: The classic hard plastic case with a clear or black tray. These are preferred by collectors for their uniform appearance on shelves but are prone to cracking.

: A premium, book-style case made of cardboard with an internal plastic tray. They offer more creative freedom for artwork and are less likely to crack than all-plastic cases.

When looking to buy CD cases, the best choice depends on whether you are replacing broken parts of a collection, organizing a large library for travel, or packaging new music for distribution.