Best Apple iPad Air 2 Cases

Before you plop down your money on one of Apple’s accessories, consider some of the other options that are out there to protect your new tablet. We’ve rounded up our favorites, both for the iPad Air 2 and the still-available original iPad Air, to give you some idea of the incredible variety.  

Case Logic SnapView 2.0

Case Logic SnapView 2.0

Reasons to buy

+
Super Simple

It's simple, thin and colorful. The Case Logic SnapView 2.0 case takes its name from the button locking system that secures the tablet in place. It comes in (remove extra "in" here) black, green, gray, pink, purple and tan. The suedelike interior of the flap protects against scratches. The molded polycarbonate shell won't add a lot of bulk to your sexy tablet, either.

Incipio Faraday

Incipio Faraday

Reasons to buy

+
Protective and Convenient 

Incipio's Tuxen comprises a faux-leather top and a rigid, plastic shell on the back to protect your iPad. Like the X-Doria SmartJacket, it has a magnetic cover to keep the cover firmly closed, and triggers the Sleep/Wake function on your Air 2 when you open or close the flap. Available in black, charcoal, ocean (blue) and pink, the Tuxen also folds into a stand for viewing media or typing on your tablet.

Belkin Qode Keyboard Case

Belkin Qode Keyboard Case

Reasons to buy

+
Extra Light

The iPad Air is pretty light. Belkin says it’s managed to make a keyboard case that’s even lighter. The QODE Ultimate Keyboard case uses an aluminum alloy to protect your tablet. It’s also flexible enough to provide multiple viewing angles, along with a keyboard that boasts special shortcuts for adding tracks to your iTunes wishlist and pairing Bluetooth devices that could come in handy. Available in white and black.

iLuv Layup

iLuv Layup

Reasons to buy

+
Dual Layer

As much as you may love your iPad Air 2, you may not want to constantly grip it in your hands. iLuv offers two more options with its dual-layer Layup case. A detachable hand strap lets you keep a hold on the iPad in any one of four positions. When it’s time to sit back and watch a movie, pull out the built-in kickstand. Available in black.

X-Doria SmartJacket

X-Doria SmartJacket

Reasons to buy

+
Easy Viewing

Sure, the new iPad might as well be lighter than air, but sometimes you just want to prop your tablet up for easy viewing. TheX-Doria SmartJacket can be folded so you can lean your iPad at different levels of elevation. The magnets built into the cover let you put the tablet to sleep or wake the device. The slim jacket also offers protection from bumps and scratches, while its 3D-patterned back adds a distinctive look to your slate.

Apple Smart Cover

Apple Smart Cover

Reasons to buy

+
Super Smart

Who better than Apple to make a cover for the iPad? The company's lightweight Smart Cover has a hinge that magnetically connects to the tablet. Since it's just a front cover (no back), you won't have to worry about adding extra bulk to your slate. Available in seven colors (black, white, pink, yellow, green, blue and (Product)RED).

Cherlynn Low
Staff Writer
Cherlynn joined the Laptopmag team in June 2013 and has since been writing about all things tech and digital with a focus on mobile and Internet software development. She also edits and reports occasionally on video. She graduated with a M.S. in Journalism (Broadcast) from Columbia University in May 2013 and has been designing personal websites since 2001.