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.
If you need a rugged, yet stylish case, this option is one of the toughest models available.
Especially durable. Fairly priced. Slim profile. Magnetic closure activates sleep mode and wakes iPad. Grippy rubberized feet. Built-in viewing stand. Black front and clear back.
Does not accommodate an Apple Pencil.
This option's versatile design makes it a top option for getting work done on the go.
Fairly priced. Ergonomic keyboard. Highly adjustable kickstand. Secure magnetic connection. Effectively shields against bumps and drops. Includes trackpad. Backlit keys.
Lacks a USB-C passthrough port.
Users searching for a stylish case to protect against bumps and drops should consider this option.
Lightweight. Slim profile. Integrated stand. Secure magnetic closure. Starts sleep mode when closed. Activates when opened. Optimized for screen protection. Available in a rainbow of colors.
Not the most heavy-duty iPad Pro case available.
This model is a budget-friendly case for anyone who needs a sleek and comfortable keyboard.
Inexpensive. Available in many languages. Built-in kickstand. Features 2 viewing angles. Especially slim profile. Lightweight. Ergonomic keyboard. Secure magnetic connection.
Lacks a touchpad.
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
When Apple first announced the iPad Pro, it managed to change the tablet game yet again, with a CPU under the hood that could power a laptop, an incredible custom stylus, and an expanded screen, it was instantly a best-in-class device. Despite being one of the most expensive tablets around, professionals and power users continue to love it, and most agree that it definitely earns its “pro” moniker.
Naturally, if you’re an iPad Pro owner, you’re going to want to protect your investment, and that means buying the right case. Narrow your search options by identifying the features you need and then look for the models that offer the best bang for you buck.
There are literally hundreds of different iPad Pro cases to choose from, so it’s easy to go a little nuts trying to tell them apart. Before you get lost in a sea of search results, ask yourself these questions. They will help you get to the right case more quickly.
The largest iPad Pro has been 12.9 inches from day one, but there have been different variants of the smaller version, ranging from 9.7 to 11 inches. It’s most important to get the right size case for your iPad Pro, so make sure to filter out any options that don’t match yours.
If you expect to be doing a lot of typing on your iPad Pro, it’s probably a good idea to get a case that has a built-in keyboard. While you can always buy an external Bluetooth keyboard, that’s another accessory to carry around, so buying a case with a keyboard can be a great way of consolidating. Just keep in mind that these cases are a little pricier.
Some iPad Pro cases are made of ultra-thin silicone and don’t provide much protection at all, while others are made of thick, durable plastic made to survive intense abuse. Take a moment to think about just how much protection you want. If you just need to keep your iPad Pro safe while you travel, you can get a thinner case, but if you’re going to be sharing your iPad Pro with others or letting small children use it, it’s probably a good idea to buy an ultra-rugged case.
Most iPad Pro cases differentiate themselves based on looks, but there are definitely a few features that make some models worth more than others. Here are the features we consider necessities:
Cases for the iPad Pro are made of everything from silicone to high-end leather, so you’ll have a lot of choices when it comes to your case’s looks. Premium finishes can get expensive, so be sure to pick a case that matches both your style and your budget.
If you enjoy streaming media on your iPad, or if you just need to be able to stand it up to keep it visible on a desk, a kickstand is essential.
If you’ve got an Apple Pencil, you’ll always want to keep it near your iPad Pro, so get a case that has built-in storage for it. The second-generation Apple Pencil can magnetically charge when attached to an iPad Pro, so if you’ve got one, find a case that allows it to charge in the case.
Between $20 and $50 you’ll find basic iPad Pro cases. Cases in this range are perfectly adequate and often even support the iPad Pro’s smart functionality. If you just need a case to keep your screen safe and protect your iPad Pro from dust, you don’t need to spend more than this.
Between $50 and $100, you’ll start to see iPad Pro cases with Bluetooth keyboards, rugged outer shells, or exteriors made from premium materials. If you want a case with a built-in keyboard, or if your iPad Pro is likely to get banged up, you’ll need to invest a little more in a case, but it will be worth it.
For between $100 and $300, you can get a designer iPad Pro case, just know that in most cases the extra money is buying you the designer name and that’s about it. If your iPad Pro case needs to match the rest of your designer gear, you’ll need to spend quite a bit. Otherwise, it’s hard to recommend spending this much.
A. It’s typically a matter of preference, but in most cases, no. Screen protectors are clear pieces of glass or plastic that many users put on their tablet screen to protect it from unwanted dings and other accidental damage. Screen protectors are great if the screen is exposed a lot, like on a smartphone, but most iPad Pro cases cover the screen already. If your iPad Pro is going to be in situations where it could get damaged, or if you simply want to protect your investment, a screen protector can be a good idea. But if you’re mostly going to keep your iPad Pro in its case, it might be overkill.
A. The iPad Pro works with smart cases, which are cases that can automatically turn the screen on and off when you open or close them. While it might not like sound like a big deal, it’s actually an incredible convenience. With a smart case, you don’t ever have to worry about leaving a movie playing on your iPad or even touching the Wake button.
A. For cosmetic reasons. Apple has a lot of brand loyalists, and many want to show off the logo. The logo itself is also a mirrored surface, and while it’s not exactly like having a mirror, it can be fun for reflecting light.
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