Despite the fact the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has been succeeded by new generations of Apple tablets, it remains an impressive device destined to serve you well for many years. To protect your iPad Pro’s Retina HD display, we recommend investing in a durable case or cover. We list a few of our favorite options below, many of which are lightweight, durable, and can support landscape or portrait mode.
While you’re at it, check out our list of the best iPad accessories.
Urban Armor Gear Folio for 9.7-inch iPad Pro
This folio package has everything the urban warrior needs, starting with a durable case with military-grade drop protection that still has plenty of room for all the iPad Pro’s ports and camera — plus, the composite construction means that it’s extra lightweight, and the grip material on the back helps reduce the chances of accidental drops.
In the back, you’ll find a handy loop for securing your Apple Pencil. The folio also includes a stand that’s perfect for serious work if you want to pair up a keyboard or put the iPad in a better position for watching a video, but this is detachable if you don’t need it and would like to save room instead.
Fintie Case for iPad Pro 9.7-inch
At first glance, the Fintie case is a solid synthetic leather/microfiber case, but a closer look reveals even more to like about this ambitious case. Unlike some leather cases, this one includes an exterior pocket for the easy storage of a notepad, letter, or other materials you may need to use. Inside, there are multiple strips on the microfiber to rest the iPad on at a variety of angles so you get just the setup that you want, too. The built-in magnetic strip both ensures the cover stays on when sealed, and activates the sleep/wake function of the iPad.
The case is also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can likely find a look that works for you. Finally, it’s a very affordable model, making this case a good pick if you don’t want to spend much but still want a high-quality case for long-term protection.
Dodocase iPad Pro Two-Tone Case
Inspired by journals of old, Dodocase’s iPad Pro book-bound cover is a handcrafted smart cover with magnets to activate the iPad’s sleep/wake function and features an elastic loop to hold your Apple Pencil or other stylus. It’s constructed with a durable, slim-profile polymer tray that offers a snug fit for your device. It protects all corners with complete access to your tablet’s ports and buttons. The case is available in four distinctive color combinations: Classic black with charcoal interior, two-tone granite green with gunnysack interior, two-tone indigo dove gray with indigo interior, and two-tone merlot granite with merlot interior. If you really want to get fancy or present a loved one with a unique gift, you can personalize the case with a foil-stamped monogram of up to three letters.
ProCase Folio Case
This case offers great value for money with a range of useful features and a thoughtful design. You don’t get real leather at this price, but the synthetic leather is nicely textured and comes in a few different colors and patterns. The cover has a magnetic closure and automatically wakes your iPad Pro when you open it. Inside you’ll find a softly textured frame that holds your tablet in place and three notches on the cover that support different angles to prop your iPad in landscape. All the openings you need are there, along with a handy pocket on the front cover and an elasticated loop for the included pen and stylus.
Speck Style Folio Case
You can get this folio case in a variety of different colors or with a patterned finish on the cover. The plastic shell has foam padding to protect your iPad Pro 9.7 in the event of a fall and it has been drop-tested up to four feet. The cover has a clasp closure, but there are magnets to automatically sleep and wake your tablet when you open and close it. You can also fold it back to different positions for comfortable typing or watching movies in landscape view. The openings are generous, and a clever forward-facing design on the speaker cutouts helps redirect the sound straight at you.
Pipetto Origami Case
These attractive iPad Pro 9.7 cases are the perfect marriage of style and function, created by London-based Pipetto. A flexible, but extremely tough, shell with a soft-touch finish holds your iPad Pro snug and secure. Large cutout sections ensure there is no interference with the speakers, ports, controls, or camera. The luxuriously lined microfiber cover, with a durable polyurethane exterior, has a really smart folding design that allows for four different landscape positions, and you can even use it to prop your iPad Pro in portrait, which is great for FaceTime calls. It comes in loads of different colors, including tones to match your iPad finish.
Otterbox Defender Series Case
If you’re seeking 360-degree protection for your iPad Pro, then the Otterbox Defender Series should make your shopping shortlist. It’s a bulky case that consists of three distinct layers. This ensures that every angle of your tablet is covered, which, in turn, translates to rugged drop protection. There are also port covers to keep dust and debris out, and if you open it up, you will find that it works well as a landscape stand. There is even a special slot to securely stow your Apple Pencil. There are accurate cutouts for your phone’s camera and speakers, however, the built-in screen protector can interfere with the Apple Pencil.
Poetic Quarterback Case
This case combines a TPU shell for shock absorption with a polycarbonate back panel, one that comes in a medley of colors. The design is common, sure, but it works well to keep your tablet protected. There are also tactile button covers and a slew of cutouts lining the case, which provide unfettered access to your tablet’s various features and functions. You can even use the case in conjunction with Apple’s Smart Cover or Smart Keyboard, or make use of a special clip that’s designed to hold your Apple Pencil.
Zagg Rugged Book Case
The price tag here might give you pause, but this is a case that delivers real, rugged protection and lots of functionality. As a protective case the mixture of polycarbonate, silicone, and stainless steel ensures that no harm will come to your iPad. There’s a clever magnetic hinge that allows you to attach the backlit keyboard and fix any angle you want. Turn it around and you have a handy viewing stand. The fact that you can detach the keyboard section is also helpful.
BrydgeAir Keyboard
We’ve yet to find a better keyboard to go with the iPad Pro 9.7 than this one from Brydge. Crafted from the same premium aluminum that Apple employs, the keyboard even uses a similar island key setup to make it feel like you’re typing on a MacBook keyboard. This case is the perfect choice for typing on your new tablet. It holds the 9.7-inch iPad Pro securely with two padded clamps and it folds 180 degrees to help you find the perfect angle. The keyboard also connects via Bluetooth 3.0 and offers up to three months of battery life between charges. It’s quite heavy, and it doesn’t really offer protection for your tablet, but it is a beautifully designed keyboard.
Griffin Survivor All-Terrain Case
This case is ideal for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. It offers military-grade drop protection from up to 6.6 feet in height, and it can even handle drops onto concrete. This case has an IP55 rating, meaning it protects your iPad from dust, sand, and rain. This case can take falls, tumbles, bumps, drops in the mud, and just about anything else you can throw at it.
This all-terrain case mainly consists of silicone and polycarbonate, which add robustness and durability. The case’s built-in screen protector is a bit awkward, but it’s easy to remove if it gets in your way. The built-in port plugs help keep dust and water from getting inside as well. This case is pretty bulky, so if slim and compact are what you’re looking for, this isn’t it. Its features might be overkill for some, but if you need reliable protection to keep up with your active lifestyle, this case will deliver.
