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Apple's iPad Air is a popular choice. The tablet is lightweight and stylish but doesn't compromise on power . However, the fun will be over before it begins if you damage it. That's why we've handpicked the best iPad Air cases from brands like Casetify, Apple, and Logitech. These products feature useful extras like keyboards, trackpads, and built-in stands.
For our August update, we completed minor editorial changes and updates, removed old products, and corrected any inaccurate pricing.
Also: 4 iPad accessories I swear by (including a cheaper Apple Pencil alternative)
The Zugu iPad Air case is our top pick for the best iPad Air case overall. Its multiple stand configurations, solid protection and security, fair price, top features, and excellent warranty make it the leader of the pack. Alternatively, Burga offers stylish, patterned iPad Air cases in countless styles.
We dove deep into personal and expert research and performed hands-on testing, where possible, to find the best of the best. These are our favorite Pad Air cases to boost productivity and functionality, add a bit of flair, and protect your tablet.
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The Zugu iPad Air case serves as much more than a light cover, making it my top pick for iPad Air cases today.
Why we like it : It features an adjustable stand with eight configurations, a bumper, and a rugged shell for added drop protection, a stylus pocket, wireless charging, and more. The Zugu case currently comes in nine colors, which is way more options than other cases on the market.
I tested the Zugu case over the last several weeks alongside other options on this list and found it to be my favorite iPad Air case. It's functional and practical, providing security from bumps and drops. I loved using its stand, especially while testing several note-taking apps this month. The material feels premium and expensive and features a clean, appealing design.
While the function is top-notch, my favorite thing about the Zugu case is the color. I have been using the case in the Desert Rose color, and as a true Gen Z corporate girl, I love it. Many companies don't cater to colors outside of black, white, tan, and brown, so the unique color choices are awesome.
Who it's for : Current customers on the Zugu website said they like the overall protection, functionality, quality, value, premium feel, and aesthetic of the Zugu case, making it a top pick for most users.
What's even better is that Zugu offers a one-time AppleCare+ repair fee if your iPad is damaged while in a Zugu case. Overall, this case is well worth the money as a solid all-around iPad Air case for style and protection.
Depending on the color you choose, Zugu's cases range from $60 to $70.
Who should look elsewhere : I do wish they offered more options for prints, and so if that's what you're looking for in terms of style, check out another of my recommendations.
Zugu iPad Air Case features : Adjustable stand with eight angles | Bumper and rugged shell for drop protection | Air flow vents | Secure magnetic mount capability | Microfiber interior | Auto sleep/wake magnetic cover | Stylus pocket on back | Wireless Apple Pencil charging compatibility | Free AppleCare+ Repair Fees
Why we like it: ESR is responsible for making one of my favorite dupes for Apple's Folio case. You probably wouldn't be able to tell them apart, but your wallet can. ESR's case is under $25, while Apple's is $79. They offer similar trifold capabilities, and both come in similar colors. ESR's case also has a magnetic tab to secure a stylus. It's a no-frills, budget option that delivers.
Who's it for: This is for someone who needs a sleek folio case that offers great function without a big price tag, or someone who wants an alternative case to trade-off with.
Who should look elsewhere: If you need a durable option to protect your iPad, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Like Casetify, Burga is extremely popular for iPhone cases, but you shouldn't overlook the brand's other protective offerings for devices like the iPad.
Why we like it : While Casetify is like your trendy Gen Z coworker, Burga is the more sophisticated, sleek, and cohesive millennial with just a few more years of experience.
Burga's folio case for the iPad Air combines style and function. It features a spot for stylus storage and Apple Pencil charging, has a hard shell backing and a soft close folio front, can be used as a stand, features shock absorption and a raised bezel design, and is overall sleek in profile.
Perhaps the best part of Burga's case is that it comes in a slew of designs, patterns, and colors. It's sophisticated but practical and offers enough secure protection for everyday use.
When I tested the Burga case over the last few weeks, I liked its lightweight feel, Apple Pencil storage, folio-style cover, stand configuration, and numerous prints and designs. It's a great basic case to protect against everyday bumps and scratches, but I recommend upgrading to something more secure, such as an Otterbox or the Zugu case, if you're accident-prone or rougher around the edges when handling your tech.
Who it's for : Anyone who wants an affordable, fun, and quality iPad Air case.
I wish the stand options on the case were a bit more comfortable for viewing, though it's a nice add-on to have the option to prop up my iPad at all while watching a show or video. For the rough $70 price tag, I think this a great buy for the features you are getting.
Current customers on the Burga website said they like the overall value of the case, with emphasis on the case's design, build, and quality. Many said they enjoyed the fun patterns and color options which surpass most other cases mentioned on this list.
Who should look elsewhere : If you're looking for more standout functionality and features, read on.
Burga iPad Air Case features: Raised bezel design for camera and screen protection | Apple Pencil storage and charging spot | Variety of colors and styles | Shock absorbing bumper | Stand configurations | Never-fading prints
Moft Folio cases are among the most unique iPad Air cases I've ever tested, and a refreshed design means they are now compatible with modern iPad Air generations.
Why we like it : Moft makes some of the most innovative, origami-inspired mobile and tech accessories I've seen.
The Moft Float Folio case features a strong magnetic connection with a sleek and slim design that makes the case feel elevated and upscale. It also comes with a stylus holder and is configured into three unique angled positions including one standing position as an ultra-high alignment.
The case is a duo system, with a softer outside folio and a harder case set for extra protection. They can be used individually or together and easily separated for quick access.
When I tested out a Moft case, I especially liked the standing configuration for my iPad Air, which allowed it to be at eye level. It's perfect for working from home and for video calls.
Who it's for : Someone who wants a case that stands out from the crowd.
Moft Float Folio users said they like the case's overall design, quality feel, and functionality, thanks to the unique stand configurations.
Who should look elsewhere : It's great for productivity, but if you want something more colorful, check out another of my favorites in this list.
Moft Float Folio Case features: Stylus holder | Three unique stand configurations (one ultra-high) | Premium construction and feel | Slim profile | Duo case set | Affordable luxury style
The Logitech Combo Touch is our pick for the best keyboard case for the iPad Air, not in the least due to its more affordable price.
Why we like it : The Combo Touch is full of functional details, including a detachable keyboard, backlit keys, built-in stylus storage, iPad OS shortcut keys, and more. It offers four modes of use: type, view, sketch, and read.
Review: My favorite iPad keyboard and stylus are not made by Apple
When ZDNET's Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan tested the Combo Touch and Logitech Crayon Stylus with the iPad 10th-generation in 2022, he lauded it for its ability to "flex on the Magic Keyboard [Folio]."
"Logitech's Combo Touch cover and Crayon stylus for the iPad are cheaper and practically better than Apple's own accessories. [They] are not perfect, but they deliver a more feature-rich experience than Apple's first-party accessories at a fraction of the cost. That's not a knock on Apple's own iPad keyboard and stylus by any means; the two are just as worthy of your consideration," Wan wrote in his review .
Who it's for : Logitech customers liked the top-of-the-line features, overall value, and price point of the Combo Touch case, which has over 100 5/5-star reviews. One customer, like Wan, even said it beat out Apple's own Magic Keyboard. "This product is exactly what I hoped Apple was going to provide. And, it was at a fraction of the price," they wrote.
As a result, if you want to get the best out of accessories, this case is for you.
Who should look elsewhere : This case can cost upwards of $200. You can find more affordable cases on our list.
Logitech Combo Touch features: 4 modes (type, view, sketch, read) | Detachable keyboard | Backlit keys | Stylus storage | Full row of iPad OS shortcut keys | 1-year limited warranty | Two viewing angles
Some people use their iPads to scroll on the couch, but others need a tablet in the field. Whether you work in construction or another boots-on-the-ground industry, you'll want your iPad Air to safely venture out with you. Enter the OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case.
Why we like it : With raised edges, it offers drop protection for your screen and camera. The Defender Series Pro case also comes with OtterBox's silver-based antimicrobial additive, which means your case actively fights bacteria growth.
Finally, the case includes port covers to prevent dirt and dust while you're in the field from clogging your jacks and ports.
Current users on Best Buy said they like the value, quality, and overall ease of use, giving the Defender case 4.5/5 stars on the site. Many users said they like the secure durability and protection from bumps and scrapes, but some users said they had issues getting their Apple Pencil to stay secure. Plus, new iPad Air 11 and 13-inch Defender series cases are available .
Who it's for : Anyone who needs a case suitable for more difficult environments or outdoor usage. That being said, take care with your iPad Air -- as no case protects against every hazard.
To learn more about this case, you can dig into our review of the iteration of the OtterBox Defender for the iPad Pro.
Who should look elsewhere : It's functional, but slightly dull. If you want to inject more personality into your case, look elsewhere.
OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case f eatures: Raised edges for added protection | Antimicrobial additive to reduce bacteria growth | Port covers
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 to better protect and use your tablet.
Why we like it : The cover of the Smart Folio features a tri-fold design that comes in eight color options. The tri-fold feature allows you to roll it up with 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 vertically for easy viewing.
The Folio's automatic wake/sleep function feature 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. 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 drop damage. It is available for iPad Air 10.9-, 11-, and 13-inch models in several colors.
Also: iPad Air (2022) review: So good I almost regret buying my iPad Pro
Who it's for : Current Amazon users said they liked the quality, appearance, and fit of the Apple Smart Folio cover, making it a solid option for Apple fans.
Who should look elsewhere : The main drawback here is the typical price -- $79 -- which is a far cry from the most affordable cases. Many Best Buy reviewers note that despite the case's protection, quality, and ease of use, it does have a hefty price tag for a case. This case retails for $40 at Best Buy.
Apple Smart Folio features: Auto sleep-wake feature | Magnetically connects to your iPad | Two-stand design | Clean, uncluttered look
Our pick for best iPad Air case is the Zugu iPad Air case, thanks to its great color options, functionality, and solid protection. Here's a look at how each of the best iPad Air cases compares.
*MSRP at the time of publishing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Finding the right iPad Air case for you can be a challenge. Here's how all our top iPad Air cases compare to each other and why they could work for you. Keep in mind the features you absolutely want or need when searching, it will help narrow down your choices.
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.
We chose these iPad Air case options considering the following factors and after extensive research into this product category:
Apple revamps their iPad lineup frequently, so you'll be able to shop a variety of models from the last few years and likely find something in your budget. But if you need to know the latest, these are the newest iPad models of each category so far, though new models may be coming soon:
The answer is yes and no -- it will depend and vary from brand to brand.
If you already have a 10.9-inch case, it won't hurt to try it on your iPad Air 11-inch and see if it works, but keep in mind that for the best protection, we recommend outfitting your iPad Air in a case that specifically stipulates that it was designed for your particular display size. An ill-fitting case will not provide the same protection as one that properly fits.
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 travel, everyday bumps and bangs, and potential scratches.
Investing in a good iPad Air case is investing in your iPad Air.
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.
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.
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, for example, as both the 4th and 5th Gen iPad Airs have the same dimensions and the same button and camera placements.
Just be sure not to accidentally purchase cases designed for other iPad models and display sizes. Reading the specs and features before finalizing your purchase can help avoid any unnecessary or incorrect purchases. Remember, the most important factor is the inch size.
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.
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.
There are some rugged iPad Air cases around, but don't take your expensive tablet for a swim anytime soon.
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 at 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.
Apple's Magic Keyboard case is the tech giant's companion for the iPad Pro and iPad Air. It comes in white or black and features a trackpad, USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection. Thanks to a magnetic hold, you can also adjust it to a comfortable viewing angle. Expect to pay around $270 for this premium cover.
This folio case from ESR comes in eight colors, has a built-in holder for the Apple Pencil, and features a raised screen view. Plus, it's super affordable at just $20. You can also explore different color, style, and iPad model options.
When I tested the Impact case on the iPad Air, I liked its lightweight, handy Apple Pencil storage, and numerous prints and designs. It's a great basic case to protect from everyday bumps and scratches, but there's no screen protection -- unless you upgrade to the folio style. It's quite pricey at $74, but endlessly fun.
If you want to optimize your iPad Air's capabilities and extend its life, here are a few more accessories to consider, like a screen protector and an iPad stylus .
If you want to stay loyal to Apple, the second-generation stylus is still one of the best pairings for the iPad Air, unless you want to upgrade to the newest Pencil Pro.
ESR's Geo pencil is a an under $50 alternative to Apple's flagship lineup of Apple Pencils. It also has FindMy enabled, so if you frequently misplace your pen, no worries.
If you want to explore more of our Apple coverage, check out our top picks for the best iPhones and MacBooks , as well as the best iPads we've tested and recommend in 2026.
