The best cases for the iPad mini

At some point in the future, Apple may adopt a different design for the iPad mini. Something more in line with the iPad Pro and iPad Air. But, that isn’t here quite yet.

So for anyone who already has an iPad mini, or plans on picking one up, we’ve put together a roundup of the best cases for the company’s smallest tablet. There’s a nice mix to choose from below, but each of them will offer plenty of protection for day-to-day use.

So let’s get right to it.

The best iPad mini cases

OtterBox

The OtterBox brand has become synonymous with great coverage and daily protection for Apple’s devices. That’s certainly the case for the iPad mini once it’s tucked inside the DEFENDER Series case. This case features a multi-layer design for boosted protection, including an inner shell, a built-in screen protector, and an outer slip cover.

The DEFENDER Series case for the iPad mini features a shield stand, too, which offers a way to hold your Apple Pencil, and even stand up the iPad mini for viewing content or getting some work done.

The case features port covers to protect it from dirt and debris, but has precise cutouts for the front-facing camera, the Home button, and the rear camera. Raised bezels protect the front and rear camera, and there’s a cutout to still see the Apple logo.

The DEFENDER Series for the iPad mini comes in black. It’s available now from Amazon.

Buy OtterBox DEFENDER for iPad mini for $59.19

Speck

The Speck BalanceFolio case isn’t as bulky as the OtterBox option, but it will still protect your iPad mini. There’s a built-in stand, it fits the iPad mini 4 as well, and precise cutouts for access to the Lightning port and the side buttons.

The stand offers multiple viewing angles, for typing, viewing media, or reading. No built-in screen protector this time around, but it does have raised edges to help protect the front of the tablet. There’s a locking clasp to keep the cover closed, too.

The Speck BalanceFolio is available now in blue, violet, and black.

Buy Speck BalanceFolio for iPad mini for $17.97

Apple

Apple’s Smart Cover for the iPad mini is about as thin as it gets, but will handle day-to-day routines just fine. It snaps into place quickly and easily, and the cover can wake or put the display to sleep when it’s opened or closed. With the origami design, the Smart Cover can be folded into a couple of different options, offering different viewing angles for the iPad mini.

This is just a front cover only, so keep that in mind. It doesn’t offer any protection for the back of the iPad mini, just the front and when it’s closed.

But the Smart Cover is light and easy to install, so for those who know they don’t need any extra protection, it’s potentially perfect.

The Smart Cover is available from Amazon in black, Surf Blue, Cyprus Green, Deep Navy, Pink Citrus, white, and Pink Sand.

Buy Smart Cover for iPad mini for $39.00

Twelve South

The Twelve South BookBook case for the iPad mini offers a lot of protection in a very unique style. The exterior is made from full-grain leather, which will acquire a natural patina over time and use. There is a separate leather interior frame within the exterior case, which offers full access to all ports, speakers, and buttons. The case also offers a microfiber lining to help prevent scratching.

There is an integrated kickstand for select viewing angles, with a 3-in-1 design for various use cases. There is also an interior pocket to help you keep your Apple Pencil in sight.

The BookBook from Twelve South for the iPad mini is available now from Amazon.

Buy BookBook for iPad mini for $69.99

Any other option you can think of that should be on this list? Feel free to make suggestions.