You unwrapped a shiny new iPad for Christmas or Hanukkah — congratulations! — and now you need a case for it. I’ve tested a bunch of these and have recommendations for the best iPad cases.
These protect your computer from life’s little mishaps. But you can also get an iPad case with a built-in keyboard and trackpad to upgrade your table to a ultralight laptop.
★★★★★
The OtterBox Statement Series Studio case for iPad Pro or iPad Air finds a brilliant balance of protection and portability. It’s slim and relatively lightweight, but wraps completely around the tablet to save it from disaster. And there’s a built-in adjustable kickstand and Apple Pencil holder, too.
I tested it with my M4 iPad Pro, and haven’t found a wraparound folio case I like better. Here’s why:
Any case can protect your iPad, and the right one can also make it look handsome. The Woolnut Leather Sleeve has a minimalist vibe, but the pebbled leather gives a very sophisticated appearance to the iPad Pro.
I wrapped several of my Apple tablets in the case over years, I can share what’s it’s really like to use.
The latest Woot! Apple Computers and Accessories sale nears its end — Friday at 10 p.m. Pacific. So act fast if you want to get great deals on Apple computers and accessories. The gear is mainly from yesteryear (Intel-based iMacs and Mac mini plus iPad cases and folios for older tablets).
And in a second accessories sale ending Monday, the Amazon bargain site offers a bigger variety of iPad cases and folios.
“iMacs: the preferred multimedia work station of iCarly,” Woot! says of the main sale. And on the iPad cases page: “Buy what your dad will inevitably call a “doo-dad” or “thing-a-ma-jig” or “damnit-I-just-had-it-somewhere.”
★★☆☆☆
Zagg offers an array of excellent accessories for Apple devices. Its Denali case for the latest iPad Pro models is not one of them. The case protects the tablet from drops of 6.5 feet and includes a snap-on screen protector and kickstand, but a couple of significant design problems make this a product to walk away from.
I (unfortunately) tested the Denali with my 13-inch iPad Pro so I’m well familiar with its issues.
★★★☆☆
The Zagg Crystal Palace solves a vexing problem for iPad users: you want to show off your gorgeous iPad but you need to protect it too. That’s why most of this folio case is transparent. Nevertheless, it provides 6.5 feet of drop protection.
It also acts as a stand, and there’s a useful Apple Pencil holder.
Zagg’s case offers plenty of great features, but an unfortunate design flaw in the cover flap makes it hard for me to recommend this product.
★★★★☆
ESR’s Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case 360 includes a protective case for an iPad as well as a keyboard and trackpad. It offers typing with the tablet in portrait or landscape, a trick Apple’s own case/keyboard can’t match. You also can use the case when you leave the keyboard behind.
I tested it with my 13-inch iPad Pro. Here are my hands-on impressions.
★★★★☆
Mageasy Lift Standing & Folding Folio iPad Case folds into a stand that raises your tablet screen up closer to eye level. It’s a trick that really helps it stand out from the competition (see what I did there?).
It can also be folded into other shapes to provide a range of viewing angles. And when on the go, the case wraps completely around the iPad to protect it.
I tested the Lift with my 2024 iPad Pro.
The new Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro fuses stylish design and tough protection for your tablet, the company said Wednesday. And what’s more, you can use it more like a desktop computer or laptop with a highly functional magnetic case like this one.
★★★★★
An iPad is practically a work of art — don’t put it in a cheap plastic case. Wrap your iPad in English Bridle Leather with the latest handcrafted product from DodoCase.
It’s a carrying case, and folds into a stand when you’re ready to work. And there’s an Apple Pencil holder, too.
I’ve been testing one with my M4 iPad Pro, and I’m quite taken with the look. And the design, too.
★★★★☆
Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 case both protects your iPad when you’re carrying it around and offers an origami kickstand when it’s time to use the tablet. It can be configured to hold the tablet at a variety of angles, in both portrait and landscape modes. Plus there’s a strap to hold an Apple Pencil in place.
I tested the version with my new M4 iPad Pro, and I like the sleek, lightweight design. Read on for more of my thoughts on this case.
iPads are great for many things, but there’s one obvious drawback to using a tablet — the lack of a keyboard for typing out notes and performing similar tasks. Fortunately, if you need an iPad 10 accessory to maximize productivity, we’ve get one in this Apple Magic Keyboard Folio sale.
Apple’s outstanding iPad keyboard is perfect as a treat for yourself, but it’s not cheap. It retails for $249. But Cult of Mac Deals customers don’t need to pay full price to get the ultimate iPad 10 accessory. This open-box Magic Keyboard Folio for the 10th-gen iPad is on sale for only $94.97 with free shipping.
The new Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 serves as a case and holds the recently released M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air in landscape and portrait orientations as a stand, the company said Wednesday. It provides an option for new tablet owners in search of an affordable case and stand.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2, the ultimate accessory for the new iPad Pro,” said Pitaka CEO James Zheng. “Designed with the modern professional in mind, this folio combines sleek design, premium materials, and innovative features to elevate the iPad Pro experience.”
Rumors say a new 12.9-inch iPad Air will come out soon. And ESR is banking on it early with the release of its new range of cases for the expected tablet — the first time Apple would offer that size outside of its iPad Pro lineup.
It’s wonderful how slim and light iPads are, including the capable 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.9-inch iPad Air. But while it may be tempting to carry yours around without any sort of case, it’s risky.
So you might consider a slim and lightweight case and stand that protects your tablet and adds a splash of color — like the Laut Huex Folio Case with Pencil Holder. You can get one at a good price in the Cult of Mac Store.
The prize in this week’s giveaway is every iPad owner’s dream: an iPad case from Zugu with a built-in Apple Pencil holder. We teamed up with Zugu to give five lucky winners the chance to win one of these fantastic iPad cases.
Zugu’s cases start at $49.99, fit a wide array of iPads, and come in nine different colors. So if you win, you will be spoiled for choice.
This week, Cult of Mac is giving away four Origami Protective Cases for iPad from SwitchEasy. This versatile iPad case folds in four different ways to make it easy to type, read or browse your iPad.
If you want a protective case that is also useful for relaxation or work, be sure to enter this giveaway.
Hallowe’en is right around the corner, and to celebrate Casetify launched a collection of iPhone cases
featuring Disney villains. And there are accessories for AirPods and Apple Watch, too.
More of a Rick and Morty fan? Casetify has an array of iPhone, MacBook, etc. options for you, too.
Amazon is currently offering great discounts on Magic Keyboards for iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch models) and 10.9-inch iPad Air.
While there are many alternative keyboards and cases for iPad models out there, the time to pay Apple prices is now, when Apple prices are slashed!
Attention iPad owners: This is your last day to slash 30% off a fantastic variety of iPad cases in the Cult of Mac Store.
SwitchEasy’s sleek and protective cases cover any iPad you might own. See key highlights below and check out the SwitchEasy Flash Sale, which ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on July 13.
The SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case folds into three different styles of iPad stand, giving you a range of options for typing, reading and browsing.
I tested this clever folio case with my own iPad. There’s plenty to like here. (Update: The case is currently on sale at 30% off in the Cult of Mac Store.)
★★★★☆
iPad cases that act as stands to prop up the tablet’s screen are old news. But the Moft Snap Float Folio takes the concept to a new level… literally. It can be folded to raise the iPad up to 3.8 inches so it’s easier to see. If that’s not enough, the case/stand also folds into multiple other configurations to allow the iPad to be used in different ways.
The product first launched in 2022, then recently updated it with stronger magnets for a better hold on the tablet. It’s also a bit more robust.
I wrapped my iPad Pro in the Moft’s new-and-improved case to see how easy it is to use, and how stable when used as a stand. I came away impressed.
★★★★☆
With the Pitaka MagEZ Case Pro, you can stop plugging in a charging cable. Put the tablet in this slim, lightweight case then pop on a charging mat when it’s time to juice up the tablet.
Combine it with the MagEZ Charging Stand and you have a desktop setup without the hassle of wires for the iPad Pro and an iPhone or AirPods.
I tested both accessories in my home office. There’s a lot to like here.
The ESR Shift Magnetic Case sets itself apart from the competition with a removable cover/stand that allows the tablet to be used in landscape or portrait mode. Even better, the tablet can slide up in the stand to be closer to eye level.
It’s available now for the 11-inch iPad Pro.
If you’ve got one of Apple’s wonderful iPads, you need a case to keep it safe. And the cool thing about iPad cases and folios is that they often serve as both protective cases as well as stands. Some even store your Apple Pencil.
And right now you can take 20% off every SwitchEasy iPad case in the Cult of Mac Store. That gives you a choice of 12 different products and a savings of up to $10 each. The sale goes through Thursday, March 2.