Top 5 Cases For Apple iPad
Keep your iPad in style with a clear case that lets the beautiful design shine through. These cases are lightweight and offer light protection from scuffs, scratches, and fingerprints.
Look for a folio cover that folds into a stand with two different viewing angles. These covers typically have a magnetic closure and support Apple Pencil holder slots.
JETech Case
This tank-like case is a more affordable version of Apple’s own, and it should do a good job of protecting the iPad from drops. It uses a combination of hard polycarbonate and soft, shock-absorbing rubber for a rugged build that should withstand accidental bumps and bruises. It also features a cover that doubles as a stand and has port covers to keep dust and dirt out when the iPad isn’t in use. The case also has a built-in holder for the Apple Pencil, and it promises to be easy to install.
Many cases are designed to make it easier to hold and grip the iPad, so they feature a strap or have a handle that you can slide your hand through. Others offer a stand that allows you to prop the tablet up and watch movies or play games hands-free. They may also fold into a tent-like position if you want to sit or lie down and read.
If you plan to use your iPad for tasks that you’d normally do on a laptop, then you might want a case with a keyboard. For example, the Logitech Combo Touch is a great option for 9th and 10th generation standard iPads. It attaches magnetically, has a trackpad for a more laptop-like experience and includes iPadOS shortcut keys. It’s slightly more expensive than Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio, but it has better protection and a premium feel.
Otterbox Case
Despite its bulk, the OtterBox case offers the best overall protection you can get for the iPad. Its inner polycarbonate shell is surrounded by a synthetic Tablet Case rubber slipcover that protects the screen and edges of the tablet from scratches and drops. The cover piece also acts as a stand that angles the tablet at two positions, helping with fast data entry and promoting comfort while watching videos or reading long text.
The case features flip-out rubber tabs that allow you to access the iPad’s ports without removing the case. It has a clear plastic window across the front that displays the Apple logo and another one over the back for displaying your favorite photo or photo of your kids. It also has a flap covering the charging port. In my testing, this flap doesn’t interfere with recharging the Apple Pencil or connecting other USB-C cables.
The only drawbacks are that the case doesn’t offer waterproof protection and it adds quite a bit of bulk to the iPad. Its weight can be a problem, especially if you use it while carrying around a backpack or other heavy load. Also, if you leave the flap covering the headphone jack open while using the tablet, it will leak audio and make it difficult to close. This is a minor flaw, but it should be noted.
Apple Smart Cover
The Smart Cover is a great case to use with the iPad, especially if you are using a screen protector. The frame of the Smart Cover doesn’t overlap on top of the iPad, which makes it easier to hold with one hand. It’s also very easy to use the iPad with the Smart Cover on and still have access to all the ports. The only problem with the Smart Cover is that it doesn’t protect the back of the tablet, which leaves the device vulnerable to damage.
The case itself is very light, but it adds a little bit of thickness and width to the iPad. It’s not much, but it’s enough that you can feel it when holding the iPad in your hands. It’s still a very comfortable grip, though, especially if you are using it for reading or watching media.
The Smart Cover’s front flap has a microfiber surface that Apple claims is designed to clean the display. It does a pretty good job of that, but it’s annoying to see it stick to every ferromagnetic surface you put it on. Opening the cover automatically wakes up the iPad and puts it to sleep when closed, so you don’t have to press any buttons to turn on or off the device. The Smart Cover is available in light gray, dark gray, pink, green, and (PRODUCT)RED, with a portion of proceeds going to charity.
Apple Folio Case
Unlike the Smart Cover that protects only the front of the iPad, the Apple Folio offers both front and back protection. It attaches magnetically and easily folds into different positions, giving you multiple viewing angles for video watching, conducting FaceTime calls, typing or working on documents. It also features a magnetic strap that secures your Apple Pencil while it is not in use.
The Folio is compatible with the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro models, offering full compatibility with Apple’s ipad cases keyboard. It has a built-in trackpad that is very similar to the one found on Apple’s own Magic Keyboard. The only downside is that the trackpad requires a fair bit of pressure to register a click.
Overall, the case looks really sleek and fits like a glove on the iPad. It has a precise camera cutout on the back, and magnetic closures keep it securely attached to the iPad. The hinge also snaps in place, making it easy to swap between typing mode and stand mode.
The only thing that’s lacking is the ability to prop up the tablet to a higher angle for video watching, but it’s still a great case overall. It is a little expensive, but you’re paying for the fact that Apple puts a lot of thought into manufacturing and materials. It’s hard to find a comparable case at this price point.
