The new iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is set to land in May, but right now the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) is the closest to a laptop substitute you can buy in a tablet. It’s also an absolutely stunning piece of work — and even if you’re not a fan of the Magic Keyboard, there’s a wealth of other iPad Pro keyboards to pick from.
But all the productivity features in the world won’t matter a jot if your iPad Pro slips off the desk and meets a grim ending on the hardwood floor. If that happens to your iPad, you’ll wish you’d kitted it out with a handy protective case to keep it safe, and — more often than not — add a handy kickstand to turn your productive iPad into the perfect Netflix tablet. Here are some of the best iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2020) cases to keep your iPad Pro in one piece. We’ve also found the best iPad deals if you’re looking for savings.
Do you have the smaller iPad Pro? Then take a look at the best cases for the iPad Pro 11-inch (2020). Not sure which iPad model you have? Here’s our guide on which iPad is which.
OtterBox Defender Series Case
Otterbox is known for its high-quality cases, and the Defender Series folio iPad Pro case provides serious protection. Not only is it ultra-slim — ideal if you’re popping your iPad in a bag — it’s also built to keep your iPad safe whatever you get up to. No-skid rubber feet ensure your iPad stays where it should, whether you’re binging your favorite show on Netflix or typing up a report for work, and a soft microfiber lining keeps the touchscreen safe from scratches. With magnetic closures to activate sleep and wake mode, the Defender also features a multi-position stand, so you can adjust the angle of your iPad to suit the task at hand. It’s only available in black, but you’re paying for protection, not a huge array of colors and designs, and all OtterBox cases come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Zugu Case Alpha Case
Crafted from durable vegan (synthetic) leather, the Alpha Case looks every bit as sleek as your iPad itself. Don’t be fooled, though, as it provides a surprising amount of protection for your iPad Pro. A rugged dual injection TPU/PC shell protects against drops from up to 5 feet, even onto concrete — although the best protection is, of course, to not drop your iPad in the first place. A recessed Apple Pencil holder on the spine keeps your Pencil safe while it charges, while the interior features a plush microfiber lining to keep your screen safe from scratches. Fold this folio out into a magnetic kickstand that can be secured at 10 different viewing angles to suit any need. The Alpha isn’t the cheapest case on our list, but it is a handsome and durable choice — and it comes in a choice of five colors.
ProCase Slim Case
This slim iPad Pro case from ProCase not only comes in a huge array of colors — our favorite’s the navy blue — it also provides 360-degree protection for your iPad, with a hard back that snaps securely to your tablet and a folio cover that folds over the screen. This case is lightweight at just 5 ounces and folds out into a handy kickstand for those Netflix binges or video calls. If you’re looking for a functional, lightweight case at an affordable price, it’s a solid choice.
ESR Rebound Slim Smart Case
For those on a budget, the ESR Rebound case is a great pick. It’s one of the only cases on our list to offer full edge protection while still allowing you to sync and charge your Apple Pencil, and it has individual cutouts for each speaker and integrated button covers that provide a pleasingly clicky sound when depressed. Your iPad is protected in a flexible TPU shell with trifold cover, and while it’s not the most protective case out there, it is slim and light, and will set you back under $20, making it a great budget-conscious buy.
Soke Book Case
Prefer your iPad Pro case on the quirky side? This notebook-style cover from Soke not only looks the part, it also keeps your iPad protected thanks to its soft TPU shell, microfiber lining, and PU leather exterior. You can choose from six colors, but the classic black is our pick. There’s a built-in Apple Pencil holder, magnetic closures to activate sleep/wake mode, and a choice of stand positions for typing or hands-free viewing.
Poetic Lumos X case
If you want to protect your Apple-branded tea tray, but also want to show it off, your options are somewhat limited. Thankfully, Poetic has stepped into the breach with the Lumos X. It’s made from completely clear TPU that provides protection that allows your iPad’s design to shine though. The flexible TPU has shock-absorbent qualities with additional corner protection, and a dedicated Apple Pencil holder to hold the Pencil securely in place while it charges. The cover has a trifold design, so you can place your iPad at two different angles, and it folds across the iPad to protect your screen while it’s not in use. It’s not the most protective case around, and not the most feature-rich, but it does its job well, and it’s available at an excellent price. A good option for the “stay-at-home” iPad Pro.
Laut Inflight Folio case
There’s nothing wrong with a case adding a slightly different style to your iPad Pro, and that’s the drive behind Laut’s Inflight Folio case. The flecked fabric design is complemented with a faux leather trim, adding a new spin to your iPad’s aluminum chic. The Inflight Folio case is slim and feels good, but it should also prove durable, thanks to the polycarbonate case that holds your iPad. The front cover allows your iPad to rest in two positions and features an automatic sleep/wake function, too. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer full protection on the sides or a dedicated enclosure for the Apple Pencil, but you can still charge your Pencil wirelessly. Stylish and elegant, this case really adds to the iPad Pro’s style.
Spigen Tough Armor Pro case
It’s time to bring in the beef. If your iPad Pro is more active than most, then you’re probably looking for a case that’s stronger than the usual parade of folios. Spigen’s Tough Armor Pro is exactly that. As is usual for Spigen, the Tough Armor Pro is highly protective and is made from an inner core of TPU paired with a hard polycarbonate shell. This combination should prove highly effective against a range of damage, including knocks and minor bumps. The hard outer shell is equipped with a dual-position stand, and there’s a dedicated dock to keep the Apple Pencil safely stowed away. The rugged style may put some off, but if you want good protection at a great price, Spigen is a good place to look.
Pad & Quill Oxford Leather case
If a stylish case is what you want, then look no further than Pad & Quill’s beautiful Oxford Leather iPad Pro case. Each case uses a single piece of American full-grain bridle leather, paired with an ultra-soft leather interior. The Oxford looks great, feels amazing, and should protect well against a variety of threats. The front cover has a stand built-in, but if you really want to impress, you can pair this with one of Apple’s keyboard cases. Unlike most other cases, the Oxford Leather case can be worn simultaneously as Apple’s Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard case, fitting beautifully over the top of both, adding extra protection. However, this leather case costs significantly more than other cases, and when used alongside one of Apple’s keyboard cases, will increase your cost twofold. That said, this case is undoubtedly the most high-end and luxurious.
UAG Metropolis Series case
UAG’s Metropolis iPad case offers the perfect combination of a durable and rigid exterior and a thin, discreet folio design. UAG’s distinctive design has been paired with solid construction to make a folio case that should protect your iPad Pro against a range of hazards. An impact-resistant soft core and a harder outer shell keep your iPad safe, and it’s lightweight, too, thanks to UAG’s use of feather-light composites. The folio folds back to create a stand, there’s a loop for your Apple Pencil, and a tactile finish ensures a firm grip on your device. It’s certainly on the more expensive side for a folio, but we’re willing to pay for protection this good.
