Here are the best cases for the 2018 9.7-inch iPad!
- jan
- 23
The 2018 9.7-inch iPad is the exact same size and weight as its predecessor, the 2017 9.7-inch iPad. The real differences are inside, with Apple Pencil support in the 2018 model. Luckily, the best cases you can get for the 5th-generation model are the same for the 6th-generation iPad. Here are the best of the best options available for you and your iPad today.
Best for most
ESR Trifold case
Staff Favorite
The ESR Trifold case is a gorgeous, elegant case that comes in a bunch of awesome colors. It features a cover that folds into a kickstand, and it has an automatic sleep and wake functionality, just like Apple's Smart Cover. The ESR Trifold case covers the front and back of your iPad. Plus, it costs a fraction of what the Apple cover does.
Functional
Logitech Create Keyboard Case
If you're looking to create a mini powerhouse laptop, then Logitech's Create Keyboard Case is an excellent choice. It uses Apple's Smart Connector for an easy connection every time. This is a fantastic way to get some serious work done on your iPad.
Colorful
Fintie SlimShell Keyboard Case for iPad 9.7
Fintie's budget keyboard option also comes with lots of stylistic flairs. Sure, you can get simple solid colors, but there are also awesome designs, like Van Gogh's Starry Night, cherry blossoms, an old notebook design, and more.
Rugged
Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro
Supcase makes excellent rugged cases for phones and tablets alike. This one has a hard plastic shell, a flexible rubber inner bumper, a built-in kickstand, and an integrated screen protector. It also comes in vibrant colors and leaves all your ports accessible all the time.
Vintage look
Twelve South Rutledge BookBook
Want to make your iPad look like a super old novel? The BookBook has a full zipper closure to protect your iPad from the elements, with a microfiber lining, and a slot for your Apple Pencil. It also has an inner leather bumper to hold onto and protect your iPad even further. Additionally, there are two kickstand options for drawing or hands-free viewing.
From Apple
iPad Smart Cover
Apple's Smart Cover comes in five colors and has magnets in the cover for sleep/wake functions. This case is thin, and a magnet is what connects the case to your iPad along a hinge, making a sure fit every time. Meanwhile, the inner microfiber is color-matched to the outside, creating a consistent aesthetic throughout. Keep in mind that this is a front cover only; the back of the iPad is not covered.
Keyboard
Yekbee 360 keyboard case
This is the coolest case on this list! It's a keyboard case with a hinge that allows the cover to fold all the way around. Plus, it has a swivel connection in the center, letting you spin your iPad a full 360 degrees. There are seven backlight colors for the keyboard, and the overall package is thin and relatively lightweight for a keyboard case.
Extra storage
Fintie folio cover
This Fintie case is a thicker folio design with a pocket on the front cover for money, cards, small documents, and more. This one's made of faux leather and comes in over three dozen color and design options.
Shockproof
Sevrock Slim Shockproof Defender
If you're not in the market for a folio case, this one should be up your alley. It's a dual-layer case with a hard polycarbonate shell and a flexible TPU inner bumper, offering shock absorption with extra protection in the corners. This one's perfect for families with young ones who use the iPad.
Kickstand
Zugu Case Prodigy X
This folio-style case has a magnetic kickstand with seven viewing angles, a pocket for your Apple Pencil, and a heavy-duty exterior. So it's maximum protection with maximum functionality in a relatively thin package. There are four colors to choose from, and the cover offers sleep/wake capability.
Luxurious
Pad & Quill Oxford Leather Case
If you like fine leather goods, then Pad & Quill is the place to go, with its Oxford Leather Case being perhaps the finest leather case for iPads, period. It comes in either chestnut or whiskey brown and features a slot for your Apple Pencil, an inner pocket for documents or peripherals, and an elastic band closure. This is as elegant as it gets.
Leather design
DTTO PU Leather Folio Cover
If you love leather but don't want to pay a premium, consider DTTO's synthetic leather folio. It has a PU leather exterior but is a TPU rubber bumper case underneath. This is the perfect blend of sophistication and protection. It has an outer pocket for cards and documents, as well as a magnetic cover for sleep/wake functionality, and comes in eight color options.
Trusted
ProCase Ultra Slim Stand Case
ProCase has always made excellent cases for Apple products, and this one has a frosted, translucent hard plastic back cover, and a cover that folds back into a kickstand. It has auto-sleep/wake thanks to the magnetic cover, and its lightweight form factor offers great protection without the bulk. There are 18 gorgeous colors to choose from at an excellent price.
Stylish
Thankscase Rotating Smart Cover
As the name implies, this case has a front cover that lets your iPad rotate so that you can have it as a kickstand in portrait or landscape mode. Thankscase has the absolute prettiest options on this list, with tons of options with gorgeous, swirly patterns and fabulous color options. The magnetic cover does the sleep/wake thing, and some versions even have a handle on the inside cover, so you can hold onto your iPad more firmly while in use.
Protective
Youmaker Heavy Duty Protective Case
For extra protection in a slimmer, great-looking package, Youmaker's case is perfect. It has a built-in kickstand on the hard plastic back cover, and its rubber inner shell provides shock absorption and helps prevent scratches. There's a screen protector built-in, and this case meets the military standard for drop protection. It also comes in some dynamite colors that you don't often see in rugged cases.
Find the perfect case for your 2018 9.7-inch iPad
The 9.7-inch iPad is gorgeous, but if you take yours everywhere with you, then it's only prudent to get a quality case for it. Whether you're looking for full-on protection, a blend of protection and function, or an ultra-slim option, the above list has you covered.
The ESR Trifold case isn't only reliable, affordable, easy-to-use, and incredibly stylish. Still, with its 360-degree protection, fast access to all buttons and ports, and a wide range of color options, there's bound to be something to fall in love with when it comes to the ESR Trifold case.
Another staff favorite case is the Yekbee 360, since it allows you to type on a keyboard rather than the iPad screen, and that backlit keyboard is gorgeous.
If you want a more luxurious look, check out the Pad & Quill Oxford Leather Case. Yes, it's more expensive than the others, but we're talking about high-quality leather here that will last for years.