The Best iPad Cases and Covers | iPad (2018) or iPad (2017)

If you want to spice up the familiar look and add some personality to Apple’s minimalist iPad design, or you just want to ensure your iPad is safe during travel, all it takes is the right case. That’s true even if you one of those people who eschew cases and covers for their mobile devices, depending instead on their iron grip and epic concentration to keep their delicate smartphone or tablet safely in hand.

The Apple iPad (2018) is an outstanding tablet with an affordable price tag, including a vibrant 9.7-inch screen, speedy performance, and loads of stamina. This iPad is physically identical to its predecessor, the iPad (2017), so the same cases will fit both tablets. Its large size, volume of glass, and the need to protect it even while viewing makes strategizing around the proper case for your individual use style even more critical and below are the best iPad cases available.

If you’re not keen on the touchscreen for typing, we also have a list of the best iPad keyboards, and if you’re using Apple’s latest smartphones, check out the best iPhone 11 Pro cases, the best iPhone 11 Pro Max cases, or the best iPhone 11 cases.

Moko Case

There is no need to spend a lot for a decent iPad case. This simple offering combines a hard, clear, plastic shell case with accurate cutouts and a durable, polyurethane cover that comes in a wide range of colored and patterned finishes. The cover also features that typical three-fold design, enabling it to double up as a stand for propping your iPad at different angles. With a soft, microfiber lining inside, the cover also supports the automatic sleep/wake function.

Ztotop Case

Sleek, two-toned and businesslike, the Ztotop Case fits in anywhere from work to school to play. Its exterior is made of premium-grade synthetic leather and a soft microfiber interior lining resists dust and scratches. This cover pays attention to detail with a built-in leather hand strap, Apple pencil holder, and pocket organizer. The magnetic smart cover supports the iPad’s auto wake/sleep feature. Multiple slots let you set up various stand angles for movie watching or typing. It comes in a variety of colors and combinations.

Moshi VersaCover Origami Case

If adaptability is important to you, then take a look at Moshi’s folding VersaCover origami cover. With easy folds, you can set up your iPad in the perfect position to facilitate easy reading, browsing, or video watching in both portrait and landscape positions. Built-in magnets also support your iPad’s sleep/wake function, so you can be sure your iPad isn’t wasting battery displaying the screen while covered. A shock-absorbing frame holds your iPad tightly, taking care of any accidental abuse, and the case completely covers the display when not in use, shielding that vulnerable area from harm.

Kvago F8S Case

This keyboard case is designed to make your iPad look like a laptop, offering a premium style and feel and adjustable viewing angle from 0 to 135 degrees. The slim, light case houses a backlit keyboard that glows in seven colors with three brightness options for typing in low light. It adheres to the iPad’s auto sleep/wake convention with the proper device, port, button, and camera cutouts for easy access to all tablet features. The keyboard operates on its own power and is charged via a USB connection. The exterior comes in silver, gold, rose gold, and black.

Speck Case-E

If your kids have an iPad, or they borrow yours from time to time, then you’ll want to make sure it’s securely protected and Speck’s new Case-E is a fun way to do it. This thick foam cover will guard your iPad against damage for falls of up to six feet. It also features detachable arms that lend your iPad a little personality and double up as a handy way of attaching it to the back of a car seat or propping it up on a table. Speck uses EVA foam, so everything is soft and comfortable to hold. It comes in red/blue or gray/green color combinations.

Thankscase

This stylish and colorful iPad protective case rocks an all-in-one folder wallet pocket style that goes well with any activity. A built-in elastic hand strap gives you a fine grip on your tablet for safe transport and use while you’re on the go. It’s got a convenient 360-degree rotating swivel that allows you to position the tablet vertically and horizontally for reading or viewing. A magnetic strip provides sleep/wake functionality. It’s slim and light and comes in a large variety of gorgeous colors, textures, and patterns.

ToGeeKa Leather Stand Case Smart Cover

Stylish and sophisticated, but with a book-like appeal and low price, the ToGeeKa rocks a two-material exterior of canvas and soft faux leather. It provides full protection for your iPad’s delicate edges in case of accidental and routine bumps and drops. A microfiber interior prevents dust, dirt, and debris from marring the glass screen while precise cutouts allow full access to all tablet functions. The magnetic closure works with auto wake and sleep functions, while the three folds offer ideal angles for reading, typing, and viewing.

ProCase

If you’re looking for a minimalist design to make the beauty of your iPad shine through, the ProCase may be the right choice. It’s super slim and light with a hard back that provides substantial protection to your iPad’s body and glass. The back is frosted and translucent, allowing you to see the Apple logo glowing through a large variety of jeweled colors while protecting your device against fingerprints, dust, dirt, and scratches. The cover is designed to allow full access to all tablet features while a magnet secures the case closed with support for the sleep/wake feature.

Incipio Cool Blossom Design Series Folio

This eye-catching case is comprised of a hard shell with flowers in metallic foil and a folding cover that safeguards the screen. The cover also folds back and slots into the clasp securely to act as a sturdy stand with a couple of choices of positions. It’s a solid protective case that comes in Cool Blossom, Spring Floral, and Silver Sparkler patterns.

Zagg Rugged Messenger Case

A keyboard is always going to add some weight and bulk, and this one is heavy, but Zagg has developed a solution to this problem by allowing you to detach the iPad in its case from the keyboard portion. The Rugged Book has a full QWERTY keyboard with backlit keys, and you can customize the color. They are fairly well-spaced and quite comfortable to type on. The shell case that your iPad goes into combines a soft-padded interior with polycarbonate and steel to safeguard your tablet. It snaps in and out of the magnetic hinge pretty easily, so you can ditch the keyboard when you don’t need it. The outer finish is textured for extra grip and it has a rugged look. You can recharge via the Micro USB port, and Zagg claims up to two years of typing battery life. Since you can remove the iPad in its case, you can also insert it in the hinge the other way round, so it can act as a stand or conceal the keyboard.

Noreve Tradition B Case

This gorgeous leather case is available in real or synthetic leather with different textured finishes and in a wide range of colors. Handmade in France, it’s a stylish and practical option that opens to reveal a cover with several handy slots. The magnetic clasp closure keeps it securely closed when you’re on the move and can also hold your Apple Pencil. Open it up and there is a folding kickstand that enables you to prop the tablet up in landscape view. You will find generous cutouts for the ports, buttons, and other features, and there is a cutout on the back for the camera as well. It’s expensive, but the quality really shines through.

Griffin Survivor Journey Folio Case

Griffin’s recent offering is a versatile case with plenty to offer. The main shell is made of tough TPU, which will protect your tablet from falls of up to six feet. The inventive folio cover attaches via magnets, so it can be removed when you don’t need it. The cover also folds back and acts as a stand for typing and watching videos, and because of the built-in magnets, you can also stick your iPad to the fridge door. Plus, the gold, silver, and gray finishes are designed to match your iPad. Best of all, it’s also available for the iPad 2018 and 2017, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2.

New Trent Gladius Case

The obvious star of the show here is the 360-degree rotating leather hand strap, which makes holding your iPad a breeze. This rugged case also provides good drop protection. The hard-shell interior is surrounded by rubber and there’s a built-in screen protector. Underneath the strap, there’s a metal arm that can fold out to act as a sturdy stand. The cutouts are all accurate, providing easy access to the camera and Touch ID, and there are durable button covers for the controls. This protective case is available for the iPad 2018 and 2017, iPad Pro 9.7-inch, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2.

Twelve South BookBook Case

You can disguise your iPad as an old book with this stylish case from Twelve South. These genuine leather cases look just like vintage tomes. Each case is distressed to create an aged aesthetic that brings some unique character. Two zippers with leather tags allow you to securely close your iPad inside. Open the case, and you’ll find a leather frame to hold your iPad snug and secure, along with a dark, soft, suede interior that prevents scratches. The interior leather sleeve that holds your iPad can be partially detached via two stud closures, so you can prop the case open and use it as a stand in a viewing or typing position. Although there’s no camera cutout in the book, the leather sleeve has one, so you can pop the closures open and snap a shot without having to fully remove the iPad.

Brydge 9.7 Keyboard

Do you like the idea of transforming your iPad into a MacBook? Our main complaint with keyboard cases is the added bulk, but they also tend to be plastic, and they rarely match the style of the iPad. Brydge is a clever keyboard that circumvents the usual issues. It’s crafted from premium aluminum, colored to match your iPad finish, and bulk is minimized because your tablet slots into the minimal hinge mechanism, instead of a traditional case. The hinge can rotate 180 degrees, so you can find the right angle for you, and the island keys are well-spaced with good travel and backlighting. It hooks up via Bluetooth, and boasts up to 3 months use from a single charge, with a Micro USB port to recharge. It’s quite heavy, but that adds to the MacBook feel, and you know this is a solid, quality piece of kit.

Urban Armor Gear Folio Case

You can take your iPad anywhere in this case. It meets military drop-test standards 810G thanks to an impact-resistant core. The outer shell is finished is something UAG calls Frogskin which adds excellent grip and is water-resistant. The cover also automatically wakes and puts your iPad to sleep when opened and closed. It looks like a chunky industrial design, but the case is actually very light and you’ll find the cutouts are precise and there’s no glare when you use the camera. If the red is a bit much, you can get a plain black or cobalt blue version. You can also get this case for the iPad Air 2.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Case

This is a good choice if you want rugged protection, but your budget is limited. An inner layer of TPU absorbs shock impact from drops and bumps and then there’s hard polycarbonate around the outside to deflect scrapes. The frame and built-in screen protector ensure that your display stays in pristine condition. There are also port covers to prevent dust and debris from creeping in, and you will find a handy kickstand on the back to prop your iPad in landscape view. The plastic screen protector is the weak spot here, but overall this case provides a decent level of protection for a low price.

Vaja Libretto Leather Case

Looking for the ultimate in luxurious protection for your iPad? Then look no further than this case from Vaja. Every Vaja case is hand-crafted by a master artisan who focuses on one case at a time. iPads tend to last longer than your usual smart device, and thanks to the use of premium genuine leather, so will these cases, with Vaja claiming that every case will mature with age, like a leather jacket, or leather armchair. This case supports sleep/wake smart function, and comes with a media-viewing stand — and you have a choice of three types of leather and over 30 color options. The crafting process can take up to 20 days to complete, but if you want the very best, and don’t mind waiting, then Vaja’s iPad cases are perfect for you.

Devicewear Ridge Case

You’ll be pleased with the blend of functionality and style that Devicewear offers with the Ridge folio case. It’s crafted from vegan leather (fake leather), but it doesn’t feel or look cheap. There’s a soft micro-suede lining, it supports the automatic sleep/wake function, and has a magnetic closure. A hard shell protects your iPad, and a series of grooves support a wide variety of landscape positions when you fold the cover back. It’s sturdy, practical, and stylish, which makes it one of our favorite iPad cases.

Olixar Smart Stand Case

While we don’t recommend trying to save cash on protective accessories, Olixar‘s bargain smart folding stand case is definitely worth your attention. It’s a relatively simple case, and if you’ve seen Apple’s official cases then you’re dealing with something very similar here. When not in use, the case folds around the front of your iPad, protecting it from harm. Magnets built into the case will also power your screen off and keep it off, stopping any accidental movement from activating your tablet and wasting battery. When opened, those same magnets turn the screen back on, and the case can be folded around the back, out of the way, or used as a media-viewing stand. Simple, but effective.

Casemade Leather Folio

This classic folio case has a genuine leather exterior finished in black with red stitching or tan brown. It looks and feels luxurious, flipping open to reveal a soft suede interior. Your iPad snaps into the plastic shell, complete with cutouts for the controls, ports, speaker, and camera. The cover works with Apple’s sleep/wake function, so your iPad switches off automatically when it’s closed. You can also fold the cover back and there’s a loop to hold it securely in the stand position, which offers an ideal viewing or typing angle in landscape, depending on which way you prop it.

Dodocase Classic Case

Disguise your iPad as a book with a DodoCase. The Classic cases are handcrafted in San Francisco using Moroccan cloth and an eco-friendly bamboo tray. They are made using traditional bookbinding techniques, for a clever blend of old and new. There’s a built-in magnet for the auto sleep/wake function, the open case can fold to double up as a stand, and you can personalize each case with a monogram for an extra $10. The elastic closure completes the notebook illusion. If you prefer something a bit more colorful, custom cases start at $80.

STM Dux Case

This case offers a good level of protection for your iPad. The back is transparent, there’s a gray rubber frame, and a polyurethane cover that comes in red, blue, or black. The cover folds back to act as a stand, it has a magnetic tab closure that wraps around and also triggers the sleep/wake function, and it’s water-resistant. There’s plenty of room to access the ports through cutouts, but the buttons are covered for protection. You can also get this one for older iPad models.

OtterBox Defender Series Case

Trusty three-layer protection ensures that your iPad can take a tumble or a knock and keep right on going. This is a fairly chunky case, but it provides all-around protection, with a built-in screen protector and port covers. You might struggle with some cables, but there are accurate openings for the Touch ID, camera, and the Apple logo on the back. You also get a shield layer that clips over the front when you’re not using the iPad, and it doubles as a stand, so you can prop your iPad at a comfortable angle for watching movies or typing.

Belkin QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case

This keyboard case is perfect for typists who prefer physical keys to a touchscreen. It’s a lightweight aluminum design and it’s fairly slim, although the well-spaced keys do have a bit of depth for a good, responsive feel. The wonder of magnetism holds your iPad in a choice of three positions, and it turns itself off automatically to preserve power. No frivolous colors for Belkin, this case only comes in a serious black finish.

Looking for more fun you can have with your iPad? Check out our list of the must-have iPad apps.

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