The Best iPad Accessories
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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, and stands out there to trick out your slate. But what should you buy? I've spent years filling a corner of my tiny New York apartment with boxes of gear to 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.
Check out our many other buying guides, including the Best iPhone, Best iPhone 14 Cases, Best MagSafe Accessories, Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers, Best Tablets, and Best Drawing Apps.
Updated April 2024: We've added the Astropad Rock Paper Pencil, Paperlike Pencil Grips, Casetify Impact Screen Protector, and the Apple Pencil (USB-C). We also updated links and pricing.
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A Great Standard Screen Protector
Casetify Impact Screen ProtectorI'm very clumsy with my gadgets, so a screen protector is very necessary for my iPad (in addition to a case). I've gone through plenty of them to know the most important feature (aside from durability) is that it's thin enough to feel exactly like the display. That way, I forget it's even there. And Casetify's screen protector achieves just that. It's super thin and has excellent touch sensitivity. Casetify claims it's also fingerprint-resistant. I mainly use my iPad for streaming content and FaceTime calls, so I'm constantly poking at the screen. I've wiped minor smudges occasionally but have yet to spot any fingerprints.
Although I typically despise applying adhesive screen protectors, this one was fairly painless. Casetify supplies you with a microfiber cloth, wet and dry wipes, and a de-dusting sticker to make the whole process that much easier.
- 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 space to plug in a cable 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.
Turn Tablet to Paper
Astropad Rock Paper Pencil (V2)I've always wanted to use my iPad as a notebook and planner, but the slippery iPad screen made for a frustrating experience. I'd given up on applying matte screen protectors myself (Paperlike included) because I could never do it properly—I was always left with air bubbles and dust underneath. So, I was intrigued when I discovered that Astropad's screen protector had a paperlike feel and was also reusable. For the full experience, Astropad also includes its Apple Pencil tips (you can't buy either separately), all while keeping the price under $50.
It comes with the company's NanoCling technology, which bonds it to your iPad using static cling. It's super easy to apply—all I had to do was line the corners of the screen protector up with the corners of the iPad and set it down. I could also lift and realign it as much as I needed to get it just right. It also feels as satisfying to write on as paper and replicates the experience super well. My favorite part, however, is the ability to remove it whenever I want. When I'm done using the tablet to jot down notes or cross tasks off my to-do lists during the workday, I use it to catch up on my TV shows at night. I was worried the NanoCling would wear off with time, especially after removing and reapplying it so often. But it's been almost a month since I started using it, and I haven't noticed a difference. Since it's matte, it's certainly prone to fingerprints, but they're easy to wipe off. The Apple Pencil tips are great, too—they're a lot easier to write with than the standard Apple Pencil tip, which is a lot wider. When coupled with the screen protector, it makes for a great duo. So much so that I now reach for my iPad more than my notebook.
- 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 tablet holder solves this—the entire mount uses a flexible rod you can adjust to your heart's content. It's lengthy enough to move 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. The downside is it's a lot more wobbly when you tap the screen. Still, it's ideal for watching movies or shows in bed without having to lie in an awkward position or hold the tablet up. If you don't want a clamp, I like this floor stand ($70) variant with an extendable height. I've used it in the kitchen while I follow recipes on the screen.
- Photograph: Zagg
Best Budget Keyboard Case
Zagg Messenger Folio 2 for the iPadThe last thing you want to do after spending hundreds of dollars on the cheapest iPad is to spend more than $100 on a keyboard case. That's where Zagg's Messenger Folio 2 comes in. You get a wonderful, compact keyboard cover with great key travel for a satisfying typing experience. 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 fabriclike 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 also have to recharge the keyboard via USB-C, but mine didn't need a charge for two months, even though I used it for a few hours every day. It connects via Bluetooth, so you can see the remaining battery life through a widget in iPadOS. For the current iPad lineup, it's only available for the ninth- and 10th-gen iPad.
- 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. 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 several generations of the base model slate, including the 10th-gen iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. There's a little leather loop to carry your Apple Pencil for extra security. 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.
★ More leather cases: Nomad's Modern Leather Case is available for the iPad Pro models (it's only available in the Folio version for the iPad Air). It's an easy way to add basic protection to your slate while classing it up. The bumper is made of thermoplastic elastomer and is slightly raised (though not enough to adequately protect the screen). I love the full-grain leather look and feel, and it's been developing a nice patina over time. There's a Folio version for both models if you want to prop the iPad up.
- 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 mechanical keyboard that's lightweight and portable, just like your tablet? My favorite is the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini ($150). It's compact and has satisfyingly clicky keys, plus they're backlit. It recharges via USB-C but I've only had to plug it in once every few months. It connects either via Bluetooth or a USB-A dongle (or with the included USB-C cable), and the connection is reliable and never faltered.
- 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's amazingly slim and easy to take with you anywhere. It pairs via Bluetooth, and—annoyingly—recharges with the Lightning port (nearly all the current iPads charge via USB-C). Thankfully, you don't have to recharge it often.
If you prefer a mouse: The Logitech Pebble ($20) 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: 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 the tablet up.
The hub connects 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 to get your face in the center of the frame.
- Photograph: Hyper
Great 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. Read our Best USB Hubs and Docks guide for more recommendations.
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 $100: 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'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 that. Pop off the aluminum cover and you'll find a slot for an M.2 SATA solid-state storage drive (SSD) 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 that Satechi's hub does not support NVMe M.2 cards.
Anker USB-C to Ethernet Adapter for $23: 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 700 Mbps download speeds on the iPad Pro in my home, which is what my desktop PC usually hits.
- 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 Frappuccino 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: Anker
A Charging Adapter
Anker Nano 3Apple 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 this tiny adapter from Anker. The 30 watts can fast-charge the iPad Pro despite the compact size and the plug folds in, making it a nice option to take on the go.
★ Upgrade pick: Satechi's 108-watt charger ($75) is plenty powerful enough to recharge your MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, and iPhone 14 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). Check out our Best USB-C Cables guide for more.
- Photograph: Einova
A Battery Pack
Einova Eggtronic Ultra Fast Power Bank (63W)Find yourself away from a wall outlet often? A portable charger can juice your iPad up wherever you are. This one from Einova packs a 20,000-mAh capacity that can completely recharge an 11-inch tablet twice. It’s also capable of dispensing 45 watts of power for fast charging via the USB-C port and 18 watts using the USB-A port. If needed, you can also use it to recharge your laptop—as long as it’s not power-hungry, like the MacBook Pro.
I like that it’s slim, fits into the padded sleeves of most backpacks, and has a fabric material on the outside that’s nice to touch and won’t scuff up other gear in your bag. There’s a small display that also shows how much juice is left in the tank, which is a must-have on any power bank. 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. 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—great if you want to use it with your iPhone. If you need Lightning and USB-A, I also like the iXpand Flash Drive Go ($45).
You'll need to download SanDisk's iXpand app for the drive to be registered, but transferring files is smooth afterward. Alternatively, if you plug it into an iPad via a hub, you can easily access data with Apple's Files app. Read our Best USB Flash Drives guide for other options.
- Photograph: Zagg
Best Rugged Case
Zagg Rugged Pro ConnectA keyboard case feels like it's a necessity with the iPad nowadays, and if you're using one in an active area, then it's worth snagging the Rugged Pro Connect case. It's bulky but super protective of the iPad—even protecting the screen. The case connects to the keyboard via Apple's Smart Connector, though it requires some precise aligning to get it hooked up. Once it's in place, start typing away! It's nice to type on, there's no Bluetooth to worry about, and you don't have to recharge the keyboard. There's a Lightning port on the right side edge that'll pass-through charge the iPad (it's only available for the seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-gen iPads).
The case is IP42-rated so you should be safe from spills, and there's a little spot to carry the Apple Pencil if needed. The screen does require a firmer press, but that might be worth the added peace of mind.
★ Also great: The OtterBox Defender Series ($65) offers similar protection. It's available for the previous-gen iPad, 10th-gen iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models. There's a built-in screen protector and covers for the charging port, volume rockers, and Apple Pencil. There’s also an outer shell with a kickstand you can clip on if you want to prop up the iPad. It’s far too clunky for my personal use, but you'll be hard-pressed to find more protection for your slate.
- Photograph: Speck
Other Great Accessories
Honorable MentionsiPad accessories are endless. Here are some other options that are perfectly fine—though some have issues that put them down a rung.
- Paperlike Screen Protector for $45: This screen cover goes over your iPad's screen to mimic the texture and friction of sketching on paper. WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey says the film is harder to apply than a typical screen protector (make sure you clean your iPad's screen thoroughly before!). But when you're done, it adds enough resistance that you'll find it hard to go back to drawing on glass.
- 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. They're also some of the best options for the iPad Mini.
- 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. Its works with the iPad Air and iPad Pro. There's also a folio version available for the 10th-gen iPad.
- Apple Smart Keyboard Folio iPad Pro and iPad Air for $179+ and Ninth-Gen iPad 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.
- Moft Float Case for $60: This protective case has a real stand that sits flush on the back. Pull it out and you can prop the tablet up at a decent height and even change the viewing angle (it works in portrait or landscape orientation). It's wobbly when you tap the screen in floating mode, but I didn't find this too annoying. It is tough to pull out the stand, but I bite my nails, so this might not be an issue for you.
- SaharaCase Folio Case for $30: We tested this case for the iPad Mini, but you can also get it for the ninth-gen iPad and iPad Pro (both models). On the outside is an automatic sleep/wake cover that doubles as a kickstand to prop up the iPad. There’s also a really nice marble pattern on the front and back that makes it stand out. You can also stow the Apple Pencil on the inside, so you don't have to worry about it falling off.
- Speck Balance Folio Case for $45: This features built-in grooves for various adjustable angles, as well as a removable camera cover. There’s a latch in place of a magnetic cover and the Apple Pencil slot sits on the outside. It's not the most stylish, but it's protective and lightweight. The grooves are also great for those who use their iPads to watch content. It's available for the Air, 11-inch Pro, 12.9-inch Pro, and the ninth- and 10th-gen iPad.
- OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Case for $90: This folio for the base ninth- and 10th-gen iPad and iPad Air fixes everything I didn't like about our top Spigen pick, but it's pricier. The clear back lets the iPad's design come through, and while the display cover can fold into the same two viewing angles, covering the screen actually puts it to sleep here. 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. I don't recommend buying the Symmetry Series 360 Elite cases for the iPad Pro, as they're not pleasant to use.
- Griffin Survivor All-Terrain Case for $62: This comes in two pieces, and it's easy to clip the iPad between them. There's screen protection, but the small gap between the screen cover and the screen might irk anyone trying to sketch. Almost every part of the iPad is protected, and the buttons remain easy to press. Best of all is a removable kickstand on the back. It doubles as a grip to keep the slate secure when you hold it one-handed, but for me, this secondary perk wasn't all that useful. It's available for the Mini (fourth-gen).
- Casetify Selfie by Bonnie Lu Ultra Impact Folio Case for $82: If you're looking for an iPad case that offers great protection and has adorable prints to choose from, look no further than Casetify's lineup. We've been obsessed with this Selfie by Bonnie Lu case for a few months now—it packs extra protection on all four corners of the device and can withstand drops up to 4 feet, plus the artwork is super cute. It has grooves on the front cover, too, 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-gen iPad, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro (both models).
- Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case ($70): Designed to feel like a sketchbook, the Folio Case has a polyester fabric cover that feels super high-quality and lightweight. It can also be used to prop up your iPad at two different levels. This case doesn't come with an Apple Pencil slot, 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 iPad Pro (both models).
- Photograph: Zagg
Do Not Recommend
Avoid These AccessoriesZagg 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 may as well wait to buy the second-gen Apple Pencil, since it frequently dips to $89. With no support for pressure sensitivity, you also have to tilt the stylus to achieve thick or thin lines—but it doesn't feel seamless.
Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $79: I've been using the Apple Pencil with USB-C for about six months. It works fine and has solid battery life. (I can squeeze a little over a week out of it when using it for note-taking). But it's hard to justify the price for its lack of features—it doesn't come with pressure sensitivity (so it's better for writing than sketching) and doesn't support wireless charging (it attaches to the iPad magnetically, though). I also miss the ability to switch between tools with Double Tap. The second-generation Apple Pencil, which packs those features and more, often dips between $79 and $89 at third-party retailers. So, you're better off waiting until it goes on sale than investing in this one.
Moft Snap Float Folio for $60: Honestly, the idea behind this case is smart, but it's just a little too annoying to use. It's slim and barely feels protective, and you can fold it in different ways to prop up your iPad at four angles—kind of like origami. It's difficult to remember the exact methods for some of these modes at first, but I got used to them, though I had to readjust it on the iPad too many times.
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