The best iPad Pro cases: protect your tablet and boost its functionality
Sleek, stylish and protective, these are the best iPad Pro cases available right now
The best iPad Pro cases are surprisingly affordable these days. And so you have every reason to buy one, and help protect your large and expensive new tablet from the inevitable daily dirt, scratches, bumps, spills, and accidents that can happen around the home and office.
If you have one of the best tablet cameras, then you'll want to ensure it's protected to the extreme. And equally importantly, every iPad generation will need a case to keep it scratch-free. Some cases are also designed to enhance productivity, thanks to flexible kickstands, keyboards, or a handy slot to secure your Apple Pencil or iPad stylus.
In this article, we've brought together the best iPad Pro cases available today. We cover a range of prices and styles, and give you the facts and figures you need to choose between them too.
Our top picks
Best Budget
Designed for the iPad Pro 12.9” (2021), there's a side opening to magnetically attach your Apple Pencil to the case, and the cover folds back so that you can additionally use this case as a stand for when you need to work hands-free or stream content. The case has precise button cutouts and easy access to the charging port.
Best drop protection
The Zugu Case strikes the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, offering reliable full-body protection while staying slim and sleek. It's been tested to withstand drops up to 5 feet onto concrete, has 10 secure magnetic viewing angles and includes a recessed holder to store and charge the Apple Pencil (not included).
Best non keyboard case
A much more budget friendly and reasonably priced case from Apple, this Smart Folio case offers great protection for both the front and back of your iPad Pro, so you can have peace of mind traveling around with it. It also provides open-to-wake and close-to-sleep functionality.
Best keyboard case
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio case features a full-size keyboard and is the perfect accessory for your iPad Pro 12.9" or iPad Pro 11". With no charging or pairing required, just attach the keyboard and start typing. As the official keyboard case from the manufacturer, it isn't cheap, but this is a premium product.
Best for creatives
This protective case from Logitech features a flexible kickstand that offers 40° of tilt. So you can be sure to get the right angle for the task at hand when you want to review your photos, sketch, do a Zoom call, or watch videos, you can even fold the keyboard out of the way entirely; a really neat design feature.
Best for display
This ingenious Float Folio case for the iPad Pro from Moft is perfect for those looking to clear up desk space and relieve any neck tension from looking down at your iPad. The origami folding design of the case allows for multiple viewing angles depending on what you choose, but most desirably it can raise the iPad to your eye level for a more comfortable and practical experience.
FAQs
What is an iPad case?
An iPad case is essentially a protective shell designed to fit your iPad snugly. As safeguarding your device some cases give you enhanced grip and boosted functionality through features such as built-in stands, holders specifically designed for the Apple Pencil, or detachable keyboards.
What are the main kinds of iPad case?
There are several types of iPad case, each offering unique advantages. Smart covers attach magnetically to the iPad's front and fold back for propping it up. They provide basic screen protection but limited drop protection. Snap-on shells are hard-shell cases covering the back and sides of the iPad. They are slim and offer good protection against scratches and bumps.
Folio cases provide full coverage with a front cover that folds back or detaches. Some folios include built-in stands and other features. Rugged cases offer maximum protection against drops and bumps, though they are often bulkier. They are ideal for clumsy users or those in harsh environments. Finally, keyboard cases integrate a detachable or foldable keyboard, perfect for productivity tasks.
Can I still use the iPad's touchscreen while using a keyboard case?
Yes, you can still use the iPad's touchscreen even when it's in a keyboard case. The keyboard is usually designed to complement touchscreen interaction, not replace it entirely.
How to choose the best iPad case
Finding the best case for your iPad Pro is a breeze when you know what to look for, and we've made the hard work easier for you with our guide above.
Firstly, check the case is compatible with your particular tablet. Each iPad Pro model depending on the generation will have a different screen diameter, button layouts, access ports for charging, and camera unit sizes. If you're not sure which one yours is, take a look on the back, where a model number can be found in small writing.
Secondly, thing about what you'll be using the case for. If you're a photographer, you'll definitely benefit from a case that can raise your tablet up high for a better view and keep it sturdy enough without obstructing the screen. You might also want a case that offers raised edges around the camera unit for added defense, and invest in one of the iPad screen protectors too.
How we test
In truth, there's no real way to test an iPad case thoroughly enough without actually putting our own tablets in danger. So for this reason, we base our recommendations on things like case texture and grip, features such as kickstands and stylus slots, compatibility with MagSafe and Qi wireless functions, manufacturer reputation, and most of all, price range and value for money.
We weren't born yesterday, and we know that most manufacturers will exaggerate and upsell key features of cases knowing that you'll never test them. For example, some iPad cases might be listed with superior drop protection, but we aren't about to find out for ourselves whether that's true. With that in mind, we always take these things with a pinch of salt and give our honest opinions as best as we can.
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A staff writer for Digital Camera World, Beth has an extensive background in various elements of technology with five years of experience working as a tester and sales assistant for CeX. After completing a degree in Music Journalism, followed by obtaining a Master's degree in Photography awarded by the University of Brighton, she spends her time outside of DCW as a freelance photographer specialising in live music events and band press shots under the alias 'bethshootsbands'.