The Best iPad Accessories
One of the best parts of owning an iPad is that you're never short on accessories. There's a wealth of cases, cables, adapters, styli, keyboards, stands, and more out there to trick out your slate. But what should you buy? I've spent more than a year filling a corner of my tiny New York apartment with boxes of gear to test and find the best iPad accessories. Whether you already own an iPad or recently picked one up after perusing our Best iPad guide, there's something here for you.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best iPhone, Best iPhone 13 Cases and Accessories, and Best iPhone 12 Cases and Accessories.
Updated November 2021: We've added new gear from OWC, Moft, Harber London, Lamicall, Satechi, Twelve South, and Hyper.
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Photograph: AppleWait. Which iPad Do You Own?
How to Figure Out Your iPad ModelThere are so many iPads out there, it can be hard to identify the exact model you own. Do you have the iPad Pro from 2017 with the 10.5-inch screen? Or the 9.7-inch one from 2016? It doesn't help that Apple avoids the sequential naming structure it uses for the iPhone. But no matter.
Finding your model is simple:
- Look at the back of your iPad. Etched on the back cover, near where it says "Designed by Apple in California," should be a model number starting with the letter A.
- Head to this website from Apple. Look for your corresponding model number, and that's it! You found your iPad model. (Pro tip: Use your browser's "Find in Page" function to type in your model number and find it quickly.)
Accessory makers usually indicate what iPad a case, folio, or keyboard cover is designed to work with. Most of our picks below are for the newest hardware, but they're often also available for older iPads. Just search for the product name and your iPad model.
If you see a retailer mentioning a specific generation, this is Apple's current lineup:
- iPad: 9th generation (2021)
- iPad Mini: 6th generation (2021)
- iPad Air: 4th generation (2020)
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 3rd generation (2021)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 5th generation (2021)
- Photograph: Apple
An Easy Way to Draw or Write
Apple PencilThe Apple Pencil is one of the most useful tools you can add to the iPad. The entire 2021 lineup supports it, from the Mini to the Pro. It's excellent for drawing, with an imperceptible delay as the Pencil moves across the glass display. Like a normal pencil, your lines get thicker as you press down harder. The Pencil is also great for navigating iPadOS, which has handwriting support in various search fields so you don't need to switch to the keyboard to type—and it's handy for signing or marking up documents.
The first-generation Pencil has some drawbacks. There's no good place to connect it to your iPad when you aren't using it, you need to remove the cap and plug the end of the stylus into the iPad to charge it (it has a Lightning connector), and it loves to roll off any surface. Apple fixed all of these issues with the second-generation model, which magnetically sticks to the top of compatible iPads and wirelessly charges. At the moment, the base iPad is the only model that still uses the first-gen Pencil.
Another Alternative: The Apple Pencil is expensive. A more affordable option I like is the Logitech Crayon ($70). It's especially great for kids because it's thicker yet maintains great palm rejection, good pressure sensitivity, and low latency.
- Photograph: Spigen
A Cheap Stand-Up Case
Spigen Rugged Armor ProSpigen's folio case is bulkier than Apple's official case, but it protects the entire tablet with a bumper covering the edges, a tough back cover made of thermoplastic polyurethane and polyurethane leather, and a magnetic latch to keep the folio closed. You can convert the display cover into a stand to prop the whole thing up (there are two angle options). When it's in Theater Mode, you won't see much wobble or sliding when tapping the screen. There's a spot to secure the Apple Pencil, but don't worry, the second-gen stylus will still pair and charge. Unfortunately, when you cover the display up, it won't automatically shut it off.
★ Upgrade Pick: Moft's Float case ($50) completely protects all the edges of the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Uniquely, there's a built-in stand that sits flush on the back of the case. Pull it out and you can prop the slate up at a decent elevation, and even change the viewing angle—it works in portrait or landscape orientation. It's slightly wobbly when you tap the screen in floating mode, but I didn't find this too annoying. What did bug me is the lack of a lip to pull out the stand. If you're a nail-biter like me, you'll need to use a tool to pry it loose.
- Photograph: Otterbox
A Better Folio Case
OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 CaseThis OtterBox folio fixes everything I didn't like about the Spigen case above. First off, it's more attractive; the back is clear so you can see the design and color of the iPad you chose. There's a similar level of protection, and the display cover can fold into the same two angles (propped up or slightly raised for when you want to sketch), but covering the screen up actually turns it off. The folio's latch keeps the whole thing tightly closed, and it also holds any Apple Pencil. The latch does kind of flop around when it's not closed though. You can buy it for various older iPads.
For the latest iPad Pro models, Otterbox revamped this case slightly (calling it the Symmetry Series 360 Elite), and it regresses the design in two ways. It's now harder to open the folio part as it sits flush with the case's frame, and the new slide-out storage for the Apple Pencil makes it harder to take the stylus out. Those flaws are something you'll deal with every day, so stick with the Spigen folio case above if you have the 2021 Pro.
- Photograph: Twelve South
An Arm Mount
Twelve South HoverBar DuoWhen possible, I put all my screens on arm mounts. Ultrawide monitor? Mounted. iPad? You bet. It clears up the precious space that would've been taken by a pesky stand, and you can adjust the angle and height of the screen. Twelve South's HoverBar Duo delivers this luxury. I've mounted it to the side of my desk so I can see incoming notifications on the iPad immediately, and it's easy to remove the slate when I want to browse before bed. The clamp is fairly slim and doesn't need much clearance, so you can attach it to shelves, kitchen counters, or bed frames.
If you do want to use a stand instead, Twelve South includes one, and it can raise the iPad's screen fairly high. It supported the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the base iPad with no trouble. If the hinges ever start feeling a little loose, you can tighten 'em up with the included hex key.
- Photograph: Sketchboard Pro
A Sketching Surface
Sketchboard ProDrawing on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a wonderful experience. Its magazine-like size gives it good stability on your lap if you're sketching on the couch, but I can't say the same for drawing on the smaller iPads. Without a good surface, it can be awkward. That's where the Sketchboard Pro comes in. It expands your surface area, so you can comfortably doodle anywhere—in bed, on the couch, or even on a desk—because it has legs you can pull out to tilt the screen. You can even stand it vertically like an easel to get your Bob Ross on!
It has an integrated handle for easy toting, storage space for your stylus, and a spot to plug in to recharge your iPad while drawing. There's broad support for a variety of new or old iPads, and you can even change the centerpiece in case you upgrade to a different iPad. The cons? It's heavy and big.
- Photograph: Harber London
A Leather Sleeve
Harber London Magnetic Envelope SleeveIf the price doesn't put you off, this is a rather elegant way to protect your iPad in your bag. There's full-grain leather on one side and 100 percent wool felt on the other (and the inside). It feels exquisite. It's roomy enough to fit an iPad with a case on it, and it's available for the base model slate, the Air, and the iPad Pro. There's a little leather loop to carry your Apple Pencil for extra security, too.
The sleeve has a slot on one side to access the USB-C charging port, but more unique is its ability to double as a stand. It's not the most versatile stand—you only really get one angle—but it did the job on my lap, which is an impressive feat for such a floppy item.
- Photograph: Satechi
A Stable Stand
Satechi Aluminum Desktop StandIf your iPad usually stays in one place in your home, like in the living room or the kitchen, then this is what you should use to prop it up. It has carried the 12.9-inch iPad Pro for nearly a year and the hinges haven't loosened up at all. The rubber base prevents it from sliding easily, and there are two hinges to tweak the height and viewing angle of the tablet. It's lightweight enough that you can tote it around from room to room, though the Twelve South Compass Pro (below) is better suited for the coffee shop or for travel.
★ A Portable Stand: If you prefer going caseless but want to prop your iPad up in the coffee shop, the Compass Pro from Twelve South ($51) is elegant, lightweight, and portable. You can angle it however you want with the back leg, and the metal build and silicone grips keep it steady. I tested it with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and it had no trouble holding it, though I do wish the back leg's hinge had more resistance, as it would sometimes change positions when I lifted the slate off.
- Photograph: Logitech
A Keyboard and Trackpad
Logitech Combo TouchCursor support has turned the iPad into a more capable computer, but if you plan on doing work on these tablets, you should invest in a keyboard and trackpad. The Combo Touch has both. It's also detachable, so you can ditch the keyboard part and still have a case. It's impossible to dislike. The whole package is fairly slim, has a lovely fabric texture that's nice to the touch, and looks spiffy!
The kickstand easily passes the lap test—it didn't wobble much or make the iPad fall off while I typed with it on my lap. The backlit keys are helpful if you're in a dark room, and the typing experience is pretty nice. Best of all, it connects via Apple's Smart Connector, so there's no need to futz about with Bluetooth or worry about charging it.
★ A Cheaper Option: Zagg's slightly more affordable Pro Keys cases aren't as elegant as Logitech's system, but you can connect them via Bluetooth to two different devices. That means you'll need to recharge them via USB-C. I like the keyboard a little more, though the trackpad isn't as roomy. It's a detachable system with a separate case for the slate, and it's available for the iPad ($140) or the iPad Air and 11-inch iPad Pro ($150).
- Photograph: Lamicall
A Gooseneck Arm Mount
Lamicall Gooseneck iPad HolderThe problem with the Twelve South arm mount above is that it's not the most adjustable. This Lamicall gooseneck iPad holder solves that problem. The entire mount uses a flexible rod you can adjust to your heart's content. It's lengthy enough to move it into a variety of angles, and it doesn't loosen up over time. The base is a clamp you can attach to a desk or nightstand. If you don't want a clamp, I like this floor stand ($70) from Lamicall too, with an extendable height.
- Photograph: Logitech
A Bluetooth Keyboard
Logitech K380If you don't want to fuss with keyboard cases, Bluetooth keyboards are the way to go. I really love using the K380—and not just because it comes in a fun pink color. It's a quiet but tactile keyboard, and you can connect it to a total of three devices and switch between them quickly. It's slim, lightweight, and portable. Plus, it's powered by two AAA batteries, which lasted four months for me. And … did I mention it comes in pink?
★ Upgrade Pick: Want a keyboard that matches the design of your iPad a little more? Go with Satechi's Slim X1 ($70). As the name suggests, it's slimmer than the K380. It connects via Bluetooth, and like the Logitech it can pair with three devices. It charges via USB-C, but I only had to plug it in once a week or so. If you want a NumPad, check out Satechi's Slim X3 ($90), though it's often low in stock.
- Photograph: Apple
A Slim Trackpad
Apple Magic Trackpad 2If you want a roomier touchpad, I like Apple's thin and light Magic Trackpad 2. There are no physical buttons. Instead, Apple's Force Touch sensors let you feel various levels of pressure on the pad. You can also use some iPadOS gestures on it, limiting the need to reach for the screen. It pairs via Bluetooth, and—annoyingly—recharges with the Lightning port.
If You Prefer a Mouse: The Logitech Pebble ($29) is tiny and slim. A bigger, more ergonomic gaming mouse might be a better option for a permanent desk setup, but for work on the go, the Pebble is a quiet clicker that pairs quickly and has a smooth scroll wheel.
- Photograph: Zagg
A Cheaper Keyboard Case
Zagg Messenger Folio 2The last thing you want to do after spending $330 on the cheapest iPad is spend more than $100 on a keyboard case. Zagg's Messenger Folio 2 solves that problem. You get a wonderful, compact keyboard cover with great key travel for wonderful typing. I also like the dedicated keys for going Home, opening up the recent apps menu, and locking the iPad, though it's a shame the keys aren't backlit and there's no trackpad.
It looks sleek, with a fabric-like exterior (stylus holder included), and your iPad screen will turn off as you close it. There is only one viewing angle, but it stays put on my lap when I type. You have to recharge it via USB-C, but mine didn't need a charge for two months, despite my using it for a few hours every day. It connects via Bluetooth, so you can see the remaining battery life through a widget. It's only compatible with the 7th-, 8th-, and 9th-gen iPads and the 3rd-gen iPad Air (2019).
- Photograph: Satechi
A Hub With a Built-In Stand
Satechi Aluminum Stand & HubUsing your iPad Air or Pro for work or school? You probably need to add more ports, like an HDMI port to hook up the tablet to a bigger 4K screen or a headphone jack in case you need to use corded headphones. This one from Satechi kills two birds with one stone. It's a hub, so you get an HDMI port, USB-A, 3.5-mm audio port, SD and MicroSD card reader, and a 60-watt USB-C charging port. But it also works as a stand, so you don't need a folio case or separate stand to prop your slate up.
The hub connects to the iPad Pro or iPad Air via USB-C (the cable hides away underneath). You can't change the viewing angle, but the stand folds up. It won't take up too much space in your backpack, and it's lightweight. However, if you plan on propping your tablet up vertically for video calls, you'll have to lean forward so your face is in the center of the frame.
Photograph: HyperGreat Multi-Port Hubs
More DonglesIf you prefer a standard dongle-style hub or just something that doesn't have an integrated stand, here are a few other options I've tested and like.
Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: This tiny USB-C hub might be all you need, and it's seriously compact. It's a little taller but narrower than a Zippo lighter, and you get a 4K HDMI port, a USB-A, an 85-watt USB-C port with pass-through charging, and a headphone jack. I had trouble fitting it on an iPad protected by a case, but Twelve South includes a female USB-C to male USB-C cable that solves this issue.
Hyper HyperDrive 6-in-1 Dongle for $90: It has a 60-watt USB-C port, USB-A, MicroSD slot, SD card slot, 3.5-mm audio, and 4K 60-Hz HDMI. You can stick it into your iPad Mini, Air, or Pro's USB-C port and have it sit flush and firm with the edge or swap to a flappy, short cable. You need the cable if you have a case on your iPad, and Hyper provides the screws and screwdriver to swap the part out (it took me two minutes). Just remember to unplug it when you're not using it, as it will slowly drain your tablet's battery.
Satechi USB-C Hybrid With SSD Enclosure for $90: Satechi's four-port hub is a little too large, considering the number of ports you get, but there's a good reason for it. Pop off the aluminum cover and you'll find a slot for an M.2 SATA solid state storage drive slot. That means access to an external SSD, along with two USB-A jacks, one 100-watt USB-C pass-through charging port, and a 4K HDMI at the same time. I did not have an M.2 SATA drive to test, but this 1-terabyte card should work. Just know Satechi's hub does not support NVME M.2 cards.
Hyper USB-C to 2.5 Gbps Ethernet Adapter for $50: Most people won't need an Ethernet port on an iPad, but maybe you're taking a stab at some cloud gaming on your tablet. If so, you'll need the fastest speeds you can get so your games appear in the highest quality possible. This simple, aluminum USB-C to Ethernet dongle delivered around 630 Mbps download speeds, which is what my desktop usually hits, on the iPad Pro.
- Photograph: Tstand
For Lazy Viewing
Tstand2When I'm watching a show on the iPad in bed, I usually lie on my stomach so my arms don't get tired from holding it up, but that strains my neck. Enter the Tstand2. It looks bizarre—as if a robot's rectangular arms have grasped your chest and stomach—but it can essentially suspend any tablet by using your body as a firm base. I thought I'd get annoyed at the weight of the thing on my body, but it's a surprisingly comfortable system. It even includes an adapter so you can attach your smartphone. (It also can hold a Switch or Kindle.)
Back at the desk? Don't ditch the Tstand2! Flip the base the other way and use it as a stand for your iPad, though it is a lot bigger than other stands. It was successfully funded on Kickstarter, and the company is taking preorders on its website.
- Photograph: OWC
Portable Storage
OWC Envoy Pro Elektron SSDOWC's portable NVME solid state drive (SSD) is speedy, with an aluminum build that feels extremely durable. It's also IP67 water resistant, so a drop in a river or accidentally spilling your mocha frappucino all over it won't destroy your files. Did I mention it's tiny? It's a little larger than a tin of Altoids. OWC includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, but the cable also has a USB-A adapter so you have some connectivity variety from the get-go. Storage starts at 240 GB, but you can go all the way up to a 2-terabyte model. Check out our Best Portable Storage Drives guide for more.
- Photograph: Apple
Feature-Rich Earbuds
Apple AirPods ProDo you need to spend $200 on earbuds? No. We recommend tons of great wireless buds in this guide that cost a lot less. But if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, you'll probably want these. AirPods link to your iCloud account, so every Apple device you own knows they exist when you pop open the case. That makes it simple to quickly pick up where you left off when you switch between your iPhone, MacBook, and iPad. Forget about unpairing and reconnecting.
We recommend the Pro model because they have silicone ear tips that are much more comfortable than the regular AirPods, plus they sound dramatically better. Battery life is below average (4.5 hours per charge), but they do a great job blocking out droning ambient sounds around you. Apple recently updated the Pro model with a MagSafe case, which lets you attach it to MagSafe chargers so they don't slide around.
- Photograph: Zagg
A Case for Kids
Gear4 Orlando iPad CaseKids and tech don't play well. The kids might spill a drink on the slate, drop it off the table, or just make the whole thing sticky. Trust us, you want to slap a case on an iPad if you're putting it in front of them. This thick case from Zagg-owned Gear4 looks like a repurposed pool noodle (it's made of EVA foam, so it feels like one too). It raises the edges around the screen so the iPad won't take the brunt of a drop. The buttons are still accessible, and the kickstand can keep it upright at two angles. If you're in the car, the kickstand's weird design lets you suspend the tablet around the front car seat headrest without an additional accessory.
- Photograph: Anker
A Charging Adapter
Anker Nano ProApple hasn't nixed the charging adapter from its iPads yet, but it probably won't be long before you'll need to start buying your own. Or maybe you just want a spare for another room. I like these tiny adapters from Anker. The 20 watts can fast-charge the iPad Pro despite the compact size. You'll need to supply your own cables.
★ Upgrade Pick: Satechi's 108-watt charger ($75) is plenty powerful enough to recharge your MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max at the same time with its three USB-C ports. It's relatively compact and has a plug that folds up.
- Photograph: Nimble
A Durable Cable
Nimble PowerKnit USB-C to Lightning CableIf you're rough on your tech, Apple's charging cables aren't going to last. These USB-C to Lightning and USB-C to USB-C Nimble cables are great. They're rated to carry 60 watts of power, made from certified recycled plastic and aluminum (BPA- and PVC-free), and they're affordable. I also think they're some of the most attractive cables around, thanks to the knit fabric design. You can snag 'em in 1-, 2-, or 3-meter sizes (around 3, 6.5, and 10 feet).
- Photograph: Nimble
A Battery Pack
Nimble Champ Pro Portable ChargerFind yourself away from a wall outlet often? A portable charger can juice your iPad up instead. I really like this one from Nimble. It supports USB Power Delivery and can output 60 watts, enough to juice up a MacBook Air or Pro. It recharged the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with enough left in the tank to charge other gadgets. It's not chunky, and the USB-A and USB-C ports mean you can hook up two devices at once. The best part? The exterior is made of 73 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, comes in plastic-free packaging, and has a two-year warranty.
Nimble has a smaller 5,200-mAh charger, but it'll only top up your iPads. It doesn't have enough capacity to fully recharge any of them except for the iPad Mini. For more portable charger recommendations, read our guide here.
- Photograph: SanDisk
A Flash Drive
SanDisk iXpand Luxe (128 GB)If you're like me, you're constantly dismissing the "iCloud Storage is full" notification from your iPhone. Maybe it's time to offload last year's travel pics to the iPad to clear out space on your phone. Flash drives are always handy for transferring data on the go. This one from SanDisk has various storage options (going all the way up to 256 gigabytes). It has a Lightning port on one end and USB-C on the other. If you need Lightning and USB-A, I also like the iXpand Flash Drive Go ($60).
You'll need to download SanDisk's iXpand app for the drive to be registered, but it's smooth file transferring afterward. Alternatively, if you plug it into an iPad via a hub, you can easily access data via Apple's Files app. Read our Best USB Flash Drives guide for other options.
Photograph: LogitechOther Great Accessories
Honorable MentionsiPad accessories are endless, and we've left out several we tested but didn't like too much. We like the ones below, but not as much as our previous picks.
- Incipio SureView for iPad for $45: This simple folio case is only available for the latest and two previous generation base iPads. Unlike most folio cases, the front doesn't fold at the back. Instead, you lay it out and the polycarbonate case can attach to magnetic notches that allow for four different viewing angles. It works better on laps than our top Spigen pick does, but it also takes up more room on a desk.
- Logitech Slim Folio Pro (iPad Pro models) for $120+: This is another great keyboard cover if you don't mind the absence of a trackpad. It doesn't fall off my lap, has backlit keys, and can collapse to offer a slightly tilted view ideal for sketching. The cover magnetically sticks into place when you're ready to type, and the spacious keyboard feels just as good as the ones on laptops. Logitech doesn't have a version for the latest 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
- Nomad iPad Pro Folio for $170: If you’re in the market for an iPad folio case that will age and weather with time, you'll like this one from Nomad. The leather has a smooth finish and feels great, and the folio offers back and side protection you don’t get from Apple’s official iPad Pro folio options. It doesn't support the 2021 iPad Pro models, just prior versions. But it does work with the current 4th-gen iPad Air.
- Apple Magic Keyboard for $299: If not for its price tag, this would be one of the better iPad case and keyboard options. It feels great to type on, the trackpad integrates seamlessly into iPadOS, and it even has a USB-C port. It’s a bit bulky, but it’s a great accessory to keep on hand when you need to do some serious typing. It works with the latest iPad Air and Pro models.
- Apple Smart Keyboard Folio iPad Pro and iPad Air for $179+ and iPad Smart Keyboard for $159: Just slap these keyboard covers on and you're good to go. There's no pairing or charging needed because they use Apple's Smart Connector. They're some of the slimmest keyboard covers you'll find, but I personally hate typing on them. I prefer springy feedback, and you'll get none of that here. People do love this keyboard, though, especially the fact that it's silent.
- Apple Smart Cover for $49 and Smart Folio for $79: These slim cases and covers from Apple do the job just fine and can even convert into kickstands to prop up your tablet. It's one of the best options for the iPad Mini, too.
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