The best iPad to buy (and some to avoid) in 2026

Great iPad accessories

Zogo case

Courtesy of Zogo

The iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to complete your tablet experience, and you can find more over at our site Best guide to iPad accessories.

Zugu case for $50 and up: This is our favorite case for the iPad for multiple reasons. Not only is it durable (complete with a hard bumper), but it also has a magnetic lid that stays closed and a cover that allows you to position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, allowing you to stick it to your refrigerator securely. It’s also affordable, comes in a range of colors, and has a place for your Apple Pencil.

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse, $30: We’re already big fans of Satechi accessories at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It features an ergonomic and comfortable design, a sleek aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It has great battery life too – with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and have yet to charge it.

Mageasy CoverBuddy (for iPad Pro) $70: This case allows you to magnetically attach it to your Apple Magic Keyboard case without having to take the case off every time. It’s sturdy and doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the iPad. There’s also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).

Photo: Brenda Stolyar

Logitech Combo Touch (10th generation) for $260: The Combo Touch (8/10, recommended by WIRED) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it perfect for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, which means you’ll never need to fiddle with Bluetooth or bother charging it. It’s also available for the iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (although it adds a bit of weight to such a thin tablet) and iPad Air (M2).

Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad’s screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It’s very thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and it does Mostly Fingerprint resistant (I wiped off a few smudges here and there). It’s a painless application, with the company providing a microfiber cloth, dust removal sticker, and wet and dry wipes.

Charcoal paper case $65: Paperlike is known for its screen protectors, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to look like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that is lightweight and high quality. You can also prop your iPad on two different levels. It doesn’t come with a slot for the Apple Pencil, but there is a large locking cap that keeps it from falling out. I tested it with an iPad Air, but it’s also available for the iPad Pro (both sizes).

Stay Go Mini

Courtesy of Twelve South

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of iPad model. This hub from Twelve South has an 85W USB-C port with pass-through charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble installing it on an iPad with a case, the included USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix that problem.

Apple Magic Trackpad (USB-C) for $120: For a spacious trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a great choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has Force Touch sensors where you can feel different levels of pressure on the pad. And with support for various iPadOS gestures, you won’t have to touch the screen as much. It automatically pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and recharges using the Lightning port.

Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard, $40: If you prefer an external keyboard, it’s hard to go wrong with the Logitech K380. It’s lightweight and portable and can be connected to up to three devices via Bluetooth (with dedicated buttons to switch between them). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries, which last about four months, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a charger.

Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it on your bedside, kitchen counter, or shelf (for convenient, hands-free content viewing), or you can use the included stand on your desk. With the second generation version, you can now remove the arm from the clip and attach it directly to the stand, making it easier to switch between both modes.

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