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The iPad is arguably the best tablet on the market, whether you’re an Android or iPhone user. For Android users, it’s arguably the best since all of the Google apps are also available on it. And Android tablets kinda suck these days. However, Google is looking to change that. But a big part of that change is going to need to be tablet apps. Something that the iPad already has, and does really well.
But if you just bought a new iPad, you might be wondering what the best accessories are to buy for it. Luckily, we have you covered there. We have rounded up the best accessories that you can buy. And most of these are available for all iPads. That includes the iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro. To be quite honest, the entire iPad lineup is pretty confusing these days, thanks to Apple. But there are rumors that Apple is looking to streamline the lineup in the new year. So fingers crossed that it actually happens.
Which iPad do you own?
Before we even jump into the best iPad Accessories, it’s essential to figure out which iPad you actually own. While the majority of these iPad accessories do work for all iPads, some of them – specifically the cases – are going to be a bit different. Still available, but in different sizes and sometimes with different cutouts. Remember, the iPad Pro does have Face ID, while the iPad Air uses Touch ID, so you obviously need a cutout for the power button to still use Touch ID.
Here’s how you can find out which iPad you have:
- Look at the back of your iPad. Below the “Designed by Apple in California,” there should be a model number etched into the back. Which starts with the letter A. Or you can go into Settings > General > About to get your model number.
- Then, you can head over to Apple’s website and look for your corresponding model number. Now you’ve found the iPad model that you own.
Here’s Apple’s current lineup for iPads, so you’ll know if a retailer is mentioning a specific iPad generation if it’ll work with your iPad:
- iPad: 9th generation (2021)
- iPad: 10th generation (2022)
- iPad Mini: 6th generation (2021)
- iPad Air: 5th generation (2022)
- iPad Pro 11-inch: 4th generation (2022)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch: 6th generation (2022)
- (There were no iPads released in 2023 for the first time in over a decade, however Apple is expected to do a complete overhaul of its iPad lineup in 2024)
Best Folio Case: Apple Smart Folio
When it comes to cases, it’s hard to go wrong with Apple’s own folio case. Sure, it’s pretty pricey, starting at $79 (though it is often on sale for less at Amazon). Apple does sell this case in a ton of colors; in fact, I have a cool blue one for my iPad Pro right now, and I absolutely love it.
Because of the way I use my iPad, normally for watching videos, the folio case works perfectly for me. The front of the case folds back as a stand to prop up the iPad. And it attaches magnetically, so it’s easy to remove the case and pop something else on like the Magic Keyboard from Apple. This also lets you use things like the Apple Pencil on the side, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the iPad Air, or hold the iPad without covering the speakers.
This ideally makes it perfect for using FaceTime, Zoom, and other calls. Except for the fact that Apple likes to keep the camera on the side of the tablet instead of on the longer side. Where it should be for things like FaceTime.
It’s a pretty versatile case, and even for someone like me who doesn’t typically like folio cases, this is a great option. And it’s always the first case I buy for a new iPad. I’ve been using Apple’s own folio cases since the original iPad launched back in 2010. And it’s still, ironically, cheaper than most other third-party cases that offer a similar set of features.
Best Keyboard: Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech’s Combo Touch keyboard for the iPad is one of my favorite keyboard combos for the iPad right now. Many might think that it would be the Apple Magic Keyboard, but that one is overpriced, and it’s just not that good. One of the big things that Logitech has going for it here with the Combo Touch is that it has its own kickstand included, and the keyboard is detachable. While, yes, Apple’s Magic Keyboard is also detachable, the whole thing is detachable, so if you wanted to use a kickstand to prop up your iPad, you’d need to add another case to your iPad, which isn’t that intuitive.
The only downside to the Logitech Combo Touch is that it is still pretty pricey, with $229 for the iPad Pro 12.9. It is a bit cheaper for the iPad Pro 11-inch and even the iPad Air, which is a regular price of $199. However, where both models came out a few years ago (they do still work with the latest iPad, however), they are typically discounted quite a bit. We’ve seen them around $149 lately.
With the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard, not only are you getting a full keyboard, but you also get a trackpad. So this can really be a full-on laptop replacement if you want it to be, which is really great to see, especially at under $200.
This keyboard case does come with a slot for the Apple Pencil, so if you use the Apple Pencil a lot, you can still use it with this case. The iPad Air model also comes with a cut-out for the power button so that you can still use Touch ID on your iPad Air. The iPad Pro model does not have this cut out because it does not use Touch ID, it instead uses Face ID.
Best Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
There’s really no competition for the best Earbuds for your iPad right now; they are definitely the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). These are the new USB-C model, which will use the same charger as your iPad. Making things even easier on you when traveling.
The AirPods Pro are my earbuds of choice right now because they fit so comfortably in my ears, sound incredible, and offer pretty good battery life. Apple claims six hours of continuous playback with these AirPods Pro, though I have definitely gotten more than that out of it.
The case that comes with the AirPods Pro is also pretty small, so it’s easy to stick into a bag when traveling or even put it into your pocket. The case will charge the AirPods Pro for a couple of full cycles. In fact, in my experience, I’ve been able to only need to charge my AirPods Pro after about a week of usage, which is really impressive. However, I am also only using it for a couple of hours each day, and not all day long like some others might.
I use these a lot without my iPad, but since they can switch so easily between my iPad, iPhone and MacBook Pro, they really can come in clutch. And the Spatial Audio that is included with the AirPods Pro is a true game-changer. It’s really quite impressive. Not to mention the Dolby Atmos support. It’s hard to go back to any other pair of earbuds after experiencing both of those. Sure, the AirPods Pro look dumb – and I always thought that until I tried them – but they are truly incredible.
Best USB-C Cable: Native Union USB-C Braided Cable
While the iPad does come with a USB-C cable in the box, it’s still a good idea to grab another one or two for your iPad. Especially if you tend to take it to work or elsewhere. Having another USB-C cable with you is always a good idea. That way, you never run out of power.
This particular USB-C cable I swear by because it is an eight-foot long cable, and also is a braided cable. What that means is that it’s going to be able to withstand pets chewing on it or kids chewing on it. And also withstand loads of bending. It also just looks so great, though Native Union does sell this particular USB-C cable in a few other colors – but this Zebra color looks incredible.
At eight feet long, this cable is longer than what Apple provides in the box. Those cables are typically around six to six and a half feet long. So, if you need a bit longer cable, then this is a great option for you to consider. On top of that, it’ll also work with your other devices, and that’s the beauty of USB-C.
Best Tablet Stand: Satechi Multi-Angle Foldable Tablet Stand
The Satechi R1 is the best tablet stand you can buy right now. This isn’t an iPad-specific accessory, obviously, since it can be used for any tablet and could even be used for some large smartphones. But this stand is made of metal, so it definitely feels like it is high quality, and it can also fold up pretty flat.
One of the advantages of this stand being made of metal is that it counterbalances the iPad. Some of the iPads can get quite heavy, like the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model. So, having a way to counterbalance it means that the stand will never fall over.
And thanks to the ability to use Bluetooth mice and keyboards with the iPad now, you are able to use this and have a keyboard and mouse in front of you to get some work done. We often talk about the iPad being a laptop replacement, and well, this is one of the big accessories that can do just that.
The Satechi R1 is able to move around at 270 degrees. So you can get virtually any angle you want with this tablet stand.
Best Keyboard Folio: Apple Magic Keyboard Folio
I’m still kind of annoyed that Apple has not made this keyboard folio available for its higher-end iPads. But here we are. This Magic Keyboard Folio is available for the entry-level iPad (10th Generation) only. Hopefully, it will be made available for the entire iPad lineup in the future. After all, Apple is expected to redo the entire lineup in 2024.
Since this keyboard is made for a 10.9-inch iPad, the keyboard is a little cramped, but it’ll get things done in a pinch. It also features a full trackpad and has a kickstand on the back, much like the Logitech Combo Touch that was also mentioned above. And like that Logitech keyboard, this one can also detach while keeping the kickstand on the back. However, it is a little more expensive than what Logitech has to offer. Since this does start at $249, it does, unfortunately, only come in one color, which is white. I’d be worried about it getting dirty pretty quickly, especially if you have kids.
Apple has also included a 14-key function row on this keyboard, making it a full laptop replacement for those who don’t need a laptop for many things. And it just looks so good on the iPad now. Apple, please make this available for the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines in 2024. It’s way better than the current keyboard folio that you offer for those iPads.
Best Stylus: Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)
No, we’re not recommending that stupid new Apple Pencil that the company announced a couple of months ago with a USB-C port on the end. That’s such a weird announcement and one that really doesn’t make any sense. Instead, this is the real Apple Pencil 2nd Gen that was announced back in 2016. It’s a tried and true Apple Pencil that does virtually everything you’d want it to do.
This Apple Pencil will magnetically attach to any iPad – yes, even the iPad Mini, though it does look kind of silly. That is going to be how it charges. As well as how it pairs with your iPad. So if you ever switch iPads and need to set up your Apple Pencil again, just attach it to the side, and boom, you’re ready to go.
It’s great for artists out there since the second-generation Apple Pencil does offer tilt sensitivity and pressure sensitivity. You can also double-tap to change tools right there on the Pencil.
Thankfully, it’s now a bit cheaper than the original price. The Apple Pencil is typically on sale for around $89 now, instead of its regular price of $129. So there’s that.
Best Tablet Mount: Twelve South HoverBar Duo
Twelve South makes a lot of really cool products for different Apple devices, including the Twelve South HoverBar Duo. This is a mount that you can get for your iPad. I actually have one and use it next to my bed every night to watch Netflix. You can attach this to a table and have your iPad mounted next to your bed, or use the included stand – this is where the “Duo” comes from here. The base is weighted to help counterbalance the iPad when it is mounted on this.
This will work on any iPad since it is adjustable. However, it might be a little harder on the iPad Pro 12.9 since it is bigger and heavier. It’ll fit, but it may not stay at the specific angle that you want.
It’s a really great way to use your iPad as a second screen for your Mac without needing to have the iPad and Mac at different angles and different heights. So if that is the way that you work on your Mac, this is a good option.
Twelve South does offer a few different points for pivoting, allowing you to get it at the perfect angle for what you want to use it for. There’s a clip joint at the top that lets you rotate the iPad in any direction and pivot so you can get just the right angle.