blackzheep/Shutterstock.com Update, 2/16/2022: We’ve reviewed our recommendations and believe these are still the best iPad Mini cases money can buy.
What to look for in an iPad Mini case in 2022
The first major update to the iPad Mini in quite some time is here with the iPad Mini 6th generation release. The new Mini includes design elements such as an 8.9-inch display, top button configuration, and compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil. Plus, the screen looks incredible.
While the newer models of Apple products are more durable than their predecessors, it’s still a good idea to purchase a case for your iPad Mini.
Cases help prevent scuffs and scratches so you can keep your technology looking great and also save a curved frame if you drop your iPad Mini. Why not save yourself the fear of dropping your shiny new cased iPad Mini onto hard concrete?
With a good cover you also get more out of your iPad. It can hold your Apple Pencil, hold the screen up for watching videos and keep the screen clean between uses.
Which case you get will ultimately depend on you and your needs, but here are some options we found for the 6th generation iPad Mini to get you started.
Note: Due to the new design of the iPad Mini, cases for older models will not work with the 6th generation model. We have confirmed that all of the choices below are for the 6th generation iPad Mini.
ESR
Pros
✓ TPU protection for sides, back and corners✓ Stylus flap for holding the Apple pencil✓ Available in multiple colors✓ Good price
cons
✗ Does not protect the screen during use
The ESR Ascend Trifold Case has a style very similar to Apple’s Smart Folio at about half the price. Made specifically for the new iPad Mini 6, it combines the look of Apple’s standard case with protection and functionality.
This case supports Apple Pencil charging and has a magnetic flap that secures over the stylus while attached to the side of your iPad Mini. The back of the case is also hardened to prevent damage from drops and scratches.
The flaps are equipped with sleep/wake functionality, which is a super handy feature. Button cutouts are placed on the edges, so you can still reach everything with the case on. There’s also a camera bump so you don’t scratch the lens.
The Trifold Ascend Case can also be converted into a stand. You can arrange it in two configurations, one ideal for watching videos and the other a slightly elevated 30-degree configuration for writing with the Apple Pencil.
With a solid feature set, built-in protection, and a similar look to Apple’s Smart Folio at about half the price, it’s an excellent all-round option for your iPad Mini 6 case.
Best iPad Mini Case Overall
ESR Ascend Trifold Case
An ESR case for the iPad Mini 6 with protected corners and back, plus a flap for keeping an Apple Pencil or stylus.
Best Budget iPad Mini Case: MoKo Case
MoKo
Pros
✓Really Low Price✓Microfiber Lining to Prevent Scratches✓Hard Protective Back Cover
cons
✗ No stylus strap✗ May not be as well made as more expensive alternatives
If buying the iPad Mini didn’t give you a lot of wiggle room in your budget, then you’ve got the MoKo case covered. Priced at just under $10, it also mimics the triple look of Apple’s Smart Folio.
MoKo claims that the hardened back helps prevent drop damage, and a microfiber lining helps keep your iPad Mini’s screen clean once you’ve tucked it away. The colorways, including rose gold, gray purple and more, are semi-translucent and match your iPad Mini 6, letting the beautiful colors of the device show through the back.
There’s no magnetic strap to hold your Apple Pencil 2 on this case, and it just has an opening that allows it to attach magnetically to the side of your Mini. Other slots allow Touch ID to function normally with the case on, and auto sleep/wake is also supported.
For a budget option, the MoKo Case offers a lot. At $10, it’s a low-risk option to try.
Best Budget iPad 6 Mini Case
MoKo case
A budget iPad Mini 6 case from MoKo with a microfiber lining and hard plastic back.
torro
Pros
✓High Quality Materials✓Elastic Closure Strap✓Non-Slip Pouch✓Microfiber Lining
cons
✗ No stylus strap✗ Price may be too high for some
If you still have the budget to get excited about it after buying your iPad Mini, then the Torro Leather Smart Cover is worth considering. British leather goods manufacturer Torro has been in the luxury case game since 2013 and designed this cover especially for the iPad Mini 6.
Torro’s cover is a book-style leather folio, so you can cover the iPad when closed. An elastic band keeps the case closed when not in use, and Torro’s site says they use minimally treated leather from the best American tanneries to give it that premium feel. The leather is stretched around a TPU frame that helps protect your iPad from drops.
The inner flap has a microfiber lining that feels soft against the iPad’s screen. An indented groove on the side allows Apple Pencil to be attached and charged, and openings around the edge of the case give you clear access to the buttons.
Finally, the stand can be placed in two configurations for viewing and writing, with the microfiber interior acting as a non-slip liner for added support.
Best Premium iPad Mini Case
ProCase
Pros
✓ Detachable keyboard can be stored when not in use✓ Hollow protected section for storing Apple Pencil
cons
✗ Not much data yet on how well it works
Most people will tell you that the iPad Mini probably isn’t the tablet you want to pair a keyboard with, given that the screen is only 8.9 inches. But if you want to turn your iPad Mini into a small laptop replacement, you should invest in the ProCase iPad Mini 6 Keyboard Case.
This case has a hardened TPU cover and a Bluetooth keyboard to quickly write longer messages. If you don’t need the keyboard, you can detach it and store it until you do.
A useful feature of the ProCase is the hollow section in the back of the TPU, designed to hold an Apple Pencil. Instead of a strap or notch, this case has a recessed area for you to fit the stylus in – a bonus if you’re worried about it falling off and getting lost.
The appearance of this folio case is similar to the Torro Leather Case, with a book-like style and a leather look. The product page says it’s made from “composition leather material,” which means pleated fabric, but hey, it still looks high-end.
All in all, Procase’s Keyboard Case is a solid option with the iPad Mini 6, which usually doesn’t get much keyboard love.
Best iPad Mini 6 Keyboard Case
Spigen
Pros
✓ Air Cushions✓ Hardy TPU Shell✓ Cool Carbon Fiber Details
While there are many armored cases out there for the iPad Mini 6, Spigen’s Rugged Armor Case is an excellent case from a great device accessory company.
Matte black finishes and carbon fiber details make this case look rugged but still have a relatively slim form factor. Air cushions and hardened TPU give your iPad Mini 6 a fall protection, so the Rugged Armor certainly does its job. There is also space to attach an Apple Pencil 2.
Grip sections added to Spigen’s iPad Mini case help prevent slipping when placed on a surface, but it doesn’t have a bendable section to act as a kickstand like the trifold cases on this list.
If you’re concerned about dropping your iPad or having to use it in a rough environment, Spigen’s Rugged Armor is the one to consider.
Best Rugged iPad Mini 6 Case
Spigen rugged armor housing
A rugged iPad Mini 6 case from Spigen with hard TPU frame and added air cushions for impact resistance.
Best iPad Mini Case with Apple Pencil Holder: ESR Magnetic Case
ESR
Pros
✓ Stylus organizer✓ Lightweight design✓ Easy magnetic attachment
cons
✗ Not as hardy as other options
Similar in style to the ESR Ascend Case, the ESR Magnetic Case attaches magnetically to the iPad 6 and has a special magnetic strap to hold an Apple Pencil. If you use the stylus quite often, this is a case to consider.
The trifold flap on this case also gives you two viewing angles when watching videos or writing on the iPad screen. The front cover also protects the iPad Mini 6’s screen. At around $20 on Amazon, it’s another cheaper alternative to the official Apple Smart Folio, and early reviews indicate people are happy with it.
A word of warning, this case isn’t as rugged as other cases for the iPad Mini 6. The magnetic case doesn’t cover the sides when closed, and there’s not much in the way of TPU protection. If you’re prone to dropping your electronics, you’ll want to choose another option.
Best iPad Mini 6 Case with Apple Pencil Holder
ESR magnetic housing
A lightweight and magnetic iPad Mini 6 case from ESR that comes with a flap to hold the Apple Pencil or a stylus in place.
Best iPad Mini Case for Kids: ESR Hybrid Case
ESR
Pros
✓ Hard TPU protection✓ Adjustable kickstand✓ Stylus closure
cons
✗ Does not protect the screen
ESR’s hybrid case combines the flexibility of a folio-style cover with a protective hard TPU back to protect the sides and corners of the iPad. That extra hardness comes in handy when the iPad is tossed in a backpack or purse and carried around all day.
The magnetic flap part can be arranged in a stand, and there are the obligatory openings for buttons and the camera bump. This case also has a magnetic closure for the Apple Pencil, so kids won’t lose it when they take it out to draw or sketch often.
At a price comparable to other ESR cases on this list — about $20 — this case can give kids extra protection and style without breaking the bank.
Best iPad Mini 6 Case for Kids
ESR hybrid housing
A folio style iPad Mini 6 case from ESR with hardened TPU frame.
The best iPads of 2022 
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Protect your iPad with a Tough Kids Case
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8.3-inch screen too small?
iPad (9th generation)
2021 Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 128 GB) – Silver Amazon
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Apple’s best keyboard accessory
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd, 2nd, and 1st generation) and Pad Air (5th and 4th generation) – US English – White Amazon
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2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi, 128 GB) – Space Gray
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This post The best iPad Mini case of 2022
was original published at “https://www.howtogeek.com/757233/the-best-ipad-mini-cases-of-2021/”
