Protecting your kid's tablet, that valuable gadget that lets them learn, play and stop asking "are we there yet" is an important task, one worth buying a solid and sturdy case. Because unless your child's never dropped anything ever, you'll need to keep your new investment safe, especially if its Apple's latest iPad, which isn't cheap at $329. While the Amazon Fire tablets slide right into the $24.99 FreeTime Kid-Proof Case, we've found plenty of alternatives that protect other models from the chaos a child can create.
Also, Speck's announced its upcoming Case-E cases for tablets. Shipping soon (estimated for the first quarter of 2019), the Case-E cases are the successors to the company's iGuy line, and offer feature detachable arms to turn the tablet into a stand and wrap around car seats, so kids can stay entertained in the backseat.
While Apple's new iPad mini is a 7.9-inch tablet that's practically perfect for smaller hands (which may drop it less often) Apple's also rolled out its 10.5-inch 2019 iPad Air, which works with Apple's Smart Keyboard to give kids a great way to type their homework. But if you're still not sold on either, check out our iPad Air vs iPad mini face-off to see why one slate wins by a tiny margin.
Oh, and one last tip: pick a case that matches your kid's personality, so you'll be less likely to find the case lying on the floor after your child decided it wasn't necessary.
Amazon FreeTime Kid-Proof Case
If you decided to buy the $50 Fire 7 tablet instead of the Kids Edition model, you can still get a case made just for your new slate. As its name implies, Amazon's own FreeTime Kid-Proof Case is designed with little hands in mind, made of a durable silicone for protection from bumps and bruises. If you bought your Fire tablet before May 2017, you'll probably want a case for 6th (2016) or 5th (2015) generation Fire. Amazon also sells a Kid-Proof Case ($29) for its 2017 HD 8 Fire tablet, which is currently only only available in 32GB configuration, for $89 (a $20 discount).
Fintie 9.7-inch iPad Case
One way to make it a little easier for your child to hold on to a tablet is to invest in a case with a handle. The Fintie Case comes with just that — an easy-to-grab handle — and the Fintie can also be used as a stand. This cover is composed of a heavy-duty EVA foam to endure wear and tear over time. It fits Apple's most recent $329 iPad, as well as the 2017 9.7-inch iPad, the iPad Air 2 and iPad Air.
TFY Kids Car Headrest Mount Holder
If your kid keeps throwing or dropping their tablet in the car, you'll probably see this headrest-mounted tablet holder and wonder "where this been all my life?" It's also useful if you've got more than one tyke in the backseat, because now they can't argue over who gets to use it, and they'll just have to watch the same show together. Holds most 9.7-inch tablets, including the iPad 2, 3, and 4.
NuPro Zipper Sleeve for Fire Kids Tablets
But what if your kid already has a tablet case, or — just as likely — doesn't want one. This soft tablet sleeve, built for Amazon's Fire Kids 7 and Fire Kids HD 8 tablets, is roomy for a slate clad with a protective bumper. Available in purple with pink or navy with blue.
CHINFAI iPad mini Case for Kids for Apple iPad mini to iPad mini 4
We don't know whose idea it was to make an iPad mini case that looks like the Android mascot ate an iPad, but we love it. Its blocky feet allow it to stand outright, without using an easel-leg to prop it up. Made of a soft silicon that will make it great to grip and easy to care for.
Okstation EVA Drop-Proof iPad Mini Case for Baby
Amazon's Fire 7 cases are nice, but we like the look of this honeycomb-patterned case from Fintie. It offers a little extra visual flair vs the Amazon case, and is $15 less expensive, at $9.99. Your kid can find one the precise color of their preference, as it's sold in 12 colors, including two shades of pink, two shades of blue, two yellows, black and green.
Belkin Lego Builder Case for iPad mini
What kid (and what adult, really?) doesn't love Legos? Made by Belkin, the Lego Builder Case for the iPad mini (1, 2 or 3) protects the tablet from bumps and bruises. Plus, the case has an official blue Lego back plate your child can use to build cool things. Choose from yellow, red or green shells.
Griffin KaZoo Fox Case for iPad mini
For younger kids, animals tend to be a big hit. This Griffin KaZoo case for iPad mini, mini 2 and mini 3 transforms a tablet into an adorable fox. The KaZoo case has wide feet so that it can stand up on its own. This also gives a slight angle when the device is lying down, so it's easy for your child to draw or interact with on-screen content ergonomically. A matching stylus, sold separately, fits neatly into a hole at the bottom of the feet so your child doesn't lose the pen while playing.
TopEsct iPad Mini Case for Kids
The iPad Mini tablet becomes both easier to hold and mount in a car with this case. Available in blue, green, blue and pink, it's got three handles, so it can be held for landscape-mode content viewing and also carried in one hand like a tiny briefcase.
Cute cases are great, but you also need protection. The Big Bang case from Logitech maintains a kid-friendly weight and a slim design but still offers impact protection for falls from up to 4.6 feet. That's thanks to the shock-absorbent material that lines the edges and the screen cover. It's helpful that the liner, which activates the iPad Air's sleep/wake function, is wipeable for the inevitable spill.
- Henry T. Casey,
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Henry is a senior writer at Laptop Mag, covering security, Apple and operating systems. Prior to joining Laptop Mag — where he's the self-described Rare Oreo Expert — he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. You can find him at your local pro wrestling events, and wondering why Apple decided to ditch its MagSafe power adapters.
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Henry T. Casey,
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