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10 best cases for iPad Air and Mini

If you get a tablet under the tree, consider one of these. IndyBest finds covers practical, pretty and professional-looking protectors

Monday 22 December 2014 18:56 GMT

Modern tablets are beautifully made with lush screens — but if they get dropped or scratched they can quickly become ugly or even break.

We picked through the best tablet cases, both functional and beautiful, to find the best ones for your needs. Whether you're just after something to keep it safe in your bag, or want to add a keyboard or other functionality, you'll find it here.

{1} Leitz Complete Multi-Case: £43.13, amazon.co.uk

This sophisticated case can be adjusted to whatever needs you have, such as using a stand or keeping the screen private in a public place. You can buy extra things to attach to the case – including a privacy screen, which stops people sitting near you seeing what you’re doing on your tablet. So if you want something flexible and different, this will allow you to make the case into almost anything you need.

{2} Poundland: £1, poundland.co.uk (in store only)

This might not be as beautiful or as lasting as other cases on this list, but if you’re after a good-value cover, this one is a real bargain. Suitable for the Mini and smaller tablets.

{3} British Library: £35, shop.bl.uk

If you miss the feel of reading a real book — or just want a nice, retro-looking case — this could be the thing. These are inspired by the covers of a range of old editions, including Frankenstein and Around the World in 80 Days, as well this Sherlock Holmes one.

{4} Logitech Type+: £84.99, logitech.com

There are lots of cases with built-in keyboards, but most of them aren’t good as either cases or keyboards. The Type+, while a bit more expensive than other models, works very well as both. In effect, it turns the iPad into a very nice, and maybe even distraction-free, laptop.

{5} Apple Smart Case: £29, store.apple.com

This might be an obvious choice, but it’s a good one; it’s light, good-value and is made from the bottom-up for the iPad. While it looks simple, it can function as a stand and magnetically clips to the side of the tablet.

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{6} Tech21 Impact Folio: £9.70, amazon.co.uk

If you’re afraid of dropping your iPad, this case made from super-strong shock-absorbing material should keep it safe. It won’t add too much bulk to your device, either.

{7} Knomo Portable Organiser: From £45, knomobags.com

Knomo’s innovative and great-looking organisers are somewhere between a case and a whole bag. Store your phones, cables, pens, credit cards and your passport as well as a tablet (8in and 10in versions). Choose from canvas or leather.

{8} Liberty: £95, liberty.co.uk

Liberty’s iPad cases don’t have any special features but the appearance more than makes up for that. Decked out in a beautiful Art Nouveau pattern, in a range of different colours, for both iPad sizes, Liberty’s cases are not just nice looking — they’re also very nicely made.

{9} Barbour: £54.95, proporta.co.uk

Match your tech to your outerwear with this case by the classic British brand. True to Barbour style, it has a soft, tartan trim on the interior — as well as being strong and stylish.

{10} Michael Kors Clutch Bag for iPad Air: £119.95, store.apple.com

This luxe leather number looks like an envelope clutch bag that wouldn’t look out of place in a bar or club. Inside, there’s space for cards alongside the tablet – theoretically, it could be taken from desk to dance floor.

Verdict:

Apple's Smart Case is made from the bottom up for the iPad — and it's simple but very effective, protecting the screen but folding away if you don't need it. If you want a case that makes the tablet into a laptop then Logitech's Type+ is useful but folds away nicely.

If you're just interested in covering up your tablet and want to make it look as beautiful as possible, then the Liberty case is the obvious choice.