Whether you have an older iPad or a new iPad Pro, it’s a good idea to protect it with a case. This will be even more crucial if you use your iPad as a laptop replacement or if you have kids who are constantly trying to steal your tablet to watch live Bluey. While it’s impossible to protect your equipment from every kind of danger, you can give your iPad a tougher shell to protect it from accidental drops, bumps, and drops. It’s a crowded space—there are dozens of iPad cases out there today, some of which focus more on aesthetics than protection. But figuring out which one will give you the right level of protection you need, along with extra features like a built-in keyboard and foil, can be tricky. Here are the best iPad cases we’ve tried that fit a variety of needs.

ProCase

Look no further than ProCases iPad Cases if you want a solid dupe for Apple’s own Smart Cover. ProCase has many different designs, but his Thin hard protective smart film will be a great option for anyone who just wants a little extra protection for their tablet. It also helps that it’s compatible with all current iPad models and even a few old-school versions. A thin layer of hard plastic covers your iPad, while the front cover closes magnetically over the screen to protect it. And for iPad models that support the second-generation Apple Pencil, the case leaves a cutout on the edge where the stylus can rest when not in use. They may not be as substantial as the Otterbox Symmetry cases, but the ProCase accessories make up for it in terms of price: you can pick one up for as little as $13, and we’ve seen some sell for even less than that.

$9 at Amazon

OtterBox

Otterbox is an expert when it comes to protection, as evidenced by their phone cases, but that’s about it Symmetry Series 360 series shows that there are also design features. Symmetry cases look similar to Apple’s Smart Cover, but the clear, scratch-resistant back is sturdy without adding much weight to the iPad. Plus, the edge protection is substantial, so you won’t have to worry about damage from the inevitable, random bumps your tablet takes. The optional cover added by Otterbox keeps the iPad’s screen cover closed and holds the second-generation Apple Pencil on the side of the iPad Pro. Symmetry Series 360 cases are available for most iPad models and there is a new branch of the range called Foil for symmetrywhich includes a special case for your Apple Pencil on the front cover.

$92 at Amazon

OtterBox

If you don’t mess around with your iPad, look no further than Otterbox’s Defender Series of cases. The company has these rugged covers for tons of different devices, and the Defender iPad cases provide some of the best protection and functionality 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 covers for the single port on all the latest iPad models. You can also detach the Shield stand and use it to prop up your iPad for better viewing. It can be bulky, especially compared to other cases on this list, but we think it’s a fair trade-off for the extra protection.

$60 at Amazon

An apple

It’s hard to get much better than Apple’s Magic keyboard if you want a case that will turn your tablet into a decent laptop replacement. iPads attach magnetically to it, hovering over the keys and trackpad, while allowing you to tilt it from 90 to 130 degrees to get the right viewing position. It feels surprisingly sturdy, and the keyboard itself is great to use for long periods of time. It doesn’t have the same stability that a standard laptop would have if you were to use it on your lap, but you also won’t feel like your setup is going to collapse at any moment. The glass trackpad is another standout – it’s wide enough for gestures and generally easy to use, even if it’s noticeably smaller than what you’d get on a full-size MacBook.

There are two main downsides to the Magic Keyboard: it doesn’t offer much drop protection, and it’s expensive. The edges don’t wrap around the iPad, so it’s not the best buy if you’re particularly prone to dropping things. Also, the Magic Keyboard costs $300 to $350, depending on the size of your iPad. This is without a doubt the most luxurious iPad case on this list, but those who want to make their iPad as functional as possible will get a lot of use out of it.

$299 at Walmart

Logitech

Logitech is known for solid accessories and Combo Touch keyboard case is no exception. Think of it as a more flexible (and more affordable) alternative to the Magic Keyboard. The case wraps tightly around your iPad and has a built-in stand that lets you adjust the viewing angle for whatever you’re doing, whether it’s typing, watching videos, sketching or reading. The backlit keyboard is quite spacious and includes a multi-touch trackpad for more precise control of the screen. There’s also a place for your Apple Pencil, so it’s close at hand when you need to mark up a document or sketch an idea in Apple Notes. It’ll probably be harder to balance the Logitech set on your lap than the Magic Keyboard, but that’s a small price to pay for an otherwise stellar keyboard case. We also like that Logitech offers the Combo Touch in a variety of sizes that fit the latest iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models.

$113 at Walmart

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you keep your iPad in a case?

It’s almost always a good idea to keep your iPad in a case to protect it from hazards and accidents. The best iPads are expensive—even the most affordable model will set you back close to $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 cases are cases, but not all iPad cases are cases — yes, it’s a bit 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 it provides protection for both the body and the display. Many iPad cases also have screen covers, but you don’t have to buy one with this feature. Instead, you can just get a case that hugs the back of the tablet and nothing else. These accessories will be marginally thinner and lighter than their 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 normal workday with frequent use, which is one of the reasons many have chosen to use their iPads as a laptop replacement. But with intensive use, such as constant video streaming or gaming, the battery will drain faster. A good rule of thumb is to charge your iPad when you go to bed each night, so you’ll have a recharged device waiting for you in the morning.

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