The Best iPad Mini 6 (2021) Cases and Covers

Apple’s latest iPad Mini 6 (2021) is a much-awaited update in almost every way, from the gorgeous new screen and touch controls to the slim design. However, those differences also mean that older Mini cases won’t work with the Mini 6: You’ll have to get a new case if you want to add more protection. Fortunately, we’ve gone through the available cases and found some of the best iPad Mini 6 (2021) cases to suit all tastes and budgets — let’s take a look!

Speck Balance Folio Case

Speck is a name you trust for iPhone cases, and its tablet cases are every bit as durable and protective. This hardshell folio protects against bumps and features a soft interior liner to keep your screen safe from scratches and scuffs. Offering up to four feet of drop protection, it also has a secure latch with built-in magnets for auto sleep/wake, helping save battery life.

There’s a holder for the Apple Pencil, and built-in Microban antimicrobial treatment, which reduces stain and odor-causing bacteria on the case surface by up to 99%. This case also folds back into a multi-angle viewing stand, and it comes in classic black, Very Berry Red, or Velvet Green.

Fintie Folio Case

We love this sleek folio case from Fintie, which comes in a choice of four solid colors, two florals, and three eye-catching marble patterns. We’d opt for the deep purple version, pictured, with its premium synthetic leather outer and soft microfiber lining. This folio case can be used as a multi-angle viewing stand, holding your iPad securely in place, and it has a holder for the Apple Pencil too. There’s even a handy pocket for documents or cards.

For under $20, this sophisticated case is one of the best bargains on our list.

SaharaCase Folio Case

For those who like their iPad case to stand out, this folio case from SaharaCase ticks all the boxes. We’d go for the green marble design, but you can also pick this up in vibrant purple marble or blue marble. The triple hardened TPU and PU leather case ensures your iPad Mini is safe whatever you get up to, with an auto sleep/wake function to save battery life and a flexible kickstand for hands-free viewing.

There’s a slot for your Apple Pencil, and if you pick this case up at Best Buy right now, you’ll get six months of free Apple Music and Apple News Plus.

Olixar Leather-Style Wallet Case

Sometimes simple is best, like this leather-style wallet case from Olixar. Crafted from high-quality faux leather, it looks sleek and professional in black, or you can add a pop of color with the rose gold option. This lightweight case offers slim yet durable protection against scuffs, scrapes, drops, and bumps, keeping your iPad Mini safe on the go.

Although there’s no Apple Pencil holder here, you do get an interior card holder for your cards and important papers, and the case folds back into a kickstand for hands-free viewing or video calls. This case is also wireless charging compatible, so you won’t need to go through the hassle of removing it for a quick charging pad boost.

LoveCases Gel Case

If you love clear cases but want one that’s a bit more, well, fun, this gel case from LoveCases ticks the right boxes. Crystal clear, ultra-slim, and form-fitting, it hugs the iPad Mini tightly, providing snug protection against life’s inevitable mishaps. The flexible gel is surprisingly tough and won’t yellow over time like some clear cases.

There’s a non-slip coating to keep your iPad in your hand — or wherever you happen to place it down — and a subtle white moon and stars design that lets the color of your tablet shine through. Raised bezels run around the entire case to add an additional layer of protection against drops and dust or dirt for your iPad Mini’s screen.

Apple Smart Folio

Apple’s own folios are always a great place to start with iPad products, as they’re specifically designed to be durable companions that work flawlessly with the iPad Mini’s magnet arrays. As with other Smart Folio products in the past, this cover includes a soft felt back to protect the screen, and connecting with the front-side magnets will automatically put the iPad Mini 6 to sleep.

You can flip the Smart Folio for the iPad Mini 6 into three sections, allowing you to prop up the Mini 6 landscape style while you work. It’s not the most thorough protection, but it’s an excellent cover when paired with a bag or carrying case, and you can choose from five eye-catching colors.

ESR Magnetic Case

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Apple’s Smart Folio case, look no further than this cover from ESR, which is made of similar materials, has a similar magnetic attachment, and folds back to offer an on-demand stand in a similar way.

However, the ESR iPad Mini 6 case does have some differences in addition to the lower price. Notably, there is a small magnetic clasp that you can use to fold over an attached Apple Pencil 2, so you always know where it is when not in use. If you’re a fan of sketching with the Pencil 2 or plan on using it regularly, this is certainly a cover to consider. It also has a small carrying grip that can make holding the Mini 6 a little easier.

Spigen Rugged Armor Case

If you’ve had … problems dropping iPads in the past, or want to avoid any catastrophic damage to the iPad Mini (2021) no matter what you’re doing, Spigen’s armored case is ready for you. It uses air cushions and a durable thermoplastic polyurethane design to help keep the iPad Mini from cracking after a fall or suffering similar damage. There are also excellent carbon fiber-styled grips on either side to discourage slipping, and the Spigen iPad Mini 6 case is another model that makes room for Apple Pencil 2 attachments.

Ztotop Leather Folio

If you prefer a case with lots of class, check out this faux leather folio. The cover has a beautiful brown synthetic leather design, a soft anti-slip interior, and a hardened back for extra protection, all while being one of the most affordable cases on our list.

Like other folios, the Ztotop Mini 6 case attaches to the iPad with built-in magnets and can be flipped down to turn into a stand when you want to prop the tablet up. However, it offers a bit more protection than Apple’s own folio, and includes a side pocket if you’re the type of user who likes to store away physical letters, bills, or other documents on the go.

ESR Hybrid Case

At first glance, this hybrid case may look similar to other folios on our list, but there are some important differences. First, while the cover is flexible as a whole, the back has been hardened to provide the screen with some extra protection when the folio is closed. Second, there are shock-absorbing corners that can provide some additional defense compared to the thinnest folios.

The ESR Hybrid Case offers the classic magnetic attachment and three-fold design for turning it into a stand. There is also space for connecting the Apple Pencil 2 on this model.

ProCase Keyboard Case

If you don’t have a separate wireless keyboard to type on your Mini 6, you may find it difficult to create longer documents or messages. This ProCase offers a solution with a durable shell case that also includes a mini keyboard for quick typing tasks. The composite leather exterior looks and feels great, while the soft anti-slip interior helps protect the screen from damage.

The ProCase Keyboard Case supports magnetic attachments and mutli-angle stand options as well. Don’t worry if you don’t want to use the keyboard sometimes — it detaches easily and can be stored away when you don’t need it.

Ivsotek Clear Case

The updated design of the Mini 6 (2021) looks great, so it’s no surprise if you want to show it off as much as possible. This clear TPU case helps provide corner protection while still showing off all of your Mini 6, along with detailed cutouts for all buttons, speakers, and other necessary sections. The Ivsotek Clear Case may not offer as much protection as some, but it can help prevent damage from bumps and makes a great pairing with a screen protector.

Editors’ Recommendations