Here at Lux-Case, we've been in the iPad accessory business ever since the first one came out back in 2010. For more than a decade now, that means we've seen different products come and go, including all trends, styles and brands. During this time, we've seen and tested both the very best and the... well, the not so good.
So instead of just sitting on all this knowledge, we decided to create an overview of the best iPad cases on the market based on things like materials, features and price. To complete this in-depth guide, and so you don't just have to take our word for it, you can also find the 3 best-selling iPad cases here at Lux-Case so you can see what our customers think too.
Let's dive in.
The best iPad cases in test
Below you'll find a thorough guide to what we consider to be the best options on the market when it comes to iPad cases. You'll also find our rationale and explanations for each option and opinion. But if you just want a quick list, you can see it here:
The best of the best
If you want something that's protective, functional and on the cheaper side, we recommend these stylish cases with a foldable lid.
Check out this case for iPad Pro 12.9.
Most cost-effective
If you want something cheap and easy to use that provides basic protection while improving the grip on your iPad, we recommend a simple silicone back case.
Check out this case for iPad Pro 12.9.
Robust and durable
If you're looking for something a little more robust that can be used in both harsher climates and tough conditions, such as on a construction site, we recommend you invest in a reliable and durable case.
Check out this case for iPad Pro 11.
Full of functionality
If you use your iPad for many different things (whether it's work, school or entertainment) and want to be able to lean it back, raise it up and place it on almost anything, we recommend a case that gives your iPad the functionality and usability of a screen.
See this case for iPad 10.9.
Best of the cheapest iPad cases
There's nothing wrong with being conscious of your budget. In fact, there's a saying that the easiest money you'll ever make is the money you save. However, when it comes to protecting your iPad, this mindset is a double-edged sword. The iPad itself wasn't cheap, and it makes sense that you might want to invest even more money in it.
That said, having a highly portable (and expensive) piece of technology with you all the time means you want to protect it, and as with most things, the cheaper the product, the cheaper the material.
If you want to find the happy medium between price and protection, there are many good but cheaper options on the market - and the one we recommend most is a simple silicone case. These products attach to the back of the device and protect it from bumps and scratches, meaning minimal intervention and maximum ease of use. Silicone is durable and shock-absorbing, but it's also cheap to manufacture, which means products made from it are too.
Advantages:
- Cheap, but still protective
- Lots of in-built functionality
Disadvantages:
- Can be considered bulky
- Although cheap, it's still more expensive than other options
See all our iPad Air 2 cases.
iPad keyboard case
With the way technology has evolved, more and more people today are looking at iPads as a suitable replacement for laptops. It's a logical line of thinking as both options provide roughly the same level of processing power, storage space and functionality, but the iPad has the advantage of being more portable and, depending on the model, cheaper than a laptop.
But there is one specific area where a laptop has a clear advantage - and that is the keyboard. The touchscreen simply can't keep up in terms of typing speed or convenience, and it can be a real pain to hold - especially if you're typing for long periods of time.
This is where cases with a built-in keyboard come in handy. The inside of the case's lid, which protects the screen when you're not using the tablet, is equipped with a smart keyboard so you can type as quickly and easily as on a laptop or desktop computer.
Benefits:
- Combines both a keyboard and a case
- Turns your tablet into a laptop wherever you are
Disadvantages:
- The extra functionality means a higher price tag
- Only solves one problem if you miss having a keyboard
See all our iPad 10.2 2021 cases.
iPad case that can be used as a laptop
But if creating the feel of a laptop with a keyboard isn't enough, there are also iPad cases with built-in stands that allow you to either lean the tablet back at a more comfortable typing angle or elevate it above your desk.
With either of these options, the feeling of using a laptop while using your iPad is almost one-to-one and may be the best option if you frequently use your tablet at school or work.
Benefits:
- Gives you the whole laptop experience, not just the keyboard
- Incredibly functional and protective
Cons:
- Can be considered bulky and heavy
See all our iPad Pro 12.9 cases.
iPad case for the construction site
While they're great for entertainment and perfect for the kind of work you do at your desk, iPads (and all tablets, for that matter) also have the advantage of being portable and easy to take anywhere - including construction sites, especially in the construction industry.
Construction sites and fragile technology don't always go hand in hand, which is why there is a separate market for iPad cases that are designed and engineered for more demanding use.
Designed to meet the rugged and demanding needs of the workplace, these cases feature extra padding, raised corners and edges, and sometimes built-in screen protection. Some versions also come with shoulder straps and rotating holders on the back, making the tablet easier to carry, hold and display information on.
Benefits:
- Robust and protective
- Added functionality and ease of use
Disadvantages:
- The most bulky solution on the market
- Designed to fulfil a specific need that most people may not have
See all our iPad Air 2019 cases.
iPad case as a screen
It's one thing to have a built-in keyboard or case that helps your iPad recreate the feeling of using a laptop, but what if you want to use your iPad as a screen and raise it up like your computer screen?
There are solutions for that on the market too. Whether it's on your desk, living room table or kitchen table, being able to raise your iPad can mean less neck and eye strain and therefore make your experience more in line with your usage.
For this purpose, we recommend a case with a stand on the back. A stand can both raise the iPad from the surface you've placed it on or help you lean it back at a more comfortable angle - whichever you prefer.
Benefits:
- Allows you to raise and tilt the iPad
- More comfortable user experience
Disadvantages:
- Can be considered bulky and heavy
- The lid means you don't have immediate access to the screen
See all our iPad Pro 11 cases.
iPad case for designers
If you're a professional designer, an aspiring professional designer or just a creative person who likes to use their iPad for drawing and designing, there are a lot of options to enhance your user experience. Most importantly, most of them have a built-in place to store your Apple Pencil.
The most important of these is a case with a folding lid, also known as a tri-fold case. The lid of these products can be folded into a stand, which means you can adjust the angle of your iPad to your preferred drawing position. There are also screen protectors that mimic the feeling of drawing on paper, giving a nice analogue feel in a decidedly digital medium.
Benefits:
- Both multifunctional and protective
- Helps to provide a comfortable and analogue feel
Disadvantages:
- Not appropriate if you want something simple
- On the more expensive side
See all our Apple iPad 2018 cases.
iPad Mini case
You might notice that one of these is not like the other - namely that it's not dedicated to a specific product, but rather to a specific iPad model, namely the iPad Mini. This is for the simple reason that the iPad Mini stands out as the smallest in Apple's line of larger tablets with the regular iPad, iPad Air and iPad Pro.
This is of course its most unique and important selling point, but it can also mean that it needs a little extra protection. For iPad Mini users, this means a crossroads of options - should you choose a minimalist case that fits the already minimal design but makes it less protective, or should you choose a larger case that protects more but makes the device bigger?
The good news is that you don't have to choose because there are solutions on the market that are slim, easy to use and highly protective, giving you the best of both worlds.
Most popular iPad cases at Lux-Case.ie
As promised, you'll also hear from our customers with our list of the three best-selling iPad cases in our collection. The top three in our collection are:
- The first is a familiar face from above, the hard plastic drop-proof case with softer edges and a practical lid.
See this iPad case in all colour combinations.
- Another foldable solution with a beautiful, durable design. Although less design-focused, these products are popular partly because of their protective features and because they fit in with the crowd.
Check out this durable iPad case in all sorts of colours.
- Not only is this case incredibly robust and reliable, making it suitable for more demanding conditions, it also has another extra feature - a swivelling stand and a holder on the back.
Read more about this paractical iPad case and see how it works.
Methodology and sources
To put together this guide, we have utilised our years of experience in Apple iPad accessories and the data and feedback we have received from our customers. Since we started, we've seen and tested it all and this has given us a good overview of what makes a case work and what doesn't. We also know what types of materials are best suited for what and what they are worst for. Thanks to our close relationship with our manufacturers, we also know what's trendy and popular and why.
You can read more about iPads here: https://www.apple.com/ie/ipad/
If you're interested in more brand-focused guides, we recommend reading this one: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-ipad-cases.html
If you have a brand new iPad Pro and are interested in a case, you can read more here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-ipad-pro-cases/
