When you purchase a new iPad, you can purchase a variety of accessories to help you get the most out of your tablet. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites below. All items can be found at: Best iPad Accessories Guide. We’re currently testing accessories for the new iPad Pro and iPad Air and will share our thoughts soon.
$50 Zugu case: This is our favorite folio case for the iPad for several reasons. Not only is it durable (with a sturdy bumper), it also has a magnetic cover that closes and a flap that allows you to position the screen at eight different angles. The case is also magnetic, so it can be safely attached to the refrigerator. It’s reasonably priced, comes in a variety of colors, and even has space for Apple Pencil.
Logitech Combo Touch (10th Gen) $160: Combo Touch has a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for working on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, so there’s no need to fiddle with Bluetooth or charge it.
Paper-like charcoal folio case ($70): Paperlike is known for its screen protectors, but they also offer great cases. It is designed to feel like a sketchbook and has a lightweight and luxurious polyester fabric cover. You can also stand your iPad in two heights. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but it does have a large flap lock to prevent it from falling out. We tested it with the iPad Air, but it’s also available on the iPad Pro (in both sizes).
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 ($110): If you want a spacious trackpad, the Magic Trackpad 2 is a great choice. Instead of physical buttons, it has a force touch sensor that allows you to feel different pressures being applied to the pad. Supports a variety of iPadOS gestures so you don’t have to touch the screen as much. It automatically pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth and recharges with the Lightning port.
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard ($40): If you prefer an external keyboard, the Logitech K380 is a difficult choice. It’s lightweight and portable, and can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth (including a dedicated button to switch between devices). The keyboard is powered by AAA batteries and should last about 4 months, so you don’t have to worry about lugging around a charger.
12 South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: HoverBar serves two purposes: You can mount it next to your bed, on a kitchen counter, or on a shelf (for comfortable, hands-free viewing of content), or use the included stand on your desk. The second-generation version now allows you to remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand, making switching between the two modes easier.
12 South StayGo Mini USB-C Hubs for $59: Regardless of your iPad model, ports are limited. This hub from Twelve South features an 85-watt USB-C port with pass-through charging, a USB-A port, HDMI, and a headphone jack. If you’re having trouble mounting it on your iPad with a case, using the included socket-to-USB-C-to-plug-to-USB-C cable should solve the problem.