The best iPad mini cases in 2024: Protect your iPad Mini 6th, 5th, or 4th generation

The best iPad mini cases can be extremely cost-effective, and super easy to find if you know what to look for. Should you drop or damage your device, having a more rugged case can save you an awful lot of money in the long-term, instead of having to repair or replace your expensive Apple product. 

Even if you're not particularly clumsy, having a stylish case with minimal drop protection and other cool features and stand functions will undoubtedly still provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that your iPad mini is protected, making the purchase more than worth it. It's better to be safe than sorry and out of pocket.

So, which is the best iPad mini case for you? Firstly, you'll need to check exactly which model of Apple iPad Mini you own, as cases are specifically designed to fit each model with precise cut-outs for the external buttons and screen size. 

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. Or alternatively, this can be found by going into your device Settings - General - About. 

• Discover the different iPad generations

If you have the latest model, the iPad Mini 6 (2021), you'll need to look at the first three options on our list; while most of the other options are compatible with the iPad mini 5, and some with the iPad mini 4. Just check at the top of each listing, where we highlight which model or models each case will be suitable for. 

The best iPad mini cases in 2024

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, with an auto sleep/wake function that will activate your iPad Mini 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 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. It’s available in a variety of lovely colors. 

On the downside however, it doesn’t have an Apple Pencil holder, plus it only protects the screen side of your iPad mini, not the back. If either of the latter are important to you, you may wish to combine your official Apple iPad case with the OtterBox Symmetry Case, which is number 4 on our list.

The Apple iPad Smart Cover is compatible with the newest iPad Mini 6th (2021) generation. Alternatively, if you have an earlier model, you'll find a compatible version of the Smart Cover that will fit it here. 

If you prefer a clear case for your iPad Mini 6, 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’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.

At just 156g, this ProCase Case is one of the lightest around, but it still offers your iPad mini excellent protection. And if you’re on a budget, its low price may prove very attractive indeed.

With an easy-to-use magnetic application, its translucent TPU back cover and microfiber front cover combines to keep your device safe from damage and scratches. The adjustable stand offers two positions: 30 degrees for viewing and 65 degrees for typing. And the case will automatically wake up your device on opening and put it to sleep on closing. 

None of this, it must be said, is particularly exciting. But at such a low price, it's still a very tempting alternative to the more expensive options on our list.

Want to protect both sides of your iPad? Then this lightweight and clear case is a great way to do so. It safeguards the back of your tablet and incorporates a removable side panel that lets you attach an Apple Smart Cover. 

This OtterBox Symmetry is not technically an Apple product, but it is officially approved by Apple and sold on its website. And its makers have done an excellent job of making it work seamlessly with the Smart Cover. 

With a slim design that follows the lines of your iPad beautifully, you also get a handy loop that secures your Apple Pencil when you’re not using it. Plus there's drop protection for falls of up to four feet (1.22m). Finally, being translucent means that you can show off your iPad mini, at the same time as keeping it safe.

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 even 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.

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.

Want to turn your iPad Mini into a mini laptop? Then this case is just the ticket. Combining a fabric cover with a kickstand and a Bluetooth keyboard, it’s the perfect way to transform your tablet from a pure entertainment device to one you can use for productive computing tasks.

The keyboard is lightweight and slim, at just 7.6mm deep. It’s also backlit, the hinge allows 135° of multiple viewing angles, and the keys provide a deep and comfortable click. And while they’re a little smaller than you might be used to, that makes the keyboard the perfect size for the Mac mini, so in our view, it’s a compromise worth making. 

On the downside, the case material feels a little cheap, and you can’t use your iPad Mini as a tablet unless you remove the case. But overall, this is an excellent product that offers superb value for money.

Does your kid love using your iPad? Or maybe even have their own? Well, check out this case from OtterBox that can go in the dishwasher (but only on the top shelf) and is super easy to clean off any sticky fingerprints and mashed-up food residue. 

This EasyClean tablet case from OtterBox can be removed swiftly and comes with a versatile handle that does double duty for confident carrying, as well as a handy stand for comfortable typing and viewing. The case is super durable and meets military-grade standards to withstand hefty drops, throws, and falls.

When purchased from Otterbox, the case will include an easy-to-install screen protector for added front-device protection, and the design also offers raised edges that will protect both the camera and screen of your 6th gen iPad Mini.

Want to attract attention? Then you won’t do better than this glamorous iPad Mini case. Designed in Italy, this sparkly, synthetic leather case comes in either rose-gold or lilac, and whichever you choose, people are certainly not going to ignore you.  

Whether you love to stand out, or simply want your smart devices to slay the day and look chic while you work, you'll quickly be known in the office as the one who loves glitter and glam and will stand for nothing less. 

This case from Bentoben also offers handy auto sleep/wake functionality, as well as a stand for multiple viewing and typing angles. It’s nice and cheap, too, plus it’s compatible with both the iPad Mini 4 and iPad Mini 5 Apple models. 

Want to have the ultimate protection for your iPad Mini device? This case is near enough indestructible and kid-proof with some awesome features included. The 360° Rotating Built-in Kickstand allows you to have a firm grip of your device while viewing the screen from any angle. 

The all-in-one case comes with a screen protector included to prevent drop damage, and has an adjustable and detachable hand strap to secure the tab to anything you like. Still not sold? This case even includes a built in pencil holder to keep your official Apple Pencil in place at all times. 

• 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
• Best camera phone
• Best selfie sticks