The best iPad cases to protect your tablet

+ Fits perfectly
+ Looks great
- No edge protection

It might seem expensive, but we think Apple's Smart Folio for iPad is stylish, well-made, and it's available for most iPad models. Powerful magnets hold it in place, and it's perfect for propping the tablet up on a desk or table. The downside is that there's no edge protection.

+ Genuine leather
+ Great fit
- Could be thicker

Apple doesn't make its own leather iPad case, but this one from Casemade is a great alternative. Available for pretty most recent iPad sizes, this gorgeous-looking case is made of high-quality cowhide, designed to securely fit. It provides a premium look, and it doubles up as a stand for typing or watching videos, too.

+ Value for money
+ Broad colour choice
- Not great protection

This JETech case is essentially a more affordable version of Apple's official case. It looks fairly similar, but we found that it doesn't feel as premium or as well-made. It will, however, provide your iPad with a layer of protection and serve as a stand and at a fraction of the price of the official cover. It also comes in a wider choice of colours.

+ Tough build
+ Handy port covers
- Bulky

If you're forever dropping your iPad, this could be the case for you. It's rugged but low-profile and provides three layers of protection that should withstand drops, bumps, and shocks. It even has port covers to keep out dust and dirt and works excellently as a stand. It's available for various iPad models.

+ Comfortable keyboard
+ Great fit
- No trackpad

We think this is the best iPad case for those who work on the go in different types of locations. It attaches magnetically and provides decent, if basic, protection, but its main selling point is the compact keyboard, which allows you to use your iPad as a laptop replacement. There are three sizes, for the iPad 9, the 11in Pro/Air and 12.9in Pro. If you have the iPad 10, there's the Magic Keyboard folio, which has a trackpad.

+ Laptop-like trackpad
+ Cheaper than Apple's Magic Keyboard

Unlike the Apple option, this is also available for iPad 10. It's more expensive but has a trackpad for a truer laptop-like experience, iPadOS shortcut keys and an adjustable kick-back stand. The keyboard is detachable, and we love the premium, fabric-like finish. Apple makes its own Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, which has a trackpad, but we think this is better value, at over $100 cheaper.

+ IP68 waterproofing
+ Drop protection and screen protector
- Expensive for what it is

This water-safe case is almost as expensive as the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, but is less well-made, and has no keyboard. It does, however, have IP68 waterproofing, which means protects against up to two metres of water. It also boasts drop protection of up to four feet, and comes with a screen protector. It's the ideal case for all-terrain travel.

+ Yellowing-resistant
+ Edge protection
- Not super-robust

The transparent JETech Case for iPad already has a variant to fit the 11-inch iPad Pro from 2024. It has a hard, transparent back to showcase the design of your iPad while offering vital protection, while a folding front cover protects the screen, which makes for good all-round protection. It's designed to resist yellowing, and you can charge your Apple Pencil while using it. Sizes fitting other models are also available from JETech.

+ Very thin
+ Holds at eye-height
- Requires keyboard

Several cases we've mentioned serve as stands, but at desk level. This one is an option if you want your tablet closer to eye level. It snaps on to an Apple Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio. It's very thin, which makes us wonder how protective it is, and it's a pricey extra since you need a keyboard to use it, but it has unique functionality. We've tested several of this brand's accessories and find them to be reliable.