Best iPad Case 2024 - IGN (2024)

Grab a solid case to keep your pricey iPad safe, like our favorite, the Apple Smart Cover, and we’ve found plenty of others, from rugged options to elegant, leather-clad covers. Jump to a detailed look at the best iPad cases, or check the list below.

TL;DR – These are the Best iPad Cases:

• Apple Smart Cover
• JETech Case
• TiMOVO Case
• Casemade Real Leather Case
• ProCase iPad 10.2 Case
• Otterbox Defender Series iPad Case
• Logitech Folio Touch
• Zagg Orlando
• Griffin Survivor Air Strap 360
• Catalyst Waterproof Case

The best iPads will last a long time and won’t feel old nearly as quickly as the best iPhones or Android phones, so investing in a solid case is essential. Fortunately, the immense popularity of the tablet means there are a myriad of ways to protect your 9th Generation 10.2-inch iPad.

Best iPad Cases

1. Apple Smart Cover

Best iPad Case

Do you live and breathe Apple? Then you probably want to grab the screen cover that they designed specifically for the iPad. This adds a bit of protection to the device without totally hiding the elegant build that deserves to be shown off. After all, a dent or scratch on the back of the iPad may not be the end of the world, but a crack or chip in the front glass could spell the end of it — or a very costly repair.

The Apple Smart Cover provides an effective defense for the iPad’s screen. The polyurethane cover snaps easily on or off magnetically, but don't worry, it stays securely in place when you want it to. You even get a smart wake and sleep feature, so your display automatically comes on when opening the cover and goes off when closing it. The segmented design also allows the cover to roll up into different positions, becoming a stand for the iPad to do things like stream shows, read, or type.

2. JETech Case

Best Budget iPad Case

If you want a simple case that will keep your tablet safe at an affordable price, the JETech case is that. Combining a hard polycarbonate with soft polyurethane, it holds up great over time while also absorbing shock. You get complete protection for your iPad, as this case not only wraps around the sides and back of the device but also includes a display cover to protect your screen from scratches when you're not using it. Of course, you’ll still get access to all the essential ports and buttons even with the case on.

The JETech case's handy front cover serves several other purposes. First, it’s an automatic toggle for your display to go to sleep when it's closed and wake up when it's open. Even better, that same front cover is tri-foldable and acts as a stand — making it perfect for watching shows or typing using a separate keyboard. The case as a whole checks all the boxes but goes a little further by costing under $15 and coming in a wide variety of color options.

3. TiMOVO Case

Best Clear iPad Case

You don't have to lose the satisfaction of your iPad's stylish design when you get a case. A clear case lets the original colors and style shine through while keeping the expensive cargo inside in pristine condition. The TiMOVO case features a translucent back, so your iPad still gets to show off without the risk of scratches or dents. That backshell is thin and lightweight, eliminating the worry about it adding too much extra bulk. You also get a functional front cover for added protection.

The TiMOVO case’s cover comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches the color of your iPad or go for something that complements it. That folio cover not only keeps the display of your iPad safe but also provides more ways to use the device. A segmented design allows the cover to fold up into a stable triangle. It can, therefore, double as a stand to rest your iPad in a low position for convenient typing or at a raised angle for comfortable viewing. Opening and closing the cover will also wake up the iPad or put it to sleep.

4. Casemade Real Leather Case

Best iPad Case for Business

Most iPad cases get the job done, but few of them do it while using premium materials to add some serious style points to your gear. By contrast, Casemade's real leather case wraps your iPad up in black or tan Italian cowhide leather, so it'll look as classy at work as a new suit.

This case offers all-around protection, as it surrounds the front, back, and sides of the iPad. The softer leather on the outside provides some extra cushion in case of a fall, while the hard polycarbonate inside holds your iPad in place. However, you still get access to all of the device's buttons and ports as well as a cutout for the camera. Extra functionality is added thanks to the folio cover that can fold back to serve as a stand, holding the iPad up at one of two different angles for more convenient typing or easier viewing. The cover also lets your iPad display automatically know when to wake up or go to sleep.

5. ProCase iPad 10.2 Case

Best Thin iPad Case

Your iPad is plenty thin, so why make it thick and bulky with a case? If you just want some basic all-around protection while staying lean, grab the ProCase iPad 10.2 Case. On offer is a hard shell that surrounds the chassis of your iPad and a slim folio cover that protects your screen when you're on the move. At just five ounces, you're not going to be adding much weight to your iPad either.

The ProCase totes a few more convenient features. The folio cover doubles as a stand for your iPad, and magnetic closing allows for the device to sleep when closed and wake when the cover is open. A matte exterior on the case prevents fingerprints, and antislip technology should keep the case from falling out of your hands or off a table. Plus, it is super cheap and comes in a ton of different colors, so you can find one that suits you.

6. OtterBox Defender Series iPad Case

Best Rugged iPad Case

Some people are prone to putting their devices in harm's way, whether you’ve got butterfingers or are on the move with your iPad more often. If that’s you, a case that can withstand a bit more abuse while keeping your iPad safe is probably a good choice. The OtterBox Defender Series continues to deliver the ultimate device protection, and it’s a part of the same family of cases that have protected phones and tablets alike for years.

With the OtterBox Defender, your iPad is housed in a combination of hard polycarbonate and soft, shock-absorbing rubber. This case includes a screen cover that doubles as a stand and holds onto an Apple Pencil. There are even port covers to prevent dust and debris from getting in when the device isn't plugged in. The only real downfall is the case is a bit clunky, but if you're looking for the best option to protect your iPad from all the bumps and bruises you might throw at it, OtterBox is always a good way to go.

7. Logitech Folio Touch

Best Keyboard iPad Case

If you’re interested in a case that can do a whole lot more than protect your iPad, the Logitech Folio Touch case for the iPad not only covers it but also effectively turns the tablet into a laptop. This case slaps on both a backlit QWERTY keyboard cover, so you can type with ease, and a trackpad for easier text selection — no more fingers getting in the way of you seeing what you’re selecting. Pairing is also simple, as the keyboard and trackpad just click in and are powered by the iPad.

The Logitech Folio Touch case covers your iPad on all sides to prevent scratches, and its kickstand lets your hands take a break when you just want to watch something or get it in an easy-to-view position for typing. The case also folds over into a more tent-like mode if space is tight or sits low for easy stylus use. In fact, there’s even a special slot you can slide your Apple Pencil into to keep it close and let it charge.

8. Zagg Orlando

Best iPad Case for Kids

The last thing you want to do is give your kids an iPad without a heavy-duty case to keep it safe from inevitable accidents. Zagg is behind some of the best cases you can find for smartphones and tablets, and with the Zagg Orlando, the company has taken a stab at a kid-ready case for the iPad. The Zagg Orlando puts your 10.2-inch iPad into a tank-like case that’s thick, soft, and lightweight. The built-in handles help kids keep a firm hold on the case, but it can hold up against drops if they have the occasional slipup.

The Zagg Orlando is built tough. A special foam geared to protect the tablet from falls up to 6.5 feet is included, so unless you’ve got a second-floor landing, your child will probably have a hard time finding a way to drop an iPad from that height. Despite the thick design, you still get access to the iPad’s ports and buttons, there’s a hole for the camera, and audio comes through from all the speakers. The case’s adjustable arms don’t just serve as grips, either, they also work as a stand to hold the tablet up in a hands-free mode or attach to a car seat headrest. Zagg even took into account that kids’ hands can get a bit grimy, so the case has an antimicrobial coating to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and prevent degradation from microorganisms.

9. Griffin Survivor Air Strap 360

Best Handheld iPad Case

Do you use a Popsocket on your iPhone? If so, maybe it's been bumming you out that you can’t quite use the same small grip on the much larger and heavier iPad. Luckily, the Griffin Survivor Air Strap 360 has you covered. This case adds a strap to the back, which you just slide your hand through to easily hold your iPad up — no more weary gripping muscles or sore pinky fingers. The strap even spins 360 degrees, so you can have your iPad in whatever orientation you want. It's not only easier to hold but also harder to drop thanks to the strap.

The Griffin Survivor Air Strap 360 does the whole 'protecting your iPad by putting it in a slim shell' thing that most other iPad cases do. It’s made using durable materials, and the neoprene strap should hold up great over time. The case also totes raised, contoured edges to protect the iPad screen from direct surface contact and make it easier to grip, too.

10. Catalyst Waterproof Case

Best Underwater iPad Case

If you want to have your iPad protected and basically never have to worry about it, then the Catalyst Waterproof Case is probably for you. While no case can make your iPad truly impervious, this one goes a long way toward that goal. You get a thick case to protect all sides of your device, and it’s designed to stand up to drops from four feet and boasts IP68 protection. That means the device can hold up to dunks in water up to 6.6 feet deep, so if you’re looking to get some work done poolside, this is the case for you.

There are a few other extra features on the Catalyst Waterproof Case, including multiple lanyard attachment points and an adjustable stand for hands-free viewing. If you’re feeling brave, you can even take your iPad underwater for some cool shots. Best of all, you don't have to fuss with removing the case every time you want to charge your iPad, as there's a handy charging port that easily opens and closes as needed.

What to look for in an iPad case

When purchasing an iPad case, the number one feature you should be looking for is protection. How much protection you need depends on how you plan to use the case. If you’re just going to leave your tablet at home most of the time and occasionally plop it in your bag to take on the go, you can get by with a screen cover or a more basic case with a thin, plastic shell and cover.

However, when you want to take the device with you everywhere, or you bought the tablet for a child, it’s a good idea to grab something more rugged and durable featuring materials like rubber and polycarbonate. Maybe you want to do some work or reading by the pool or at the beach? There are even waterproof cases to ensure your iPad stays safe from splashes and occasional dips in shallow water.

After you determine the type of protection you need, functionality is an important consideration. There isn’t much to most iPad cases, but some add quality-of-life features like a built-in stand, handle, or keyboard. These stands often come in the form of a folio cover that folds over, letting you prop the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode, making it great for watching shows and movies. You can also find more robust stands on cases, but they will be pricier and bulkier.

Though the pool is small, there are cases with handles and grips, making it easier to hold onto the iPad. Some case options offer large straps to slide your hand into, ensuring the device stays securely in your hand, while others have indents or molded areas of the case for you to grasp. Finally, adding a keyboard case to your iPad gives it functionality like a 2-in-1 laptop, so you can more efficiently type. Just be prepared for the keyboard to be more cramped than your typical one. If you don’t want the keyboard to be a part of the case, you can always grab a great travel keyboard.

If you’re going to have a case on your iPad 24/7, of course, you want it to suit your taste. Luckily, there are an endless variety of cases that come with different looks and colors, so you’re bound to find one to match your style. You can even find leather cases for a classier vibe or clear options to let your iPad’s design shine through.

Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam.