30 Smart and Creative iPad Accessories You Never Knew You Needed

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I made fun of iPads, hated the thought of them, until I actually got one. And I didn't get one until I got a job as a tech editor. Now? I'm a certified gadget guy. I'm a certified iPad guy. I'm a smart notebook guy. I spend my free hours looking for a great multi-faceted case or convenient iPad Stand. I care about which wireless earbuds and noise-cancelling headphones will pair best. I'm officially a dork.

So, I decided Esquire had to make the definitive list of iPad accessories, attachments to turn my iPad into a replacement for my MacBook. I did too much research, got too much shit, and talked to too many fellow dorks. But now I stand before you with this: The definitive list of the best iPad accessories you can buy today.

Oh and before we start, because Apple hates us, there's no consistent naming for any of the iPad generations. There's four different series, four different sizes, and they're all on a different generation from each other. I talk about it at the end of this story, but this just means you have to know what model and generation your iPad is. Nothing is one-size-fits all. Few things are one-size-fits-most. Before you shop for iPad accessories, figure out what model you have. You can go to the bottom of this story to figure out the long way, or you can open your iPad, go to Settings and search "Model." The first option should sort you out.

Carrying Case and Stand for Apple iPad Pencil

If you sprung for the iPad Pencil, consider getting Belkin's protective case. Our designers use this case and love its separate compartments for all the pieces and parts. Plus, there's a stand so you can prop it up for easy access—like a quill in an ink pot, so to speak.

Pencil - 2nd Gen

Some of us just need... the pencil. Yes, I mean need. My middle-schooler nephew is into digital art, so I bought him an Apple Pencil and Inspire Pro. Last time I was home, I spent hours taking pictures and tracing them into cartoons. Drawing with the Pencil is intuitive, relaxing, and a lot more stimulating than playing video games. I'm saving up for an iPad, so I can get my own setup—new hobby coming soon.

Crayon Digital Pencil

A less expensive writing utensil than the Pencil, Logitech has made a great value product. I like the look and feel of the Apple Pencil more, but for $70, you won't beat this.

2.1 (2 Pieces) for iPad

And part of that setup is going to be a faux-paperwhite screen protector. It gives the eyes a break when you're doodling for three hours straight, or it makes your iPad a replacement for your other e-reader.

Sketchboard Pro for iPad

The final sketching accessory you need is this sketchboard. It sets the iPad up at a perfect angle, and the bezel gives you ample space to rest your hand for perfect leverage. No more neck pain. No more hand cramps.

Magic Keyboard Folio Case

If you want your iPad to replace a laptop, not a sketchpad, Apple makes our favorite accessory in house. The magic keyboard and folio case is so easy to use, and because the most recent iPad's run on A14 and M2 chips, you can easily ditch your laptop for an iPad.

Rugged Folio

If you—or the children in your life—put your iPad through a bit of abuse, Logitech's rugged folio is a great protective case. Plus, the keyboard attachment makes it functional.

iPad Pro Keyboard Case

If you're going to use your iPad as a work computer, I really love this weird keyboard case from AUSDOM. It's sturdy and has a slightly smaller footprint than the other keyboard cases, which makes it ideal for working on the go. In a coffee shop or in business class (sorry if you're sending emails from economy), you'll always have enough space to prop your iPad up.

Tablet Pillow Stand

My mom is the most prolific TV viewer I know. She's binges BIG shows, like Yellowstone and Succession, in a handful of days. Most of that is because she streams on her iPad every night before bed. I bought her this pillow stand (and some blue light glasses), and she absolutely loves it.

Medium Laptop Cover

The Esquire team is made up of professional travelers, and we're all Tumi fans. The brand makes some of the best travel gadgets out there. For an iPad, nothing beats this case. Technically for small laptops, it is a perfect fit for an iPad. It keeps your tech safe, and it provides plenty of space for

iPad Holder

Made in Italy of beautiful black croc leather with goldtone hardware, this YSL iPad holder is a great men's or women's accessory. It's the most luxurious carrier for your iPad, bar none. A splurge, yes, but we're here to tell you it's worth it.

iPad Portfolio

For a more practical carry case, Leatherology's portfolio has a tablet sleeve, as well as slips for anything you need—credit cards, a notebook, a passport, writing utensils, and cords. Plus, a full pad of paper on the other side. Anything a person with taste and a full calendar might need.

6-in-1 USB-C Hub Foldable Stand for iPad Pro

This adapter, made for the iPad Pro (all models), gives you versatility, with ports for charging, hooking up keyboards, transferring data, connecting to bigger screens, and listening to audio via a headphone jack. Because you never know where the day will take you.

Kitchen Tablet and Book Holder

If you're reading recipes off your iPad, a kitchen holder is a true essential. This one is adjustable to five angles and has a nice large base to keep your tablet safe. (Another perk is the fold out page-holding arms, so you can use it as a book holder as well on occasion.)

Gooseneck Tablet Holder for iPad

Clamp this thing anywhere, anytime to free up your hands or work space. With the iPad locked in, you can mimic a desktop computer setup or a small-screen TV.

JETech Case for iPad

If you don't plan to go BASE jumping with your iPad, this budget case ought to suit. It surrounds the entire device, and like Apple's cover, folds back into two different heights of stands. Check out all the model sizes here.

Dock5 Multi-Device Charging Station

Big tech guy, huh? Here's your evil-genius-level charging dock, for each and every device you own. There are two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a pad for wireless charging, which ought to free your lair of loose wires and spare wall units.

Felt iPad Case

Soften the Apple-ness of your iPad with this merino wool felt case. It's resistant to moisture, so you don't have to worry much on that front, but it's also lightweight and rather stylish in a one-with-the-earth sort of way. That's fitting, as Oakywood ensures one tree will be planted with every purchase.

X Tablet Stand

A more permanent solution than propping it up against a stack of books, Moft's stand adheres to the back of the iPad, popping out when you need the lift and lying flat when you don't, much like a kickstand.

USB-C to USB-C Cable

Never hurts to have a super-fast cable (or two) lying around for charging and data transfer. Particularly one with a longevity-promising woven cord. Especially one that's six feet long.

PowerCore Essential 20000 PD Portable Charger

This USB-C Anker charger will juice just about any device you have, iPads included, in as fast and dependable a manner as possible. There is not much more to ask of a charger.

A.R.C. Accessory Organizer

When you've got more cords than pairs of shoes and said cords have revolted against any attempts to be tamed, admit that you have a problem. A dedicated tech organizer could be a solution. Incase's organizer is loaded up with pockets and straps that just make it all a bit easier.

GripTight GorillaPod Stand PRO Tablet

For more rigorous iPad usage—out of doors, on trips, through lengthy work days—Joby makes a wiry shape-shifter of a stand.

DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

iPads support gaming controllers now. Plan accordingly. (And DualShock 4 only supports iPads with iPadOS 13.)

AirPods Pro

These AirPods Pro come with a wireless charging case, not to mention noise cancellation and a snugger fit than the original model. If you don't have a pair of earbuds that you love, and you really love Apple, then invest in these.

AirPods Max

Who the hell needs a $500 headphones? Um... You? Who probably has never heard audio so clear and crisp? Because the tried-and-tested-by-Esquire AirPods Max is worth that penny. It's got spatial high-fidelity sound to match the price, and over-ear snug fit to boot. In a world of "4k" tech, AirPods Max has "8k"—completely immersive, utterly satisfying.

Magic Trackpad

Got big fat hands? Relatable. That calls for a roomier solution, provided by Apple's own Magic Trackpad. It lends a much more seamless alternative than Apple's Magic Mouse (albeit more expensive).

Replacement Tip for Apple Pencil

For people with bigger or messier handwriting, getting your notes legible can be hard with the thicker Apple pencil tip. These replacements are cheap, easy to put on, and make your handwriting so much cleaner.

Lucent Case

For clumsier, more destructive iPad users, a UAG case is in order. It has military-grade drop protection and is impact-resistant, but without being super heavy.

Balance Folio Protective Case

Some cases that turn into stands aren't very sturdy, but this is not one of them. Some have covers that are magnetic and fold up, but this one is one whole piece. The front folds back and gives you a few angles to use but won't disconnect.

How Do I Know What iPad Model I Have?

Oh God, why would you ask me that. I can barely remember which model I have. In typical Apple fashion, there are four different lines of iPad, each on a different timeline, and every year the screen size is likely to see a slight variation. That means you should not buy accessories that are not exactly matched to your iPad model.

To figure out what model you have, you need to:

1. Go to the back of your iPad, look at the bottom.

2. There, you'll find a model number that starts with the letter "A."

3. Head to this page from Apple and look for the same number sequence—that is your iPad model

And currently the most up-to-date models are:

• iPad Pro - 6th Gen

• iPad - 10th Gen

• iPad Air - 5th Gen

• iPad mini - 6th Gen

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