What Is the Best Ipad Pro 10.5 Case
The best iPad cases in 2021
Updated
2021-10-05T13:34:09Z
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- An iPad case should bring protection, style, and new functionality to your tablet.
- Our favorite cases are made by ESR, Logitech, and Zugu among others.
- Remember to look for cases that are compatible with the iPad model you own.
Purchasing an iPad is an investment, and one of the best ways to protect that investment is by pairing your iPad with a case.
But choosing the right case isn't always simple. There are tons of options available to suit any style and need, whether you're looking for something sleek and minimal or military-grade protection.
The best cases are both stylish and protective without adding too much bulk to your bag. We've collected and tested over a dozen cases to find the best iPad case for every budget and situation.
Here are the best iPad cases of 2021:
- Best iPad case overall: ESR Cases
- Best iPad cases from Apple: Magic Keyboard Case
- Best iPad keyboard case: Logitech Combo Touch
- Best iPad case for protection: OtterBox cases
- Best iPad case for watching video: Zugu cases
Our methodology
We tested iPad cases on a variety of criteria to find our best picks. The quality and durability of the cases were judged based on the following factors:
- The build quality of the materials used in the case
- How easy it is to put on and remove the case
- How easy it is to clean the case
- How well the case withstands jostling in a packed bag
To test durability, we placed each case in a bag filled with books, notebooks, and accessories. We then walked approximately five blocks with the bag, before removing the iPad and checking for scratches, dents, or marks on the case or the device itself.
We also dropped each case approximately 4-feet from a bed onto a carpeted floor and inspected the case and iPad for damage.
Additionally, we evaluated keyboard cases by the accuracy of the trackpad and comfort of the typing experience.
Life can get messy – which is why we wanted to test how easy it is to clean the cases. To do this, we enlisted the help of our enthusiastic long-haired dog, Toby. We used the cases to gently pet his fur, then attempted to remove any accumulation from the case following manufacturing guidelines.
The best overall iPad cases
ESR's lineup of iPad cases offer a variety of styles, colors, and protection at affordable prices.
ESR offers something for everyone when it comes to iPad cases, whether it's extra protection to go along with your Apple Smart Cover, full coverage, or a case with a built-in Apple Pencil holder. Few casemakers have this many options for price and protection.
I'm a big fan of maximum protection, so the Sentry Magnetic Kickstand Case is one of my favorites. It features a 2-millimeter thick back cover, raised edges around the screen for maximum drop protection, and an adjustable magnetic kickstand with seven different viewing angles.
The version for the 10.2-inch iPad costs $30.99, while the enhanced 12.9-inch iPad Pro models cost $69.99 – which makes this one of the most expensive cases in ESR's lineup. The company also offers a Rugged Protection Bundle for the 11-inch iPad Pro for $93.77, which includes the Sentry case along with a reinforced tempered-glass screen protector.
While the Sentry cases only come in two colors, many of the lower-priced cases come in multiple colorways including blue, black, pink, and gray. The majority of ESR's cases are made with TPU – a type of polyurethane plastic which provides a thin layer of rubber-like protection. This is normally enough to protect against bumps, scratches, and scrapes, but probably wouldn't do so well in a bigger drop.
The more rugged cases – like the Sentry– are made from polymer, which should do a better job at keeping your iPad safe from unfortunate mishaps.
ESR cases might not be the fanciest or the most protective on the market, but they are well-made and offer a great deal of value for those looking to find the perfect case for their new iPad.
Worth a look:
The best iPad cases from Apple
Apple's own cases emphasize style and function, but often fall short on protection.
Apple products usually come at a premium, and that's no different with its iPad cases. Apple's cases are expensive, but also sleek and functional. The $49 Smart Cover is a thin piece of polyurethane that protects the device's display and connects magnetically to the iPad. It comes in a variety of colors and can be folded into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, and drawing. The design is simple and effective, but leaves the back and sides of the iPad unprotected.
The $49 Smart Cover is a thin piece of polyurethane that protects the device's display and connects magnetically to the iPad. It comes in a variety of colors and can be folded into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, and drawing. The design is simple and effective, but leaves the back and sides of the iPad unprotected.
Those looking for all-around protection may want to consider the Smart Folio, which is similar in appearance to the Smart cover, but is made from a single piece of polyurethane that protects both the front and back of the iPad. The Smart Folio starts at $79, and is light, sleek, and perfect for those looking for an attractive case to protect against scrapes and bumps.
Apple's most impressive case is the $299 Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and iPad Air. This keyboard case and trackpad combination transform the iPad into a viable laptop replacement. The case utilizes a clever magnetic design to create a one-piece stand and keyboard that is both thin and highly functional.
The only downside to the Magic Keyboard – aside from its high starting price – is that it lacks any protection on the sides of the iPad. (My last iPad suffered a crack in the screen when it fell inside the previous generation Magic Keyboard case). There are other worthy keyboard cases on the market that address this problem, but few are as well-made as the Magic Keyboard.
Worth a look:
The best iPad keyboard case
The Logitech Combo Touch offers full tablet protection, backlit keys, a great typing experience, and is more affordable than Apple's Magic Keyboard.
The $199.99 Logitech Combo Touch lacks the clever design of Apple's Magic Keyboard, but offers a similar experience while protecting the iPad itself.
The Combo Touch features two parts – a protective back case and a removable keyboard and trackpad that connects via the smart connector while doubling as a front cover. The back case folds out into a kickstand with plenty of viewing and writing angles. A magnet holds the kickstand shut when it's not in use to maintain its flat back.
The addition of the kickstand means that the back of the case is thick and protective – if slightly bulky. The Combo Touch adds heft to the iPad, but it is a small price to pay for such a versatile case.
Typing on the Combo Touch is effective and fun. The keys offer a good amount of travel and are perfect for those who don't mind portable keyboards. I found the keyboard to be a perfect size for my small hands, but those with larger hands might find it a bit cramped. I wish the trackpad was slightly taller, but I found it perfectly usable at its current size.
The gestures on the trackpad worked well, and I had no problem zipping around my iPad without ever touching the display. The addition of backlighting on the keyboard made this case a great nighttime companion, as I could clearly see the keys as I typed in the dark.
The type cover is easy to pull on and off, which helps to make the Logitech Combo Touch great for typing, reading, drawing, and viewing. It comes in either Oxford Gray or Sand.
However, because the Combo Touch uses the Smart Connector on the iPad to power the keyboard, the case leaves one small portion of the tablet exposed. iPad users looking for a keyboard with maximum protection should consider the Zagg Pro Keys with touchpad instead.
Zagg's keyboard still feels substantial, but the case feels much more rugged. The downsides, however, are that the keyboard has a battery that needs recharging, and the case is heavier. I also prefer the Combo Touch's kickstand and more powerful magnet. The Zagg Pro Keys kickstand is attached to the keyboard, so you can't remove it if you want to prop the iPad up for reading or watching movies.
Worth a look:
The best iPad case for protection
OtterBox cases offer a huge amount of protection without adding too much bulk.
OtterBox is known for its protective cases, and the company's iPad offerings don't disappoint. OtterBox makes traditional folio cases like the Symmetry Series and the Symmetry Series 360, but it's the Defender Series Pro that really stands out from the pack.
The $89.95 Defender Series Pro offers the most over-the-top protection that I've ever seen in an iPad case. It features three layers of protection– an inner thin plastic covering over the front and back of the iPad, followed by a rubber slipcover, topped off by a hard plastic back that acts as a stand and display protector.
This is not the easiest case to install and remove – in fact, I needed a video tutorial to figure out the processes. But my iPad seemed invincible once it was inside. Of course, it's hard to guarantee that the Defender Series Pro will protect your iPad in every situation. But my iPad did survive a 4-foot drop from my bed to the floor without a scratch.
My biggest concern with the Defender Series Pro lies in its hard plastic outer shell. The shell grips securely to the front iPad for protection, but also features a collapsible hinge in the center that acts as a stand for viewing and writing.
This design is interesting, but ultimately feels clunky. There is no mechanism to clip the case into the stand; instead, the iPad rests awkwardly between the raised corners of the outer case and raised middle hinge – leaving the tablet less secure than I would want.
The Defender Series Pro only comes in black and certainly isn't the most fashionable case. But what it lacks in style, it makes up for in protection.
Worth a look:
The best iPad case for watching video
Zugu cases feature great all-around protection and come with a magnetic kickstand that offers eight different viewing angles.
Zugu doesn't make a lot of different types of cases, but the ones they do make have some of the best viewing angles on the market.
The Zugu Muse Case, which starts at $49.99, is made out of a thick layer of TPU plastic surrounded by a polycarbonate shell for enhanced drop protection. It features raised edges, a grooved folio sleep and wake cover, and a microfiber lining. There's a collapsible kickstand on the back of the case that magnetically connects to the grooves on the cover, creating eight viewing angles for reading, watching, and typing.
Other case manufactures have emulated Zugu's design, but the strength of the magnetic holds makes this case stand out. No matter what surface I put it on, the Zugu case stays locked into the correct viewing angle. It performs equally as well on a lumpy bean bag chair as it does on a hard table. I can even lightly shake the iPad without detaching the kickstand – though a slightly harder shake breaks the spell and releases the front of the case.
The Zugu is also incredibly durable. I've used it every day for three years and have yet to see any wear and tear. It has been dropped, jostled, shoved into packed bags, and covered in pet hair, but it still works as well now as it did when I got it. I've also streamed thousands of hours of content while using this case and have always found just the right angle for every viewing position.
The only downside to the Zugu is that it adds some bulk to my iPad. Despite the fact that it comes in up to five different colors, it's not the best-looking case you'll find.
Worth a look:
What to consider when buying an iPad case
Compatibility
The most important aspect of buying an iPad case is making sure that it fits the specific iPad model that you own. It might be tempting to hang on to the old case for your previous iPad when buying a newer model. Although many iPads share a similar design, their dimensions are often different. That's why it's important to buy a case for the specific model you own.
Apple currently sells five different iPad models:
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- 11- inch iPad Pro
- 7.9-inch iPad Mini (2021)
- 10.9-inch iPad Air (4th generation)
- 10.2-inch iPad (9th generation)
If you're not sure which model you own, open your iPad's settings menu and tap "General." Choose "About" and look at the field that says "Model Name."
Features
The next question you'll want to ask yourself is how you intend to use your case. Do you want a sleeve that's as slim as possible just for keeping your iPad safe from scratches? Or do you often find yourself propping up your iPad while watching movies and cooking? If so, you'll probably want an iPad case with an integrated kickstand. And then, of course, there are keyboard cases designed for those who take notes on their iPad. Think carefully about the scenarios in which you use your iPad the most before buying a case.
Budget
Aside from buying the right case for the iPad model you own, budget is the most critical factor to consider. Basic cases can cost $15 or less, while more sophisticated cases like those with keyboards, kickstands, and extra durable designs can cost $70 or more. There are also plenty of in-between options in the $30-$50 range that offer standard protection. The best keyboard cases, however, will usually cost more than $100.
Hillary K. Grigonis is a tech writer and photographer with more than a decade of experience. She spends her weekdays writing about camera tech and her weekends photographing weddings and portraits. When she's not working, she enjoys reading, jogging, camping, kayaking, and traveling. She lives in Michigan with her husband and three children. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
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What Is the Best Ipad Pro 10.5 Case
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