The Best iPad Cases for 2021 | PCMag

Premium iPad Pro Smart Cover alternative

Our pick: Most popular iPad Pro 11 Smart Cover alternative

From Amazon’s favorite case producer MoKo comes a proven design that’s an affordable alternative to Apple’s original Smart Cover.

This slim and lightweight tri-fold case was designed exclusively for the 11-inch iPad Pro released in 2021, and is incompatible with the 2020 model. It supports wireless charging and pairing of the Apple Pencil 2.

Thanks to a transparent back shell made of flexible and durable material, the case protects not only the front and back but also the edges of your iPad Pro.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021 model.

⇢ Amazon – $15.99

IPad Pro 2020 Sentry Case with Stand

Key features (Price: $20.59)

• Apple pencil compatible.
• Raised edges.
• 7 adjustable angles.

. Tomtoc bag sleeve for 11-inch iPad Pro

Our pick: Best iPad Pro 11 multi-pocket sleeve

If you want to give your 11-inch iPad Pro maximum protection when carrying it, a sleeve is better than a case. And the bag sleeve is better than any other sleeve.

Tomtoc offers the bag sleeve that’s tested to work with the Apple iPad Pro 11. Slim and fashionable, the bag comes with an extra shoulder strap, as well as a clever top handle.

The main compartment will accommodate the iPad, while other pockets are perfect for Apple Pencil, power adapter, power bank, and other accessories.

Patented CornerArmor technology protects from drops and bumps like the car airbag. Available in Gray and Black.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020 and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $27.99

. Fashionable embossed case with internal Apple Pencil holder

You are looking at one of the most original iPad Pro cases that are available in the Amazon store.

Offered by Auaua, the case features a tiny embossed stripe that goes horizontally from the front all the way to the back side.

Combined with the faux leather material the case offers a nice natural feel, while being also protective and functional.

Auto sleep / wake support is a common feature, but the case includes also a hidden Apple Pencil slot that is located on the right side of the screen, making it possible to wirelessly charge the stylus.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $29.99

. Personalized felt folio sleeve

This minimalist and modern sleeve from Cocones Studio is designed to fit the 11-inch iPad Pro – with or without the Smart Keyboard Folio.

Grapher folio sleeve is made from water-repellent antistatic 100% Merino wool felt that’s resistant to stretching and pilling.

The design sports a prominent zipper that enables you to open the sleeve on two sides. Inside, you will find a holder for your Apple Pencil.

Other colors are also available. The best thing is that you can also order to add a custom text to be engraved on the front side.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020 and 2021 models.

⇢ Etsy – $109

. Origami style iPad Pro stand case

From Moshi comes an award-winning iPad Pro 11 cover design that’s inspired by origami 3D viewing options.

One prominent feature of this case is a front cover that folds back over the Apple Pencil being attached to the iPad. The flap closes with magnets keeping the pencil securely in place.

The unique folding system will let you position the iPad at perfect angle, while built-in magnets will let you wake up your iPad with ease.

The case comes with a 10-year global warranty. There are three color variants to choose from: Charcoal Black, Savanna Beige, and Sienna Orange.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $69.99

. Fashionable boutique-style smart covers

Our pick: Best-designed iPad Pro 11 case covers

Since we discovered on Etsy these incredible iPad cases from Clique Shops, we can’t take out eyes off them.

They are “ordinary” tri-fold cases, just like thousands of others available around the web for the newest iPad Pro 11-inch model. However, one quick look makes you realize they are extraordinary.

These iPad Pro 11 smart covers from Clique Shops look like being taken right from a high street fashion boutique. And it’s done by simply attaching a great-looking skin to the transparent back of the tri-fold case.

And the God is in the details. You can choose from over 100 different designs. Each one can be finished in a few ways, including glossy, satin, or brushed texture.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020 and 2021 models.

⇢ Etsy – from $39

. 360-degree rotatable stand case with stylus holder

The classic rotating stand case that allows you to use the iPad in either landscape or portrait mode is still one of the most sought-after designs.

Finite offers the case in as many as 15 colors and patters, so you can be sure you will find the one that fits your expectations.

The case offers an Apple Pencil holder that’s hidden inside, on the right side of the iPad, so it supports wireless charging.

The elastic band holds the iPad securely in place. And, yes, there is a large cutout for the logo!

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $19.99

. Shock resistant textured slim folio case

This great protective cover from a popular third-party case producer ProCase offers future-looking pattern that would add premium style to your iPad while keeping the cost below $20.

The case is lightweight but shockproof. It’s made of high-quality ABS material that adds minimal bulk and protects better than other cases.

Support for auto sleep / wake and Apple Pencil are a standard, but the case offers also an extra internal pencil holder besides the support for wireless charging and pairing.

The case is available in Black, while we are waiting for the remaining colors of the previous generation, including Teal.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020 and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $11.99

. Premium leather folio zipper sleeve compatible with Magic Keyboard

From Pack & Smooch comes a luxury zipper sleeve bag that is a missing connection between your tech and your living style.

. Genuine leather tri-fold case for iPad Pro 11

This premium case is made of 100% vintage genuine cowhide leather – not only the front, but also the back case.

Each piece of natural leather has its own veins and pores, so the texture of each product you receive is unique. What may seem like an imperfection is actually what makes your 11 iPad Pro special.

The front is finished with thick stitches, which add even more luxury to the case.

You can get one of four colors: Khaki, Red, Brown (shown above), and Black.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020 and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $48.99

Composition Book iPad Pro case with internal Apple Pencil slot

Here is something for lovers of composition book design out there.

The iconic design is available for the latest iPad Pro 11 model! Most importantly, besides the Black & White version, you will also see other variants, Violet and Book Wine among them.

The back of the case offers the same composition book pattern as the front.

Another interesting feature is the Apple Pencil case that’s located on the right side of the screen. Such a position is very convenient – you can take out the pen without the need to open the entire front. What’s more, this position lets you charge Apple Pencil once it’s fully protected.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021 model.

⇢ Amazon – $22.99

. Water repellent sleeve with black marble design

Our pick: Most fashionable iPad Pro 11 sleeve

You already have the 11-inch iPad Pro and a Smart Cover, and all you need now is an extra level of protection when you carry it.

This universal sleeve from Mosiso is worth adding to your shortlist. It features one main compartment for the iPad, and an extra storage pocket for iPhone, cables, earphones, or documents.

The sleeve is made of lightweight polyester material that’s water repellent. There is a layer of protective foam padding, while the inside is lined with smooth and fluffy fleece fabric.

Opposite to other iPad Pro sleeves, the one from Mosiso is available in fashionable designs, including the “Black Marble” shown above.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020 and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $9.99

. Tri-fold case with semi-transparent matte back

Here is another affordable tri-fold case that proved to work great with previous-generation iPad Pro 11 models.

ESR Rebound combines a tri-fold cover with a back case made of soft and flexible TPU. Thanks to that, the case can be easily installed or removed, while offering a solid stand functionality and support for auto sleep / wake.

The best thing is that the back is semi-transparent and has a matte finish, which provides a better grip than glossy cases.

ESR case is available in five colors, including Gray and Forest Green.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021 model.

⇢ Amazon – $19.99

. Durable flexible backshell case with Apple Pencil support

Our pick: Perfect choice for basic-level iPad protection

If all you need is a crystal clear back shell that’s easy to remove and supports wireless charging of your Apple Pencil 2, take a look at the case offered by ESR.

The case is made of ultra-transparent rubber TPU material, so that the beauty of your iPad can be seen all the time. The case is flexible, what makes it easy to put on and take off.

What’s most important, however, is the groove on the right side where you can stick your Apple Pencil for charging.

Please note that this case is not compatible with the Smart Cover.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021 model.

⇢ Amazon – $12.99

. Tomtoc Portfolio bag case for iPad Pro 11

Our pick: The best organizer bag for iPad

How many iPad accessories do you already own? Do you need them all any time you go away? If yes, a clever organizer bag is a must.

From Tomtoc comes an eye-catching bag that is a combination of a sleeve and accessory organizer. The bag will comfortably fit your iPad Pro 11, no matter which generation you own. You can place inside the iPad with a case on, including the Magic Keyboard.

Inside, you will have multiple ways to organize your essentials. A soft sheet cover separates the iPad compartment from your accessories.

There are elastic bands to hold USB cables, adapters, flash drives, memory cards, or your Apple Pencil.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $32.99

• • •

Laptop-like wireless keyboard with a trackpad

Our pick: Best alternative to iPad Pro 11 Magic Keyboard

Brydge is one of few Apple-approved brands. It offers premium keyboard cases that will turn your iPad into a laptop. Opposite to the Magic Keyboard, this particular case allows you to position the iPad screen exactly at the right angle, thanks to patented hinge design.

The most important addition is an oversized multi-touch trackpad that will allow you to use the iPad as a fully-fledged laptop. The trackpad supports pointer, left, & right click, two-finger scroll and two-finger swipe.

The case is engineered from machined aluminum, giving you the same feel as the iPad itself. There is also a snap-on magnetic cover to protect the back of your iPad Pro from scratches.

The keyboard can be connected with the iPad via Bluetooth module or a USB-C cable that’s included in the box.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $149.99

Fashionable leather zipper sleeve

You won’t find too many iPad Pro 11 leather sleeves that feature zipper opening on the longer side. Voyage Prague has it, among dozens of other great leather tablet accessories.

Add to it Tuscan vegetable tanned leather in light brown (other colors available as well), and padded natural suede lining, and you have the beautiful sleeve as the one shown above.

You can choose from two options for the back side: felt, or leather felt.If you have a new Apple iPad Pro 11” buy this folio. It fits the iPad Pro 11 like a fine tailored glove, not bulky or flimsy but very elegant and protective.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Etsy – from $52

IPad Pro 2020 Rebound Case with Pencil Holder

Key features (Price: $20.99)

Personalized leather and felt sleeve with internal Apple Pencil holder

From City Sheep Store comes a wonderfully stylish sleeve that’s made from full-grain leather and 100% natural merino wool felt.

The sleeve features a large external pocket to carry your iPhone, earphones, or power charger. There is also a leather holder for Apple Pencil – what’s important, the loop is placed inside the sleeve, so your stylus is protected when carrying the iPad. A magnetic flap lets you secure your possessions with one gentle click.

Make sure to select iPad Pro 11″ when placing an order. There are six color combinations to choose from, including Anthracite Felt Brown shown above.

What’s more, you can choose for your iPad Pro 11 the version with or without the keyboard case.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Etsy – $59.99

Zugu iPad Pro 11 multi-functional protector case

Our pick: Most functional heavy-duty case on Amazon

This robust heavy-duty case from Zugu sports the car design and features an adjustable magnetic stand with as many as eight different angles!

Thanks to the Zugu case, you will be able to attach your iPad to any metal surface, turning it into a smart home control center or kitchen TV.

The stand is formed by putting the kickstand into tiny grooves doubled by an internal magnetic fiberglass structure. Thanks to that, once you put the kickstand into a desired position, it will stay there no matter whether you watch movies, use your iPad as a cookbook, write an essay, or draw manga.

The variant designed for the newest iPad Pro 11-inch is compatible with the wireless Apple Pencil charging & pairing, and has a built-in long elastic stylus pocket.

Firm bumper edges are designed to give 360-degree 5-feet drop protection. Plus, the case is made of materials similar to those used in Mercedes-Benz cars.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021 and 2020 models.

⇢ Amazon – $59.99

UAG 360-degree shock protection sleeve bag

From UAG (Urban Armor Protection) comes a new sleeve case that offers 360 degrees of military standard shock protection.

A special foam layer keeps your iPad Pro in place while providing a safety pillow in case of any bump or drop.

The sleeve is covered with rugged and durable 840D material that protects the iPad from daily wear and tear.

The sleeve features a front zippered pocket for your essential accessories, such as the Airpods, charger, or your iPhone.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $59.99

Cute floral folio case with Apple Pencil holder

Are you looking for a floral iPad Pro 11 case? Make sure to check out the folio case cover offered on Amazon by Hi Space.

The case is compatible with all 11-inch iPad Pro generations and features a cute pink floral design combined with black elements: stylus holder and hand strap.

The case supports wireless Apple Pencil charging, auto sleep / wake feature, and can be turned into a stable stand with 3 viewing angles.

✨ Compatible: iPad Pro 11 – 2021, 2020, and 2021 models.

⇢ Amazon – $16.99

Credits — the team that worked on this guide

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