What is the Best Way to Protect an iPad?
Updated - November, 2025
It's 2025 and iPads are thinner, lighter and less structured than ever meaning one slip and drop can cost hundreds of dollars in repair costs.
Given this, finding good quality iPad cases is more important than ever. From simple iPad folios to more protective iPad cases, from a rugged 13 iPad Pro case to a premium leather 13 iPad Pro case, the options are plentiful.
However, different users have different protection needs, making it essential to explore the best ways to protect your individual Apple tablet effectively.
What is the Best Way to Protect an iPad?
The best way to protect an iPad is by using a high-quality case or sleeve. These provide physical protection from impacts and scratches while maintaining the device's slim design.
But there's a catch....
What might be the right protection solution for one person may be totally inappropriate for another. No two iPad users are the same, and neither are their protection requirements.
A student might prioritize a lightweight iPad Pro 11 case with a pencil holder for their 11-inch M4 Pro tablet that fits into their backpack, while someone working on a construction site might seek a more robust design for protection in such an extreme environment.
It's crucial to consider your daily routine and usage patterns to determine the level of protection your Apple tablet requires.
The Best Way to Protect Your iPad: Match Protection to Your Life
At MacCase, here's what 14 years of designing iPad cases has taught us: there's no single "best" iPad case. A student needs different protection than a construction worker. A business traveler needs different features than someone who uses their iPad at home.
But here's what's universal: cheap cases don't protect iPads. They protect profits for manufacturers who know you'll replace them in 6 months when the cover crack, the hinges break, the magnets fail, or the material starts peeling.
MacCase has been designing iPad protection since the original iPad launched in 2010. We've protected every generation of Apple tablets, and we'll cover four distinct protection solutions for different needs and lifestyles.
Premium Leather iPad Folios: For Professionals Daily Use
• Best for: Business professionals, office workers, retired folks, anyone who values aesthetics and daily protection.
MacCase Premium Leather iPad Folios use ethically sourced, full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather that develops a rich patina over time. Each handmade piece is precision-fit for iPad Pro 13" M5, iPad Pro 11" M5, iPad Air 13", or iPad Air 11".
• Why it works: Protects your iPad during daily commuting, office use, and travel while maintaining a professional appearance. The leather ages beautifully. Iit looks better after 3 years than it did on day one. Lifetime warranty.
[Shop Premium Leather iPad Folios →]
Protective Polycarbonate/TPU Folios: For Rugged Environments
• Best for: Construction sites, field work, students, parents with kids, outdoor use, anyone in demanding environments.
MacCase Polycarbonate/TPU Folios combine hard polycarbonate shells with shock-absorbing TPU edges. Military-grade drop protection, integrated stand positions, and full access to all iPad features. Built to handle the abuse that would destroy a cheap amazon folio.
• Why it works: The 2025 iPad Pro M5 is thinner and more fragile than ever (0.2 inches thin). In rugged environments, you need impact protection that can handle drops, bumps, and rough handling. This is that protection.
[Shop Protective iPad Cases →]
Premium Leather iPad Shoulder Bags: For Mobile Professionals
• Best for: Travelers, consultants, mobile professionals, anyone who needs to carry iPad + accessories.
Our Premium Leather iPad Shoulder Bags provide dedicated compartments for your iPad and Apple Pencil, plus a removable pouch for the charger and accessories. An adjustable shoulder strap provides the cross-body style.
• Why it works: Your iPad doesn't travel alone. You need chargers, cables, the Pencil, maybe documents or a notebook. This bag keeps everything organized and protected in one premium package.
Use your iPad without a folio attached (for the slim experience), protect it in the bag during transport. Lifetime warranty on leather and construction.
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iPad Sleeves
• Best for: Home users, minimalists, anyone who wants protection during transport but not during use.
MacCase Premium Leather iPad Sleeves and rPET Eco-friendly iPad Sleeves provide the simplest protection: slip your iPad in when you're done using it, pull it out when you're ready to work. Layered foam padding, premium materials and precision-fit for your Apple tablet add up to excellent long-term protection.
• Why it works: If you primarily use your iPad at home or in controlled environments, you don't need a folio attached 24/7. The sleeve protects during transport (in a backpack, briefcase, or bag) while letting you use your iPad in its slim, naked form. Lifetime warranty on leather models, 10-year warranty on nylon.
MacCase vs. $20-40 Generic Cases
You spent $800-$1,700 on your iPad. Trusting its protection to a $20 case that falls apart in 6 months isn't cheap insurance, it's false economy.
• The math: Replace a $30 case every 6-12 months = $150-300 over 5 years. Buy one MacCase solution that lasts 5-10 years = one purchase, better protection, save time, save money, less waste.
A case is an investment in the long-term protection and care of your Apple tablet. It's not the time to look for bargains. That's why we've been building iPad cases that outlast iPads for 14 years.
Is it Worth Getting a Screen Protector for an iPad?
The answer is, it depends. If you are using your iPad in a environment where dust and dirt are common, a screen protector can offer an added layer of protection. For most people under normal circumstances, they are unnecessary.
Because of people's experiences with their mobile phones, screen protectors are a common go-to for many, offering an additional layer of defense against scratches and smudges. However, they come with their pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Screen Protectors
On the positive side, they're relatively affordable, easy to apply, and maintain the screen's clarity (until they get scratched, cloud up and need to be replaced). However, some users find that they might affect touch sensitivity, and the application process can be tricky, resulting in air bubbles or misalignment.
Like it's mentioned above, screen protectors have their place and can be useful protection in certain environments. You are the best person to make the call on whether one is worth it for you.
How Do I Protect My iPad From Damage?
Firstly, handle your device with care, avoiding drops or impacts.
70% of damages to iPad are from them being dropped. You can reduce this potential costly situation by 80% by adding a case. This risk can be reduced even further with a quality case from a proven manufacturer especially on the new, thinner, M4 models.
Moreover, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight. Lastly, if you're not using it, keep it safely stored in a protective iPad Air case or bag.
Let's explore this a bit further.
Raise Your Awareness
The first step to protecting your Apple tablet is to be conscious of where and how you are handling it when you use it. What is the environment like? It's it friendly like when you are laying in bed or hostile like at a local coffee shop?
If you are in an environment that you would consider more hostile, take steps to make the space around you more secure. Take a minute and analyze where and how your tablet is oriented and make changes you feel will prevent potential damage.
Extreme temperatures can also play havoc with the electronic internals, batteries and screen. Again, your awareness of your environment is your Apple tablet's best friend when it comes to aiding protection.;
Do Cases Overheat iPads?
One common concern with Apple tablet cases is whether they can cause overheating. While it's true that some cases might trap heat, the design and material quality play a significant role.
Many modern cases are designed with ventilation features to prevent overheating, ensuring your iPad runs smoothly even during prolonged usage. iPad folio cases aren't the only option for protecting your Apple tablet. Bags and sleeves are equally effective, catering to different preferences.
Bags offer ample space for accessories, making them ideal for those on the move. Sleeves provide a slim and minimalist option, ensuring your iPad remains scratch-free when not in use.
Functionality, Style, Price and Durability
When searching for the most protective solution, it's essential to consider the balance between functionality, style, price and durability. Rugged cases might offer unparalleled drop protection, but they can be bulky.
Sleek cases add a touch of elegance, but might not withstand heavy impacts. The key lies in aligning your protection needs with your device's usage. Protecting your iPad requires a tailored approach that considers your unique needs and preferences.
Watch How These Cases Protect You iPad
From screen protectors to a wide array of iPad cases, bags, and sleeves, the options are abundant. Consider your daily routine, usage patterns, and level of protection required to determine the best solution for protecting your iPad.
About Michael Santoro
With over three decades of experience at the highest levels of design, Michael Santoro built a career defined by innovation, timelessness, and mentorship. From award-winning designs for Chrysler to his groundbreaking creation of the Apple-specific case market with MacCase, his work spans industries and institutions. He also mentors aspiring artists and designers around the world through his tutoring programs at Art College Prep and How to Draw Cars. Learn more about his work at Michael Santoro Design.
Further Reading -
• Should You Put a Cover on Your iPad?
• How to Buy the best Quality iPad Case
• The Luxury iPad Case - Safeguarding the Pinnacle of Tablets
