The best iPad mini cases are a must-buy for anyone who owns one of these small-but-perfectly tablets. Because should you drop or damage your iPad mini, having a more rugged case can save you an awful lot of money in the long-term. A case looks pretty stylish too, and they often come with cool features like a stand, enhancing your enjoyment of your iPad mini.
Firstly, you'll need to check exactly which iPad Mini you own, as cases are specifically designed to fit each model with precise cut-outs for the external buttons and screen size. Just check at the top of each listing, where we highlight which model or models each case will be suitable for.
The good news is that the very latest model, the iPad Mini (2024, 7th generation), aka the iPad Mini 7 A17 Pro, has the same dimensions as the previous one, iPad Mini (2021/6th generation). So a case for one should fit the other no problem. The same goes for the 4th and 5th generations, and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
You can find out the model of your iPad mini by checking the A number written on the bottom back casing of your device (not to be mistaken for the serial number), and searching online which model number correlates with which iPad. Alternatively, this can be found by going into your device Settings - General - About. For more on this, see our guide to the different iPad generations.
The best iPad mini cases in 2025
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This iPad Mini 6 case from Moko offers pretty much everything you could want or need in an iPad case, comprising a hard PC back shell, a PU leather exterior sleeve that covers your iPad's screen, and a soft microfiber lining that's soft to the touch.
The case also offers support for both attaching and wirelessly charging the Apple Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil Pro, with an auto sleep/wake function that will activate your tablet when the cover is lifted and put it to sleep when closed. The translucent PC hard back shell protects against fingerprints, shocks, scratches, and dust.
Touch ID is also fully supported, with tactile button covers, camera unit protection with a raised lip, and a robust magnetic connection within the case sleeve that helps to create a stable viewing stand for your tablet, with two angles to choose from when watching movies and browsing content hands-free.
If you’re a fan of the Apple ecosystem, getting the official case for your 6th or 7th generation iPad mini might seem like the obvious move. And there are good reasons to do so. Constructed from a single piece of polyurethane, the Apple iPad Smart Cover is easily folded into different positions to create a stand for reading, viewing, typing or making video calls.
It automatically wakes your iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed. It’s been carefully designed by Apple to be very easy to remove and click back into place. And it’s available in a variety of lovely colors. On the downside, it doesn’t have an Apple Pencil holder, plus it only protects the screen side of your iPad mini, not the back.
If you prefer a clear case for your iPad Mini 6 or 7, then we recommend this beautifully made, and lightweight case from ESR. As well as being a tight fit for your tablet, it also does a great job of keeping it safe with shock-absorbing corners, raised edges to protect your device's screen and camera unit from making an impact with hard surfaces, and all-around hybrid protection with excellent grip.
The case also supports the Apple Pencil 2/Pro’s magnetic pairing and wireless charging features, with a side-panel design. The case is also designed with a crystal-clear and anti-yellow coated back shell, that will not only protect your iPad Mini but show off your device’s Apple logo and the original chosen color.
The STM Dux Plus Duo Case covers both sides of your iPad Mini, with a back made of clear material and a holder for your Apple Pencil. It’s been well designed, with guidance from educators and IT professionals, to withstand the rigors of classroom use, and exceeds the US Department of Defense Standard 810F/G durability tests. Plus it’s officially Apple-approved and waterproof.
STM's patented magnetic closure makes for easy folding, whether you’re using your iPad mini for typing or viewing. It automatically switches your device on or off when opening and closing it. Compatible with both iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5, this isn’t just the best iPad mini case for classroom use, but a good choice for the workplace and professional use too.
This slim hard shell case is designed specifically for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations of iPad Mini: the 7.9-inch models released in 2012, 2013, and 2014. It offers an easy clip-on application, and its durable hard back shell provides protection against damage and scratches. Meanwhile the soft microfiber interior of the front cover adds comfort and an extra layer of protection.
The tri-fold front cover supports dual standing positions for both viewing and typing, catering to different needs. The viewing angle allows hands-free use and reduces joint strain, while the typing angle ensures comfort for typing or drawing. Precise cutouts provide full access to buttons, speakers, and cameras, ensuring complete functionality.
The case is ultra-slim and lightweight, offering full protection without added bulk. It supports an auto sleep/wake feature for convenient and energy-efficient operation. The translucent frosted back cover preserves the iPad's original look and charm while protecting against fingerprints and scratches.
If protecting your iPad Mini from drops and damage is a high priority for you, we’d suggest checking out this model from Spigen. This rugged, two-layered case harnesses the protection of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane and hard polycarbonate for maximum impact resistance, with raised bezels around the screen and camera for extra protection.
There’s also a durable kickstand that offers two viewing angles. And it looks pretty stylish too. Note, though, that it’s not compatible with the iPad Mini 4 or iPad Mini 6.
• You may also be interested in our guides to the:
• Best iPad stands • Best iPad keyboard • Best iPad screen protector • Best stylus for iPads • Best tablet for photo editing • Best iPhone for photography
