The best kids’ iPad and tablet cases that are really child-proof

Are you sharing your iPad with older children or teenagers? You might want to opt for the Apple Smart Cover. While it won't provide the heavy-duty protection needed with younger children and toddlers, it's a less obvious and perhaps 'cooler' cover for teens as well as being "very slim and easy to carry", as our tester, Rebecca noted, and easier to slot into backpacks for school. It's compatible with the 10.2" iPad and 10.5” iPad Air design, protecting the screen when it's not in use. In addition, our reviewer liked the dual purpose of the case, noting that it "can be very easily changed into a support stand for the iPad." However, Rebecca did note that "it stands up well on hard surfaces but is less stable when on a sofa, for instance". It does have the added benefit of turning off the iPad when it closes and turning it on when it's opened, and as it's magnetic, it snaps on and off effortlessly.

As it's an Apple product, it does come with a higher price tag and won't provide full protection to the screen, back and sides, so it is better suited to older teens. Our tester, Rebecca, found that this was a great iPad case for herself and her partner, but doesn't offer the protection younger children might need. "This iPad case protects the screen when not in use but doesn't offer any protection for the corners" she said.

Compatible with 7th, 8th, 9th Generation (2021, 2020, 2019), iPad Pro 10.5/ iPad Air 3, this case is a fun, colourful way of protecting a child's iPad. It's available in a range of bright colours to appeal to children, while the built-in handle doubles as a stand so your little one can prop it up to watch their favourite shows and carry it around when they want to. Our mum tester, Fiona, tried it out with her three and six-year-old and said, "It's easy enough to pop into the case -the case is fairly bendy, so you can bend the edges back to slot the iPad in and then the case bends back around it.

She liked the handle in particular: "It's great for carrying around—it's easy to carry, but even if it's dropped, the foam bumper is very protective." The ProCase has a small stand on the back to allow kids to prop up the iPad while they're watching it. Our tester, Fiona, found this worked well on a flat, stable surface, but watching it on a sofa required a little more support from a cushion.

Our tester felt it was strong and protected her children's tablets, commenting that "it's been dropped a few times, and there's no damage to the screen". Unlike some of the other iPad cases, it doesn't come with a screen protector, and this could be something you'd need to buy separately to protect the screen from scratches. The holes line up well so you can access all ports and cameras. The material will start to degrade with regular use but will still protect the iPad, even if the edges start to look a little worn.

This iPad case is compatible with the iPad 10th Generation 10.9 inch (2022 model: A2696 / A2757 / A2777). It has a hardened protective shell which is bordered by shock-resistant silicone to provide a really good defence against knocks and drops. Our mum tester, Rebecca, did note that "it's quite challenging to get it into the case - the instructions aren't particularly clear, and you have to take the case apart and then reassemble it. But saying that, it really only took about five minutes and I won't need to remove it anytime soon."

Our tester has put the Seymac case through its paces on a couple of holidays and long car journeys and was impressed with the heavy-duty nature of the case, commenting that "We tested this case to its limits - the iPad fell out of the car onto the tarmac and survived - without the case, it would have been completely smashed. So while I don't suggest testing it out in this way, I can confirm that it certainly works!"

There's a built-in screen protector, though you can also use your own if you want added protection. Our tester, Rebecca, found this was easy to use and didn't affect the screen's usability at all. "It's a strong screen protector, which I think should protect the screen, certainly from scratches."

On the rear is a robust kickstand that rotates 360 degrees and an adjustable neoprene hand strap to allow you to hold it comfortably. "The kickstand is great; it's strong and keeps the iPad standing well, while I liked the hand strap, which makes it easy to hold." There are two points to attach a shoulder strap, which is a great and versatile feature that can help reduce drops and can be adjusted to suit both adults and children.

Unlike some of the iPad cases on our list, which lost points for lack of screen protector, the SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle has a built-in screen protector. Our mum tester, Tori, favoured it, saying, "It's great that, unlike the Bentoben, it comes with a screen protector, so it offers more protection to the screen from scratches and knocks."

The brightly coloured and robust case offers all-round protection with extra tough corner bumpers. It is super tough thanks to the non-toxic, two-layer shell design, with one layer made of tough plastic and the outer offering shock-absorbing silicone. Our tester was impressed with its protection, saying, "It's a strong, sturdy case, and my daughter's iPad feels well protected."

On the rear, there's a foldable kickstand for propping the iPad up, though our tester found this was tricky to open. "We're not able to open the stand with fingers, so we have to try and find a tool or something else to open it," said Tori. She goes on to say, "This is not practical or helpful when travelling with the iPad." In addition to this, she points out that the iPad stand "only works horizontally, not vertically." While this is fine for watching shows or films, it's something to consider if your child likes to play games that need to be in portrait.

It's compatible with iPad 5th/6th Generation (2017/2018 release) but other versions are available, including for the iPad Air 4, iPad Pro 11 Inch, and the iPad 10th Generation 10.9 inch.

This shockproof protective iPad case is compatible with the iPad Air 2 (models A1566 and A1567) but unsuitable for the original iPad Air, iPad Air 3 (2019), or any other tablet models. The raised lip design ensures that both the screen and camera are protected from drops, and our mum tester, Tori said "the nice rubber surround makes it easy to grip and also easy to remove."

The three-layer construction absorbs shocks and shields the iPad from accidental damage, dust, and drops. The advanced polycarbonate hard shell is combined with a soft silicone skin to add grip and texture for little hands. The four-corner cushioning improves the protection, making it an ideal choice for kids and ensuring overall safety.

The built-in foldable kickstand on the back of the case is perfect for propping it up on the table if kids are watching shows or playing games. "It's easy to take out and put away the stand, and it works vertically or horizontally, so it's great for whatever they're watching or playing," noted mum tester Tori.

The precise cut-outs make accessing all ports, buttons, cameras, speakers, and microphones easy. Our tester, Tori, said, "The easy, big opening for the charger port makes it easier for children to plug in themselves." The smart and low-key design makes it a good option for slightly older children who still need to protect their tablet but don't want the more chunky, colourful designs of other models.

Our tester did mention the lack of a screen protector, stating that "although the corners are well protected, there's no screen protector so I'd need to buy one separately."

Compatible with the 2nd Generation iPad 2, 3rd Generation iPad 3, and 4th Generation iPad 4, this iPad case is ideal for older models of iPads that still need to be protected from knocks and bumps. This is a great case for younger children and is available in loads of bright colours, including blue, green, pink and red.

Constructed from non-toxic and shockproof EVA foam and plastic, this Surom case offers all-around iPad protection, including a screen cover. Our mum tester, Rebecca, found it fairly easy to put the iPad in the case, though there aren't any instructions. The screen protector clips over the front, and you then squeeze the iPad into the blue foam back. Rebecca did note that the screen protector feels quite flimsy and doesn't make it as easy to use or see the screen and that even after removing the front plastic sheet, it still seems to have a blue tint to it. "The plastic screen protector would protect it from scratches, but the blue tint is quite annoying, so I opted to use it without the screen protector. This still works well to protect the edges of the iPad from bumps, but it doesn't fit as snugly in the case without the screen protector part."

The handle at the top has a nice grip, and our mum tester commented that "it's incredibly lightweight and when you combine this with the handle, it makes it easy to carry". There is a kickstand on the rear, which makes it easy to prop the iPad up for viewing programmes and films. Our mum tester found that this feels a little flimsy but is more stable than expected.

It's wipe-clean, which our tester appreciated. She also noted that "this is a great budget iPad case that seems like it should offer good protection and last a few years of use."