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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.
Also: The best iPad accessories: Docks, hubs, and more for your tablet
iPad cases and covers are a great means of protection, but not all are created equal. The Apple Smart Folio remains our favorite pick for best iPad Air case overall, but there are more cases to consider for all kinds of uses. For example, if you want to take your tablet to a job site, durability is most likely a huge factor, whereas, multi-taskers might be looking for kickstand functionality. And of course, budget, plays a role. Ultimately, finding your ideal case requires some shopping around.
We've rounded up 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.
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.
"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."
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.
To learn more about this case, you can dig into our review on the iteration of the OtterBox Defender for the iPad Pro.
Timovo Slim Stand Protective Cover features: Magnetic cover | Tri-fold design enables multiple stand angles | Automatic wake-sleep functionality | Compatible with 4th and 5th gen iPad Air models
If you'd rather spend less on your iPad Air cover, this option from Timovo rings in at a very affordable $13. It does almost everything the Smart Folio does: It's a magnetic cover that includes automatic wake-sleep functionality and allows for Apple Pencil charging. It also has a tri-fold design that enables different stand configurations.
The case is lightweight, which could be a perk or a drawback, depending on your needs. Its somewhat flimsy nature means the case is anything but bulky, but it also won't offer much protection if you happen to drop your iPad Air.
On a positive note, the Timovo Slim Stand Protective Cover boasts many color options, along with pattern options so you can choose the perfect style for you. These colors all apply to the front cover, but the back of the case is translucent (so people can easily spot that Apple logo).
If you're looking for a case that's light on price and weight, consider this option. You don't necessarily have to take our word for it, either. With 4.6 stars from more than 20,000 Amazon reviews, this case speaks for itself.
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.
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.
Holimet Shockproof Protective Vegan Leather Cover features: Made of thermoplastic polyurethane to absorb shock from drops | Stores Apple Pencil | Made with vegan leather | Compatible with 4th and 5th gen iPad Air models
This cover blends a lot of the key features of other cases -- like a magnetic closure, automatic wake-sleep, and a foldable cover for multiple stand options -- with some new perks. For starters, the back of the case is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which means it absorbs shock. If you drop your iPad Air in this case, it will offer a level of protection. Plus, the TPU portion offers a slot for your Apple Pencil, so you'll get a safeguard for it, too.
Also: How to take notes on your iPad with an Apple Pencil
This Holimet case comes in some traditional-looking leather finishes (namely, black and brown), but the leather is vegan, so you don't have to worry about any animal cruelty ramifications. If you want a more modern look, the case also comes in pink or blue vegan leather, along with a caramel brown, dark black, dark slate blue, and green finish with a modern arced design.
It's also worth noting that this shockproof cover could be helpful for people on the go because it includes a pocket on the front. There, you can stash money, cards, documents, sticks of gum -- you get the idea. What's more, the case also boasts 4.7 stars from more than 430 Amazon reviews.
Fintie Slim Case features: Hardshell cover with shockproof bumpers | Supports Apple Pencil wireless charging | Compatible with 4th and 5th gen iPad Air models
If you're looking for something a little more simple, this clear case from Fintie provides both slim and lightweight protection as well as shockproof bumpers for added durability. The transparent back means you can let your unique iPad's color shine through, while the colored bumpers (in black, purple, or rose gold) compliment the clear backing.
It also supports wireless charging, so you can place your 2nd gen Apple Pencil to the side of your iPad Air and it will charge even through the case. This iPad Air case is perfect if you prefer a standalone case that will still protect your tablet without the need for a kickstand or cover.
Logitech Folio 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.
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 exceeds military-grade standards to protect your iPad Air from bumps, scratches, and spills.
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 and cover
Guaranteed fit, ample color choices
OtterBox's Defender Series Pro Case
Raised edges protect screen, antimicrobial additive disables bacteria growth
Timovo Slim Stand Protective Cover
Apple Pencil charging, varied stand configurations
Magnetic attachment to vertical surfaces, flap protects Apple Pencils
Homilet Shockproof Protective Vegan Leather Cover
Shock-resistant back, vegan leather cover
Fintie Slim Case for iPad Air
Shockproof bumpers, supports 2nd gen Apple Pencil wireless charging
Logitech Folio Touch iPad Keyboard Case
Keyboard with backlit keys and trackpad, adjustable kickstand with range of angles
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...
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.
Timovo Slim Stand Protective Cover
An affordable iPad Air case with tons of color options. It also includes multiple stand configurations.
A versatile case to protect your iPad Air. The cover is magnetic and strong enough to "hang" your iPad Air on a vertical surface.
Holimet Shockproof Protective Vegan Leather Cover
A stylish leather iPad Air case made of vegan leather. This cover also promises automatic wake-sleep, shock protection, and a slot for your Apple Pencil.
Fintie Slim Case for iPad Air
A lightweight and clear iPad Air case. While simple, it's also shockproof and supports wireless charging.
Logitech Folio 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.
We picked these products by looking for reputable manufacturers, a large number of positive reviews, or both. We also looked for nice-to-have features like Apple Pencil charging capabilities, areas to store your Apple Magic keyboard, and multiple stand configurations.
Other factors we consider include these.
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.
Budget: Price is often a concern so we look for the best iPad Air cases and covers to meet a variety of budgets. It is easy to spend less than $50 when searching for a case, but there are also some that cost well over $100, depending on design and features.
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.
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. All of the options we picked here will give you a way to prop up your iPad for easier viewing.
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.
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."
Absolutely. While we did a lot of digging to round up the options on this list, companies release new iPad Air cases all of the time.
Long story short, more iPad Air cases come to market all the time. Fortunately, the cases and covers we listed here don't have to be price-prohibitive. You could absolutely buy one of the more affordable options now, then upgrade as iPad Air protection technology advances.
This best iPad Air case and cover is a simple, straightforward pick.
This best iPad Air case and cover is pricey but durable.
With this best iPad Air case and cover, you get bonus features to simplify your life.
Jute Handbags This best iPad Air case and cover offers the best durability with built-in drop protection.