The best iPad Mini cases and covers

The iPad Mini 2019 (fifth generation) is proof good things come in small packages. Small but perfectly formed, it provides powerful performance on the go. Of course, with more portability comes more risk of damage and breakage. The best way to keep your iPad Mini safe is by investing in a durable case or cover.

We’ve reviewed the best cases that offer a variety of both fashion and function to meet your needs, whether you just want a case that offers basic protection or more bells and whistles with a stylish finish. Many of these cases also fit the iPad Mini 2015 (fourth generation), but it’s always best to check before parting with your cash.

Spigen Rugged Armor Case

Spigen is a name to trust when it comes to rugged cases offering serious protection for your devices. The Rugged Armor case not only looks good, but it also utilizes Air Cushion technology to absorb shock and protect against drops and bumps, with raised bezels around the screen and camera for added protection. This case will only work with the iPad Mini 5, so if you’re looking for a case for your iPad Mini 4, you’ll need to choose another option from our list.

$18 from Amazon

ESR Rebound Slim Case

The soft, flexible Rebound Slim case from ESR comes in a choice of three colors including rose gold, black, and a gorgeous metallic blue, our favorite. Its scratch-resistant finish ensures it will stay looking as good as the day you bought it, while its strong magnets keep the case firmly closed in your bag and also ensure your tablet goes to sleep when it’s closed and wakes up when you open it. The cover folds back into a handy viewing or typing stand too. This case is only compatible with the iPad Mini 5.

Snugg iPad Mini 5 Leather Case

The Snugg case offers a luxurious look and feel derived from a premium bonded PU leather exterior that’s slim, lightweight, and rugged with subtle, contrasting stitching. It slips easily into a backpack or briefcase to protect your delicate tablet from harsh environments and impact. It augments protective features with reinforced corners to shield against drops, knocks, scratches, and dust. A nubuck interior cushions the tablet’s delicate screen. It comes in black or Electric Blue.

Decoded Leather Foldable Slim Sleeve

Tablets aren’t generally used as often as smartphones, so for many, a sleeve is enough to keep their iPad safe. This sleeve from Decoded isn’t cheap by any means, but if you don’t mind spending a little money on your protection, it’s hard to find something more luxurious than this. It’s made from premium full-grain leather that’s soft to the touch, but also durable and protective. The leather develops its own patina over time, making it unique, while a magnetic closure stops your iPad from falling out. It can fold into a stand and it has an integrated holder for the Apple Pencil, too. Stylish and protective, this is a great choice if you don’t mind spending the money. As a sleeve, this will be compatible with the iPad Mini 5 and 4.

Otterbox Symmetry Clear

Otterbox is well known for its bulky protective cases, but it also sells many more subtle options. The Symmetry case is one of the best clear iPad Mini cases you can get, using a tough polycarbonate back with a specialized rubber bumper to keep your iPad safe. It’s entirely clear, so you can show off your iPad while keeping it protected, and it’s also slim enough that won’t add much thickness to your tablet. There’s a loop to hold your Apple Pencil, and there’s even a removable spine, so you can snap on Apple’s Smart Cover for extra protection. It’s certainly not cheap, but Otterbox cases rarely are, and the protection is excellent.

Zagg Folio Case with Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard

This Zagg case has a clever design that combines a fabric cover with a kickstand and a Bluetooth keyboard. The keys are fairly well-spaced, and the keyboard’s battery is designed to last for a year between charges. There’s a full-width kickstand that enables you to prop the iPad Mini at the usual laptop angles. Your iPad Mini snaps into place inside with minimal corners and a ridge at the bottom holding it in place, which means you have unfettered access to the screen, ports, and controls.

UAG Metropolis Folio Case

If you want something protective and practical for your iPad Mini, then look no further. UAG’s cases are tough, with an outer armor shell and an inner core that absorbs shock, but they’re a lot lighter than they look. There’s a smart cover to protect the screen when it’s not in use and it folds back to act as a landscape stand. You’ll find precise cutouts for easy access to everything, and there’s an Apple Pencil holder. This is a great protective option. This one is just for the iPad Mini 5, but there’s an iPad Mini 4 model, too.

Lefon Kids Case for iPad Mini

The iPad Mini is a great favorite with kids, and the brightly-colored Lefon case is sure to excite the little ones. Despite its fun exterior, it means business with impact-resistant EVA, and it’s constructed with hazard-free safe materials. Kids will still have full access to all the tablet’s features and controls. The corners are reinforced with double-thick silicone to protect against drops and impact. The back and sides are covered by thick foam that extends above the screen to keep the face scratch-free. The grip handle makes it hard to drop. The convertible stand case transforms into a handle for easy transport from school to home and can fold back to serve as a stand. It comes in black, blue, green, orange, purple, red, and rose.

Gumdrop Hideaway with Kickstand

Cases don’t get much more rugged than this. Gumdrop’s design is chunky and bold, combining a hard polycarbonate frame with tough, easy to grip, malleable silicone. There are openings for the ports and camera. On the back, you’ll find a collapsible stand that can fold out and allows you to prop your iPad Mini in landscape for viewing or at an angle for typing. There’s no need to panic when you drop your tablet with this case on it. This particular case is for the iPad Mini 5, but there’s an iPad Mini 4 case too.

STM Dux Case

If you’re looking for a rugged solution, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Dux case exceeds military standards 810F/G for drop tests, which means it will survive a tumble from up to 6.6 feet (two meters). It blends hard polycarbonate and malleable TPU with a water-resistant polyurethane cover that folds back to double up as a stand. Magnets in the cover help it act as a stand and automatically bring your iPad Mini to life when you open it. All the cutouts are precise and the back of the case is transparent. It’s bulky, but that’s inevitable with truly protective cases. This case will work with both the iPad Mini 5 and Mini 4.

Moshi VersaCover Case

This sleek case is practical and stylish. The polycarbonate shell fits the iPad Mini perfectly, and the microfiber cover features Moshi’s origami-inspired folding design, so you can prop your tablet at various angles in either portrait or landscape view. The cover has magnets built-in, so your tablet automatically goes to sleep when you close it and springs to life when you open it. This one is just for the iPad Mini 5, but there is an iPad Mini 4 version.

$50 from Adorama

Logitech Focus Protective Case

This folio-style case opens to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard. It’s fairly light and slim without sacrificing the responsive feel and travel you’d expect from a decent keyboard. There’s a tough frame to hold the iPad Mini in place and magnets ensure that it doesn’t pop open when it shouldn’t. You’ll also find you can prop your tablet at multiple angles to suit different activities. The rechargeable battery should last around six months between charges. This one is designed for the iPad Mini 4, though, and hasn’t been certified to fit the latest iPad Mini 5, so be careful buying this if you’re using the 2019 model.

Ballistic Tough Jacket Case

The Tough Jacket guarantees that your iPad will withstand falls from up to six-foot heights. It can promise this because of its ingenious engineering, including substantially padded corners and a protruding rim surrounding the screen. A removable cover protects all sides, and you’ll find a convenient kickstand that folds out from the back. The Tough Jacket is one of the highest quality rugged cases you can find for the iPad Mini 4. Sadly, its button covers make it incompatible with the iPad Mini 5.

Fintie Folio Case

The folio case consists of a rugged outer coating of polyurethane that envelops a plush microfiber inner cushion. You’ll get versatility with this case as it fits your iPad Mini in both landscape and portrait mode, not to mention indentations on the outer edge of the case for an easy grip. The case is also equipped with an Apple Pencil holder and trusty rear pocket. It features a magnetic strip that enables automatic sleep and wake functions, plus convenient cutouts that provide access to everything you need. This case has excellent value and is available in several colors and patterns. It is compatible with the iPad Mini 5 and iPad Mini 4.

Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Case

The Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Case is the perfect combination of a soft cradling interior paired with a robust and rock-hard polycarbonate exterior, offering the utmost protection for your device. It even contains a built-in screen protector. The case is practical as well as durable—a convenient leg props up your tablet to make movie watching a breeze.

It has accurate cutouts and button and port covers to protect your device from dust and grime. This case is compatible with the iPad Mini 5 and iPad Mini 4 and is a terrifically affordable option.