The Best iPad Pro Cases

iPads are really coming into their own. At this year's WWDC, they gained an eponymous OS and can now even function as a second screen for Macs.

While the iPad Pro is not exactly a laptop replacement, it's still pretty powerful. That doesn't mean it can do without some protection, though.

The 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros have almost edge-to-edge screens, Face ID, and USB-C. That means there's more screen to see—and shatter. Not to worry; we found a number of cases that will fit the portability needs of your Pro. Plus we've included some for older iPad Pro models, too.

Case-Mate Venture Folio

You can tuck papers, your earbuds, and, of course, your iPad Pro into the Case-Mate Venture Folio, which is available for the 10.5-, 11-, and 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Apple Smart Folio

This is the one that started it all. The Apple Smart Folio is the original case for the iPad and has open-to-wake and close-to-sleep functionality. Get it for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Speck Balance Folio

The Speck Balance Folio has your iPad covered. A raised bezel and a snap-shut design keep your iPad safe and a built-in adjustable stand lets you type and view in comfort. Get it for the 10.5- and first- and second-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

OtterBox Defender Series

OtterBox's Defender series extends to more than just the iPhone. This case has the series' famed drop and dirt protection and has a stand for easy viewing. Get it for all versions of the iPad Pro, including the 11-inch.

Pad & Quill Oxford Leather

The Oxford case from Pad & Quill gives your new-school iPad Pro an old-school look. It also has a document sleeve and can fit the Apple Smart Keyboard, making it the total package. Get it for the 11-inch and 2018 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Zugu Case Muse Case

Zugu Case's Muse keeps a low profile but provides plenty of protection from drops. It also allows for wireless charging of the Apple Pencil. Get it for the 11-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

Speck Balance Folio Clear

If you want a balance between a clear case and one that has you covered, there's the Speck Balance Folio Clear. It has a clear back and a color cover that snaps securely in place. Get it for the 10.5- and 11-inch iPad Pro.

Case-Mate Edition Folio

Case-Mate's Edition Folio is angling to keep you organized and stylish. It has a pocket inside for papers or earbuds and securely wraps around your iPad Pro. Get it for the 10.5-inch in black or rose gold or the 11-inch in rose gold.

STM Half Shell Case

The STM Half Shell Case is a clear winner to protect the back of your 10.5-inch iPad Pro. It works with the Apple Smart Cover and Smart Keyboard.

Tech 21 Impact Clear

To keep your 10.5-inch iPad Pro safe but fully in sight, there's the Tech21 Impact Clear. It has a detachable holder for the Apple Pencil, too.

OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Folio Case

This OtterBox case is smart in more ways than one. First it wakes up the 11-inch iPad Pro when you open it. Second it lets you prop up the iPad Pro at multiple angles so it's perfectly adjusted for typing, reading, or viewing.

Pad & Quill Contega Thin

Pad & Quill employs bookbinding techniques in making its linen-covered Contega case, which is available for the 11-inch and 2018 12.9-inch. It can accommodate an Apple Smart Keyboard.

Speck SmartShell Plus

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro clearly shines through with this Speck case but also stays safe with an impact-resistant shell. The SmartShell also accomodates the Apple Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover.

Twelve South BookBook vol. 2

If old tomes are more your style but you have to live in modern times, get the BookBook vol. 2 to hold your 11- or 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Twelve South Compass Pro

If you decide to go case-free, you can still benefit from the Compass Pro, which allows for optimal viewing angles of your 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

About Our Expert

Chandra Steele

Senior Features Writer

My Experience

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme.

I strive to explain topics that you might come across in the news but not fully understand, such as NFTs and meme stocks. I’ve had the pleasure of talking tech with Jeff Goldblum, Ang Lee, and other celebrities who have brought a different perspective to it. I put great care into writing gift guides and am always touched by the notes I get from people who’ve used them to choose presents that have been well-received. Though I love that I get to write about the tech industry every day, it’s touched by gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality and I try to bring these topics to light.

Outside of PCMag, I write fiction, poetry, humor, and essays on culture.

My Areas of Expertise

Making incomprehensible tech news easy to understand
Expanding the boundaries of topics covered in the industry
Figuring out tips and tricks in apps and on devices and letting you know about them
Putting together gift guides for everyone in your life

The Technology I Use

All that gadgets is gold for me: my iPhone 11 Pro, my fifth-generation iPad that I use only for streaming videos and music, my iPad mini 4 that I like to take with me whenever I carry a bag that can fit it, and my MacBook Pro. Why are they all different shades of gold, though? What’s going on, Apple?

None of them quite live up to my two past loves: my LG Lotus LX600 phone and my Sony Walkman NW-E005 MP3 player.

I've never given up wired earbuds so I was ahead of all those trend pieces. I use a Mangotek Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone jack adapter to connect them to my phone.

I have had so many ebook readers, but I prefer paper to them all. Still, my Kindle Paperwhite is perfect for traveling or when I’m too impatient to wait for a book to be released in paperback.

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