The 10 Best Tablet Cases for Travelers, Commuters, and More
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Our top picks come with useful extras and boast quality construction.
Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan
When it comes to protection for your tablet, first consider how you plan to use this device. Those on the go may desire a case with lots of extra storage, such as sleeves and pockets for chargers, styluses, or other gizmos. Those who use their tablet for writing might find a built-in wireless keyboard ideal. And beachgoers and pool loungers? They’ll need something that keeps their device dry. With all these scenarios in mind, it's important to seek out a case that, more than anything else, does what you need it to do.
It's also important to seek out a case that fits your specific device. Some cases on this list are universal, meaning they can support any model of tablet within certain size constraints. Others are only compatible with specific devices, such as an Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, Lenovo Tab, or Alcatel Joy. Some might only be compatible with a specific version of your tablet. Before buying any case, read the fine print to ensure your tablet will fit comfortably inside it. Here are our picks for the best tablet cases.
Best Overall: Fintie Slim Case for Samsung Galaxy
Why We Love It
There are thirty different designs to choose from — all at an inexpensive price point.
What to Consider
This case can only accommodate horizontal angles.
On this list, we've included a variety of tablet cases designed for different uses and scenarios. But when it comes to finding one type of case that delivers everything you need, we think the Fintie Slim has mastered the form. Designed for the Samsung Galaxy, this case is, as its name suggests, very slim, conforming tightly to the tablet. Despite its thin design, the hardback leather exterior both keeps the tablet protected and looks pretty sharp. (And if you have a different type of tablet, you're in luck — there are a variety of models of this case to work with different devices.)
The sleek magnetic closure is preferable to untidy clasps and straps, while the foldable design can create a stand with two different viewing angles. Unlike most cases that come in, at best, a few different design options, the Fintie Slim Case offers a whopping 30 different colors and patterns. And perhaps most impressive of all, this is not only the best case on our list, but also the least expensive. The only slight flaw here is that the stand does not accommodate a vertical position, but this is hardly a rarity among tablet cases.
Price at time of publish: $12
The Details: 8.46 x 5.12 x 0.59 inches | Hardback leather
Best Magnetic: ProCase Lenovo Case
Why We Love It
The magnetic closure automatically wakes up and puts your tablet to sleep.
What to Consider
The stand only works horizontally.
Magnetic closures on tablet cases not only look sleek by avoiding cumbersome hooks or straps, but they also allow your tablet to fit more neatly into any pocket or bag. However, some magnetic cases have a tendency to be too weak, resulting in covers that don't actually cover anything. Thankfully, ProCase's Lenovo Tab case feels very secure. The rest of the lightweight case has all the design strengths most tablet-case buyers will want, such as a stand and shock absorption to protect the device from accidents. One thing to note is that the stand only supports a horizontal display of the tablet, meaning Lenovo users who like to position their screen vertically should probably seek an alternative.
Price at time of publish: $25
The Details: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 inches | Plastic
Best Sleeve: Simtop Tablet Sleeve
Why We Love It
Extra compartments for accessory storage plus a shoulder strap make this sleeve especially useful.
What to Consider
The exterior pockets make the sleeve a little bulky.
A tablet sleeve has the primary benefit of being able to accommodate tablets of different models and sizes, which means it can be used by multiple people or just one person with multiple devices. The Simtop tablet sleeve has the added benefits of extra storage and multiple options for carrying and storing devices. There are pockets for power cables, a computer mouse, headphones, or even your passport and boarding pass, and the sleeve comes with a shoulder strap so that it can be carried messenger bag-style if you're not tucking it into a carry-on or personal item. Frequent travelers should be aware that the exterior pockets are conveniently located for use on the go, but they do make the sleeve fairly bulky, which could make it difficult to slip it into another bag if you need to consolidate.
Price at time of publish: $24
The Details: 11.42 x 9 x 1.37 inches | Polyester | Water-resistant
Related: The 5 Best Kindle eReaders of 2023
Best Rugged: Seymac Stock iPad Case
Why We Love It
The hand strap and kickstand work in all orientations.
What to Consider
Its kickstand is a little flimsy considering how rugged the rest of the case is.
You're not alone if you get a little anxious holding an iPad — all it takes is one stumble or knock of the elbow to send it soaring through the air and crashing to the ground. The Seymac Stock iPad case, however, is here to alleviate those concerns. The rugged design both protects your tablet from impact and helps you always have a firm grip on the device. This case is more like three cases combined, with one protecting the iPad's frame and the other two supporting and protecting it from behind. And a hand strap and rotating kickstand also make this ultra-secure case surprisingly versatile. Just keep in mind that the kickstand isn't necessarily as durable as the rest of the case — and it likely will have a shorter lifespan.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: 10.24 x 7.28 x 0.79 inches | Plastic
Best With a Keyboard: Cooper Infinite Executive Keyboard Case
Why We Love It
The keyboard can be seamlessly integrated with the case or removed and used separately from it.
What to Consider
The stand isn’t as steady as some others on our list.
This Cooper tablet case features a Bluetooth keyboard that rests securely and comfortably in a vegan leather folio via magnetic connections. However, this keyboard can also be removed and positioned anywhere within Bluetooth range if you'd find other configurations more comfortable to use. The case itself is compatible with any tablet screens between 7 and 8 inches — it uses clips to hold tablets in place — making this a versatile product as well. Because this tablet keyboard is more petite than laptop or desktop keyboards, typing on it might take a little getting used to, especially if you have larger hands.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: 21.7 x 14.6 x 3 inches | Vegan leather
Best With a Stand: ProCase Universal Tablet Case 9-10.1 Inch
Why We Love It
The case has a pocket for documents and a stylus holder.
What to Consider
Tablets are affixed to the case with elastics, which may feel a little insecure.
While some tablet cases with stands are flimsy and difficult to use, ProCase's Universal Tablet case keeps your tablet firmly in place on any flat surface — and it's very intuitive. It has three different slots to allow for multiple viewing angles, though they're only horizontal. (Those who use their device vertically will need to check out other options.) The case also features a stylus holder and front pocket for extra organization. We do love that this case is universal, but potential purchasers should note that because of this, tablets are affixed to the case with elastics, which may feel a little more insecure than cases designed to fit specific devices.
Price at time of publish: $21
The Details: 10.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches | Leather
Related: The 10 Best Travel Tech Organizers of 2023
Best Leather: Khomo Universal Padfolio Case
Why We Love It
The soft leather looks elegant.
What to Consider
This material lacks heavy-duty protection against bumps and falls.
Capable of fitting a variety of tablets ranging from 8.5 to 11 inches in screen size, the Khomo Universal Padfolio is practically a portable office. There's a spot for your tablet, of course — four grips will secure it in place — while a divider can hold a notepad, and the front cover has slots for pens, a phone, and ID cards. The whole portfolio zips up nicely to ensure nothing escapes while you travel. Ideal for workers on the go, it can also fold into a stand for a horizontal display of your tablet. While many leather cases lack the plush softness one might expect, this Khomo model delivers. Of course, with this luxurious feel comes less protection and shock absorption than you get with a traditional hardback case.
Price at time of publish: $25
The Details: 10.5 x 8.75 x 1.5 inches | Leather
Best Waterproof: AICase Universal iPad Waterproof Case
Why We Love It
It's designed with extra space to hold things like room keys and credit cards.
What to Consider
The plastic covering makes touchscreen capabilities a bit of a challenge.
While there may be many cases that advertise themselves as water-resistant or water-repellent, few are genuinely waterproof. If you plan on bringing your tablet to the pool or beach, this is the best option to ensure your device is not accidentally damaged by water. Slip your tablet into the plastic see-through pouch (along with, potentially, your room key, credit cards, and cash) and three locking mechanisms will ensure no drop of water will invade the case. In fact, it has an IPX8 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 98 feet of water. Although the clear plastic covering is supposed to be touchscreen-friendly, we often find that these coverings make touchscreens somewhat difficult to use so keep that in mind if you plan to do a lot of scrolling.
Price at time of publish: $16
The Details: 12 x 10 x 0.6 inches | Plastic | Waterproof
Best Organization: Bagsmart Electronic Organizer
Why We Love It
It's water-repellant.
What to Consider
There is no stand in this organizer for your tablet.
While there are a few cases on this list that feature a variety of extra slots and compartments, none can compare to the Bagsmart Electronic Organizer. There are three separate areas in this one case: one that can fit different models and sizes of tablets, one for neatly storing all manner of cords and cables, and one for headphones, phones, or any other smaller accessories. All of these materials zip up nicely into a simple but handsome-looking (and water-repellant!) case that features one more sleeve on the exterior in case you need to quickly store or retrieve something. The emphasis on storage, however, means that there is no stand for your tablet, nor will your tablet be as well protected from bumps as it would in a more traditional hardcover case.
Price at time of publish: $24
The Details: 6.5 x 9.4 x 2.6 inches | Polyester | Water-repellent
Related: The 7 Best Laptops for Travel of 2023
Best for Kids: Bmouo Kids Case for Alcatel Joy
Why We Love It
It has an easy-to-hold handle that doubles as a stand.
What to Consider
This model is only compatible with the T-Mobile Alcatel Joy device.
Designed to protect against all manners of bumps and bruises while also remaining easy to carry and simple to use, the Bmouo kids case comes in four fun colors to suit your child's fancy. A simple stand allows for two different display angles, and a big handle makes the tablet easy to grip and carry. But in the inevitable event the tablet is dropped, a thick plastic exterior will adeptly absorb the force of almost any surface. This case is specifically designed for the T-Mobile Alcatel Joy tablet, which, of course, also means that other tablet models won't fit.
Price at time of publish: $19
The Details: 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.3 inches | Plastic
Tips for Buying a Tablet Case
Maximize the protection
Tablets tend to be relatively fragile devices, and many people seek out a case to protect their tablet from falls, bumps, and accidental spills. The first thing to consider is liquids. If you tend to bring your device with you every time you go to the beach or pool, consider a waterproof case that will ensure your tablet is kept dry. If liquids are only a concern in the event of an accidental spill, a water-resistant case might be suitable, or you may not need to be concerned with protection against liquids at all.
The second thing to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your case is how durable and shockproof you want your case to be. If you tend to use your tablet outside or toss it into a carry-on while you travel the world, you may want to be more mindful of how protective the case is. You don't necessarily need the most rugged case ever designed but soft, leather cases might not provide the level of protection you seek.
Decide the best material for your needs
Tablet cases generally come in three main materials: leather, plastic, or polyester fabric. Leather may look the most appealing, but its usefulness in terms of protection can vary. Be sure to differentiate between hardback leather cases (plastic cases with a thin layer of leather on top) versus more traditional soft leather cases. The harder the leather, the more durable the case.
Polyester fabric is better at resisting water, but only small spills and splashes. It's also a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to the most popular option: plastic. Most cases are plastic because the material offers the best protection against bumps and falls, and it can be waterproof. Ultimately, the best material depends on how you'll use your device. For everyday use inside the home, leather, polyester, and plastic will all do fine. For the outdoors, plastic is probably best. For an office or professional setting, leather looks the part.
Consider extra features
Most cases tend to have at least one extra feature that can enhance your tablet-using experience. A stand is a common feature that allows your device to be propped up into a viewing position. Most stands only support a horizontal position, but some can rotate for vertical use as well. Extra pockets and sleeves for storage are a beneficial feature for those who often use their tablet for work and/or travel. Keyboard cases are enormously helpful for people who use their tablet for on-the-go writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable material for a tablet cover?
Plastic is generally the best material for protecting a tablet from any impact that might occur from bumping or dropping the device and adding a clear screen protector can help even more.
Do covers protect tablets from drops?
Some covers include additional features like padding and bumpers which can help protect tablets from drops, but others merely keep the device enclosed without necessarily cushioning it from impact. (The latter is better for preventing scratches.) However, putting any case on a tablet offers more protection than nothing.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
T+L contributor Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with a decade of experience, and she travels regularly with a tablet. For this article, she evaluated tablet cases based on their features and appearance, and she read dozens of customer reviews.
Related: The Best Kindle Cases to Protect Your eReader No Matter Where You Go
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