A good case also lets you prop up your iPad Pro like a stand for watching movies or browsing the web. It lets you elevate your iPad Pro on an angle to facilitate typing. Some cases give you even more flexibility when it comes to the viewing angle. Plus, some cases will store and protect your Apple Pencil, keeping it right where it needs to be—near your iPad.
Thankfully, there’s a case for every need out there, and we have curated the best protective cases for you below! No matter if you need something simply protect your iPad or if you’re looking to turn it into a work powerhouse, we’ve got you covered.
We have every use case covered except for one with a built-in screen protector. Manufacturers have not updated their built-in screen protectors to support the 2021 iPad Pro. If you need a screen protector, it’s best to get a tempered glass screen protector separately, as it can pair with any case in our list.
Best iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case Overall: Zugu Alpha Case
What makes an iPad Pro case great? It starts with the basics like the build quality and brand reputation. Then there are nice-to-haves, the features that really set the case apart. The Zugu Alpha Case is the one that delivers on all fronts.
✓ Superior build quality✓ Reputed brand✓ Ten pre-set viewing angles✓ Two Apple Pencil slots✓ Works as a magnetic dock
✗ The 12. 9-inch iPad Pro might be too heavy for the magnets✗ Only available in Black
The Zugu Alpha Case has a hard TPU shell and features bumpers that protect it from falls. Unlike Apple’s own Smart Folio, the Alpha case covers the entire iPad Pro, including the edges. The front cover has a satisfying click to it, and there’s a flap that helps you easily open the cover (which also wakes up the iPad Pro automatically).
The Alpha Case has the basics down, but what really makes it stand out is the details. Zugu hits it out of the park when it comes to viewing angles, with ten different angle configurations and a built-in kickstand.
Plus, there are two ways to dock your Apple Pencil. You can dock it at the top of the iPad (like you normally would), or you can use a sleeve at the back where you can slide in your Apple Pencil, keeping it safe when you’re out and about with your iPad Pro.
Lastly, the Alpha case has a magnetic dock, so you can stick it on magnetic surfaces, and it will supposedly stay there. Some users have reported that the weight of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a bit too heavy for these magnets, so maybe don’t stick it too high on your fridge before testing it.
Combining all the features above and Zugu’s build quality makes this our pick for the best case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The only real downside? You can only get it in black!
Best Budget iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case: ESR Ascend Trifold Case
Finding a good budget case for the iPad Pro is tricky. You want something that augments the fit-and-finish of your iPad Pro without breaking the bank. ESR Ascend Trifold Case delivers just that at under $20.
✓ Protects the entire iPad Pro✓ Magnetic cover aligns properly✓ The flap protects the Apple Pencil
✗ Only two viewing angles
The ESR Ascend Trifold case only does a few things, but it gets them right. This is a classic, full-body case. It has a translucent textured finish at the back that matches the color of your iPad Pro, and it comes in Black, Forest Green, and Grey.
The case protects the edges of the iPad Pro, and the cutouts line up perfectly. The buttons have a nice, clicky feel, and there’s a gap to dock your Apple Pencil.
The problem with most budget iPad Pro cases is the magnetic cover itself. With most budget cases, the cover doesn’t align properly, as there is either a gap or a protruding lip. The ESR Ascend Trifold works around this with an extended magnetic flap that claps in the back using a separate magnet. This means that the flap is locked in once the cover is closed. If you use an Apple Pencil, this flap also protects it from falling off.
The only real limitation is the trifold cover design itself. Unlike other cases with built-in kickstand cover designs, the Ascend case only works in two positions. You can fold the trifold cover to prop up the iPad Pro as a stand, or you can roll it up beneath the iPad Pro to use it on a slight angle, in a typing mode. If you can look past that, the ESR Ascend Trifold case is a keeper, especially at this price point!
Best Premium iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case: TORRO iPad Pro Leather Case
The iPad Pro is a premium tablet, so why not protect it with a premium case? And if you’re looking for high quality and an elegant look, this genuine leather TORRO case undoubtedly fits the bill.
✓ Genuine American full-grain leather✓ Cover supports auto sleep/wake ✓ Integrated stand with multiple viewing angles✓ The strong internal silicone frame adds support
✗ Expensive compared to a standard iPad case✗ Leather can be easily marked
The folio-style case is handcrafted using premium US full-grain leather and is available in several colors, ranging from more traditional browns to elegant red and classy blue. TORRO deliberately keeps the treatment of the leather to a minimum, which allows for a natural finish that will take on character and patina as it is used.
A precision-cut internal silicone frame holds your iPad Pro firmly in place without detracting from the premium look. The frame perfectly fits the iPads’ buttons, ports, and speakers, and has a groove along the top edge for your Apple Pencil to sit in and charge.
The screen cover is lined with soft microfibre material to prevent scratches and fully supports auto wake/sleep. When opened, the cover folds back to double as a stand, with three raised ridges to let you prop up the tablet for various viewing angles.
The TORRO iPad Pro case is a premium product with a fairly premium price tag. But although it isn’t cheap, we think it’s worth every cent.
Best Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case: Apple Magic Keyboard
You’ll need a keyboard to get some work done on the iPad Pro. And what’s better than getting a keyboard case and protecting your iPad Pro simultaneously?
✓ Best in class typing experience✓ Built-in trackpad for increased productivity✓ iPad Pro snaps easily using magnetic connector✓ USB-C port for pass-through charging✓ Up to an 130 degree viewing angle
✗ Doesn’t protect the sides of the iPad Pro✗ Magnet could be stronger✗ USB-C port doesn’t allow for data transfer✗ $100 more expensive than competition
As keyboard cases go, nothing comes close to Apple’s own Magic Keyboard Case (which comes in Black and White). While it’s $100 more expensive than competitor keyboard cases like the Brydge 12.9 MAX+, the Magic Keyboard Case is well worth the asking price.
Dock in your iPad Pro into your case using the magnetic Smart Connector, and you’re good to go. That’s it! Once it’s docked, you get access to a built-in USB-C connector that’s helpful for pass-through charging using the Smart Connector. You, unfortunately, can’t transfer data with this connector, though.
Once docked and opened, the iPad Pro floats on top of the keyboard. While this looks cool, it also means that it’s effortless to change the angle of the iPad Pro. You can tilt your iPad Pro up to 130 degrees, a good range for most of the tasks you want to do.
If you’re used to typing on the MacBook keyboard, you’ll find yourself at home. Plus, the built-in trackpad will give you a cursor on the iPad Pro, enhancing your productivity.
There’s a bit of sticker shock with the price, but the Apple Magic Keyboard is worth it for the iPad Pro’s best keyboard and productivity experience.
Best Rugged iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case: Mous iPad Pro 12.9 Case
If you want to give your iPad Pro the best protection without it looking like it’s wearing a suit of body armor from a sci-fi movie, the Mous iPad Pro Case is a great choice.
✓ Rigid backplate and impact absorbing AiroFoam✓ Integrated stand with 4 viewing angles✓ Space to store your Apple Pencil✓ Sleek and elegant design
✗ Expensive, even for a rugged case
The design of the Mous case is very understated. There are some obvious protective raised edges around the screen and camera, but otherwise, it looks much like a standard iPad case. But don’t be fooled by the lack of bulk, protruding corner guards, and armor plates, this is one tough iPad cover.
The protection comes from the rigidity of the backplate and a layer of dense but light Airofoam designed to absorb the force of impact. This combination of features provides cushioning if the iPad is dropped but, more importantly, also prevents twisting damage that often results in screen fractures.
The screen cover, held in place by a magnetic tab when closed, folds back to act as a stand. Unlike some iPad cases that only give you two stand positions, here you have four, making it easy to do everything from typing to watching movies.
Mous are specialists in creating protective cases, which is evident in this iPad cover. It certainly isn’t a cheap option, but if you want to give your Apple tablet the best chance to survive an accidental drop, it’s money well spent.
Best with iPad Pro 12.9-inch Case Apple Pencil Holder: ESR Pencil Case
If you use your Apple Pencil with your iPad Pro constantly, you need to protect the stylus from falls and scratches just as much as your tablet. While the Apple Pencil magnetically attaches itself to the iPad Pro, it’s not exactly a strong connection, and It can fall off quite easily.
✓ Builds on top of the excellent ESR Ascend Trifold case✓ Protects the entire iPad Pro✓ Has a separate slot for Apple Pencil
✗ Only supports two viewing angles
Plus, the most important and sensitive part of the Pencil, the tip, is exposed to the elements. Given the Apple Pencil’s cost, you don’t want it to get damaged.
ESR’s Pencil Case takes care of all these issues. The Pencil case builds on top of ESR’s Ascend Trifold Case featured above. But instead of a magnetic flap, it adds an extended TPU section that houses your Apple Pencil.
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Drop the Apple Pencil in the slot, and it will charge automatically. There’s no getting it out from the front, but thankfully, there’s a slot at the back of the case where you can push the Pencil out using a finger. You know the Pencil won’t fall out and get lost easily!
The ESR Pencil Case also gets the fundamentals right, and it comes in Black, Gray, and Pine Green colors for a bit of variety. It protects the entire body of the iPad Pro using strong TPU material, and it features a standard trifold cover that lets you put your iPad in a stand and typing position. This case does everything you need while protecting your Apple Pencil.
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