The Magic Keyboard is an effective case, but its ergonomic keyboard is a must-have for staying productive with an iPad Air.
Full-size backlit keyboard. Includes multi-touch trackpad. Includes additional USB-C port. Durable. Case protects front and rear of iPad Air. Easy to adjust for the typist’s comfort.
Only available in black.
The sturdy OtterBox Defender is a must-have for iPad Air owners who absolutely need to protect their favorite featherweight tablet.
Incredibly durable. Integrated display protection. Designed with 2 protective shells. Protects ports from dust. Shields from drops and sudden jolts. Holds Apple Pencil.
This grippy case may hold an Apple Pencil a little too snuggly.
An extremely affordable iPad Air case that comes with excellent customer service from the company.
A slim, lightweight, and sturdy case made out of synthetic leather. Can use as a stand, and includes a magnetic closure that works with the iPad's sleep and wake feature. Company offers great customer service.
The plastic frame the iPad fits into can crack, but the company is happy to offer replacements.
This smart folio case with its built-in keyboard meshed seamlessly with the iPad in function and design in our user testing.
Built-in 64-key keyboard makes typing and key commands convenient and simple. Features slightly concave keys with acceptable travel for being integrated into a case cover. Draws all power via its connection to the iPad.
Doesn’t cover the edges of the iPad. A little pricey.
Offers a lot of protection without too much bulk and is less expensive than some other similar cases.
Includes a hard shell and a flexible outer case for extra protection. Offers excellent protection while still being reasonably lightweight and thin. Also includes a screen protector.
Can be hard to put on initially, and some reported issues with the screen protector not fitting correctly.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Updated July 2024
The iPad Air is a classic — it’s one of the most iconic iPads that Apple has ever made, thanks in no small part to it being light as a feather, fast as a laptop, and elegant to boot. In fact, the iPad Air has evolved over a few generations, making it one of the staples of the iPad lineup along with the iPad Mini, the iPad Pro, and the original iPad.
As unique as the iPad Air is, it’s got something in common with its brethren: every iPad needs a case. Cases are a must for iPads to keep them safe from accidental falls, but there’s more to it than that: many cases include extended functionality like a built-in Bluetooth keyboard or a kickstand to hold up the iPad Air hands-free.
Different cases are tailor-made for specific situations. For example, some include an extra-rugged shell for using your iPad outdoors. Other cases resemble traditional folios that are more suited for business users.
Before you start shopping for a case for your iPad Air, consider what kind of case will work best for you. Start by answering these questions.
The most important thing to know is which version of the iPad Air you have. The original iPad Air has a 9.7-inch screen; the iPad Air 2 has the same size screen but is significantly thinner; the most recent iPad Air has a 10.5-inch display. If you get a case for an iPad Air that’s different from the one you have, it won’t fit, so consider this the most crucial detail.
If you use your iPad Air on airplanes a lot or at night in bed, a case with a built-in stand is incredibly useful. Some are called kickstands, but they all do the same thing: prop up your iPad Air’s screen so you don’t have to.
If you’re looking to be as productive as possible with your iPad Air, it’s a good idea to get a case with a Bluetooth keyboard — that way you can always easily type in anything you need, no matter where you are. Cases with keyboards are definitely more expensive, and they require you to keep the keyboard’s battery charged, but they’re so useful that we think it’s a worthwhile trade-off.
What separates the great from the so-so iPad Air cases? For us, it comes down to a few key features.
The best iPad Air cases are made of materials that are both durable and elegant. For example, some cases are made of real wood or leather, which meets both qualifications, although it costs more. We don’t have anything against the dozens of silicone options available, but it’s hard to deny that better iPad Air cases are made from better materials.
Most iPad Air cases include some type of kickstand functionality, but some are more adjustable than others. If you’ll be using your iPad Air in situations where you expect to battle glaring lights to see the screen, get a case that has an adjustable stand so you’ve got the flexibility for any situation.
Apple has made no bones about the fact that they want iPads to blur the line between tablets and laptops, and a case with a Bluetooth keyboard goes a long way toward making that happen. If you’re serious about using your iPad Air as a device for consistent work that requires typing, get a case with a Bluetooth keyboard.
Some iPad Air cases come with an elastic band that holds the cover in place, while others use magnets to keep the cover from accidentally opening.
In this range, you’ll find the most straightforward cases that have roughly the same features: they’re made of silicone, are moderately durable, and include a kickstand. If you need a case for your iPad Air that will keep it safe and not add a lot of bulk, you don’t need to spend more than this.
Here is where things get a little more interesting. Many cases in this price range include keyboards or are made of premium materials. Many smaller companies offer handmade cases in this price range; some can even be engraved. If you’re looking for a case that’s more than a case or one that rises to Apple’s aesthetic standards, this is the price range to keep in mind.
Double-check compatibility. We can’t stress this enough: just because a case is labeled as being compatible with the iPad Air doesn’t mean it will work with your iPad Air. Determine if your iPad Air is an original-generation model (with a 9.7-inch screen), an iPad Air 2 (which is nearly the same size as the original but thinner), or a current-generation iPad Air (which has a 10.5-inch screen), and make sure the case you choose is explicitly compatible.
Wipe down your iPad Air before you put it in the case. It’s easy for dust and dirt to get trapped in your case, so do some preventative maintenance with a soft cloth before you set everything up.
A. Yes. Your iPad Air case can protect your screen when you’re not using it, but it doesn’t do much to curb screen scratches or fingerprint smudges while you’re using it. Screen protectors are more affordable than they’ve ever been, and more importantly, they help protect the resalability of your iPad Air for when you decide to upgrade.
A. Only if it’s a rugged case. Certain iPad Air cases are built to provide maximum protection, so they naturally add a lot bulk. If you’re getting a rugged case for a specific reason, the extra weight is usually worth the trade-off.
A. Yes. Some iPad Air cases are sealed so you can take them in the pool or to the beach — just know that in these cases, “waterproof” usually means they’ll survive getting dropped in the water but not much past that. If you get a waterproof iPad Air case, rest assured your iPad Air will be mostly safe so long as you don’t leave it underwater for prolonged periods of time.
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