The best iPad cases in 2022 to protect your tablet
The best iPad cases will not only protect your beloved device from accidental damage, but it also adds a touch of personal flair to your tablet. They can have other uses too, such as acting as a stand to prop up your tablet and if you use a case with a keyboard you can even turn it into a conveniently compact mini-laptop. Whilst we won't argue that caseless iPads look and feel great, their high price tag means you will definitely want to ensure you keep your device as safe as possible.
In this guide we take a look at a wide array of iPad cases based on different requirements and needs. We cover different budgets, from more affordable options up to higher-end models. We break them down based on protection level, functionality and colour range as well as value for money. This guide also covers a range of iPad model fits, so make sure to double check you're buying a case that is compatible with your device. If you want a clear breakdown between the different tablet models, check out our guide to the various iPad generations.
If you have yet to own an iPad, you can find our regularly updated guide to best iPad deals. Otherwise, check out some other great iPad accessories in our guides to the best iPad keyboards and the best iPad stands. But for now, let's take a look at some great cases below to make sure your device is well protected!
The best iPad cases you can buy today
01. Apple Smart Folio
The best Apple case for the iPad
Materials: Polyurethane
Colours: Various
+ Fits perfectly
+ Officially Apple licensed
+ Looks great
- No edge protection
Whilst it's far from cheap – especially considering it's made from polyurethane rather than leather – the Apple Smart Folio is an impressive piece of kit. Powerful magnets hold it in place around your iPad and it feels pleasant to the touch. We've found the Smart Folio to be perfect for propping your iPad up on your desk or table. The lack of edge protection is the one downside, but considering this case is produced by Apple we have no doubt of its fantastic quality.
02. Casemade Leather Case
The best case for the iPad Pro
Materials: Leather
Colours: Black, tan
+ Real great-quality leather
+ Great fit
+ All the right features
- Leather could be thicker
Apple don't make their own leather case for an iPad, but luckily we've found a great offering from Casemade. Available for pretty much every recent size of iPad, this is a gorgeous-looking case made of high-quality cowhide, designed to securely fit your iPad. It allows easy access to all your iPad's external features, doubles up as a stand for typing or watching videos and provides a sleep/wake function as you open and close the case, making a convenient, useful case all round.
03. JETech Case
The best cheap iPad case
Materials: PU, PC, Microfibre
Colours: Various
+ Excellent value for money
+ Aesthetically pleasing
+ Great colour choice
- Not the best protection
This JETech case looks very similar to Apple's official iPad covering, but it's a lot more affordable, making it one of the best iPad cases if you're on a budget. It doesn't feel as nice or as well-made as the Apple case – it's definitely a lot more plastic feeling – but it'll provide your iPad with a layer of protection from damage, work as a stand and wake it up and put it to sleep when you open or close the cover. It comes in a wider choice of colours than Apple's case too. The link above is for the standard iPad case, but JETech also offers cases for the iPad Air 4th and 5th generation.
CB rating: 4/5.
04. OtterBox Defender
The best iPad case for protection
Materials: Polycarbonate, Synthetic Rubber, Polyester
Colours: Various
+ Tough build
+ Handy port covers
+ Available for lots of iPad models
- Bulky
A little clumsy with your devices? If you're forever dropping your iPad you probably want something a little more substantial than most of the best iPad cases so that you can shield your tablet from further damage, and the OtterBox Defender should do the job for you. It's a rugged but low-profile case that provides three layers of protection, including a solid inner shell and a tough outer slipcover. This case will easily withstand drops, bumps and shocks and even features port covers to keep out dust and dirt. It also works as an excellent stand.
CB rating: 4/5
05. Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
One of the best iPad Pro cases with a keyboard
Materials: Not stated
Colours: Black
+ Full size keyboard
+ Great fit
+ Apple Licensed
- No trackpad
Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio is an ideal case if you're in need of something that helps you to get work done on the go. Like the Smart Folio, it attaches magnetically and provides decent enough protection, but the main feature here is the full-size keyboard that instantly turns your iPad into a much more productive device. It's available for the 3rd gen iPad Pro 11-inch and 2020 iPad Air, and in a heftier version suitable for the 5th gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch. While there are cheaper iPad cases with keyboards to be had (such as Logitech's Folio Touch), this offering from Apple feels just right to us.
CB rating: 4/5
06. ZUGU iPad Air 2020 Case
One of the best iPad Air cases with an Apple Pencil holder
Materials: Microfibre, Synthetic Leather, Polycarbonate
Colours: Black
+ Two pencil holders
+ Drop protection
+ 10 viewing angles
- Premium price
For many creatives an important feature when picking a case is can I still attach my Apple Pencil? With the ZUGU case you're doubly covered; it features a recessed holder on the spine for storing and charging your Pencil, and there's another holder on the back for holding it when it doesn't need a charge. This premium case comes in a range of great colours and is available for multiple iPad models, and gives you drop protection of up to five feet. It also provides 10 magnetically-secured viewing angles when you're using it as a stand.
CB rating: 4/5
07. Catalyst Waterproof iPad Case
The best iPad case for protection against the elements
Materials: Not stated
Colours: Black, red
+ IP68 waterproofing
+ Drop protection
+ Screen protector included
- Limited pencil compatibility
If the OtterBox Defender mentioned above isn't quite doing it for you in terms of protection and you're in need of waterproofing, your best bet is the Catalyst waterproof case. Almost as expensive as the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, the main benefits of this case are drop protection of up to four feet and IP68 waterproofing, which means your iPad should survive in up to two metres of water. It even comes with its own screen protector; bear in mind though that if you use a Pencil it won't pair or charge through this case, so it's one you'll probably want to keep for when you're taking your iPad out and about.
CB rating: 4/5
08. ProCase for iPad Mini
The best iPad case for subtle protection
Materials: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Colours: Black, Grey, Navy, Teal
+ Great price
+ Slimline and protective
+ Two viewing angles
- Feels a little basic
Quite a few of the cases featured here overlook the iPad Mini, but if that's your preferred size and you need something to give it some protection without bulking it out too much, we think the ProCase is the perfect option for you. It's made of ABS material that'll help your Mini to withstand bumps, scratches and shocks as well giving it a lovely tactile texture. Like most of the best iPad cases, it attaches magnetically and provides a wake/sleep feature when you open and close. This case also gives you dual standing positions so that you can choose between two viewing angles when using the ProCase as a stand. It's a great affordable option similar in style to the Apple Smart folio.
CB rating: 3.5/5
09. ESR Clear Case
The best transparent iPad case option
Materials: Silicone, Plastic
Colours: Clear
+ Yellowing-resistant
+ Drop protection
+ Pencil 2 support
- No cover
If you don't want your iPad mini case to obscure your tablet's good looks, the ESR Clear Case offers a tough protective shell that still leaves mini's design completely visible. The Clear Case protects your mini with a hard back and soft, flexible frame, and it provides drop protection thanks to shock-absorbing corners and raised edges around the screen and cameras. A thin side panel ensures that you can make full use of the Pencil 2's magnetic pairing and charging, and you don't need to worry about the Clear Case going grubby; its clear plastic back has been designed to resist yellowing. It's important to note this doesn't have a front cover so protection from considerable damage is limited, but it's still a great subtle case option for your iPad mini.
CB rating: 3/5 stars
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