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- Accessories can help you use your iPad as a sketchbook, laptop, or game console.
- Our favorite iPad accessories include ESR cases, Logitech keyboards, and Apple’s AirPods Pro.
- Make sure the accessory is compatible with your specific iPad model before buying.
There’s plenty that your iPad can do right out of the box, but accessories can make your iPad even more useful. That’s especially true if you’re using it for working or playing video games.
Whether you’re using your iPad as a portable work machine, a digital sketch pad, or a secondary gaming device, there’s something in this guide for everyone. All of the products in this guide have been tested by our team of writers.
Apple makes plenty of iPad accessories, but there are also worthwhile options from third parties like Logitech, ESR, and SteelSeries among others. When shopping for iPad accessories, make sure they’re compatible with the specific iPad model you own.
Here are our favorite iPad accessories.
ESR
ESR iPad cases
There are plenty of iPad cases out there, but ESR’s cases stand out for their variety and affordable prices. Whether you prioritize protection style, or convenience, there’s usually something for everyone in ESR’s lineup.
One of our favorites is the Sentry Magnetic Kickstand Case, which includes raised edges for extra protection and a kickstand that allows for seven viewing angles. The version for the 10.2-inch iPad only costs $21.69 at the time of writing, although the pricing will definitely vary depending on the model. The ESR Ascend Trifold Hard Case for the iPad Pro even has a special flap for protecting your Apple Pencil while you’re charging it.
All told, ESR provides plenty of choice and value to make its cases worth a look.
The best wireless earbuds for iPad
Amazon
Apple AirPods Pro
Apple’s AirPods Pro are pricier than many competitors, but they offer great noise cancellation, crisp sound quality, and seamless pairing with Apple devices. You can expect deeper bass and better noise cancellation than you’d get on cheaper (yet still very good) earbuds like the $120 second-generation Amazon Echo Buds and $150 Beats Studio Buds.
The AirPods Pro are close competitors to Sony’s WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds, but there are a few reasons why AirPods are usually a better choice for Apple device users. Not only do they quickly pair with your iPad or iPhone, but you’ll also get Apple-specific features like the ability for Siri to read reminders, notifications, and text messages.
They also support spatial audio, which provides a surround sound effect when watching supported content in apps like Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. That makes them a particularly compelling choice for those who really plan to use their iPad for entertainment first and foremost.
The best iPad stylus
Apple
Apple Pencil
If you frequently sketch or jot down notes on your iPad, you’ll have a lot to gain from using the Apple Pencil. Insider Reviews has tested styluses from companies such as Wacom, Adonit, and 53 over the years, and none of them feel quite as fluid and accurate as the Apple Pencil.
There’s essentially no lag, and the tip is pressure sensitive in the same way as a regular pencil. That means you can press down harder to make darker markings, or sketch lightly for a softer effect.
Which one you purchase depends on the iPad model you own. The $129 second-generation Apple Pencil comes with a sleeker design and magnetically attaches to your iPad for charging and pairing. It’s compatible with the fourth-generation iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro, and the third-generation and newer models of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
The $99 first-generation Apple Pencil, which has a longer design and must be plugged into a Lightning port to charge, works with other iPad models.
The best universal charging cable for iPad
Anker
Anker PowerLine II 3-in-1 Cable
The iPad is a great travel companion, especially on long flights. But no one likes carrying around multiple cables for your phone and tablet. That’s where Anker’s PowerLine II 3-in-1 cable comes in handy.
It includes charging tips for USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB all in one. It’s a particularly good choice for those who have an iPad that charges via USB-C instead of Lightning, that way you don’t have to pack an extra Lightning cable for your iPhone.
It’s not quite as durable or lengthy as some of the other Lightning and charging cables we’ve tested. But its versatility, lifetime warranty, and solid build quality make it the best universal charging cable we’ve tried so far.
The best iPad keyboard
Amazon
Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard
If you use your iPad for working and taking notes, a keyboard is a must. We love the Logitech K380 for its responsive and accurate typing experience, sleek design, and ability to remember up to three device connections at a time.
Best of all: it’s very affordable at just $36.98 at the time of writing. At that price it’s much cheaper than most keyboard cases, making it the perfect companion if you already have a case you enjoy. Plus, it’ll work with any iPad regardless of the model since it’s a standalone Bluetooth keyboard.
Our reviewer Michelle Rae Uy called it “a delight” to type on, even saying that its bounce can rival that of Dell’s flagship laptops. The only downside? It’s not rechargeable and instead requires two AAA alkaline batteries. However, it comes with two batteries out of the box that should last for up to two years.
If you prefer a keyboard case over a standalone Bluetooth keyboard, we recommend the Logitech Combo Touch.
The best game controller for iPad
Amazon
SteelSeries Nimbus+
The SteelSeries Nimbus+ is the best controller you can buy if you love playing games on your iPad.
For one, it’s versatile enough to be used as a standalone controller or with an iPhone mount to turn your phone into a handheld console. It also borrows some design cues from Microsoft and Sony, making it feel familiar to most gamers. You’ll also get four months of Apple Arcade for free when purchasing the controller, and the battery lasts for up to 50 hours.
However, it uses a Lightning port for charging, so you’ll have to keep your iPhone’s power cord handy if you own an iPad Pro or fourth-generation iPad Air. Although our reviewer Nathaniel Mott says it offers the best experience across Apple devices, there are some minor downsides to consider. The buttons are a bit slick, the visual battery indicator makes the controller look less attractive, and the iPhone mount can be a bit finicky. All that said, this remains the best iPhone game controller to date.
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