More Great Hubs

Ports are a problem on the iPad. With just one USB-C port on most of them, you can’t charge and use other accessories at the same time. We like the Satechi hub mentioned above a lot, but here are a few others we’ve tested and like. Read our Best USB Hubs and Docks guide for more recommendations.

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: This tiny USB-C hub might be all you need, and it’s seriously compact. It’s a little taller but narrower than a Zippo lighter, and you get a 4K HDMI port, a USB-A, an 85-watt USB-C port with pass-through charging, and a headphone jack. I had trouble fitting it on an iPad protected by a case, but Twelve South includes a female USB-C to male USB-C cable that solves this issue.

Satechi USB-C Hybrid With SSD Enclosure for $90: Satechi’s four-port hub is a little too large, considering the number of ports you get, but there’s a good reason for that. Pop off the aluminum cover and you’ll find a slot for an M.2 SATA solid-state storage drive (SSD) slot. That means access to an external SSD, along with two USB-A jacks, one 100-watt USB-C pass-through charging port, and a 4K HDMI at the same time. I did not have an M.2 SATA drive to test, but this 1-terabyte card should work. Just know that Satechi’s hub does not support NVMe M.2 cards.

Anker USB-C to Ethernet Adapter for $26: Most people won’t need an Ethernet port on an iPad, but maybe you’re taking a stab at some cloud gaming on your tablet. If so, you’ll need the fastest speeds you can get so your games appear in the highest quality possible. This simple, aluminum USB-C to Ethernet dongle delivered around 700 Mbps download speeds on the iPad Pro in my home, which is what my desktop PC usually hits.

Other iPad Accessories We Like

iPad accessories are endless. Here are some other options that are perfectly fine, though some have issues that put them down a rung.

Zagg Pro Keys 2 Keyboard Case for $150: Zagg’s case isn’t as elegant as Logitech’s system, but you can connect it via Bluetooth to two different devices (7/10, WIRED Review). That means you’ll need to recharge the keyboard case via USB-C. It’s more protective, thanks to the folio cover, and it’s a detachable system with a case that’s separate from the slate. But it’s a lot bulkier. The second-generation version doesn’t come with a trackpad either, so you’ll have to supply your own mouse. This one is only available for the iPad Pro (M4), but you can still purchase the first-gen version for the ninth-gen iPad, iPad Air (including the 11-inch iPad Air with M2), and 11-inch iPad Pro, as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for $140: This keyboard is compact and has satisfyingly clicky keys, plus they’re backlit. It recharges via USB-C, but I’ve only had to plug it in once every few months. It connects either via Bluetooth or a USB-A dongle (or with the included USB-C cable), and the connection is reliable and never fails.

Logitech Crayon Stylus for $65: Apple Pencil not striking your fancy? This Logitech Crayon is a slightly more affordable option, It’s especially great for kids because it’s thicker yet maintains great palm rejection, decent (but not identical) pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Logitech has updated it with USB-C support, so now you can truly ditch that Lightning cable.

Paperlike Screen Protector for $45: This screen cover goes over your iPad’s screen to mimic the texture and friction of sketching on paper. Former WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey said the film is harder to apply than a typical screen protector (make sure you clean your iPad’s screen thoroughly before!). But when you’re done, it adds enough resistance that you’ll find it hard to go back to drawing on glass.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $65: Mageasy’s case is compatible with Apple’s Magic Keyboard case and is a great option if you want extra protection for your iPad without adding too much bulk. Like the ESR Rebound case, you can attach and detach it from the Magic Keyboard case without losing out on the extra protection. It comes with a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. There’s also the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).

OtterBox Defender Series Rugged Case for $90: Want a more protective case? Get the OtterBox Defender. It’s available for the previous-gen iPad, 10th-gen iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models. There’s a built-in screen protector and covers for the charging port, volume rockers, and Apple Pencil. There’s also an outer shell with a kickstand you can clip on if you want to prop up the iPad. It’s far too clunky for my personal use, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find more protection for your slate.

Apple Smart Folio for $69: These slim cases and covers from Apple do the job just fine and can even convert into kickstands to prop up your tablet. They’re also some of the best options for the iPad Mini.

Apple Magic Keyboard for $299: If not for its price, this would be one of the better iPad case and keyboard options. It feels great to type on, the trackpad integrates seamlessly into iPadOS, and it even has a USB-C port. It’s a bit bulky, but it’s a great accessory to keep on hand when you need to do some serious typing. It works with the iPad Air (including the M2 version) and iPad Pro. There’s also a folio version available for the 10th-gen iPad.

Apple Magic Keyboard (2nd-gen) for $349: This one is even more expensive than the first-gen. It’s also only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4). But the upgrades are really nice. There’s a larger trackpad, an aluminum palm rest, and a row of Function keys. It’s also thinner and lighter, which is ideal seeing as how the same applies to the latest iPad Pro. However, as with its predecessor, this case is still a little top-heavy.

Moft Float Case for $60: This protective case has a real stand that sits flush on the back. Pull it out and you can prop the tablet up at a decent height and even change the viewing angle (it works in portrait or landscape orientation). It’s wobbly when you tap the screen in floating mode, but I didn’t find this too annoying. It is tough to pull out the stand, but I bite my nails, so this might not be an issue for you.

SaharaCase Folio Case for $30: We tested this case for the iPad Mini, but you can also get it for the ninth-gen iPad and iPad Pro (both models). On the outside is an automatic sleep/wake cover that doubles as a kickstand to prop up the iPad. There’s also a really nice marble pattern on the front and back that makes it stand out. You can also stow the Apple Pencil on the inside, so you don’t have to worry about it falling off.

Speck Balance Folio Case for $45: This features built-in grooves for various adjustable angles, as well as a removable camera cover. There’s a latch in place of a magnetic cover and the Apple Pencil slot sits on the outside. It’s not the most stylish, but it’s protective and lightweight. The grooves are also great for those who use their iPads to watch content. It’s available for the Air, 11-inch Pro, 12.9-inch Pro, and the ninth- and 10th-gen iPad.

OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Case for $90: This folio for the base ninth- and 10th-gen iPad and iPad Air fixes everything I didn’t like about our top Spigen pick, but it’s pricier. The clear back lets the iPad’s design come through, and while the display cover can fold into the same two viewing angles, covering the screen actually puts it to sleep here. The folio’s latch keeps the whole thing tightly closed, and it also holds any Apple Pencil. The latch does kind of flop around when it’s not closed, though. I don’t recommend buying the Symmetry Series 360 Elite cases for the iPad Pro, as they’re not pleasant to use.

Casetify Selfie by Bonnie Lu Ultra Impact Folio Case for $74: If you’re looking for an iPad case that offers great protection and has adorable prints to choose from, look no further than Casetify’s lineup. We’ve been obsessed with this Selfie by Bonnie Lu case for a few months now—it packs extra protection on all four corners of the device and can withstand drops up to 4 feet, plus the artwork is super cute. It has grooves on the front cover, too, allowing you to adjust the angle of the iPad. We tested this case for the iPad Air, but you can also get it for the 10th-gen iPad, iPad Mini, and iPad Pro (both models).

Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case for $65: Designed to feel like a sketchbook, the Folio Case has a polyester fabric cover that feels super high-quality and lightweight. It can also be used to prop up your iPad at two different levels. This case doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but the large flap closure keeps it from falling out. Although we only tested the Folio Case with the iPad Air, it’s also available for iPad Pro (both models).

Harbor London Magnetic Envelope Sleeve for $123: If the price doesn’t put you off, this is a rather elegant way to protect your iPad. There’s full-grain leather on one side and 100 percent wool felt on the other (and the inside). It feels exquisite. It’s roomy enough to fit an iPad with a case on it, and it’s available for several generations of the base model slate, including the 10th-gen iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. There’s a little leather loop to carry your Apple Pencil for extra security. The sleeve has a slot on one side to access the USB-C charging port, but more unique is its ability to double as a stand. It’s not the most versatile stand—you only really get one angle—but it did the job on my lap, which is an impressive feat for such a floppy item.

Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 Tablet Keyboard for $80: If you don’t want a keyboard case, this is a solid alternative. It’s a compact, lightweight, and slim external keyboard that comes with a built-in protective cover. The low-profile scissor keys feel nice to type on, and there’s a convenient shortcut row for functions like volume, screen brightness, emoji, and more. When using it, you’re supposed to flip the cover behind the keyboard—which gives it height for a more comfortable experience. Because the cover has a soft texture, however, it adds bounce when typing. I’m not a huge fan of it, but others might not be as bothered by it. It’s also a bit expensive compared to other options.

Do Not Recommend

These are the iPad accessories we suggest avoiding.

Zagg Pro Stylus 2 for $80: The Zagg Pro Stylus 2 is cute and all, especially in the Yellow No. 2 design, but at $80, you may as well buy the second-gen Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro since they often dip in price. With no support for pressure sensitivity, you also have to tilt the stylus to achieve thick or thin lines, but it doesn’t feel seamless.

Moft Snap Float Folio for $60: Honestly, the idea behind this case is smart, but it’s just a little too annoying to use. It’s slim and barely feels protective, and you can fold it in different ways to prop up your iPad at four angles—kind of like origami. It’s difficult to remember the exact methods for some of these modes at first, but I got used to them, though I had to readjust it on the iPad too many times.

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