Whether you have a brand new iPad or are still rocking an older model, investing in a good case is one of the best ways to protect your device. After all, the iPad is a versatile device that you can take with you everywhere, making it very prone to drops, scratches or spills from time to time. And if you have kids, chances are you won’t have them! The case acts as an extra layer of protection, helping to keep your iPad safe from the bumps and bruises of everyday life. But it’s not just about protection – many iPad cases come with additional features that make your tablet even more useful. From stands that support your screen for easy viewing to keyboard cases that turn your iPad into a mini laptop, the right case can change what you do. These are the best iPad cases we’ve tried.
The best iPad cases
ProCase
Features: Automatic sleep/wake, magnetic closure, dual-angle view | Form: Soft shell | Communication: N/A
Look no further than ProCases’ iPad cover if you’re looking for a solid dupe of Apple’s Smart Cover. ProCase has many different designs, but its Thin Hard Protective Smart Folio will be a great option for anyone who just wants extra protection for their tablet. Plus, it helps that it’s compatible with all current iPad models and a few old-school versions, too. A thin layer of hard plastic covers your iPad while the front flap closes magnetically over the screen to protect it. And on iPad models that support the second-generation Apple Pencil, the case leaves a cutout on the edge where the stylus can rest when you’re not using it. They may not be as robust as the Otterbox Symmetry cases, but the ProCase accessories make up for it for the price: you can pick one up for as low as $13, and we’ve seen some for even less than that.
$8 at Amazon
OtterBox
Features: Automatic sleep/wake, magnetic closure, dual-angle view | Form: Soft shell | Communication: N/A
Otterbox is an expert when it comes to protection, as evidenced by their phone cases, but its Symmetry Series 360 series shows it has design chops, too. Symmetry cases look similar to Apple’s Smart Cover, but the clear, scratch-resistant back is durable without adding too much weight to the iPad. Also, the edge protection is great, so you won’t have to worry about damage from the inevitable, accidental bumps your tablet takes. An additional Otterbox flap keeps the iPad screen cover closed and holds the second-generation Apple Pencil on the side of the iPad Pros. The Symmetry Series 360 cases are available for most iPad models, and there’s a new offshoot of the lineup called the Symmetry Folio, which includes a dedicated sleeve for your Apple Pencil on the front cover.
$47 at Amazon
OtterBox
Features: Automatic sleep/wake, magnetic closure, 4-way stand | Form: Hard shell | Communication: N/A
If you’re not gaming with your iPad, look no further than the Otterbox Defender series of cases. The company has these rugged covers for tons of different devices, including a variety of iPad generations and smaller iPad cases, and Defender for iPads cases provide the best protection and performance you could ask for. In addition to passing more than 24 shock, abrasion and drop tests, Defender cases have a built-in screen protector and one-hole covers for all the latest iPad models for extra durability. You can also remove the Shield Stand and use it to prop up your iPad for better viewing. It might be on the large side, especially compared to other cases on this list, but we think that’s a fair trade-off for the extra protection.
$70 at Amazon
an apple
Features: Keyboard, backlit keys, trackpad, flash charging | Form: Hard shell | Communication: Bluetooth, USB-C, Smart Connector
It’s hard to get much better than Apple’s Magic Keyboard if you’re looking for a case that will turn your tablet into a welcome replacement for a laptop. iPads attach to it magnetically, which goes over the keys and trackpad, while allowing you to angle it from 90 to 130 degrees to get the right viewing position. It feels incredibly solid, and the keyboard itself is great for long-term use. It doesn’t have the same stability as a regular laptop if you use it on your lap, but you won’t feel like your setup is going to fall over anytime soon. The glass trackpad is another standout – it’s wide enough to touch and generally a breeze to use, even if it’s noticeably smaller than the one you’d find on a full-size MacBook.
While it offers the best typing experience you can get with a selection of cases for the iPad Pro and other models, there are two major drawbacks to the Magic Keyboard: it doesn’t offer a ton of drop protection, and it’s expensive. The edges don’t hold back the iPad, so this isn’t the best buy if you tend to drop things. Also, the Magic Keyboard costs $300 to $350, depending on the size of your iPad. Without a doubt, it’s the most luxurious iPad case on this list, but those who want to make their iPad as functional as possible will find a lot of use in it. If you’re looking for a cheaper, but official Apple alternative, you can consider Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio, which comes in at a very affordable price of $179.
$269 at B&H Photo
Logitech
Features: Keyboard, kickstand, trackpad, backlit keys | Form: Soft shell | Communication: Smart Connector
Logitech is known for sturdy accessories, and the Combo Touch keyboard case is no exception. Think of it as a flexible (and affordable) alternative to the Magic Keyboard. The case wraps securely around your iPad and has a built-in kickstand that lets you adjust your viewing angle for whatever you’re doing, whether it’s typing, watching videos, scanning or reading. The backlit keyboard is open and includes a multi-touch trackpad for more precise on-screen control. There’s also a place for your Apple Pencil, so it’ll be close at hand when you need to mark up a document, navigate apps or doodle an idea in Apple Notes. It will probably be harder to fit the Logitech kit on your lap than the Magic Keyboard, but that’s a small price to pay for a different keyboard case. We also like that Logitech offers the Combo Touch in a variety of sizes to fit the latest iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro models. If you’re not interested in a case that doubles as a keyboard, you can check out Logitech’s Bluetooth keyboard range, which is quite extensive and includes options like the Keys-To-Go wireless portable keyboard.
$135 at Walmart
iPad case FAQ
Should you keep your iPad just in case?
It’s almost always a good idea to keep your iPad in shape to protect it from accidents and accidents. The best iPads are expensive — even the most affordable model will set you back around $300 — so you’ll want to protect your gear as much as possible.
What is the difference between an iPad case and an iPad cover?
All iPad covers are cases, but not all iPad cases are covers — yes, it’s confusing, but allow us to explain. Most iPad covers are cases that wrap around the back of your tablet and have a flap that covers the screen, so they provide protection for the body and its display. Lots of iPad cases also have screen covers, but you don’t need to get one with that feature. Instead, you can just get a case that hugs the back of the tablet and nothing else. Those accessories will be slightly thinner and lighter than their cover-holding counterparts, and give your iPad a sleeker profile.
How often should I charge my iPad?
How often you charge your iPad will depend on how often you use it. Most iPads will last at least a typical work day of regular use, which is one reason why many choose to use their iPads as laptop replacements. But with heavy use, such as constant video streaming or gaming, the battery will drain quickly. A good rule of thumb is to charge your iPad when you go to bed each night, that way you’ll have an extra device waiting for you in the morning.
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