When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.
Logitech
Cases for iPads not only offer protection, but many also offer a way to prop up your iPad for hands-free use, like watching videos.
Some cases can also turn your iPad into a capable, compact productivity machine by including a keyboard and trackpad in an all-in-one package. That’s way more useful than tugging along a wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches tech products.
Here are the best iPad cases of 2022:
Best iPad case overall: ESR Cases, from $29.99 at ESR
ESR’s lineup of iPad cases offer a variety of styles, colors, and protection at affordable prices.
Best iPad cases from Apple: Magic Keyboard Case, $299 at Apple
Apple’s own cases emphasize style and function, but often fall short on protection.
Best iPad keyboard case: Logitech Combo Touch, $160.99 at Amazon
The Logitech Combo Touch offers full tablet protection, backlit keys, a great typing experience, and is more affordable than Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
Best iPad case for protection: OtterBox cases, from $49.95 at OtterBox
OtterBox cases offer a huge amount of protection without adding too much bulk.
Best iPad case for watching video: Zugu cases, from $69.99 at Zugu
Zugu cases feature great all-around protection and come with a magnetic kickstand that offers eight different viewing angles.
Best overall iPad cases
ESR
ESR’s lineup of iPad cases offer a variety of styles, colors, and protection at affordable prices.
ESR offers something for everyone when it comes to iPad cases, whether it’s extra protection to go along with your Apple Smart Cover, full coverage, kickstand options, or a case with a built-in Apple Pencil holder. Few case makers have this many options for price and protection.
The majority of ESR’s cases are made with TPU — a type of polyurethane plastic which provides a thin layer of rubber-like protection. This is normally enough to protect against bumps, scratches, and scrapes, but probably wouldn’t do so well in a bigger drop.
The more rugged cases are made from even tougher plastic, which should do a better job at keeping your iPad safe from unfortunate mishaps.
ESR cases might not be the fanciest or the most protective on the market, but they are well-made and offer a great deal of value for those looking to find the perfect case for their new iPad. The company also has options for iPads from 2018.
Worth a look:
Best iPad cases from Apple
Apple
Apple’s own cases emphasize style and function, but often fall short on protection.
Apple products usually come at a premium, and that’s no different with its iPad cases. Apple’s cases are expensive, but also sleek and functional. The $49 Smart Cover is a thin piece of polyurethane that protects the device’s display and connects magnetically to the iPad. It comes in a variety of colors and can be folded into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, and drawing. The design is simple and effective, but leaves the back and sides of the iPad unprotected.
The $49 Smart Cover is a thin piece of polyurethane that protects the device’s display and connects magnetically to the iPad. It comes in a variety of colors and can be folded into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, and drawing. The design is simple and effective, but leaves the back and sides of the iPad unprotected.
Those looking for all-around protection may want to consider the Smart Folio, which is similar in appearance to the Smart cover, but is made from a single piece of polyurethane that protects both the front and back of the iPad. The Smart Folio starts at $79, and is light, sleek, and perfect for those looking for an attractive case to protect against scrapes and bumps.
Apple products usually come at a premium, and that’s no different with its iPad cases. They are, however, ultra-premium, sleek, and functional.
Unfortunately, none of Apple’s own cases for iPads are very protective. While they usually cover the screen and the back, they often leave the iPad’s edges unprotected. If you want better protection, you’ll do better by looking elsewhere.
The $49 Smart Cover is a thin piece of polyurethane that protects the device’s display and connects magnetically to the iPad’s left edge. It can be folded into a triangle shape to create a stand for reading, viewing, and drawing. The design is simple and effective, but leaves the back and sides of the iPad unprotected.
The Smart Folio for the iPad Air and iPad Pro series is similar in appearance to the Smart cover, but is made from a single piece of polyurethane that protects both the front and back of the iPad. The Smart Folio starts at $79, and is light, sleek, and perfect for those looking for an attractive case to protect against scrapes.
Apple’s most impressive case is the $299 Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and iPad Air. This keyboard case and trackpad combination transforms the iPad into a viable laptop replacement. The case uses a clever magnetic design to create a one-piece stand and keyboard that is both thin and highly functional.
The Magic Keyboard lacks protection on the sides of the iPad. (An iPad of ours suffered a crack in the screen when it fell inside the previous generation Magic Keyboard case). There are other worthy keyboard cases on the market that address this problem, but few are as well-made as the Magic Keyboard.
Worth a look:
Best iPad keyboard case
Logitech
The Logitech Combo Touch offers full tablet protection, backlit keys, a great typing experience, and is more affordable than Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
The Logitech Combo Touch features two parts: a protective back case and a removable keyboard and trackpad that connects via the smart connector while doubling as a front cover. The back case folds out into a kickstand with plenty of viewing and writing angles. A magnet holds the kickstand shut when it’s not in use.
This keyboard case adds heft to the iPad, but it is a small price to pay for such a versatile case.
We find the keyboard to be a perfect size for small hands, but those with larger hands might think it’s a bit cramped. We wish the trackpad was slightly larger, but we find it perfectly usable at its current size.
The gestures on the trackpad work well, and we have no problem zipping around our iPad without ever touching the display. The addition of backlighting on the keyboard makes this case a great nighttime companion, as we can clearly see the keys in the dark.
The type cover is easy to pull on and off, which helps to make the Logitech Combo Touch great for typing, reading, drawing, and viewing. It comes in either Oxford Gray or Sand.
Worth a look:
Best iPad case for protection
Otterbox
OtterBox cases offer a huge amount of protection without adding too much bulk.
OtterBox, known for its protective cases, makes traditional iPad folio cases, like the Symmetry Series and the Symmetry Series 360, but it’s the Defender Series Pro that really stands out.
The Defender Series Pro offers the most over-the-top protection that we’ve ever seen in an iPad case. It features three layers: an inner thin plastic covering over the front and back of the iPad, followed by a rubber slipcover, topped off by a hard plastic back that acts as a stand and display protector.
We needed a video tutorial to figure out how to install and remove the case. But our iPad seemed invincible once it was inside. It’s hard to guarantee that the Defender Series Pro will protect your iPad in every situation, but our iPad did survive a 4-foot drop from our bed to the floor without a scratch.
Our biggest concern with the Defender Series Pro lies in its clunky kickstand. The iPad rests awkwardly between the raised corners of the outer case and raised middle hinge — leaving the tablet less secure than we would want.
The Defender Series Pro only comes in black and certainly isn’t the most fashionable case, but it makes up for that in protection.
Worth a look:
Best iPad case for watching video
Zugu
Zugu cases feature great all-around protection and come with a magnetic kickstand that offers eight different viewing angles.
Zugu cases have some of the best viewing angles on the market.
The Zugu Muse Case is made out of a thick layer of TPU plastic surrounded by a polycarbonate shell for enhanced drop protection. It features raised edges, a grooved folio cover, and a microfiber lining. There’s a collapsible kickstand on the back of the case that magnetically connects to the grooves on the cover, creating eight viewing angles for reading, watching, and typing.
Other case manufactures have emulated Zugu’s design, but the strength of the magnets makes this case stand out. No matter what surface we put it on, the Zugu case stays locked into the correct viewing angle. It performs equally as well on a lumpy bean bag chair as it does on a hard table. We can even lightly shake the iPad without detaching the kickstand.
The Zugu is also incredibly durable. We’ve used it every day for three years and have yet to see any wear and tear. It has been dropped, jostled, shoved into packed bags, and covered in pet hair, but it still works as well now as it did when we got it. We’ve also streamed thousands of hours of content while using this case and have always found just the right angle for every viewing position.
The only downside to the Zugu is that it adds some bulk to our iPad. Despite the fact that it comes in up to five different colors, it’s not the best-looking case you’ll find.
Worth a look:
How we test and research iPad cases
We tested iPad cases on a variety of criteria to find our best picks. The quality and durability of the cases were judged based on the following factors:
- The build quality of the materials used in the case
- How easy it is to put on and remove the case
- How easy it is to clean the case
- How well the case withstands jostling in a packed bag
To test durability, we placed each case in a bag filled with books, notebooks, and accessories. We then walked approximately five blocks with the bag, before removing the iPad and checking for scratches, dents, or marks on the case or the device itself.
We also dropped each case approximately 4-feet from a bed onto a carpeted floor and inspected the case and iPad for damage.
Additionally, we evaluated keyboard cases by the accuracy of the trackpad and comfort of the typing experience.
Life can get messy – which is why we wanted to test how easy it is to clean the cases. To do this, we enlisted the help of our enthusiastic long-haired dog, Toby. We used the cases to gently pet his fur, then attempted to remove any accumulation from the case following manufacturing guidelines.
What to consider when buying an iPad case
Compatibility
The most important aspect of buying an iPad case is making sure that it fits the specific iPad model that you own, taking note of its generation number or the year it was released. It might be tempting to hang on to the old case for your previous iPad when buying a newer model, but their dimensions might be different.
Apple currently sells five different iPad models:
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 11- inch iPad Pro
- 8.3-inch iPad Mini (2021)
- 10.9-inch iPad Air (5th generation)
- 10.2-inch iPad (9th generation)
If you’re not sure which model you own, open your iPad’s settings menu and tap “General.” Choose “About” and look at the field that says “Model Name.”
Features
The next question you’ll want to ask yourself is how you intend to use your case. Do you want a sleeve that’s as slim as possible just for keeping your iPad safe from scratches? Or do you often find yourself propping up your iPad while watching movies and cooking? If so, you’ll probably want an iPad case with an integrated kickstand. And then, of course, there are keyboard cases designed for those who take notes on their iPad. Think carefully about the scenarios in which you use your iPad the most before buying a case.
Budget
Aside from buying the right case for the iPad model you own, budget is the most critical factor to consider. Basic cases can cost $15 or less, while more sophisticated cases like those with keyboards, kickstands, and extra durable designs can cost $70 or more. There are also plenty of in-between options in the $30-$50 range that offer standard protection. The best keyboard cases, however, will usually cost more than $100.
Read the original article on Business Insider 
