The Best Apple iPad Air cases for your tablet protect your precious cargo
You just bought a new iPad Air, unboxed it and installed all your apps. And then: Oops. It slips from your hands and clatters to the floor, unprotected. That once pristine iPad tablet is now marred by a scratch right down the middle. How do you prevent these types of accidents? That's where an iPad Air case comes in.
From slim and stylish options like the Apple Smart Folio to rugged, full-body protection from brands like OtterBox, there's a case for just about everyone. Get a keyboard case to transform your iPad Air into a laptop replacement. Or get a sleek leather case that looks just as good as it feels in the hands.
We've curated some of our favorite picks below. Read on to find the one that speaks to you the most.
The best Apple iPad Air cases for your tablet
- Best Apple iPad Air case: OtterBox Defender Series
- Best folio Apple iPad Air case: Apple Smart Folio
- Best keyboard Apple iPad Air case: Zagg Messenger Folio 2
- Best leather Apple iPad Air case: Torro iPad Air Case
- Best rugged Apple iPad Air case: Urban Armor Gear Rugged Folio Stand
Best Apple iPad Air case: OtterBox Defender Series
If you're serious about protecting your new iPad Air while still showing off some of its more unique features, the OtterBox Defender series is your best best. It offers major safeguards for your tablet and gives you rugged, sturdy protection against accidental drops.
You get mutli-layer protection from an inner shell that goes on before you add an outer slipcover, a built-in screen protector for the front of your tablet, as well as a shield stand in case you want to stand it up and watch TV shows or movies.
The stand is an especially useful addition, as is the Apple logo window cutout that reminds folks what it is that you're using.
Best folio Apple iPad Air case: Apple Smart Folio
No one knows iPad Air cases like Apple, and that's why you can get absolutely fantastic ones from the manufacturer. This Smart Folio is an exemplary way to protect your device while also keeping it lightweight and comfortable to cart around. It also offers protection for the front and back of your iPad with its wraparound style.
And it comes in multiple colors so you can choose one to better fit your personality.
When you get your case on the tablet, you can use it to automatically wake your iPad Air when you open it, and put it to sleep when you close the case. Its magnetic closure keeps it from flopping open when you carry it or put it in a bag, as well. Plus, the Smart Folio case can be folded into multiple positions so you can create stands for better viewing whether you're reading or getting some work done on the go
Best keyboard Apple iPad Air case: Zagg Messenger Folio 2
If you plan on using your iPad Air as more of a replacement for a traditional laptop, a keyboard case is a necessity. This one is particularly affordable, but it ticks all the boxes you'd want for a case, including a laptop-style keyboard that doesn't feel frustrating or cramped to use. Just lock your iPad Air into the keyboard slot and it'll remain there upright like a laptop screen, so you can use your Apple Pencil as a mouse or stylus, and voila! You've got a portable workstation.
Aside from acting as a keyboard enhancement, this case is efficient and sturdy. It charges via USB Type-C, and it looks stylish and polished when attached to your tablet. It still protects the device even when you drop it, which means it's not just for turning your iPad Air into a miniature laptop. You'll love its multi-use form factor at this affordable price.
Best leather Apple iPad Air case: Torro iPad Air Case
Sometimes there's nothing like a leather case to class up your tablet, and this Torro option looks about as slick and and modern as it possibly can. It envelops your iPad Air in style, and it comes in multiple colors, so you can figure out which one best fits your personal style. It's crafted from top-grain leather, with the inside lined with microfiber to better protect your delicate tablet.
You can use the leather case as a makeshift stand as well; it has three support strips that you can use to stand the iPad up for better viewing, typing or just displaying it. That means you can keep track of notifications or anything else that's going on. It can also automatically wake and put your iPad Air to sleep thanks to its magnetic cover.
Best rugged Apple iPad Air case: Urban Armor Gear Rugged Folio Stand
For top-tier protection that essentially guarantees that you won't run into issues if you drop your iPad Air, this Urban Armor Gear case is as good as it gets. It's made from a rugged, non-slip tactical grip exterior and fits your tablet like a folio, which means it offers 360-degree protection. It's super light, but manages to offer impact resistance and cushioned corners as well as scratch-resistant materials.
Like many of the other cases with a less protective focus, this folio-style option also wakes and puts your iPad Air to sleep when you open and close it. Plus, it has simple to press tactile buttons that are slightly oversized so you don't have any trouble getting to them. There's also a bezel surrounding the screen to protect it as well as the camera lens.
