The best iPad keyboard cases of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

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The leaves are changing colors and already the stores are putting up decorations for the holiday season. It's an ideal time to think about protecting your iPad. Our experts have tested iPad keyboard cases to ensure you get the most value out of them. Need sturdy protection? We found the perfect case. Looking for something with a sleek design? No problem, we tested one. Want to replace your laptop with an iPad? There's even a case for that.

We've narrowed down the list to five. Here are our picks for the best iPad keyboard cases of 2024.

Also: The best iPads of 2024: Expert tested

What's the best iPad keyboard case right now?

Our expert testing, reviews, and extensive research have helped us select the best iPad keyboard cases you can buy. Our choice for the best iPad keyboard case overall is Logitech's Combo Touch keyboard case for its functionality and fair price. Check out our other recommended picks and see how our top choice compares to tried-and-true options.

Also: The best iPad screen protectors you can buy

The best iPad keyboard cases of 2024

Logitech Combo Touch

Best iPad keyboard case overall

The Logitech Combo Touch is our pick for the best overall iPad keyboard case thanks to its top features and affordable price. The Combo Touch is packed with functions with a detachable keyboard, backlit keys, built-in stylus storage, iPad OS shortcut keys, and more. It offers four modes of use: type, view, sketch, and read, to suit any iPad activity.

Review: My favorite iPad keyboard and stylus are not made by Apple

When ZDNET's Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan tested the Combo Touch and Logitech Crayon Stylus with the iPad 10th Gen in 2022, he lauded it for its ability to "flex on the Magic Keyboard [Folio]."

"Logitech's Combo Touch cover and Crayon stylus for the iPad are cheaper and practically better than Apple's own accessories. [They] are not perfect, but they deliver a more feature-rich experience than Apple's first-party accessories at a fraction of the cost. That's not a knock on Apple's iPad keyboard and stylus by any means; the two are just as worthy of your consideration," Wan wrote in his review.

Current customers on the Logitech website said they liked the Combo Touch case's top-of-the-line features, overall value, and price point. The case has over 100 5-star reviews. One customer, like Wan, even said it beat out Apple's Magic Keyboard. "This product is exactly what I hoped Apple was going to provide. And, it was at a fraction of the price," they wrote.

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Apple Magic Keyboard Folio

Best designed by Apple iPad keyboard case

The Magic Keyboard Folio is Apple's flagship keyboard case for the most current base model iPad, the 10th Gen. Designed especially for the iPad, it features a built-in trackpad, a 14-key function row, an adjustable stand and detachable keyboard, and a versatile two-piece design. It's the most obvious choice on the market if you're looking for a keyboard case for your iPad, and like many Apple products, our team of experts think it's pretty up to snuff. But it's pricey, costing over $200.

Also: My favorite iPad keyboard is not made by Apple

ZDNET's Kerry Wan has gone hands-on with Apple's Magic Folio and the Logitech Combo Touch (our top pick), and while he admits this Apple Magic Folio is good, he says it has been outdone in terms of function and value.

"The Combo Touch keyboard cover and Apple's own Magic Keyboard Folio share many similarities, like their two-piece design ... But Logitech made some additional design choices that I'm a big fan of," he wrote in his 2022 review.

Current Magic Folio users on Best Buy said they liked the keyboard's value, quality, and ease of use. It has a 4.6/5 star rating online. Many users said it was worth the hefty price tag, but others said the cost was a bit much, considering a lack of features like backlit keys.

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Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad

Best budget iPad keyboard case for iPad 10.2-inches

The Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad features many of the same traits as the more expensive options on this list at a more affordable price. The Pro Keys case has a detachable keyboard and case, laptop-style keys, an adjustable stand, a stylus holder, and multi-pairing capabilities. It's also extra durable, polycarbonate with reinforced rubber components and 6.6 feet of drop protection.

With backlit keys in seven colors, customize your typing, work in low-light conditions easily, and toggle between two devices simultaneously, thanks to multi-pairing. Zagg says that the Pro Keys battery will last up to a year of typing before needing a recharge and that the keyboard will automatically turn off when folded backward against the tablet to preserve battery life.

Current users on the Zagg website said they liked the overall value, functions, and design of the Pro Keys with Trackpad case. Many said it works like a laptop keyboard and levels up their iPad. Some customers said they wished more instructions for best use were included.

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ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case

Best budget iPad keyboard case for iPad 10.9-inches

The ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard is another affordable iPad keyboard case option, much closer to $100 than other options on this list. It features similar top specs, such as a trackpad, a long-lasting battery, a floating, angled stand for viewing, laptop-style keys, a stylus holder, and front and back protection.

With a sleek, laptop-esque design, the ESR Rebound can transform any space into a workstation. It is perfect for students, on-the-go users, or hybrid workers. The Rebound case is also available in white or black.

Current ESR customers said they liked the keyboard's overall value, responsiveness, lightweight feel, and strong magnetic connection, giving it a 4.6/5 star rating on the ESR website. However, some users said the case closes oddly with a stylus in the storage slot and that the number keys are sometimes hard to reach depending on an outside case.

Multiple customers said that the quality is premium and so are the features. "The quality definitely feels premium ... if the Magic Keyboard is out of budget, then this is a good value product," said one customer on the site.

Author's Note: Save 18% with code BACK24 at ESR's website.

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Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard Case

Best slim profile iPad keyboard case

The Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard case is designed, as named, to have a sleek and stylish profile while still delivering function. This keyboard case is available for most iPad models out of any other case on this list and has remained a mainstay on the market for several years.

The Slim Folio features a three-year battery life, a stylus holder, front and back protection, two fixed viewing angles, and three modes of use (type, sketch, and read). It is made of water-repellent, easy-to-clean fabric that is durable for long use and has a one-year limited warranty. However, there are no trackpads or backlit keys.

Current Logitech Slim Folio customers said they like the keyboard's overall value, function, fit, and typing capabilities, which has an overall rating of 4/5 stars on the Logitech website. Several customers said they were repeats after purchasing a new Slim Folio after upgrading their iPad models. "After years of using my previous Slim Folio, I realized I needed to replace the keyboard. The keyboard is easy to set up, and I replace batteries when needed and type messages on my iPad. Highly recommend this product," one customer wrote.

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We love the Logitech Combo Touch iPad keyboard for its simple connectivity and lightweight build. Consider this overview of the best iPad keyboard cases to see how they stack up against the best keyboards. Remember the price you're willing to spend and the display size of your particular iPad.

Best iPad keyboard case	Cost	Dimensions	iPad Display Size and Compatibility
Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard	$160	0.89 x 7.68 x 10.12 inches	iPad 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Gen (10.2 inches, 10.9 inches)
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio	$249	11.69 x 5.04 x 0.76 inches	iPad 10th Gen (10.9 inches)
Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad	$100	11.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches	iPad 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2 inches)
ESR Rebound Magneitc Keyboard Case	$150	10 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches	iPad 10th Gen (10.9 inches)
Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard	$100	7.4 x 10 x 0.8 inches	iPad 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Gen (9.7 inches, 10.2 inches, 10.9 inches)

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

The best keyboard case for you depends on what you're looking for and how you want to use your keyboard case. Here's how our top picks compare and ZDNET's recommendations for which one may be right for you.

Choose this best iPad keyboard case...	If you want...
Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard	Our pick for the best iPad keyboard case overall, promising ample protection, performance, and value backed by ZDNET's own testing.
Apple Magic Keyboard	A pricier iPad keyboard case that works seamlessly with Apple's integrated ecosystem.
Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad	A budget-friendly iPad keyboard case we'd recommend that doesn't sacrifice on features.
ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case	A mid-range, yet functional iPad keyboard case with top features.
Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard	A lightweight, budget-friendly, and ultra-functional keyboard for most iPad models.

When choosing the best iPad keyboard cases, keeping a few things in mind is probably good. We recommend looking out for a few factors while searching for the perfect case.

Size: A keyboard must have ergonomics to help you work better. Look for an iPad keyboard case that will fit your iPad but also hold a nicely sized keyboard for comfortable use.
Protection: An iPad keyboard case is hardly worth it if it does not protect your iPad, so look for models that offer additional protection to ensure your device stays safe. A keyboard is great, but it's probably not worth your investment if it doesn't offer protection.
Features: Not all keyboard cases are created equal, and they don't all offer the same features. Consider if you want or need a trackpad, stylus holder, adjustable stand, and other features to help narrow your search and make it easier to find your top contenders.
Connection: Whether it uses Bluetooth or a magnetic connection, consider which type of connection will work best for your iPad, your needs, and how you want to use it.
Cost: Set a budget you're comfortable with before searching the market. This will help narrow your options and ensure you don't overspend proportionate to your expected use. If you know you'll be using a keyboard everyday, then it might be worth spending more to find a top quality case.

Also: The best iPads you can buy

ZDNET's team combined personal experience and testing, in-depth research, and our expansive knowledge and testing of the iPad line and its compatible accessories to consider the best iPad keyboard cases on the market.

If we think another product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for. We also routinely scour the web for new products worthy of testing, follow news on product rollouts and upgrades, and source the best deals.

The base model iPad has changed display sizes several times with each new iteration. Here's a basic guide for display size to remember while you shop. Pay attention to your iPad model to ensure you get the correct size of the keyboard case. The iPad 10th Gen is the newest base model of the iPad available.

iPad 10th Gen: 10.9 inches
iPad 9th Gen: 10.2 inches
iPad 8th Gen: 10.2 inches
iPad 7th Gen: 10.2 inches
iPad 5th and 6th Gen: 9.7 inches

The 4th and 5th Gen iPad Air models also have a 10.9-inch display, and the latest iPad Pro models have either an 11-inch or 12.9-inch display (iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen or iPad Pro 12.9-inch 6th Gen). You can compare sizes and see display and model information on the Apple website.

Apple announced the 6th-generation iPad Air and the 7th-generation iPad Pro models on May 7, 2024.

Also: How to order the new iPad Air, iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil Pro

The new iPad Air comes in two sizes for the first time (11 inches and 13 inches) and features the M2 chip. In addition, the iPad Air now starts at 128GB instead of the mere 64GB that Apple previous included in the base model.

The iPad 10th Gen is the most current base model iPad, released in 2022.

Much like any other investment, it's a good idea to think about how you'd use a keyboard case, how often, and in what settings before dropping cash on something. If you frequently work from your iPad and do typing-intense tasks (especially on the go), then a keyboard case is probably worth your money.

On the other hand, if you only use your iPad for entertainment, streaming, gaming, or not every day, you may not even need a keyboard case. Rest assured that I won't tell you how to spend your money, and if you've got money to burn -- go ahead and get one. But if you think you'd only need a keyboard in a here-or-there situation, a cheaper keyboard case or even a standalone Bluetooth keyboard could be better options.

The cost of an iPad keyboard case can vary significantly, depending on factors like size, design, brand, and features. Expect to spend over $100 on a quality iPad keyboard case, and keep in mind that some options will easily run you closer to $200 or more. Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio for example, is $249.

You can find iPad keyboard cases at many major retailers and individually at company websites. Chains like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon frequently sell many of the popular keyboard case options on the market. You even buy select, non-Apple keyboard cases (as well as Apple models) directly from Apple, too.

The various Apple Magic Keyboard options, designed for respective iPad models, are certainly not your only keyboard options. While the Apple keyboards are designed by Apple and made to maximize your iPad's features, they often come with a hefty price tag. Other brands like Zagg, Logitech, Brydge, ESR, and more have similar keyboard cases that offer similar features for a lower cost, though many will still cost over $100.

No, not all iPad keyboard cases have trackpads. Don't assume that because one brand's model offers one others will, either. Each keyboard case will offer different features, from trackpads, to stylus holders, to adjustable stands, and more.

If you're looking for a trackpad feature, be sure to narrow your search parameters and pay close attention -- many cases, especially those for older iPad models, only offer keyboard cases without trackpads, though you can always use a bluetooth mouse, too.

Are there alternative iPad keyboard cases to consider?

Yes, there are many options for keyboard cases on the market from various brands. Here are a few more to check out.

iPad accessories to consider

If you want to optimize your iPad's capabilities, here's a few more accessories to consider -- like a screen protector and an iPad styuls -- to level-up your functionality and your protection.

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