The 5 Accessories Every iPad Owner Needs
Get the most from your tablet with these must-have additions.
Happy 10th anniversary to the iPad! In 2010 the device came on the market, and our lives haven’t been the same since. Over the past decade, we’ve changed the way we read news, watch movies, and get work done — largely due to the invention of this tablet, which has gotten lighter and more powerful with each successive model.
It’s no longer just enough to have an iPad, however. To take full advantage of everything you can do with this amazing little gadget, you need a few extras to go with it. (Especially these days, when so many of us are working from home, and our kids are attending school online.)
Whether you use the iPad for work, play, or both, the following five items will help you get the most from your tablet. Scroll down to shop FIRST for Women’s picks for the best iPad accessories!
1. The Best iPad Case
Zugu iPad Muse Case
Where to buy: From $49.99, Amazon
Protect your investment with a case that’s durable yet sleek. The Muse comes in a choice of four colors (purple, navy, red, or black), and passes the “military drop test,” keeping your iPad intact even from a five-foot drop onto cement. The magnetic cover stays securely in place to keep your screen scratch-free and features an “easy-open” tab that lets you access your device with the flick of your finger. A built-in stand adjusts at eight different angles, so it’s perfect for watching a movie on an airplane or while lounging in bed — and it’s magnetic, so you can even stick your iPad to the fridge for easy viewing in the kitchen. (Yes, the magnet is strong enough to hold it to any metal surface!)
2. The Best iPad Stand
AboveTEK Aluminum Tablet Stand
Where to buy: $49.99, Amazon
Our favorite use for this particular iPad accessory is in the kitchen, when we’re reading a recipe off our tablet. But there are many times an iPad stand comes in handy, from watching a movie with friends to leading an online meeting, and this heavy-duty one will stand up to whatever task you put it up to. A heavy aluminum base means it won’t tip or wobble, and strong clamps on either side hold your device firmly in place. The arm that holds it is fully adjustable, so you can angle the screen to best suit your viewing needs. Bonus: it also works with a smartphone!
3. The Best iPad Keyboard
Jositin Keyboard Case
Where to buy: From $35.99, Amazon
Turn your iPad into a makeshift laptop with this 3-in-1 keyboard, which also functions as a stand and case. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to type on, and the case allows easy access to all your iPad’s ports, as well as the camera, speaker, and volume controls. Your iPad automatically turns on when the case is opened, and goes to sleep when you close the cover, which saves battery life. The non-slip leather lining lets you prop the iPad at whatever angle is best for you, and the bluetooth keyboard is quiet, so you can compose emails (or write that novel) without any jarring clickety-clacks that might annoy those near you.
4. The Best iPad Headphones
Satechi Aluminum Wireless Headphones
Where to buy: $69.99, Amazon
These bluetooth headphones let you watch movies, listen to music, or enjoy your favorite YouTube videos without disturbing anyone within earshot. They’re noise-cancelling, so whatever is going on around you won’t bother you, either — perfect for work-from-home days when you need to concentrate. A built-in microphone means you can participate in Zoom calls, FaceTime, or Google Hangouts. (You can also sync the headphones to your smartphone to take regular phone calls, in case those are still a thing.)
5. The Best iPad Speaker
OontZ Angle Ultra
Where to buy: $33.99, Amazon
Sometimes you don’t want to keep your tunes to yourself. And for those times, this portable bluetooth speaker fits the bill. It has an impressive 100-foot bluetooth range, so if your family is listening to music playing on your iPad in the kitchen and you have to run upstairs, iPad in hand, there won’t be any interruption to the dance party. The sound quality is phenomenal for such a small device, with rich bass notes and clear treble tones. Plus, it plays for 20 hours on a single charge, so you can keep the party going all day long without plugging in!
