here are designed around them — Hermitshell for compact Sony and JBL on-ear models, co2CREA for Beats on-ear and over-ear sets. Whether they're good for you comes down to your own comfort and listening preferences, not the case.
are open ear headphones good
That's a different category from the on-ear headphones these cases fit. The Hermitshell and co2CREA cases are built for on-ear and over-ear headphones, so if you own open-ear headphones you'd need a case sized for those instead.
are on ear headphones comfortable
Comfort is personal and depends on the individual headphone, not the case. What these cases do is protect your on-ear headphones — the Hermitshell with a hard EVA shell, the co2CREA with a shockproof, dustproof and waterproof shell and a soft anti-static lining — so they stay in good shape between listens.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: Callez 3.5mm vs Arama Cell Phone Headset: Call Center, D Debra Bodypack vs Kanayu 50: In Ear Earphones, Sony WI-SP500 vs xiwxi Earbuds, HiBy W4 vs HIFI WALKER H2