Best iPad Accessories (2026): Keyboards, Cases, and Styli

Other iPad accessories we love

The iPad accessories are endless. Here are some other options that are just as good, although some have issues that bring them down.

Zag Pro Keys 2

Photo: Brenda Stolyar

Zagg Pro Keys 2 Keyboard Case for $150: The Zagg case (7/10, WIRED review) isn’t as sleek as the Logitech system, but you can connect it via Bluetooth to two different devices. This means you’ll need to recharge the keyboard case via USB-C. It’s even more protective, thanks to the fold-over cover, which is a detachable system with a separate case from the existing one. But it’s also larger. The second-gen version doesn’t come with a trackpad either, so you’ll have to supply your own mouse. This version is only available for the iPad Pro (M4), but you can still purchase the first generation version for the 9th generation iPad, iPad Air (including the 11-inch iPad Air with M2), and 11-inch iPad Pro, as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

ESR recovery case for $120: When I was given an iPad Pro (M4) for Christmas, I wanted an accessory that would allow me to use it as my daily driver instead of my MacBook. But I’m not a fan of the current options available — the Magic Keyboard doesn’t come with a case (leaving your iPad exposed when you want to use it as a standard tablet), and the Logitech Combo is quite heavy (especially on your lap). I decided to give the ESR Rebound case a chance and haven’t looked back. It has a case that protects your iPad and magnetically attaches to the keyboard case, plus a clip that keeps your Apple Pencil secure. Purple is fun too, but it also comes in black, white, and blue.—Lauren Strampe

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for $160: This keyboard is compact, has satisfyingly clicky keys, and is backlit. It recharges via USB-C, but I only had to plug it in once every few months. It connects via either Bluetooth or a USB-A dongle (or using the included USB-C cable), and the connection never fails.

Logitech Color Pen for $70: Apple Pencil not catching your attention? This Logitech Crayon stylus is a fairly affordable option, and is especially great for kids because it’s thicker but maintains great palm rejection, decent (but not identical) pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Logitech has updated it with USB-C support, so you can now ditch that Lightning cable.

Satechi USB-C Hybrid with SSD enclosure for $90: The four-port Satechi hub is quite large, considering how many ports you get, but there’s a good reason for that. Remove the aluminum cover and you’ll find an opening for an M.2 SATA solid-state storage drive (SSD) slot. This means access to an external SSD, along with two USB-A sockets, a 100W USB-C charging port, and a 4K HDMI port at the same time. I didn’t have an M.2 SATA drive to test, but this 1TB card should work. Just be aware that the Satechi Hub does not support NVMe M.2 cards.

Paper-like screen protector for $50: This screen cover covers your iPad’s screen to mimic the feel and friction of drawing on paper. Jaina Gray, a former WIRED reviewer, said the film is harder to apply than a typical screen protector (be sure to clean the iPad screen well beforehand). But when you’re done, it adds enough resistance that you’ll have a hard time going back to drawing on the glass.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (for iPad Pro) for $70: The Mageasy case is compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard case and is a great option if you want extra protection for your iPad without adding too much bulk. As with the ESR Rebound case, you can attach and detach it from the Magic Keyboard case without losing the extra protection. It comes with a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. There’s also a CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).

OtterBox Defender Series Rugged Case for $42: Want a more protective case? Get OtterBox Defender. It’s available for previous generation iPad, 10th generation iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. There’s a built-in screen protector and covers for the charging port, volume buttons, and Apple Pencil. There’s also an outer shell with a kickstand that you can attach if you want to prop up your iPad. It’s too tough for my personal use, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find more protection for your slate.

Apple Smart Folio for $80: These slim Apple cases and covers do the job well, and can also be converted into a kickstand to prop up your tablet. They’re also some of the best options for the iPad Mini.

Anker USB-C to Ethernet Adapter for $26: Most people won’t need an Ethernet port on an iPad, but maybe try out some cloud gaming on your tablet. If so, you’ll need the fastest speeds you can get in order for your games to appear at the highest quality possible. This simple aluminum USB-C to Ethernet dongle delivers download speeds of about 700Mbps on the iPad Pro at my home, which is what my desktop computer usually reaches.

Apple Magic Keyboard (2nd generation) for $349: This keyboard is more expensive than the first generation. It is also only compatible with iPad Pro (M4). But the upgrades are really nice. There’s a larger trackpad, an aluminum palm rest, and a row of function keys. It’s also thinner and lighter, which is perfect to see how the same applies to the latest iPad Pro. However, as with its predecessor, this case is still a bit heavy.

Courtesy of Best Buy

SaharaCase Folio Bag for $30: We tested this case for the iPad Mini, but you can also get it for the 9th generation iPad and iPad Pro. On the outside is an automatic sleep/wake cover that can be used as a kickstand to prop up the iPad. There is a really beautiful marble pattern on the front and back that makes it stand out. You can also store your Apple Pencil inside, so you don’t have to worry about it falling out.

Speck Balance Folio Bag for $50: This case features built-in grooves for various adjustable angles, as well as a removable camera cover. There’s a latch instead of a magnetic cover, and the Apple Pencil slot is on the outside. It’s not the most stylish, but it’s protective and lightweight. Grooves are also great for those who use their iPad to watch content. It’s available for the Air, 11-inch Pro, 12.9-inch Pro, and 9th and 10th generation iPad.

Casetify Selfie by Bonnie Lu Ultra Impact Folio Case for $74: If you’re looking for an iPad case that offers great protection and has great prints to choose from, look no further than the Casetify collection. We’ve been obsessed with this Selfie by Bonnie Lu case for a few months now, it offers extra protection in all four corners of the device and can withstand drops from up to 4 feet, plus the artwork is so cute. It also has grooves on the front cover, allowing you to adjust the angle of the iPad. We tested this case for the iPad Air, but you can also get it for the 10th generation iPad, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro (both models).

Charcoal Paper Case $65: Designed to look like a sketchbook, the Folio Case has a high-quality, lightweight polyester fabric cover. It can also be used to support your iPad on two different levels. This case doesn’t come with a slot for the Apple Pencil, but the large flap closure keeps it from falling out. Although we only tested the Folio case with the iPad Air, it’s also available for the iPad Pro (both models).

Harbor London Magnetic Envelope Cover, $159: If the price doesn’t bother you, this is a pretty neat way to protect your iPad. There is full grain leather on one side and 100% wool felt on the other (and inside). He – she feel amazing. It’s roomy enough to fit an iPad with a case on it, and is available for several generations of the base model list, including the 10th generation iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. There is a small leather loop to hold the Apple Pencil for added security. The case has a slot on one side to access the USB-C charging port, but what’s even more unique is its ability to double as a stand. It’s not the most versatile stand—you only get one angle—but it did the job on my lap, which is an impressive feat for such a flexible item.

Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 tablet keyboard for $80: If you don’t want a keyboard case, this is a solid alternative. It is a compact, lightweight and slim external keyboard that comes with a built-in protective cover. The low-profile scissor keys are easy to type on, and there’s a convenient shortcut row for functions like volume, screen brightness, emoji, and more. When using it, you’re supposed to flip the cover behind the keyboard, giving it height for a more comfortable experience. Since the cover has a soft texture, it adds bounce when writing. I’m not the biggest fan, but others may not be as bothered. It is also a bit expensive compared to other options.

Not recommended

These are the iPad accessories we suggest avoiding.

Zagg Pro Stylus 2 for $80: The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is cute and all, especially in the yellow No. 2 design, but at $80, you might as well buy the second-generation Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro since they often drop in price. With no support for pressure sensitivity, you also have to tilt the pen to get thick or thin lines, but it doesn’t feel smooth.

Moft Snap Float Folio for $70: Honestly, the idea behind this case is clever, but it’s a bit annoying to use. It’s thin and barely feels protective, and you can fold it in different ways to prop your iPad at four corners — like origami. It’s hard to remember the exact methods for some of these modes at first, but I got used to them, even though I had to reset them on the iPad a few times.

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