Roger Fingas
Apple has a penchant for showing people using "naked" iPads in ads, but we all know the truth — you need some sort of case if your iPad's going anywhere outside of the home or office. Here are some of the better case options for a 2019 iPad Air, whether available now or shipping in the near future.
Please note that when you're on the hunt for a case, make sure it's listed as compatible with the "2019" or "10.5-inch" Air — that's the new model, whereas old ones have a 9.7-inch display.
Pad & Quill Oxford Leather
If you're concerned as much about style or keeping up appearances as protection, the Oxford Leather Case (currently $109.95) comes in "chestnut" or "whiskey" colors with nylon stitching and elastic strap. A leather loop holds your Apple Pencil, and an internal pocket stores any loose papers or cards you might have.
It should be tough enough for most purposes, but it's not rugged — in fact your Air is held in place with a special 3M adhesive meant to allow repeated removal without any residue. Owners can however leave their Smart Keyboard connected, which may help.
OtterBox Symmetry
If you're okay with a clear case, the Symmetry ($79.95) is a snap-on model that uses a mix of hard plastic and silicone, the exception being a fabric Pencil loop. Its party trick is a removable spine, handy if you want to attach a Smart Cover or Keyboard. For the moment it's an Apple exclusive, and in fact OtterBox's only third-gen Air case.
Logitech Slim Combo
Don't think Apple's Smart Keyboard is the only integrated keyboard case. The Slim Combo ($129.95) lets you detach its keyboard at will, and that unit is backlit with iOS shortcuts. A kickstand extends up to 50 degrees, and there's a holder for your Pencil.
Do think twice about buying a dedicated keyboard case though, or even any keyboard that uses Apple's Smart Connector. A Bluetooth keyboard can last through multiple generations of iPad, and pair with Macs and other devices to boot.
STM Dux Plus
The Dux Plus folio ($69.95) is one of the tougher early entries. It's claimed to surpass U.S. Department of Defense Standard 810F/G durability tests — that should, in theory, give your Air a fighting chance if you drop it from a low height. It also has a unique internal storage chamber for the Apple Pencil, unlike most iPad cases.
DODOcase Executive Leather
Another luxury product, the Executive Leather ($79.95) comes in two-tone black and white variations. It's similar in some respects to Pad & Quill's case, but bookbound and featuring a polymer tray instead of adhesive. One downside is that there's no internal storage pocket, but it's also cheaper, even if you pay extra for monogramming or keyboard support.
Pelican Voyager
If you really need something tough, Pelican is working on the Voyager. No pricing or release date is available, but the company is promising military-grade drop protection, thanks to the combination of a dual-layer design and angled edges, the latter meant to divert energy and protect the screen. An integrated kickstand props your iPad up for typing and viewing, and a solid loop stores your Pencil.
Just remember that the case isn't waterproof, and you may want a separate screen protector to guard against scratches.
Apple Smart Cover
If you absolutely insist on getting a case from Apple, we'll begrudgingly mention the Smart Cover. It comes in polyurethane ($49) and leather ($69) editions with several color options — we particularly like papaya.
We'd recommend against it though unless there's no other option. Why? It only protects the front of your iPad, and not well unless it's combined with a rugged rear shell. For the cost of both, any of the above cases are better choices.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
William Gallagher
9 Comments
Many iPad Pro 10.5 cases would fit this wouldnt they?
The one I have used for about 18 months is the fintie model (USD$10) which looks like the traditional iPad case with a folding magnetic front, and has an Apple Pencil holder in the spine like the above STM, although more compact (and less protective of course).
It is cheap and compact, and on the negative side the plastic around the volume controls can break, and you need to shave a bit of the plastic near the nib of the pencil or it drains the pencil’s battery through contact, but it keeps the pencil, a very expensive accessory, neatly safe and out of the way.
Anyway, it is the storage solution for the pencil that is the selling point for me. Maybe also I’m left handed so it is really natural to grab the pencil from there, a rightie would have to reach across the screen.
Did the unexpected, strategic headphone jack reappearance of iPad Mini 5 get leveraged to mainstream iPad ?
(or is Phil covertly glueing up thousands of holes in a Chinese factory of some kind ?)
Why do these case makers assume everyone has a pencil?
About the smart cover...
I actually think that is a great solution for an iPad (not an iPhone), as you use an iPad differently. I've dropped my iPhone, for example, but can't recall ever doing so with an iPad. I don't need heavy protection for it. But, I do need a 'stand' to use it effectively, and I've found the cover makes it nicer to hold (when folded around behind it).
That said, the current Smart Cover is quite disappointing, at least in comparison to the Smart Cover I had for my iPad 2. They really cheapened up the construction, which has somewhat impacted the functionality (harder to fold, and less hold-strength when it is being a stand, etc.). It works though, just not quite as well and it obviously isn't as luxurious in terms of feel, look, design.
Then, for transporting the iPad, a sleeve works quite nicely, even with the Smart Cover on. I just put it in there when I'm out and about, headed to a meeting, or throwing it in my backpack/luggage, etc. I think I'd find a full-fledged case (like some of the above) to be a bit too much on an iPad.