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The best iPad Air cases you can buy: Expert reviewed
With a display ZDNET believes is "on par" with the 11-inch iPad Pro, the 2022 iPad Air, and iPad Air models in general, offer impressive performance, battery life, connectivity for a lighter form-factor and cheaper price tag. But none of that matters if your tablet isn't properly protected. iPad cases and covers are a great means of protection, but not all are created equal.
Also: The best iPad accessories: Docks, hubs, and more for your tablet
What is the best iPad Air case right now?
The Apple Smart Folio is ZDNET's top pick for best iPad Air case overall thanks to its guaranteed fit, seamless use, and stand configurations. But there is a sea of iPad cases to choose from -- that's why ZDNET went hands-on and dove deep into expert research to find the best iPad Air cases for you. See the best iPad Air cases and covers to not only protect your tablet, but also help with productivity, functionality, and even add a bit of flare below.
The best iPad Air cases of 2024
- Guaranteed fit
- Two stand configurations
- Plenty of color options
- Ease of purchase
- Expensive
- Limited drop protection
Apple Smart Folio features: Auto sleep-wake feature | Magnetically connects to your iPad | Two-stand design | Compatible with 4th and 5th gen iPad Air models
It's hard to beat a case coming straight from the manufacturer. When you choose the Apple-designed Smart Folio for your iPad Air, you're not just guaranteed a perfect fit. You also get functionality that can make it easier to both protect and use your tablet, like the ability to charge your Apple Pencil with the case on.
"My life as a digital marketing guru keeps me hopping, so I need a case that's as much about defense as it is about practicality," says Ryan Ratkowski, Founder of Cascade Interactive. "And here's the kicker, the feature I can't get enough of - the automatic wake/sleep function."
This feature, which Ratkowski calls the "unsung hero of iPad functionality," means that whenever you open the case, your iPad Air display automatically wakes up. When you close it, the tablet goes to sleep, saving battery --although you might not need it since the latest generation has up to 10 hours of battery life.
The Smart Folio attaches to your tablet magnetically. That keeps the design slim and lightweight, but it does leave the edges of your iPad Air exposed to damage if you drop it.
Also: iPad Air (2022) review: So good I almost regret buying my iPad Pro
The cover of the Smart Folio features a tri-fold design that comes in eight color options. That lets you roll it up to serve as a small bump to make it easy to type on the surface of your tablet. Alternatively, you can fold it as a stand to hold the iPad Air almost vertical for easy viewing.
The main drawback here is the price. At $79, this case is not even close to the most affordable cases out there. That said, buying the case straight from Apple can give you peace of mind about fit and functionality -- and can streamline the process, since you can purchase it as you buy your iPad Air. Many Best Buy reviewers agree, noting that despite the case's protection, quality, and ease of use, it does have a hefty price tag for a case.
"Think of it as the Batman of iPad cases – lean, mean, and, despite an ultra-slim profile, all about defending your device," says Nina Clapperton. As CEO of She Knows SEO, she is a frequent traveler that takes her iPad Air along with her. She says that the Apple Smart Folio can "handle day-to-day bumps like a champ, keeping the usual culprits like spills, dust, and debris at bay."
- Durability
- Edge protection
- Port covers
- Excellent protection against dirt and grime
- Rugged build
- Expensive
- No color options
- Bulky
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case features: Raised edges for added protection | Antimicrobial additive to reduce bacteria growth | Port covers | Compatible with 4th and 5th gen iPad Air models
Some people use their iPads to scroll on the couch, but others need a tablet in the field. Whether you work in construction, utilities, or another boots-on-the-ground industry, you might want your iPad Air to be able to venture out with you. Enter: the OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case.
With raised edges, it offers drop protection for your screen and camera. If you buy it on Amazon, you'll also get a screen protector. Plus, the Defender Series Pro case comes with OtterBox's silver-based antimicrobial additive, which means your case actively fights bacteria growth. Finally, the case offers port covers to ensure any dirt and dust you encounter in the field doesn't clog up your jacks and ports.
Current users loved the value, quality, ease of use of this case, in particular the material and construction to protect against even the toughest of drops. Despite this, some Best Buy reviewers expressed difficulty getting the case on and off their iPad Air and noted that the case is a little bulky.
To learn more about this case, you can dig into our review on the iteration of the OtterBox Defender for the iPad Pro.
- Powers via Smart Connector
- Laptop experience with backlit keys and trackpad
- Compatible to store stylus
- Case fully encloses iPad for extra protection
- Expensive
- Limited color options
- Lacks typing comfort and swiftness compared to Apple
Logitech Combo Touch iPad Keyboard Case features: High-precision trackpad | Backlit keys | Adjustable kickstand | Compatible with 4th and 5th gen iPad Air models
To take your iPad Air to the next level, this folio case from Logitech was actually made for Apple tablets and comes with a pretty impressive keyboard setup. The attached keyboard includes a high-precision trackpad that uses multi-gesture controls to navigate the iPad Air even faster. And its backlit keys mean you can see your work even in dim lighting.
ZDNET Reviews Editor June Wan went hands-on with the Combo touch in December 2022, calling it -- and the brand's stylus duo, just as good as Apple's own lineup. "Logitech's duo is not perfect, but it delivers a more feature-rich experience than Apple's first-party accessories at a fraction of the cost," Wan wrote in his review. Current users and Best Buy reviewers agree, praising the Logitech Combo Touch's overall value, quality, and ease of use, especially pointing out how effective and functional the trackpad is.
The keyboard also has helpful iPad OS shortcuts so you can access the Home screen, Siri, Search, media controls, and more with one single tap.
Also: My favorite iPad keyboard and stylus were not made by Apple
The case's foldable design and adjustable kickstand allow for four modes (type, view, sketch, and read) with a 40-degree range of angles. Plus, the case instantly pairs with your iPad Air via a Smart Connector and sources its power directly from the device.
It also pairs with the Logitech Crayon or Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and charges them wirelessly on the side of the case. As far as protection goes, this Logitech case can protect your iPad Air from bumps, scratches, and spills.
- Tons of designs, patters, and colors
- 4 ft drop protection
- Antimicrobial coating
- Apple pencil charging
- Pricey
- Basic features
Casetify Impact iPad Air Case features: 4ft drop protection | Apple Pencil charging | Variety of colors and styles | Upcycled construction | Antimicrobial coating | Protective corners
If you're new to the tech accessory world, let me catch you up -- Casetify is like your trendy, Gen Z coworker who brings fresh designs and innovative features to the table. Ever-so-popular for their iPhone cases, it's easy to overlook the brand's other protective offerings, including for the iPad Air.
Casetify's Impact Case for the iPad Air combines style and function. It features Casetify's EcoShock technology and enhanced protective corners for extra security, and is drop-rated up to 4ft. Along with a secure exterior, the Impact case features Apple Pencil charging for easy integration with you stylus. Current Casetify Impact Case users love the material, quality, design, and durability of this case, and enjoy the numerous patterns, colors, and designs its available in.
The case is made with an antimicrobial coating to help combat germs, and is partially constructed from upcycled phone cases via the Re/Casetify program, helping to save the environment, too.
Perhaps the best part of the Impact case is that like most Casetify products, it comes in a slew of designs, patterns, and colors, and its sleek construction provides secure protection and practical use,
- Wide range of stand configurations
- Magnetic attachment to vertical surfaces
- Apple Pencil-protecting flap
- Limited drop protection
- Price
- Not compatible with newest iPad Air
Moshi VersaCover Case features: Magnet to hang iPad Air on a vertical surface | Flap to protect Apple Pencil | Variety of colors and styles | Compatible with 4th gen iPad Air
While all of these cases can serve as a stand for viewing your iPad Air in landscape orientation, you might need -- or want -- to view it in portrait orientation. With the VersaCase, you can do both.
In fact, the award-winning, origami-inspired nature of this case means you have a wide range of options for converting your tablet's cover into the right kickstand for your specific needs.
It's similar to other cases in that the cover is magnetic, but this one can do more. The magnet of the VersaCover is so strong that you can use it to "hang" your iPad Air on a vertical surface, whether that's the whiteboard at your office or your kitchen fridge. Current Moshi case users like the strong magnet and accordion style cover that allows for conversions to different stand positions, but noted that the lean on their iPad Air isn't ideal in select configurations.
Also like a lot of these other magnetic flip-cover cases, the VersaCover has limited drop protection. It does, however, have a little flap to go over your Apple Pencil to keep it in place while in transport.
What's the best iPad Air case?
ZDNET's pick for best iPad Air case is Apple's Smart Folio. It's sure to fit your iPad well, and with its tri-fold design, you can adjust the iPad in a variety of standing configurations. Here's a look at how each of the best iPad Air cases compare on price and special features:
| Best iPad Air case | Price | Special features |
| Apple Smart Folio Case | $79 | Guaranteed fit, ample color choices |
| OtterBox's Defender Series Pro Case | $47 | Raised edges protect screen, antimicrobial additive disables bacteria growth |
| Logitech Combo Touch iPad Keyboard Case | $200 | Keyboard with backlit keys and trackpad, adjustable kickstand with range of angles |
| Casetify iPad Air Impact Case | $82 | Apple pencil charging, 4 ft drop protection, enhanced corners for drop protection, antimicrobial coating |
| Moshi's VersaCover Case | $55 | Magnetic attachment to vertical surfaces, flap protects Apple Pencils |
*Lowest, non-discounted price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which iPad Air case is right for you?
Finding the right iPad Air case starts with evaluating your budget. We put two picks on this list for under $35 so you have options if this isn't an area where you want to spend a lot.
From there, though, you'll see that a lot of the covers function fairly similarly. We've got multiple choices with magnetic covers, auto wake-sleep functionality, and versatile kickstand configurations. To a large extent, finding the ideal cover comes down to identifying which one you like the look and features of best.
| Choose this iPad Air case... | If you want … | |
| Apple Smart Folio Case | The best overall iPad Air case. This option comes straight from Apple, brings a perfect fit, and saves battery via an automatic wake/sleep function. | |
| OtterBox's Defender Series Pro Case | A durable iPad Air case built for protection. WIth raised edges, an included screen-protector, and port covers, it's perfect to take to a job site. | |
| Logitech Combo Touch iPad Keyboard Case | To convert your iPad Air into a workable laptop. Coming with a keyboard with backlit keys and a trackpad, this model converts your iPad Air into the ultimate productivity tool. | |
| Casetify iPad Air Impact Case | A trendy, yet durable iPad Air case that offers essential features in tons of designs and colors | |
| Moshi's VersaCover Case | A versatile case to protect your iPad Air. The cover is magnetic and strong enough to "hang" your iPad Air on a vertical surface. |
Factors to consider when choosing an iPad Air case
If you're in the market for an iPad Air case, here's a few factors to keep in mind:
Size: It is critical that your iPad case and cover is compatible with your iPad. Check the size of the case to ensure that it will fit your iPad model so it is not too small or too large for your iPad.
Build: iPad cases and covers can be made out of many different materials. The best iPad Air cases and covers incorporate more durable materials like rubber and polycarbonate plastic. Some may even be rated for drop protection, providing an extra level of durability and security for your device.
Design: Why not add a little style to your iPad Air? Many of the best iPad Air cases and covers are available in a variety of different colors and patterns so you can add a splash of personality to your everyday carry, if that's what you're looking for. Make sure to think about what you want for your iPad.
Budget: There are many affordable case options available, but there are also some that cost well over $100, depending on design and features. Set a budget for yourself -- it will help narrow your search parameters.
How did we choose these best iPad Air cases?
We chose these stylus options after extensive research into the product category and by going hands-on with some of these products. We looked at renowned brands and reviews (both good and bad) and noted the top-rated iPad Air cases for different wants and needs. Ultimately, factors like cost, compatibility, use case, size, and practicality guided our top picks. We additionally consider ease of use, function, design and other direct features to help ensure we're recommending the best of the best to you. We also made sure to look for the top nice-to-have features, such as Apple Pencil charging capabilities, areas to store your Apple Magic keyboard, and multiple stand configurations.
Are the iPad (2022) and the iPad Air (2022) the same size?
The most recent iPad and iPad Air iterations do both offer a 10.9-inch screen display, as well as similar Liquid Retina displays.
Do I really need a case for my iPad Air?
You put a case on your smartphone, so why wouldn't you put a case on your tablet? Cases and covers ensure the device you spent money on is protected through travels, everyday bumps and bangs, and potential scratches.
Investing in a good iPad Air case is investing in your iPad Air.
Do I need an iPad Air keyboard case?
The answer here boils down to how you want to use your iPad Air. If you frequently use your iPad like a mini computer setup to do work, school, or other typing and stylus-driven activities, a keyboard case could be a great option for you -- especially if you want to optimize your iPad and upgrade how you can use it.
If you just use your iPad Air for entertainment like catching up on your favorite TV show, an expensive keyboard case is probably not worth your investment.
Do all iPad Air cases come with a stand?
While it's not a hard-and-fast rule that an iPad Air case must include a stand, the vast majority of the products on the market today do. If a stand is a feature you aren't willing to compromise on, be sure to use that as a way to narrow your search parameters.
If I buy a case from a company other than Apple, will it fit?
The trick here is confirming that you're buying a case designed to fit the generation of iPad Air that you've purchased. If you bought the 2020 4th Generation Air, it will fit cases for the 2022 5th Generation iPad Air and vice versa. Both the 4th and 5th Gen iPad Airs have the same dimensions and the same button and camera placements.
Will the case make my iPad Air waterproof?
None of the cases we've discussed here will make it safe to dunk your iPad Air. What's more, you'll be hard-pressed to find a reputable waterproof iPad Air case on the market today, especially for 4th and 5th Gen tablets.
It's also worth noting that Apple doesn't build in the same level of water resistance as many people might expect. While their later-model iPhones generally offer some water resistance, they make no such claim with their iPad Air. Long story short, your new tablet and water don't mix.
"A waterproof case won't turn your iPad Air into a submarine, but it does offer a solid line of defense against accidental spills and sudden showers," explains Jamie Boudreaux of Golfer Geeks. "It's, for sure, a lifesaver on the course, where unpredictable weather is par for the course."
Clapperton adds, "In a nutshell, while a case might not make your iPad Air waterproof, it does add a layer of protection that, honestly, is pretty crucial if you're intent on having your device stick around."
Where can I find iPad Air cases?
Most major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon have several iPad Air cases for sale in-store and online. If you're looking for more bespoke brands, such as Casetify, you may have to look directly on those individual retailers sites to see their iPad Air case offerings. But don't fret -- starting your search at ZDNET is always a good decision.
Are there alternative iPad Air cases worth considering?
Yes, there are tons of iPad Air cases on the market, each with different offerings. While ZDNET rounded up some of our top picks above, here's some other great options you can consider.