A near-perfect balance between performance and price, the iPad Air is a value champion in Apple's current lineup of tablets. And if you've got your hands on one, it only makes sense to protect it.
The best cases for the iPad Air range from slim folio covers that can fold into different positions, rugged cases to protect from drops and scuffs, and keyboard cases so you can use the tablet like a laptop. And if you're an Apple Pencil enthusiast, you'll want a case with an Apple Pencil holder.
Whether you've got a fourth- or fifth-gen iPad Air (the latter is among the best iPads you can buy), we've rounded up our top picks below.
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Best basic iPad Air caseApple's folio case provides a strong magnetic connection to your iPad as you adjust it into a variety of positions, making it an easy choice. -
Staff Pick
Best keyboard caseA backlit keyboard, military-grade drop protection, and high-precision trackpad places this keyboard case ahead of the rest.
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Best slim caseESR’s thin Rebound case protects your iPad Air from everyday scuffling and includes a detachable magnetic cover that you can use as a stand.
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Best budget caseA light yet protective case, the Fintie Hybrid has an interior slot for the Apple Pencil and comes in a variety of chic colors.
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Staff Pick
For fans of Otterbox phone casesWith a clear polycarbonate rear panel and a folio cover that adjusts into a stand, this Otterbox case is protective and not too bulky.
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Protective and versatileThis rugged case has military-grade drop protection and a cover that you can convert into a stand.
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Best leather caseFor a sophisticated and personalized look suited for professional settings, we love Nomad's Modern Leather case that will patina with use over time.
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Best for watching videoThe folio cover on this case has raised edges for added screen protection and can be adjusted into a stand with four different viewing angles.
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Best clear caseAvailable in six different colors, this case has a soft-touch cover with a clear back to show off your iPad, along with air cushion padding for protection from drop damage.
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Apple's iPad Air keyboard caseFor a minimalist keyboard case without a trackpad, look no further than this official keyboard folio that offers two comfortable viewing angles.
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Staff Pick
Best case for protectionOtterbox's Defender series of cases provides top-of-the-line protection and includes a built-in screen protector.
What to look for in an iPad Air case
You should first make sure that a case is directly compatible with your particular iPad Air model, and not with other iPad models that differ in size. Our list contains cases meant for the latest model of the tablet, the fifth-generation iPad Air, but they're also each compatible with the fourth-generation iPad Air, which has the exact same dimensions.
Between reliable protection of the tablet's screen and cameras, weight, style, and function, there are plenty of other factors that could influence your decision to purchase a particular case.
If you're an Apple Pencil user, compatibility with Pencil charging will likely be a key factor in your decision — luckily for you, all of the cases on our list are compatible with the wireless charging capability of the second-generation Apple Pencil while it's magnetized to the side of a fourth- or fifth-generation iPad Air. Some of the cases have slots for the Pencil within the case itself, while others have a magnetic flap or unobstructed space on the tablet to keep the Pencil more accessible.
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