Children love iPads. Nevertheless, our stomachs churn at the thought of our mini wrecking balls running around with expensive, unclothed electronics.
We’re talking about the highly likely occurrence of shattered glass, busted buttons, and soggy circuits. Trust us, we witnessed the untimely death of an iPad once — not pretty!
Before letting your little one wander off with a $1,000 unprotected computer, consider wrapping their device in either a bulletproof vest, an impermeable bubble, or, preferably, one of the tablet cases listed below!
What to look for in an iPad case for kids
iPad cases make screen time far more enjoyable for kids, while simultaneously improving the survival odds for these pricey devices. Read on to discover what to look for when purchasing an iPad case.
Protection
Fact — kids attract mess! Whether it’s dirt, dust, debris, or mysterious, sticky stuff, they’ll always find something.
While there are numerous vulnerable areas on an iPad, their screens are the common soft spots that make them most vulnerable in the hands of merciless children.
As such, we’d recommend a case with a built-in screen protector, or raised bezel. It’s also wise to opt for a case made of soft, shock-resistant materials.
Silicone, EVA, and other pliable synthetics are the first line of defense against both malicious and accidental destruction.
These materials are also soft, light, and malleable, making it easier for little ones to grasp otherwise boxy electronics.
Also, you might want to consider a case with port and control covers — elements that are like the belly buttons of tablets.
As such, they’re prone to collecting sand, dust, lint, and other small particles. Hinged flaps ensure that these tiny gateways are well-protected at all times.
For small children, the option to block the volume and home buttons could save you an exceptional amount of stress.
Compatibility
Since the 2010 debut of their iPad, Apple has released five more iPad generations, an iPad Mini series, and an iPad Pro. In total, there are now 18 different iPad models on the market.
Each of these models has a different size or configuration. As such, it’s important to opt for an iPad case that’s compatible with the exact model you own.
Aesthetics
Children respond well to bright, cheerful designs. With that said, decorative elements are also a great way to keep track of, or personalize, your little one’s iPad.
Do your best to find a case that fits your kid’s personality. Opt for either a fun pattern, bright color, or unique shape.
Stand
Whether your children use their iPads to freshen up their foreign language skills or binge-watch their favorite Disney shows, they’ll want to go hands-free from time to time.
As such, we recommend finding a case with a built-in stand. Remember, a freestanding iPad is a happy iPad.
Handle
The original iPad weighed 1.5 pounds. Even iPad Minis weigh over 0.5 pounds. These hefty devices can prove heavy for small children. Handles make them easier to tote and minimize the chances of the device being dropped.
Our top picks for the best iPad cases for kids
Editor's choice
Our opinion
Your kiddo’s iPad will be in safe hands with the Speck Freestanding iGuy Case (check price on Amazon).
This impermeable, foam vessel sports a Gumby-like body. It has stubby legs that serve as a solid foundation and spindly foam arms that double as the world’s most adorable handles.
There’s no need to fuss about finding the right size, this accommodating case fits every generation of iPad on the market, including OGs, hand-me-downs, and sparkly new iPad 4s.
It also comes in three unique color options — mango orange, grape purple, and chili pepper red.
Young children will appreciate its lifelike design and freestanding foundation. Meanwhile, mom and dad will be able to savor the affordable accident insurance!
What they’ll love:
- Fits all generations of iPad
- Comes in three colors
- Has squishy foam handles
- Freestanding, with subtle, screen angle
Best budget buy
Our opinion
The Aceguarder Rugged Case (check price on eBay) is capable of surviving repeated drops on a concrete schoolyard — not that we recommend trying it at home! The Aceguarder boasts two layers of seemingly impermeable foam.
While it manages to fend off everything from dust to shock, it still provides kids with full access of their cameras, speakers, ports, and controls.
There’s even a pop-out kickstand that comes in handy when your little one wants to get studious or, ahem, catch up on their Netflix queue. You won’t find cheaper device protection.
However, it’s worth noting that the Aceguarder case is only compatible with the 10.5-inch iPad Air and Pro.
What they’ll love:
- Comes in 10 unique colorways including a multicolored design known as “Icecream”
- Comes in three colors
- 6-month warranty
- Protects against dust, air bubbles, and shock
- The manufacturer offers excellent email-based customer service
Best with easy handles
Our opinion
Is your child a dealer of destruction? Not many accidents can trump the combination of impact-resistant polycarbonate and reinforced silicone.
The BMOUO (check price on Amazon) is a soft, protective case backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The BMOUO’s raised bezel gives your iPad screen shelter from the prepubescent storm you call your child. Somehow, this case manages to fend off damage from sudden drops, bumps, and blows.
It even boasts precision cut-outs for easy access to all of the most essential iPad appendages, including ports and cameras.
The soft, rounded edges manage to keep these exterior elements out of harm’s way.
The addition of a bendable handle (which doubles as a kickstand) is another feature we love about this foamy case.
Just keep in mind that the BMOUO is only compatible with fifth and sixth-generation iPads, as well as second-generation iPad Airs.
What they’ll love:
- Polycarbonate case with inner sleeve made from reinforced silicone
- 5-year extended warranty
- Excellent customer service
- Seven solid color options
- Compatible with three different iPad models
Best for girls
Our opinion
This Feitenn Shockproof Kickstand (check price on Amazon) case is perfect for budding female entomologists and fashionistas.
Feitenn has molded its lightweight, yet shock-resistant, EVA foam into a majestic, pastel pink butterfly with three-dimensional anatomical wings.
The decorative extremities double as a multi-angled kickstand. As such, this case offers hand-free screen time. The case also boasts a pair of adorable antennae.
These bug-inspired features make perfect handles. The case is compatible with several different iPad models.
What they’ll love:
- Compatible with multiple iPad generations
- Comes in nine colors
- Wings double as an adjustable kickstand
- Unique, youthful design
- Constructed from non-toxic EVA foam
At a glance
- Fits a little loose
Best for babies
Our opinion
Babies aren’t exempt from modern technology. Our kid could navigate YouTube before he even spoke his first words. In truth, iPads were more soothing to him than teethers and rattles combined.
Still, we feared that our baby’s ceaseless desire to throw, chew, and spit on everything would inevitably be the death of our trusty electronic babysitter.
At least, that was the case until we discovered the Fisher-Price Apptivity Case.
This durable Fisher-Price Case (check price on Amazon) features a transparent plastic screen protector. As such, you can simply wipe away accumulations of spit-up, drool, etc.
The case features flip-out legs that can be adjusted to suit almost any viewing angle.
A built-in rattle and ribbed grips provide your little one’s screen time with a sensory experience. Keep in mind that this screen is only compatible with the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad Air.
What they’ll love:
- Built-in rattle to distract little ones
- Textured side handles
- Three viewing positions, thanks to pop-out legs
- Option to block the home button
- Clear screen protector
At a glance
- Discontinued after the release of the iPad 3
Best for tweens
Our opinion
We love that the adorable Dteck iPad Mini Case (check price on Amazon) is capable of converting an iPad Mini into a personalized notebook of sorts.
With 45 unique prints to choose from, your kiddo will never mix their iPad up with a friend’s. The case boasts a sturdy PU leather exterior and soft, silicone liner.
Its low-profile, lightweight design is perfect for pre-teens looking for a discreet, yet unquestionably protective, iPad case. Need we remind you that even mature minors can be tactless at times?!
A magnetic closure, stylus, and cleaning cloth are just some of the fun bonuses that make this a favorite with older kids. In fact, we can easily see this case in the hands of a soon-to-be entrepreneur.
With spaces for business cards, cash, and notes, this case even doubles as a personal organizer. It’s compatible with iPad Mini 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7.9.
Best for younger kids
Our opinion
Though Apple iPads may cost more than conventional toys, that doesn’t mean children will treat them any better!
Products like the HDE Case (check price on eBay) make it safer for little ones to handle expensive electronics. What’s more, they protect iPads from most common hazards, including abrasions, shocks, and falls.
This double-layered case is ideal for parents looking to avoid an unnecessary blow to the old moneybag. It has a built-in screen protector and an EVA foam frame with a rotating handle.
Available in an assortment of bright colors, it doesn’t matter if your rugrat suffers from a scatterbrain, butterfingers, or rage blackout, as this case will help prevent another broken electronic item.
What they’ll love:
- Made from soft, yet shock-resistant, EVA foam
- Features a built-in handle that doubles as a stand
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight and portable
Our top pick
What would we do without the Speck Freestanding iGuy? (check price on Amazon)
While we’re sure this foamy iPad case was designed with little ones in mind, its squishy, indestructible body has us yearning for one of our own!
After all, they just don’t make grown-up cases that are this resilient. Still, the thought of broadcasting GOT out of this faux Gumby’s belly would provide us with a fair amount of restraint!
Despite this case’s unassuming cuteness, it’s basically a suit of armor for expensive electronics.
