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Having an iPad is like having a laptop, smartphone, gaming device, illustrator, e-reader, and even TV in one—real nice. It's a hefty investment you'll use and show off, or use to show off. (It can cost half a grand, mate. Show it off.) By extension, not protecting an iPad is definitely a mess-around-and-find-out situation you do not want to put yourself in. I personally messed around once, and I found out the hard way that it sucks when you damage your device. Let's just not repeat ourselves here.
Best Customizable iPad Case
Casetify iPad Customization Cases
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Best Durable iPad Case
UAG Metropolis SE Series iPad Pro Folio Case
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Best iPad Case for the Office
Nomad Goods Modern Folio & Case for iPad Pro & Air
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Most of the time, simply putting a case on your iPad will work. Spills, drops, bumps, scratches, and cracks—as long as you don't Hulk out on it—can be averted with just a case. But the right case will do so much more. It'll prop an iPad up to an ergonomic viewing angle. Turn it into a whole makeshift workstation. And make it look much better than it is.
We've included 14 of the best iPad cases below, many of which come with different iterations compatible with both the latest and older iPad releases. Once equipped, you're free to mess around and find out.
Best Basic iPad Case
Apple Smart Folio for iPadAir
Best Basic iPad Case
Apple Smart Folio for iPadAir
Pros
- Easy to use
- Foldable
Cons
- Pricey for what it is
No-frills, intuitive, and fully compatible. Does the quality (polyurethane, which is decent, but not luxe) necessarily jibe with the high price? Not really. But hey, it's made by Apple, so you know it's dependable.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- A bit flimsy
It's got the same sleek light trifold design as the Apple Smart Cover, except with far more color options. And it's not lacking durability nor the auto sleep/wake function. You can expect a lot here.
Best iPad Sleeve
Native Union 11" & 13" Stow Tablet Sleeve
Best iPad Sleeve
Native Union 11" & 13" Stow Tablet Sleeve
Pros
- Added storage for cords
- Well-made
Cons
- Might be a tight or loose fit depending on iPad model
A sleeve offers both protection as portability, and Native Union's sleeve has a simple magnetic closure for seamless access as well. The external front pocket (who doesn't love an external pocket?) makes accessing essentials like cables even easier.
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Best Keyboard iPad Case
Logitech Combo Touch for iPad
Pros
- All-in-one case
Cons
- Pricey
- Angle not adjustable
If being able to turn your iPad into more of a laptop at will is important to you, Logitech's keyboard case is worth it at this price. More importantly, it doesn't require charging. Just connect it and go on typing or tracking on the pad.
Best Customizable iPad Case
Casetify iPad Customization Cases
Best Customizable iPad Case
Casetify iPad Customization Cases
Pros
- Personalizable
- Added corner protection
Cons
- No front protection
A case donning your own moniker can really make a statement. Casetify allows you to customize text, font, layout, and color on the case so the iPad (across models) is yours truly. Moreover, there's the ultra impact option that offers extra protection, and a roller option for better usage.
Best Useful iPad Case
Fintie Rotating Case for iPad
Best Useful iPad Case
Fintie Rotating Case for iPad
Pros
- Great for multiuse
Cons
- Not the cutest
It'll rotate and swivel 360 degrees to lend you an ergonomic landscape or portrait viewing. Just snap your iPad in and roll with it. And the dual-layer build isn't too shabby in terms of sturdiness and protection.
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Best Durable iPad Case
UAG Metropolis SE Series iPad Pro Folio Case
Best Durable iPad Case
UAG Metropolis SE Series iPad Pro Folio Case
Pros
- Virtually indestructible
Cons
- Bulky look
Urban Armor Gear makes rugged iPad cases that can brave anything: drops, crushes, stampedes, chainsaw massacres. Okay, we exaggerate. But they are super strong. The Metropolis SE Series is a futuristic style highlight, but the other models aren't lacking in flair either.
Best iPad Case for the Office
Nomad Goods Modern Folio & Case for iPad Pro & Air
Best iPad Case for the Office
Nomad Goods Modern Folio & Case for iPad Pro & Air
Pros
- Satisfying open-book feel
- High-quality materials
Cons
- Pricey
You might take a liking to Nomad's lustrous dark sheen that makes an iPad look even more costly than it already is. The brand's fresher, glossier take on Apple's OG iPad cover and folio is also well-suited to protect against bumps and general wear.
Best iPad Portfolio
Leatherology iPad Portfolio
Best iPad Portfolio
Leatherology iPad Portfolio
Pros
- Great for organizing all your stuff
Cons
- Pricey
- Can feel heavy with iPad and paper
This leather pad-folio does it for business people and anyone who packs light and neat. Its big side pocket will come in handy, its small tech and card pockets will come in handy, its paper pocket and note pad will also come in handy. Overall, it comes in handy!
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Best Techy iPad Case
ZAGG Rugged Book for iPad
Pros
- Great for remote work
Cons
- Bulky
Zagg's Rugged Book is a whole tech gadget on its own: detachable keyboard case, multi-device pairing ability, and military-grade drop protection. While we often refrain from judging a book by its cover, this one's fit will be lit for sure.
Best Full Protection iPad Case
Speck Balance Folio Case
Best Full Protection iPad Case
Speck Balance Folio Case
Pros
- Protects from drops up to 4 feet
- Latch closure
Cons
- Heavy
Speck's Balance case clicks your tablet into place and then wraps around and—key here—has a latch to keep it closed tight. This is great for people who get bothered by the magnetic closure of other cases, which are easily detatched.
Best Half Shell iPad Case
STM Half Shell iPad Case
Best Half Shell iPad Case
STM Half Shell iPad Case
Pros
- Simple
Cons
- Not the most protective against drops
Clear cases can contour the sharp lines of your tablet while putting up an all-angle defense. STM's clear case series lets you show off the Apple logo without feeling the weight of a bulky case.
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Best Adjustable iPad Case
MOFT Float Slim Stand & Case
Best Adjustable iPad Case
MOFT Float Slim Stand & Case
Pros
- Adjustable height & angle
Cons
- Not top-notch quality
MOFT takes all of its design cues from origami to come up with smart, efficient ways to make its stuff work well. This iPad case looks and acts like a normal case when folded up, but the back comes off to create an instant stand with adjustable viewing angles.
Most Luxe iPad Holder
Thom Browne Tablet Holder
Most Luxe iPad Holder
Thom Browne Tablet Holder
Pros
- High-quality fabric
Cons
- Won't protect against scratches while in use
- Pricey
This tablet holder means business. While it's not going to protect your iPad while in use, the sleeve will get you where you gotta go with padded protection and clean minimalist flair.
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