iPad cases: the best iPad case you can buy

Best option: iPad case, sleeve or protective screen?

When you buy a gadget you love (think of the Apple iPad slate tablet) you do a lot of things to protect it. That’s more than necessary in today’s world where almost all gadgets feature big gorgeous screens that are a delight to use but a nightmare to clean and keep scratch free. No matter how careful you are there’s no way to keep it intact if you don’t get a sleeve, carrying case or protective screen. While a sleeve is good for transport you still need a bag to throw it in. A protective screen is good for the screen but doesn’t do anything to protect the case of your beloved gadget plus it gets scratched itself and if not applied perfectly it also degrades the image displayed acting like a filter (a bad one in this scenario). A carrying case is the best choice when you really like a gadget that accompanies you everywhere and want to preserve it like in the first day ownership.

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This post is trying to get to your attention the list of the best ipad case for iPad with products that are available right now in stores. It’s not a comprehensive list and we’ve definitely haven’t tested them all. We’ll try and present each one of the iPad cases but in the end the choice is yours to make. Almost all models are in a very affordable range and this makes it easier to choose. Don’t stress yourself too much choosing a suited case for your iPad, but remember that it’s a shame not to get one and ruin your gadget because of just one unlucky incident.

List of the best iPad cases and sleeves

Piel Frama Premium Leather Case with MAGNETIC Closure – 109.98$

If you want spare no expense for a genuine leather iPad case then take a look at Piel Frama Premium Leather Case with MAGNETIC Closure, black color with tan lining. It’s made from handcrafted Spanish leather. Sure it’s expensive but the feel you get from touching it and the magnetic enclosure system ensures dead easy operation and make this one a collector’s item, not just an iPad case.

As many cases, the Piel Frama also can be used as an iPad stand, with two angles, one for reading and one for typing/working. Special measured cutouts provide easy access to all buttons and ports so you won’t ever need to take out your iPad from the case to charge or sync it If you want to purchase it as a gift it’s important to know that it comes attractively packaged in Piel Frama gift box. This is one of the best iPad cases and there’s nothing stopping you from buying it (maybe except price).

Piel Frama Premium Leather Case with MAGNETIC Closure

Tuff-Luv Napa Leather case cover – 64.99$

This might be as close as you can get to a premium leather iPad case for your gadgets, as the Tuff-Luv (funny name) features the already known from the auto industry Nappa leather cover which ensures a smooth finish, nice looks and comfortable feeling while holding it in hand. It will also wrap nicely on your iPad. It might seem pretty costly at almost 60 bucks, but it’s not if you consider that most of the price comes from the quality leather, which you can’t fake on a cheap product.

Tuff Luv multi-view Napa Leather case cover for Apple iPad

Besides quality, the Tuff-Luv case cover features no less than 5 settings so you can use it as an integrated multi-view angle stand, not just carry your gadget around safely. The Tuff-Luv carrying case also provides a luxury book-style reading experience for your favorite magazines in portrait mode and features a stylish high-quality leather cover to protect your iPad screen from scratches and bruises. It’s not the best iPad case but is top 3 for sure.

Marware Eco-Vue – 26.95$

This on sleeve/carrying sleeve that just looks great and has the ability to shape shift to a carrying case, desk stand, writing stand and mobile grip when you hold the iPad in hand. The interior is made from microfiber so your iPad is cushioned against drops and is also scratch protected. The Eco-leather used by Marware Eco-Vue will not get PETA angry and is healthier for the environment. Also you don’t have to pay for it as much as you do for a genuine leather case and you keep all the advantages.

Marware Eco-Vue

rooCASE Executive Folio Full Genuine Leather – 36.95$

If you want a more business approach you can try the rooCASE Executive Folio made from genuine leather that offers a lot of compartments to store business cards, a portable calculator, ID, credit cards and pens. A dual zipper ensure ease of use and secure fit for your iPad. For a little over 30 bucks it’s a great product, considering you get lifetime warranty. And the Black finish is what says business more than anything.

rooCASE Executive Folio Full Genuine Leather (Smooth Black)

Aligata Nippon hand made leather case – 69$

If you’re like me (looking for brand products) you might have missed Aligata, a manufacturer of interesting leather iPad cases, most of which are hand made. Why I say interesting? Well, because they encourage you not to buy those products if you love perfection as almost all their hand made products don’t fit perfectly the iPad (you can use the controls, don’t worry). Also the material can have some imperfections due to the nature of the natural grain leather.

The exact quote is “This case does not fit perfectly and its surface is not perfect, since it has been handmade of genuine bovine natural grain leather.” As a consumer I just love their sincerity, which makes me recommend them. In a world where mass manufacturing is killing the uniqueness of a products I really love what Aligata has to offer, and their list of cases is quite long: Dark Chocolate and Perfect Black (both quoted as almost perfect) and a few envelope shaped models: Coffee Milk iPad Leather Envelope, Dark Chocolate iPad Leather Envelope, Milk Tea iPad Leather Envelope and Nippon iPad Leather Envelope.

The Nippon: imperfection means originality

Vaja Special Edition Mamut Suela Brown Leather – 250$

What? 250 bucks for a leather iPad case? Well, it’s not ‘a leather iPad case”, but ‘the leather iPad case’ to get if you want your friends and business partners to stare at you in admiration. Vaja is well known for its premium products, and the Special Edition Mamut Suela Brown Leather case is no exception, being hand made by a skilled worker from the top ten percent of Argentina’s premium leather with each piece selected for quality, strength, character and grain.

As functionality stands, the iPad fits snug in place by sliding from the top of the Vaja Special Edition case. Each port and connector remains accessible while the iPad is in use and the front leather cover can be detached and attached to the back of the case in a few seconds. If you really like design over function you can’t go wrong with this marvelous iPad case.

Vaja Special Edition Mamut Suela Brown Leather

Otterbox Apple iPad Defender series case – 52.89$

If you want a tough case to protect your iPad in a serious environment this is the one to get. Otterbox used three layers of tough polycarbonate material to build the Defender series case. You know this case is tough by just looking at it. Functionality is very high, as the back of the case can be used also as a screen protector while you travel. The Otterbox Defender case can also be used as a desk stand in just a few seconds, helping a lot when you want to watch media or type while you’re not at your desk.

All iPad functions remain accessible when in use, and ports are protected in tough environments by silicone plugs. A snap-off portion of the case ensures you can charge/sync your iPad while it sits inside the case. Otterbox Defender Case series is the perfect choice for rough use of the iPad, or if you like a cool looking case.

Otterbox Apple iPad Defender case

DermaPad Ipad Leather Case with Stand – 32.95$

This is another case of a multifunction iPad accessory, that doubles as a protective carrying case and iPad stand altogether. A built in stand for watching videos or giving presentations is included from factory. Add to this the genuine leather cover case and you get a functional and good looking case for your iPad. A screen protector is also included to protect the screen against scratches. Cut out openings ensure all controls remain accessible. Take a look below at the pictures and see how the DermaPad iPad Leather case with stand looks like in the instances you will use it.

DermaPad Ipad Leather Case with Stand

Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio – 26.25$

The Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio is another great example of multi purpose iPad case, made from durable leather construction with secure closure to keep your tablet tight during transportation. Once settled, you can use the case as an iPad stand with multiple viewing angles, so that you can adjust the screen to the desired level. The case interior features suede lining for scratch protection. Take a look below on how you can use the Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio to your advantage:

Acase Leather Flip Book Jacket/Folio

Targus Hughes Leather Portfolio Slipcase – 51.49$

If you want to enter a room in style there’s no better way to do it by wrapping your iPad into the Targus Hughes Leather Portfolio Slipcase. Not only it looks great buy it feels great thanks to the durable oiled tanned premium leather exterior. Targus is so confident with its specially designed slipcase that it offers lifetime warranty. They also say it will protect your iPad from scratches and will secure it during transport thanks to the magnetic secured closure. I have to admit it looks damn sexy and the price is not prohibitive.

Targus Hughes Leather Portfolio Slipcase

Marware SportShell 4-in-1 case – 29.69$

This is another great example of good design combined with extensive features like a 4-in-1 convertible shape that makes the iPad case suitable as shell case, photo frame, desk stand and hand strap. The smooth, rubberized paint finish makes it durable and good looking at the same time. And you want to keep the looks of a case you paid 60 bucks for. And you get the unique design as a bonus.

Marware SportShell Convertible for iPad

XGear Traveler Folio Case – 52.77$

Traveler Folio Case for iPad

Before dismissing this one for its pretty high price tag take a look at it and let me just tell you what is it made from: rugged ABS front cover with carbon fiber design. That’s right, it’s a hard cover protecting case with a carbon fiber finish. It’s not carbon fiber, as it would cost a few hundred bucks but is as close as it gets to a Formula 1 monopost without the astronomical price.

The XGear Traveler Folio case is not just nice to hold in hand but is also practical, featuring special pockets for your business cards and travel documents. It has all you need in a sleek and slim package. You can even use it as a stand for your iPad, while sitting on a desk and typing with a wireless keyboard detached from it for example (find one here).

CaseCrown Vertical Multi Pocket Messenger Bag – 22.21$

If you ask me a messenger bag is the most elegant way to travel with your gadgets. It’s easy to carry, casual looking (thanks to its vertical design) and offers plenty of space within multiple pockets to store all your gadgets and precious belongings. The CaseCrown Vertical Multi Pocket Messenger Bag offers a separate laptop/netbook/tablet slot with excellent padding and secure velcro closure so that the most important piece stays safe. Other stuff is carried inside the front, back, interior, side and flap pockets.

CaseCrown Vertical Multi Pocket Messenger Bag

Bubble sleeve Pink, Green or Black – 49.95$

Bubble sleeve

Wow, 50 bucks for a sleeve? Yes, but not any kind of sleeve, but one made from EVA-molded, rigid case that provides more secure protection than a neoprene sleeve. It’s basically your average protective case for iPad on steroids. Each side contains shock absorbing rubber bumpers to hold and protect your iPad even from 3-4 feet tall drops on a hard floor.

Even if it’s tough to get it out unprotected from the Bubble Sleeve, the two zippers allow for fast access when needed. Don’t worry about the pink hue on the picture on the right as you’ll be able to buy on also in Black and Green for the same amount of money.

Belkin Pleated Sleeve – 33.62$

Belkin Pleated Sleeve

Belkin is one of the oldest peripheral manufacturers that has a special line of products designed to go with the Apple lineup. It’s no wonder they also have a protective sleeve for iPad, which is a little more than you are used to thanks to it’s pleated surface that’s meant to protect your tablet in case of accidental drops plus they provide more cushion when housed inside your backpack.

The Belkin Pleated Sleeve is meant to carry your iPad plus all your accessories like the charger. The case is made from made of durable neoprene and can be hand-wash with mild soap and water. For business oriented people it’s also available in Black for the same price.

TrendyDigital WaterGuard Waterproof Case – 19.99$

TrendyDigital WaterGuard Waterproof Case

This is definitely something different, the WaterGuard Waterproof Case from TrendyDigital is not just a carrying case and protective bag against dust and scratches but also the last line of defense against geek’s worst nightmare: liquids which can be poured by mistake onto his beloved gadgets.

The way it works is pretty much the same as a self sealing bag: you put your iPad in and continue using it in environments you wouldn’t normally do. That’s it. Don’t expect to be admired when using one, but expect to be protected in the most unusual moments, so you might still need a carrying case, but it’s the best choice if you plan on using it no matter what your common sense says.

Even if this case is not particularly beautiful, it’s better to look bad and functional than nice and not working, right?

Targus Crave Slipcase – 31.50$

This type of case is probably the best if you want a model just for carrying your iPad and its accessories, nothing more (there’s no place for anything else actually). It looks like a laptop hand bag, it’s smaller and more stylish thanks to its business design. Targus Crave Slipcase is made from water resistant fabric with stain guard coating, so you no need to worry about bad weather.

If you’re clumsy the protective double foam padding will come in handy during ‘rough handling’. We know it’s a little too expensive, but if protection is what you seek you can’t go wrong with Targus Crave Slipcase.

Targus Crave Slipcase

Official Apple iPad case – 49.85$

Even if it’s not available yet (It just become available for 39$), just like the iPad itself, it seems this is by far the most stylish case to date. I expect it to be expensive, at least 50$, as Apple isn’t known for its mercy on consumer wallets, but it’s also more complex than other models, featuring book cover style with multipurpose positions that help you use the iPad better for typing (it changes the inclination angle of the screen by 15-20 degrees) and media watching (makes the iPad stand vertically on any flat surface). Special cut openings make sure it doesn’t cover iPad’s ports.

Official Apple iPad case

Be sure that once iPad hits Apple store there will be even more iPad cases so don’t forget to bookmark this page or subscribe to our RSS or Email Newsletter as I’ll update this article with further iPad cases once they are announced.

Also recommended:

• best accessories for iPad
• iPad hard cases
• iPad leather cases
• best ipad stands
• Cool iPad cases