The 8 Best iPad Cases for Kids of 2023
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Keep your kid's iPad protected with these kid-friendly protective cases!
VeryWell / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MDFact checked by Rich Scherr
When you invest hundreds of dollars in an iPad or other tablet for your family, you don’t want to live in fear that they’ll shatter it to pieces. Getting a good, kid-proof iPad case ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy the blessings (Easy travel! Educational apps!) and even the curses (so much screen time) of handing a tablet over to them. A case will not only personalize a kid’s device but will also protect it from any accidental drops and scratches in the hands of a busy, learning child.
“Having a child with an electronic [device] usually does increase the risk of it being dropped, banged, and the glass cracking,” Delene P. Musielak, MD, FACP, FAAP, ABOM, host of “The Dr. Mom Show,” tells Verywell Family. “iPads at this time are really not made for durability for child use.”
Of course, you want to know that the case you choose for your child’s iPad or tablet will stand the test of time and secure their expensive device, but it should also be practical and fun and should suit your child’s taste.
We spoke with a few experts with an eye on tablets that will help keep kids upright, as burying their heads in their laps is not great for their posture. We also used market and consumer trends and research along with consumer feedback to bring you this roundup of the best iPad cases for kids. Our picks and content were also reviewed by a pediatrics specialist in our Medical Review Board, who verified the accuracy of our information and addressed any lingering health and safety concerns.
Best Overall: Gumdrop HideAway iPad Case
he brand promises that the case can be dropped from heights of four feet and dragged for four feet, without being damaged.
Pros
Built to withstand high drops
Includes screen cover
Colorful options
Cons
Not waterproof
For the price, and all the toughness, it’s hard to find a better cover for kids, especially ones that play hard, which is why the HideAway case is our top pick. It has a heavy-duty tire tread-style case cover and a rigid internal frame meant to keep your kid’s iPad safe—even the screen and port covers. The case is shockproof and impact-resistant. The brand promises that the case can be dropped from heights of four feet and dragged for four feet, without being damaged. This is thanks to a thick silicon bumper skin and a polycarbonate casing. The case also features a built-in protective screen to prevent scratches and dings, though it’s not waterproof.
This case comes in a selection of kid-friendly colors—black, black/red and blue/green—and has a pretty cool stand that blends seamlessly into the back of the case when not in use. The stand is easy to engage with just a flip and click. After the stand clicks into place, kids can view their favorite shows while sitting more comfortably than they would with the iPad sitting in their lap.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Materials: Silicone and polycarbonate | Screen protection: Yes | Sizes: Fits Apple iPad 10.2 inch (generations 7, 8, and 9)
Best for Travel: Otterbox Trusty Case
The polycarbonate exterior is easy to clean and won’t stain. Just wipe down with a damp cloth or a Clorox type wipe, and it will clean right up.
Pros
Tough protection
Fun color options
Easy to clean
Cons
No screen protector included
Stand detaches easily
This case has a durable exterior for exuberant users, a stand, and a handle that also attaches to the back of a car seat headrest for long road trips. The stand and hanging features that keep tablets out of laps prevent hunched backs and necks.
Available in three jaunty colors—pink, blue and teal—with a gray handle, this case is infused with silver-based additive that the brand claims blocks microbial growth. It also has a wide ridge around the edges for easy gripping.
Another thing we love: The polycarbonate exterior is easy to clean and won’t stain. Just wipe down with a damp cloth or a Clorox type wipe, and it will clean right up.
We can’t emphasize enough how durable this case is. According to reports from parents we know, you can pretty much drop this while running out of the room, and it won’t get a mark or scratch.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Materials: Polycarbonate | Screen protection: No | Sizes: 9th, 8th, 7th Gen iPads
Best Budget: Vikesi DTTO iPad Case
This iPad case for kids is easy to personalize and is made from an anti-scratch PC panel.
Pros
Three-in-one cover
Lifetime warranty
Customizable
Cons
Less sturdy than some of our picks
The Vikesi iPad case is a slim (0.05 inches), thin, clear case that comes in 33 fun colors and designs and serves multiple functions for your children who like using their iPad to the fullest. This iPad case for kids is easy to personalize with your kids' favorite stickers and is made from an anti-scratch PC panel which is why it's our pick for the best budget iPad case for kids.
This iPad case stands in two different ways designed for both viewing and typing. There's a shockproof and drop-resistance raised edge as well so if your kids' fingers are sticky or slippery your investment is protected. There's a built-in slot that fits an Apple pencil.
This iPad case also comes with a lifetime warranty should you have to replace it for any reason.
Price at time of publication: $11
Key Specs:
Materials: Tempered glass film | Screen protection: No | Sizes: Fits Apple iPad 10.9 inch (generation 10)
Best for Younger Kids: Speck Case-E Run
The whole case is coated in Microban, which prevents germs and dirt from sticking to the surface.
Pros
Soft but protective
Anti-microbial coating
Fun handle/stand can also fit over car seat headrests
Cons
Bulky
No screen protector
This case isn’t just adorable to look at, with its handle that looks like a pair of headphones. It’s also very protective. Built from EVA foam (just like your Crocs), it’s been tested to withstand drops from six feet off the ground. The whole case is coated in Microban, which prevents germs and dirt from sticking to the surface.
That cute handle is great for little ones who want to tote it around themselves, and it also works as a stand and a way to hang the iPad from the car seat headrest for entertainment on the road (assuming your kid doesn’t get car sick). One drawback is that this case doesn’t have a built-in screen protector, so you’ll have to buy it separately, and the handle makes it a bit bulky when you’re trying to squeeze it into small bags.
Price at time of publication: $35
Key Specs:
Materials: EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) | Screen protection: No | Sizes: Available for all iPads and other major tablet brands
Related: The 7 Best Apps for Toddlers of 2023
Best for iPad mini: Otterbox Kids EasyGrab 360° Antimicrobial
The handle is a big selling point here, as it’s suitable for both kids and adults to carry.
Pros
Antimicrobial coating
Multi-purpose handle/stand
Screen protector included
Cons
On the pricey side
Otterbox has long been the go-to brand for heavy-duty device protection, and the brand knows how to step that up even further for kids. The “360” of this case’s name refers to the fact that it includes a screen protector along with the hard plastic shell to protect the sides and back of the iPad from drops and bangs. This latest version also includes an antimicrobial coating (on the case, not the screen protector), which will go a long way toward keeping things clean. The handle is a big selling point here, as it’s suitable for both kids and adults to carry, works as a stand on tables, and cleverly attaches to headrests in the car.
Price at time of publication: $60
Key Specs:
Materials: Not specified | Screen protection: Yes | Sizes: For iPad Mini 6th Gen
Best for Older Kids: SEYMAC Shockproof Heavy Duty Protection Sturdy Protective Case
What we love is that it looks like a simple magnetic cover that many adults carry, but with a lot more protection.
Pros
Looks more mature
Screen cover activates sleep mode
Easy to install
Cons
Cover flap may break
For tweens and older kids who want a case that doesn’t look childish, this case, which comes in black with varying accent colors like pink, blue, green, and more, is the best choice.
What we love is that it looks like a simple magnetic cover that many adults carry but with a lot more protection. The body of the iPad mini is protected from drops and more by an inner hard polycarbonate border and an outer soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bumper. The border will also protect the screen from scratches and dust.
The magnetic tri-fold cover is detachable, and it can also be folded to create a stand. Precise cut-outs and openings enable full access to the screen, camera, charging, headphone jack, and all buttons and ports, without having to remove the case. Note that this case is for older models of the mini (4th and 5th Gen). For the 6th Gen, you’ll need this version.
Price at time of publication: $24
Key Specs:
Materials: Polycarbonate and TPU | Screen protection: No | Sizes: 4th and 5th gen iPad Mini
Related: The 79 Best Gifts for Teens of 2023
Best Heavy-Duty: MoKo Heavy Duty Case for iPad
The design also conveniently bundles in a built-in stand that works for both portrait and horizontal angles.
Pros
Built-in screen protector
Shock-absorbing construction
Stand works for multiple angles
Cons
Not very attractive
We all know one kid who really can’t but drop everything. Whether they’re clumsy or busy, they’re just accident-prone. If that’s your kid, well, we have found the most rugged iPad case just for them.
This case from Moko is seriously tough and will take everything your kid can dish out. How? It’s got an anti-slip body and rigorous shock absorption: The case features a two-layered structure that combines a polycarbonate shell with a TPU frame.
The MoKo case also includes a screen protector that snaps onto the front of the case, keeping the iPad insulated from scratches and dust. The design also conveniently bundles in a built-in stand that works for both portrait and horizontal angles. It comes in pink and gray, dark blue, and black, though none of these options makes it look exactly pretty.
Price at time of publication: $18
Key Specs:
Materials: Polycarbonate and TPU | Screen protection: Yes | Sizes: iPad 10.2 (other sizes also available)
Related: The 20 Best Backpacks for Kids of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Typing: Logitech iPad Keyboard Case
That is why we love the idea of using an iPad case with a built-in keyboard to get kids used to typing.
Pros
Less expensive than a laptop
Comfortable to use
Connects via Bluetooth
Cons
Coin batteries will need to be replaced eventually
Though little ones quickly adapt to their touch screens, we eventually want our kids to be able to type on a computer keyboard. But laptops are expensive—and our old hand-me-down computers get out of date too quickly. That is why we love the idea of using an iPad case with a built-in keyboard to get kids used to typing. This slim folio case from Logitech is more expensive than a regular case, but less expensive than buying a new device, and it works so easily, via a Bluetooth connection. The soft keyboard is also quite comfortable to use—certainly better than the giant, monster keyboards of the PCs of our youth!
Price at time of publication: $100
Key Specs:
Materials: Not listed | Screen protection: No | Sizes: Fits iPad 10.2-inch models
How We Selected the Best iPad Cases for Kids
For this process, we looked primarily at iPad and tablet cases for newer models that are built for tough use and rugged play but also have handles and other functionality that made them kid-friendly. We prioritized cases with kickstands and other ways to use them hand-free, as our experts emphasized that “tech neck” from looking at something held in their laps can be damaging for kids' posture.
We also consulted experts to find out what to look for in iPad cases for kids. The experts we spoke to included:
Host of “The Dr. Mom Show,” Delene P. Musielak, MD, FACP, FAAP, ABOM
Grant Radermacher, DC, from Ascent Chiropractic in Wisconsin
What to Look for in iPad and Tablet Cases for Kids
“As a dad to two girls under the age of five, I've seen the way they treat their iPads (and basically everything else) and wouldn't dare hand their devices over without a protective case,” Dr. Radermacher tells Verywell Family. “I definitely recommend a quality case to safeguard your tablet from accidental spills and drops.”
Here are some of the key attributes to consider:
Materials
You want a case made from materials that can stand up to heavy use but are also not too heavy. Certain types of plastic, rubber, and foam, such as EVA, provide the right balance of shock-absorption, softness, and comfortable grip for little hands. Some cases, like the Moko Heavy Duty, use layers of more than one material for protection.
Screen Protection
Outside of shielding your tablet screen from scratches or worse, a screen protector can also help decrease eye strains, says Dr. Musielak. “A screen protector does help with light transmittance from the [device] that is not as bright. This can help decrease eye fatigue and straining of the eyes,” she explains.
Size
There are a lot of different tablet sizes and different generations, so be sure to read the fine print on which models a case fits. We focused most of our picks on the most recent models of iPads (9th Gen), minis (6th Gen), and Fire tablets available but want to note that many of our selections are also available in sizes that will fit older models if your kids are getting a hand-me-down.
Kickstands
To protect kids’ posture and make viewing more convenient, choose a case with a stand that will let them prop the device on a table instead of holding it in their laps. We’re very charmed by the Spec Case-E Run’s headphone-shaped stand, which also fits around car seat headrests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protect my child’s iPad?
The best way to protect an iPad is to get the right case made from plastic or rubber that will keep it covered from damage from dropping, scratches, and dust.
Do iPads need screen protectors?
Not necessarily. About half of our selections have screen protectors, but many don’t. If the silicone or polycarbonate that frames the screen is thick, it should shield the screen during drops and falls. You can buy an inexpensive screen protector in addition to the case if you feel it’s necessary.
What kind of case is most protective?
For smaller kids who tend to drop things, a thick case made from plastic is going to be the most protective. For older kids who might knock it into something, or worry about dust, look for a thinner case with a screen protector. You know your kids the best and should choose according to their needs.
How much should I expect to spend on an iPad case for kids?
When buying an iPad case for kids, there's different factors you want to take into consideration that can all impact the cost of the iPad. Materials, screen protection, size, and whether it has added features like kickstands, charging ports, and/or Apple Pencil slots can either make the case more of an investment or allow it to be a good budget case. You can find a good iPad case for kids range between $10 and $100 with our best overall pick the Gumdrop HideAway iPad Case being $35.
Why Trust VeryWell Family
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parenting, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. To research this article, she spoke to experts and several parents to find out which cases they chose for their kids and why.
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