After you determine the type of protection you need, functionality is an important consideration. There isn’t much to most iPad cases, but some add quality-of-life features like a built-in stand, handle, or keyboard. These stands often come in the form of a folio cover that folds over, letting you prop the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode, making it great for watching shows and movies. You can also find more robust stands on cases, but they will be pricier and bulkier. When purchasing an iPad case, the number one feature you should be looking for is protection. How much protection you need depends on how you plan to use the case. If you’re just going to leave your tablet at home most of the time and occasionally plop it in your bag to take on the go, you can get by with a screen cover or a more basic case with a thin, plastic shell and cover. However, when you want to take the device with you everywhere, or you bought the tablet for a child, it’s a good idea to grab something more rugged and durable featuring materials like rubber and polycarbonate. Maybe you want to do some work or reading by the pool or at the beach? There are even waterproof cases to ensure your iPad stays safe from splashes and occasional dips in shallow water. Apart from making reading your files easier, these iPad cases with straps also make it easy for kids to hold the tablet.

Some people are prone to putting their devices in harm's way, whether you’ve got butterfingers or are on the move with your iPad more often. If that’s you, a case that can withstand a bit more abuse while keeping your iPad safe is probably a good choice. The OtterBox Defender Series continues to deliver the ultimate device protection, and it’s a part of the same family of cases that have protected phones and tablets alike for years. Use your iPad to catch up on the latest TV series? Grab yourself a case that has a foldable stand or an attachment that allows you to rest the case flat on a surface - no one enjoys balancing an iPad on their knee. The stand feature is also useful in the kitchen for following recipes.

There are a few other extra features on the Catalyst Waterproof Case, including multiple lanyard attachment points and an adjustable stand for hands-free viewing. If you’re feeling brave, you can even take your iPad underwater for some cool shots. Best of all, you don't have to fuss with removing the case every time you want to charge your iPad, as there's a handy charging port that easily opens and closes as needed. What to look for in an iPad case Build materials: From leather to silicone to aluminum to polycarbonate plastic to rubber, look for a good drop rating to keep your iPad protected. Some cases are only meant to withstand drops of a few feet high, while more hardcore competitors have a MIL-STD-810G-tested rating of 6 feet or more.

If you can’t imagine having an iPad without a stylus and regularly using it for note-taking or design, then it’s an absolute must that your case has a designated stylus holder so it’s as protected as the tablet itself and always on hand. Tomtoc's portfolio case is ideal for busy professionals who need to carry around more than just an iPad but don't want to lug around a full briefcase or shoulder bag.An EVA hard shell provides drop protection of up to four feet, while water-repellent fabric and quality YKK zippers ensure everything remains protected and accessible inside. Watching movies, reading books, or taking notes is a treat on Apple’s iPads. That said, most iPads are quite bulky, so it’s a tad difficult to hold the device in one hand when reading books or taking notes. That’s where the best iPad cases with hand straps come into the picture.

Four elastic straps let you secure more oversized items, while a mesh bag provides storage for other small gadgets and cables.The exterior of the portfolio features a patented groove design that makes it comfortable to grip, and there's also a convenient wristband. Though the pool is small, there are cases with handles and grips, making it easier to hold onto the iPad. Some case options offer large straps to slide your hand into, ensuring the device stays securely in your hand, while others have indents or molded areas of the case for you to grasp. Finally, adding a keyboard case to your iPad gives it functionality like a 2-in-1 laptop, so you can more efficiently type. Just be prepared for the keyboard to be more cramped than your typical one. If you don’t want the keyboard to be a part of the case, you can always grab a great travel keyboard.