Valentina Palladino / Engadget. I spent months filling a corner of my tiny New York apartment with boxes of gear to test and find the best iPad accessories. If you're like me, you're constantly dismissing the "iCloud Storage is Full" notification from your iPhone. The most luxurious comes from Apple itself in the Magic Keyboard. Logitech’s Slim Folio Pro, however, is much better if you care about style (the soft-touch finish is comparable to Apple’s own accessories) and I prefer its keys and the flap that holds the Apple Pencil along the side of the iPad. However, one accessory that I’ve found really useful in a pinch is SanDisk’s iXpand flash drive. Jess Grey also contributed to this guide. Just search for the product name and your iPad model. These are some of our favorite stands, cases, keyboards, and Pencils, no matter which iPad you have. This is a nice-looking, slim, ... Apple's own. I’ve always been that person who takes her new smartphone or tablet out of the box and immediately puts it in a case. We recommend tons of great wireless buds in this guide that cost a lot less. Like Logitech’s option, however, the Zagg’s keyboard case adds a bit more weight to the iPad than a basic case does, but that’s to be expected with any keyboard attachment. The default plate that surrounds the USB-C plug fits iPads without screen protectors, but there’s an included plate that accommodates screen protectors. If you want a roomier touchpad, try Apple's roomy, thin, and light Magic Trackpad 2. If you plan to be a “pro” user of an iPad Pro, you’ll probably need more than the tablet’s single USB-C port. I also like the extra flap Otterbox added that keeps the screen cover closed and holds the 2nd-generation Apple Pencil to the side of the new iPad Pros. But there are other options: Logitech’s Crayon is more affordable at $70 and it has arguably a better grip than either Apple Pencil. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. What I don't like is how that latch kind of just flops around when you open the folio up. A much more affordable alternative is ProCase’s Leather Folio. They're some of the slimmest keyboard covers you'll find, but I personally hate typing on them. The included iPad wall charger is fine, but the Anker PowerPort Atom III is a compelling alternative and one of the best accessories you can get for your iPad. iPad accessories are endless, and what worked for me may not work for you. I like this 20,000-mAh-capacity model from Aukey because it has a tiny LED that shows the power bank's remaining battery life (much more helpful than vague dots). Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) £119.00 Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air (4th generation) and iPad Pro 11-inch. It would sometimes change positions when I lifted the iPad Pro off. So many adapters that hug the iPad Pro’s edges are slick but they become basically unusable if you have a case, skin or screen protector. If you prefer a mouse: The Logitech Pebble ($28) is tiny and slim. © 2021 Condé Nast. One of the best parts of owning an iPad is that you're never short on accessories. This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). A cheaper alternative is Anker’s 5-in-1 USB-C adapter: it works just as well as HyperDrive’s, has most of the same ports with the exception of an extra USB-C port and a headphone jack, and costs only $26. The leather has a smooth finish, and the folio offers back and side protection you don’t get from Apple’s official iPad Pro folio options. The best iPad accessories 01. Accuracy is excellent and pressure-sensitivity allows you to add as much or as little detail as you want to digital artwork. The biggest iPad ever, this 12.9-inch tablet is the size of a small laptop, without the keyboard. There's a similar level of protection, the display cover can fold into the same two angles (propped up or slightly raised for when you want to sketch), and covering the screen up actually turns it off. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. The kickstand is a nice touch, though it's flimsy—as is the latch to hold your phone. (Pro tip: Use your browser's "Find in Page" function to type in your model number and find it quickly.). Ad Choices. The last thing you want to do after spending $330 for the cheapest iPad is to spend more than $100 on a keyboard. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED. It expands your surface area, so you can comfortably doodle anywhere—in bed, on the couch, or even on a desk—because it has legs you can pull out to tilt the screen. Flash drives are always handy to have around to transfer data on the go. It looks spiffy! Free Engraving. If your iPad is looking a little tired, or you’ve just upgraded and want to get the most out of your phone, we’ve found the best iPad accessories for seniors. 1. Logitech Slim Folio Pro (iPad Pro models) for $120+: This is another great keyboard cover if you don't mind the lack of a trackpad. Logitech Crayon 06. This iPad stand grants 3D adjustability and is the best lightweight option. Most of us aren’t taking many trips right now, but having a battery pack in your bag is still useful when you’re on the go. ESR Trifold Case. Head to this website from Apple. The iPhone and iPad are great companions on and off the stage with the help of these amazing accessories. Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). Logitech is known globally to produce high-quality accessories for many devices, and the Logitech Wireless Keyboard for the iPad Pro is one of them. This will come as no surprise but the Apple Pencil is the best stylus you can get for the iPad. Plus, at around $50, it won’t break the bank. There are so many iPads out there, it can be hard to identify the exact model you own. Get the most out of your iPad Pro’s single USB-C port with HyperDrive’s 6-in-1 hub. It doesn't help that Apple avoids the sequential naming structure it uses for the iPhone. It will only work on iPads with the USB-C connector (that includes the new iPad Air!). Buy Anker 5-in-1 USB-C adapter at Amazon - $26 Buy SanDisk iXpand (128GB) at Amazon - $45. Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best iPhone and Best iPhone 12 Cases and Accessories. I also made fewer typing errors when using Logitech’s keyboard. To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories. It’s a bit bulky, but it’s a great accessory to keep on-hand when you need to do some serious typing. Buying guide for best ipads Key considerations iPad features Essential Accessories iPad prices Tips FAQ Buying guide for best ipads Apple’s iPads are the best-known tablets in the world: they set the standard for other brands to aspire to, and they delight consumers with their utter simplicity. The entire 2021 lineup supports it, from the Mini to the Air. The weight from the Zagg case comes from its thicker hinge and the sturdy backplate that props the iPad up while you’re typing. Symmetry cases look similar to the Smart Cover, but the clear, scratch-resistant back is sturdy without adding a lot of weight to the iPad and the edge protection is substantial. But $90 for an adapter is still a lot of money and I’d only recommend spending that much if you plan on using the iPad Pro as your daily driver. Its magazine-like size gives it good stability on your lap if you're sketching on the couch, but I can't say the same for drawing on the smaller iPads. Our pick: The best pillow stand for iPad. I tested it with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the new iPad, and it had no trouble holding either model, though I do wish the back leg's hinge had more resistance. This helps support our journalism. It also works with the newest MacBook Pros and other USB-C laptops in addition to the Nintendo Switch -- so it can be your one-stop-shop for all your charging needs. Aside from that, the other biggest annoyance of the Crayon is that you have to use a Lightning or USB-C cable to charge it (even the newest model for the iPad Pros doesn’t magnetically attach to the tablet for charging). Buy Apple Pencil (1st gen) at Amazon - $95 Buy Apple Pencil (2nd gen) at Amazon - $129. Buy Otterbox Symmetry 360 case at Amazon - $90. If that's more than you need, Anker's cheaper 7-in-1 hub ($30) is a good choice. Its 20,000mAh capacity will provide at least 50 percent more juice to most iPads and both its USB-C and USB-A ports are 18W for high-speed charging. Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) 03. It’s not great for larger devices like laptops, but it works well with smartphones and tablets. The cons? Whenever it is we all start to go out again, you'll want a battery pack on your travels. These double-braided Kevlar ones from Nomad will. But no matter. First, a case. Accessory makers usually indicate what iPad a case, folio, or keyboard cover is designed to work with. These are some of our favorite stands, cases, keyboards, and Pencils, no matter which iPad you have. All rights reserved. Not only is it attractive but it’s practical. Most of the foldable iPad stands can be used only on a ... 2. The first thing you'll want to get is a case to protect your investment. It has a pocket on the front flap, three notches on which to prop up the iPad at different viewing angles and an elastic strap that can either keep the folio closed or hold the front flap against the back of the iPad while you’re using it. The next accessory on my list for the iPad Air (4th Gen) is a cover sleeve by Mosiso that acts as a protective cover from all sides. However, after testing it out, I can say it delivers on its promises: it’s a neat little adapter that’s just large enough to fit an HDMI port, a USB-C port, a USB-A port, micro- and regular SD card slots and a headphone jack on its edges. First off, it's more attractive; the back is clear so you can see the design and color of the iPad you chose. One of the most popular in that category is HyperDrive’s USB-C adapter. It feels great to type on, the trackpad integrates seamlessly into iPadOS, and it even has a USB-C port. Admittedly it’s not cheap, but Apple has put a lot of effort into adding features to the iPad hardware and software which make its laptop-like experience more than just a gimmick. Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro 09. One of the best parts of owning an iPad is that you're never short on accessories. While ProCase isn’t as well known for protection as Otterbox is, this model has a TPU interior that wraps around most of the iPad’s edges to keep it secure. Learn more. A more affordable option I like is the Logitech Crayon ($68). We’ve got all of that and more. There's no good place to connect it to your iPad when you aren't using it; you need to remove the cap and plug the end of the stylus into the iPad to charge it (it has a Lightning connector); and it loves to roll off any surface. If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a case, get something that combines protection and style. Sadly, it only works with the newer iPad Pro models (2018 and 2020) and the latest iPad Air (2020). Matte screen protectors can replicate the pen-on-paper experience to a point, and they also prevent the stylus nib from wearing down so quickly. The first-generation Pencil has some drawbacks. I’ll admit I was skeptical about this one, mostly because so many Amazon reviewers and YouTube personalities have raved about it (and I have a hard time believing a 6-port adapter the size of a lighter should cost $90). Without a good surface, it can be awkward. The WIRED conversation illuminates how technology is changing every aspect of our lives—from culture to business, science to design. The breakthroughs and innovations that we uncover lead to new ways of thinking, new connections, and new industries. GM modernizes its logo to highlight its EV-centric future, What to expect from an online-only CES 2021, Twitch will refresh the PogChamp emote image every 24 hours, Sony reveals full details on its upcoming 360 Reality Audio speakers, Amazon's Prime Pantry delivery service is no more, Microsoft Teams 'Dynamic View' makes watching presentations easier, Tesla begins selling its cheapest Model Y yet, Buy Logitech Slim Folio Pro at Amazon - $120, Buy Apple Pencil (1st gen) at Amazon - $95, Buy Apple Pencil (2nd gen) at Amazon - $129, Buy Anker 5-in-1 USB-C adapter at Amazon - $26, Buy SanDisk iXpand (128GB) at Amazon - $45, Buy RavPower 26,800 power bank at Amazon - $60, Buy Anker 20,000 power bank at Amazon - $50, Buy Bersem screen protector (2-pack) at Amazon - $21. turned the iPad into a more capable computer, USB-C to Lightning braided cables from Aukey ($9). Battery life is below average (4.5 hours per charge), but they do a great job blocking out droning ambient sounds around you. 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