7 Best Cases and Covers for the M1 Apple iPad Pro

The M1 Apple iPad Pro is slim, fast, and lightweight. And the M1 chip makes it a lot faster than its competitors. But at the end of the day, the Apple M1 iPad Pro is not invincible. If you drop it or bump it accidentally against the door frame, the odds are that the humble iPad Pro will see a scratch or a ding in the worst-case scenario. Thankfully, there are a couple of cases and covers out there which help to prevent just that.

Apart from shielding your iPad Pro from the elements of nature and preventing scratches and scuff marks, these cases and covers also absorb the impact of minor drops and falls, thereby preventing harm in the long run.

If you have bought an Apple M1 iPad Pro or plan to buy one, here are our top recommendations for the best protective cases and covers.

Let’s check them out. But before that,

• Take a look at these nifty USB-C hubs and adapters
• Boost the charging speed with these Power Delivery cables

1. ESR Clear Matte Case

• Size: 11-inch

ESR Clear Matte Case

View Price

The ESR clear case is your average clear case that protects your iPad Pro from scuff marks and scratches without blocking out the actual look and color of the tablet. It’s a well-fitted case, and several users have backed this claim as part of their reviews. It’s a simple TPU case and walks the fine line between a big clunky case and a thin case.

The case has button covers, but the good news is that the buttons feel tactile and are easy to press. It has the usual perks like raised edges along the camera module at the back and the screen at the front. Besides that, this ESR clear case also allows you to charge the Apple Pencil, should you have one.

So far, it has received positive feedback from its user base, with people liking it for its lightweight nature and durability for the price.

Do note that it’s a standalone case and doesn’t have a front flap.

2. MoKo Slim Trifold Hard Back Shell

Size: 11-inch

MoKo Slim Trifold Hard Back Shell

View Price

The MoKo slim case for the iPad Pro is popular primarily for its value for money proposition. It costs less than $10 and brings an interesting mix of features to the table. For one, it’s a tri-fold case, meaning you get a front flap, which also doubles up as a stand. The latter means you can prop it up like an easel. The flap at the top also bundles a magnet to aid in the sleep/wake functionality.

It’s light and sturdy. Also, it doesn’t add bulk to the tablet. While it protects the iPad from minor scratches and scuff marks, the same can’t be said of big falls and drops.

That said, it bundles all the essential features for the price and supports charging the Apple Pencil. And hey, the MoKo Slim cases are available in some cool colors.

3. Fintie Hybrid Slim Case for iPad Pro

Size: 11-inch

Fintie Hybrid Slim Case for iPad Pro

View Price

Another cover for the M1 iPad Pro that doesn’t cost a bomb is the one by Fintie. Like the one above, it can be folded. This prevents scratches and scuff marks on the screen when the iPad is not in use or inside a bag. It’s a hardshell cover, and the flexible TPU at the edges makes it effortless to take it off/on.

The foldable stand can be propped up, which is a big plus. Plus, it can take its share of small and minor bumps and scratches. The makers claim that the see-through back is scratch-resistant. More importantly, this case has a dedicated holder for the Apple Pencil. While it doesn’t have the perfect fit, it does a good job of gripping the pencil. And yes, the pencil charges within the case.

For now, it has earned pretty good reviews, with people lauding it for its color and its sturdy nature. Plus, it’s not too expensive either.

It’s available in several cool colors like Mint Green and Legacy Teal. If you want a stylish and functional cover for your M1 iPad Pro without spending too much, then this one is a good pick.

4. Spigen Tough Armor Pro Designed for iPad Pro

• Size: 12.9-inch

Spigen Tough Armor Pro Designed for iPad Pro

View Price

The Spigen Tough Armor Pro is designed to protect your new iPad Pro not just from scratches but also from falls and drops. This one is a solid case that wraps around the tablet and gives it some heft. Plus, the textured back helps to grip the case better. The highlight of this case is the built-in kickstand which lets you prop up the iPad. This is a huge plus, as you can use it both for easy referencing or watch a movie or video during your break time.

All the heft means that the slim profile of your iPad Pro will be slightly compromised. That said, your tablet gets better protection. Like the Fintie case above, you also get a dedicated holder for the Apple Pencil.

It’s not without its faults. As much protection as it offers, this Spigen case sits flush with the screen at the top, limiting the screen’s protection when the tablet is kept face down. On the upside, it has considerable reinforcement at the corners to bear the brunt of falls.

5. Holimet Store PU Leather Case with Pencil Holder

• Size: 12.9-inch

Holimet Store PU Leather Case with Pencil Holder

View Price

If looks are one of your main priorities, then the Holimet Store’s PU leather case is worth a try. It brings an elegant look to the table, thanks to the synthetic leather construction. It bundles all the common features, such as a front flap and a holder for the Apple Pencil. Additionally, it has a few pockets at the back to keep bills, papers, and documents. Despite all these, it has a flat design which is a big plus.

The latter means you can carry it easily on your hands, or slip it inside a slim bag. The top has magnets that snap into place. On top of that, you also get an elastic wrap to hold the case when you are traveling.

The folded case means you can prop it up in the landscape mode like an easel. Apart from that, the fit is great and several users have praised its fit, flat design, and looks. It’s a tad expensive, but on the upside, it’s sturdy and holds on well to the iPad.

Another premium leather case that you can check out is the one by Nomad. The Nomad Rugged Case is made from Horween leather. The highlight of this case is that it develops a rugged patina over time.

Check out Nomad Rugged Case

6. OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad Pro

• Size: 12.9-inch

OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad Pro

View Price

If you do not mind shelling out a few bucks, you might want to try OtterBox’s Defender Series. This is a hardshell case designed to take the brunt of falls and drops. It’s a 360-degree case and bundles a built-in screen protector and port covers. These combine to keep the iPad Pro in question safe from dust and lint.

It comes with a unique shield stand, which attaches to the rear of the case. When you need it, you can prop your phone in both landscape and portrait mode, which is impossible with the cases above. If you recollect, you can prop it up in just the landscape mode. However, it has a catch to it. It can only be propped up at a certain angle and can’t be tilted as per your preference.

This defender series case has raked in decent reviews. Despite being a hardshell case, it’s not difficult to install it, and it works as advertised.

7. Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro

• Size: 12.9-inch

Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro

View Price

The Logitech Combo box is not your average case. This is a case cum keyboard and naturally is expensive than its peers above. However, if you use the onscreen keyboard a lot and often use your iPad for writing essays, reports, and other notes, then this combination will prove to be a clever buy. It attaches to the iPad like a normal case and protects it from the elements. At the same time, the back flips out and you can use the tablet in landscape mode.

More importantly, the hinge is reliable, and it can take the weight of the iPad for a long time. Apart from the keys, you get the advantage of the trackpad as well. Plus, the Apple Pencil can be attached to the top of the tablet.

It delivers a great typing experience and comes with backlit keys. And when you are done using the keyboard, you can snap it shut, and the onboard keyboard will do its job. At the same time, the screen and the body will be shielded from harm’s way.

However, using a case and keyboard combination has its limitation. For one, it’s bulky compared to its counterparts. Secondly, if you do not need the keyboard, there’s no way to take off just the keyboard. You will have to take off the entire thing, which may leave the tablet a bit susceptible to the elements.

But if you keep your iPad in a folio or a bag, you may also keep an inexpensive clear case like the ESR case as a backup. Win-win, right?

Alternatively, you can check the in-home Apple Smart Keyboard Folio.

Buy Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

Protect Your iPad Pro

Tablets such as iPad Pro are big, and it’s a tad difficult to hold them with your hands at all times. And the rear metal backplate doesn’t help the case, especially when your hands become sweaty.

Therefore, it’s always better to wrap it up in a case or a cover. If you do not want a landscape mode viewing, you can opt for simple cases like the MoKo or ESR. But, if you regularly use it to reference study material, it makes sense to invest in a folio case. In such a case, the Fintie case is your best bet.