iPads are consistently the best tablets you can buy, and pairing a few accessories with an iPad can make it even better. Sure, the latest iPad Pro with the M4 processor and the 13-inch iPad Air are powerful and easy to use, but they’re also limited in use when you first take them out of the box. Adding a keyboard or stylus to the mix could make them viable laptop replacements or the perfect partner for creatives, and that’s just the start of how you can accessorize these capable tablets.
TL;DR – These are the best iPad accessories to buy in 2024
- Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro – Best keyboard case
- Ugreen USB-C Charger – Best wall charger
- Paperlike 2.1 – Best screen protector
- Anker 537 PowerCore 24K – Best portable power bank
- Twelve South HoverBar Duo – Best tablet mount
- Apple Pencil (second generation) – Best stylus
- Logitech Crayon – Best budget stylus
- Apple Smart Cover – Best cover
- Samsung T7 – Best hard drive
- Apple AirPods Pro (second generation) – Best wireless earbuds
Accessories and peripherals help you get the most out of the best iPad models. Although there’s no shortage of attachments and add-ons out there, it may be tough to know where to begin. So, we’ve picked 10 great iPad accessories to get you started. Whether you’re after extra protection for the pricey device with cover and screen protector, you want to escape the world with some great wireless earbuds, or you’re looking to extend your iPads battery life using a power bank, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for savings? Check out the best iPad deals happening now.
1. Apple Magic Keyboard
Best keyboard case iPad accessory
The Apple Magic Keyboard is our go-to keyboard case. It features a clicky and comfortable keyboard and a smooth and precise trackpad for iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air via magnetic Smart Connector. It’s even compatible with the iPad Air. However, if you've got your hands on the latest iPad Pro 11-inch model with the M4 processor, there's a whole new Magic Keyboard with haptic feedback and multitouch gestures.
When in use, Apple’s tablet “floats” above the keyboard when unfolded, while it’s slightly adjustable for better viewing angles. When not in use, it acts as a great iPad case, helping keep the tablet pristine, clean, and easy to transport.
Although it’s one of the fanciest keyboard cases for the iPad, it’s also one of the most expensive with a starting price of $299. It comes in various languages, such as English, Chinese, Spanish, and others, while it also comes in two colors, black and white.
2. Ugreen USB-C Charger
Best wall charger iPad accessory
Although all of the current models come with a wall charger (unlike the iPhone), it still might be a good idea to pick up another one – especially if want to save on some space when traveling or working from a coffee shops and co-working spaces. Why bring three separate wall chargers when you can bring one with you?
The Ugreen USB-C Charger can fast-charge up to three devices at the same time, like an iPad, a MacBook Air, and an iPhone, with 65 watts of power. It comes with two USB-C ports and a single USB port.
3. Paperlike 2.1
Best screen protector iPad accessory
If you’re looking for a screen protector that will protect its display and make it feel more natural when using an Apple Pencil for writing or drawing, then Paperlike 2.1, which comes in a two-pack, is our pick for the best screen protector. It’s a matte screen protector that re-creates the experience of using pen on paper, but with a stylus on the iPad, ergo its name. Additionally, it won’t interfere with the iPad’s FaceID, so you can still unlock your Apple tablet with ease.
4. Anker 537 PowerCore 24K Portable Charger
Best portable power bank iPad accessory
It’s always a good idea to keep a portable power bank handy just in case your mobile device is about to run out of juice and you’re far away from a wall outlet. The Anker 537 PowerCore 24K Portable Charger will charge up to two devices at the same time – thanks to its dual USB-C ports, while it also has a single USB port for older devices. It’s ideal for traveling and working on the road.
5. Twelve South HoverBar Duo
Best tablet mount iPad accessory
The Twelve South HoverBar Duo is an iPad stand that’s perfect for a desktop, tabletop, or countertop in your home. Weighing in at a little over two-and-a-half pounds, your tablet will stay safe and secure without tipping over when clamped into this tablet stand, while it even comes with a shelf clamp – if you want to hang it from a cabinet or curtain rod. It’s best for video calls, recipes in the kitchen, a secondary monitor for the MacBook via Sidecar, and much more. If you want to use the Apple tablet hands-free, then the Twelve South HoverBar Duo is for you.
6. Apple Pencil (second generation)
Best stylus iPad accessory
The Apple Pencil (second generation) is the best stylus because it was specifically designed for the tablet and its software, iPadOS. It’s smooth when writing or drawing, while it has a double-tap feature on the stylus itself for erasing, switching tools, or switching color pallets. The Apple Pencil is also pressure-sensitive, which is great for artists who want a lot (or as little) detail in their work. It even charges magnetically on the side of compatible iPad Mini, iPad Air, or iPad Pro models. The Apple Pencil Pro was also recently released offering gesture control, haptics, and more, but it only works with the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models.
Please note: If you have one of the entry level iPad models, then it’s only compatible with the first generation Apple Pencil.
7. Logitech Crayon
Best budget stylus iPad accessory
Looking for a wallet-friendly stylus? Check out the Logitech Crayon, an oval-shaped and flat stylus that’s compatible with all current iPad models and the best Apple Pencil alternative. While it’s not as smooth as the Apple Pencil, it does glide across a display with very little lag or delay. It’s also grippy and comfortable to hold when writing on the iPad, which makes it ideal for taking notes or journaling.
Additionally, the Logitech Crayon doesn’t have the same features as the Apple Pencil, like pressure sensitivity or wireless charging. It’s simply a reliable stylus that will get the job done at an affordable price.
8. Apple Smart Cover
Best cover iPad accessory
One of the best ways to protect its Retina display is with the Apple Smart Cover, thanks to its ease of use and premium design. It automatically wakes up your tablet when you open the cover, while the cover puts it to sleep when it’s closed. Inside is a soft fibering lining that won’t scratch the Apple tablet’s stellar display. Additionally, you can also position it for multiple viewing angles when folded back, thanks to its tri-fold design.
9. Samsung T7
Best portable external hard drive iPad accessory
The Samsung T7 is one of the best external hard drives that goes great with iPad models with USB-C ports. It comes in various storage capacities up to a whopping 2TB, while it also features fast read and write speeds that won’t slow down your workflow.
This hard drive is tiny at about three inches long and about two inches wide with a lightweight design, weighing in at about two ounces. The Samsung T7 is small enough to keep in a backpack, a pants pocket, or even a purse, while it comes in three colors, including blue, red, and titan gray.
10. Apple AirPods Pro (second generation)
Best wireless earbuds iPad accessory
One of the best accessories are Apple AirPods, and we love the Pro model because of their excellent audio quality, seamless syncing via iPadOS, and high-end design. If you want an immersive experience, then the AirPods Pro are ideal, thanks to spatial audio that makes it feel as if audio is surrounding you (think of it as virtual surround sound) and premium noise-canceling to block out background noise from the outside world.
Meanwhile, they even come with multiple eartips, so you can get the best fit. Heck, the AirPods Pro can even analyze your ear canals with iPadOS’s “Ear Tip Fit Tests,” so it can recommend a good pair that’s specific for you.
Upcoming iPad Accessories
Every single time a new iPad hits the market, a slew of new iPad accessories pours out onto the market. And, well, that happened at Apple's May 7 event a few months ago. We got two new tablets from Apple: the iPad Pro and iPad Air, both of which have a new screen size, too. These new iPads were announced alongside a new Magic Keyboard and a brand-new Apple Pencil Pro.
Apple also announced the ‘It’s Glowtime’ event on September 9th. The iPhone 16 will be unveiled along with possibly some new AirPod models that could end up being a great accessory to your iPad.
What to Look For In iPad Accessories
The iPad is a mighty tablet that’s almost effortless to use. It comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes for different types of use cases. Although it’s speedy and powerful already, there are a lot of attachments and add-ons that can help unlock its true potential as a casual and professional mobile device.
But where should you start? From what works best, who makes them, and how much they should cost, we put together a buyer’s guide about what to look for in accessories. Scroll down and check out our recommendations, below:
Function
After you take the iPad out of its box, power it on, and set it up with your Apple ID for the first time, you have to think about how you’re going to use it. It’s an amazing piece of tech and there are accessories to help you get the most out of it.
For professional use, the iPad (namely the iPad Pro) can be turned into a full-fledged laptop replacement. However, you’ll need to add an attachment like a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) to it through Bluetooth to get that kind of functionality. There are case covers that combine a keyboard, trackpad, and protective case all-in-one to make it more convenient and easier to sync with the iPad.
For creatives, all models are compatible with a stylus for taking handwritten notes or sketching, while special screen protectors can make it feel like you’re writing or drawing on a sheet of paper instead of glass.
If you’re a casual user, then there are tablet stands that can prop it up on a flat surface for watching movies and TV shows, while cases keep Apple’s tablet protected and safe from wear-and-tear or an accidently drop and mishap.
Meanwhile, there are boatloads of wall chargers, charging cables, and power banks out there to keep it charged and ready for use. You shouldn’t forget about these types of add-ons either. While they’re not the big ticket items, they do keep your Apple tablet working when you need it.
Compatibility
Since there are multiple models, not all attachments and peripherals are compatible with all models. While there’s definitely overlap – like Apple AirPods Pro, various wall chargers and charging cables, and power banks – accessories made for the iPad Mini won’t work for the iPad Pro and vice versa. It’s important to pay attention to your model and if it’s compatible with a particular accessory.
This comes in handy with the Apple Pencil because there are two versions that work with specific models. Here’s the breakdown: The second generation Apple Pencil works best with the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, while the first generation works with the ninth and tenth generation models.
Third-party accessories
Although Apple makes its own add-ons and attachments for their own devices, there are a lot of great third-party manufacturers – such as Anker, Belkin, Logitech, and others – that make high quality accessories at affordable prices. In fact, Apple even works with some of these companies to make peripherals that are certified to work with the iPad.
Additionally, it’s recommended to steer clear of cheap, bottom-of-the-barrel attachments and add-ons that might harm your Apple tablet in the long run. Pay attention to shopper ratings for bad reviews and low scores, while web browser extensions like FakeSpot can sort and identify the bad actors on popular retail sites.
Price
While prices vary, accessories like cases, covers, and keyboard combos, range anywhere from $50-$300 – depending on the manufacturer. While cables and wall chargers are on the lower end of the price scale, you’d want to pay at least $15 for these items. Anything lower, you might run the risk of picking something up that’s cheap, poorly made, and may completely fry your device.
If you’re a professional or creative, then there’s a lot of add-ons that will make the tablet more useful for accomplishing tasks or creating something brilliant and unique. If you’re a casual user, then there’s also attachments to help watching videos and browsing the web easier and more enjoyable. Overall, the best accessory for the iPad is the one you’ll get the most use out of it at an affordable price.
iPad Accessories FAQ
What accessories do iPads come with?
All existing models of the iPad come with a 1-meter USB-C charging cable and a 20W USB-C power adapter. The newest model, the iPad Pro, will also come with a polishing cloth. Any additional accessories, including the Apple Pencil, must be purchased separately.
Is an iPad with a keyboard a full laptop replacement?
There’s been pretty consistent debate over whether the iPad and keyboard combo will take the place of the laptop. The improved file management systems on more recent iPad models mean that, yes, for many people, an iPad is a suitable replacement for daily tasks, such as handling e-mails, taking notes, and managing your schedule. Multiple apps can be opened simultaneously and split across the screen, providing an experience on even footing with windows and tabs. Creative professionals will also get a pretty seamless experience using Final Cut Pro or stylus features for Procreate.
For gamers, you'll be limited to Apple’s iOS, so you won't be able to replicate the full PC experience. That said, Xbox and Playstation have both released Remote Play apps that allow you to access games you own on their consoles on iOS devices. Still, the best budget gaming laptops offer more storage alongside higher-quality GPU and CPU specs. With the combination of traditional operating systems and portability, the best laptops likely aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
