With iPadOS 18 arriving soon, there has never been a better time to grab an iPad. However, buying such an expensive piece of kit is foolhardy without getting a decent case.
iPad cases come in a wealth of different designs and styles, with some focusing on protection like the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro, while others add new features to make using your tablet even better like the Logitech Combo Touch. However, with so many options, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the options. We aim to make this choice as easy as possible with this comprehensive list of cases with lists for each of their pros and cons.
After you've finished checking out the cases we've listed below, be sure to look over the best iPad deals. That way you can pick up one of the best tablets without paying full price. It's also worth reading our Apple Store coupons page to find the latest offers and save money on your new iPad case.
Without further delay, here are some of the best iPad cases you can buy.
Best iPad cases
Apple's Smart Folio is the default case selection for most people. It offers a svelte, clean look with a folio that wraps around into a kickstand which is great for watching movies on. You can't go wrong with this option, even if it is a tad expensive at $79. Regardless, it should be at the top of your list when you're shopping for new cases and it goes on sale quite often so it isn't too hard to find a good deal.
If you're put off by the lofty price tag of the Apple Smart Folio, then you might want to consider the Speck Balance Folio. This much more affordable option accomplishes many of the same things while costing less. It even has a loop for the Apple Pencil. The cover folds around into a stand, but some people have complained about the folding camera cover.
For some cases, you trade protection for fashion since your fancy new tablet is mostly covered by plastic. But they don't all look bad, such as the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro. One of the biggest advantages is that it covers the back and the edges, something many iPad covers don't offer. Constructed from plastic and TPU, the Rugged Armor Pro keeps your iPad safe with Spigen's Air Cushion technology. There's even Apple Pencil support.
If you want to most rugged protection for your new iPad, then the Defender Pro has you covered. It's a solid case made of synthetic rubber and polycarbonate in multi-layer protection. It also features an antimicrobial layer for sanitation and a four-position stand for you to prop up your tablet. If there's one complaint, it's price. There's a premium to Otterbox products.
This is luxury with a detachable backlit keyboard, a precision touchpad, a huge suite of shortcut keys, and support for the iPad's smart connector. There's a built-in kickstand, too, as well as room to store either your Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon. It's expensive at $149.99, although it currently has a 26% price reduction, and only comes in grey at the time of writing. Still, if you want the most premium typing experience on an iPad, then check this case out.
Want to get in the keyboard folio case action, but you don't want to fork over Apple or Logitech prices? Then check out the Typecase Edge, a Bluetooth keyboard case with a trackpad and RGB backlighting. It's also quite affordable at $129. The Edge is pretty intense when it comes to features, with a solid keyboard that folds over to protect your iPad. The precise trackpad will also come in handy as you use your iPad like a laptop. The Edge connects over Bluetooth and magnetically attaches to your tablet.
How to choose the best iPad case
When it comes to choosing the best iPad case to fit your lifestyle, consider the following:
Price: Starting at $449, the 10th-Gen Apple iPad is expensive enough without spending extraneous dollars on compatible accessories. Some of the more rugged cases (or those with extra features, such as a built-in keyboard) can reach $100, but you can find plenty of viable options for less than $30.
Build materials: From leather to silicone to aluminum to polycarbonate plastic to rubber, look for a good drop rating to keep your iPad protected. Some cases are only meant to withstand drops of a few feet high, while more hardcore competitors have a MIL-STD-810G-tested rating of 6 feet or more.
Color/design options: Some cases only offer one or two color choices per brand, but the fashion-forward ones take more chances in this department, adding blended colors, textured designs, and customized labels to the mix. Since your mobile tech often says something about your personality, why not have some fun with it?
Environmental impact: We all need to tread lightly when it comes to our collective effect on the environment, and if future-proofing planet Earth is on your to-do list, look for iPad cases with various green initiatives; many brands use recycled plastics and packaging to get the job done, and every little bit helps.
Size: It goes without saying, but make sure when shopping for the best iPad case that you’re picking one that fits your tablet. In the case of the current iPad, you’ll want a case that’s compatible with a 10.2-inch such as the 7th, 8th or 9th generation tablet. Avoid cases designed for other iPad variations as they won’t fit your model.
How we test the best iPad cases
It's next to impossible for us to test every single iPad case out there. So we relied on the community reviews on Amazon and other similar places, plus products from known, reputable brands. An iPad case is a very personal choice, but we tried to gather as many different options as we could.
