Just like its larger iPad Air sibling, the iPad mini is easier to handle and better-equipped to survive accidental drops when it's dressed in a protective case. Since there are a slew of options to choose from, we spent the past week researching and evaluating the best iPad mini cases worth buying.
We searched high and low for protective covers in various price points and form factors from Apple, Bellroy, Spigen, and UAG, to name a few major brands — focusing our research on products for the latest iPad mini with a new design and an 8.3-inch screen.
Form factor is the first and most important bit to consider before buying a case for your new iPad mini. A snap-on case will allow you to seamlessly interact with the slate, just like you would with an oversized smartphone. A case with a display cover, on the other hand, will not only protect better but also allow you to view content hands-free. Sleeve cases are suitable for storing your device when not in use and can typically have enough space for the slate with a thin snap-on case.
It's also important to note that keyboard cases for the latest iPad mini are not available yet, which is likely due to the device's compact footprint and recent launch. In the meantime, you can crank out work on your device by pairing it with a compact wireless keyboard like this one.
Whether you're looking for something ultra thin, or a rugged case that'll withstand just about anything life throws at it, there's a protective case on our list that's perfect for your new iPad mini.
The Spigen Rugged Armor is our favorite snap-on case for the iPad mini. It’s lightweight but plenty tough and capable of delivering top-notch drop protection. The latter comes courtesy of the accessory maker’s proprietary Air Cushion technology.
We like the product’s cutout for the iconic Apple logo, as well as its Apple Pencil slot and carbon fiber-like bits. The affordable price tag of the Rugged Armor is also impossible to overlook.
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid Pro case will guard and showcase your iPad mini equally well at a reasonable price. It consists of a tough shell with a clear back panel and a foldable display cover. Thanks to Spigen’s proprietary tech, the product delivers stellar drop protection.
As expected, the accessory’s magnetic cover will wake up the slate when you open it, the double as a viewing and typing stand. It has an Apple Pencil strap, too.
The MoKo Case Fit is our favorite for protecting the new iPad mini on the cheap. Priced around $10, the accessory has a translucent polycarbonate shell for the iPad and a magnetic cover that doubles as a viewing and typing stand. Its cover’s leather-like finish has nice tactility, too.
A slot for the Apple Pencil is also among the product’s key features. You can grab the accessory in purple, rose gold, blue, and space gray.
This affordable protective case will make your iPad mini look like a composition book — an instantly recognizable, decidedly low-tech item — when not in use. The accessory features a silicone shell for the slate and a polyurethane screen cover, with both bits sporting the composition book’s signature pattern.
Rather conveniently, the product has an integrated slot for storing and protecting the Apple Pencil. Its display cover doubles as a viewing stand with adjustable angles.
The UAG Metropolis SE Series case for the iPad mini is built like a tank. It can handle drops with ease thanks to an impact-resistant core and super tough folio cover. The utilitarian accessory is designed to meet military standards for shock protection.
The product’s display cover doubles as a viewing stand. We like its sturdy magnetic closure has an Apple Pencil holder, too. You can order the Metropolis SE Series in black or blue.
Apple's own Smart Folio for the iPad mini has a minimalist design with a screen and a back cover. It attaches to the iPad mini via magnets. Its screen cover will wake up the iPad when you flip it open and put it in sleep mode when closed. It also doubles as a convenient stand.
The Smart Folio has a durable silicone exterior and a soft interior lining. You can order it in several colors.
If you're looking to store and protect the iPad mini when not in use, consider the Herschel Spokane sleeve. The stylish accessory has a durable fabric exterior that’s nice to interact with, a padded interior with fleece lining, as well as a discreet and dependable magnetic closure.
Herschel offers the Spokane in black and a duo of gray finishes. Each sleeve rocks an injection-molded logo and eye-catching tab with the brand’s signature pattern.
The Bellroy Work Folio A5 is hands down the most luxurious option on this list. Crafted from premium leather, it can protect your iPad mini and keep your phone and other essentials in order. It has space for a notepad, business cards, and other accessories. We like the product’s sturdy zipper closure, too.
You can order the folio with a black, caramel, or graphite leather finish. Bellroy backs the case with a 3-year warranty.
The affordable Fintie rotating case, as its name suggests, has a swiveling design that allows you to seamlessly change between portrait and landscape viewing modes. When it comes to hands-free viewing, it’s one of the most versatile options out there.
Other key features of the accessory include a synthetic leather exterior with a hard shell to hold the slate and a neat cutout for the Apple logo. You can order it in black or purple.
Sporting a sub-$10 price tag, this impressively thin (1.6 millimeters to be precise) snap-on case will showcase your iPad mini, while delivering a reliable protection against scratches and bumps. The impulse-buy accessory has reinforced corners to safeguard against drops, too.
The cover offers seamless access to the iPad mini’s USB-C port, Touch ID, and volume buttons. A convenient slot for the Apple Pencil is also among its noteworthy highlights.
Stefan VazharovSenior Technology EditorStefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015; He previously covered tech products for GSMArena.com and his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
