The 9 best iPad Pro accessories in 2021 for the two new models
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- Armed with the M1 processor, the 2021 iPad Pros might give the best laptops a run for their money.
- Your new iPad Pro can be enhanced by one of these accessories that expand its functionality.
- Apple Pencil is the best iPad Pro accessory overall, but everything below is a worthy addition.
The best iPad Pro accessories are designed specifically to expand your tablet's functionality, giving you more ways to be productive, creative, or entertained (or all of the above). It makes sense, therefore, to invest in some of them if you want to take full advantage, especially if you plan on upgrading to the 2021 models.
With the new iPad Pro models' impending release, powered by Apple's all-powerful M1 chip, we expect Apple to roll out tablets that will rival or even surpass some of the most popular laptops out there. So, if ever there was a time to start shopping around for the best iPad Pro accessories, it is now.
The best must-have iPad Pro accessory
Apple Pencil
Just as practical and useful a tool for productivity as it is for creative workflows, Apple's 2nd generation Pencil gets our vote as the must-have accessory if we were to pick just one. This sleek and extremely smooth stylus pen has seen us through a host of tasks, from taking notes, scribbling, and drawing to something as mundane as jotting down our day's checklist and scheduling our weekly tasks.
The best part is that it's so easy to use: simply snap it to the side of your iPad Pro for charging, and lightly press it to change writing modes.
The best iPad Pro keyboard overall
Apple Magic Keyboard
There are quite a few reliable iPad Pro keyboard cases out there, but none can't quite rival the Apple Magic Keyboard. Boasting Apple's highly-regarded scissor switch, which makes those keys incredibly comfortable to use, this keyboard case is generally easy to use as well. It requires no real setup or charging, magnetically snaps to the iPad Pro, and is also easy to remove when you want to go back into tablet mode. It also now comes in white, making it an even more appealing option.
It's a bit pricier than its competitors. However, the Magic Keyboard is well worth the price, especially if you spend a chunk of your day typing.
The best iPad Pro accessory for creatives
Sketchboard Pro
The Sketchboard Pro won't turn your iPad Pro into a laptop. Designed specifically for artists by artists, this iPad Pro stand instead turns it into a creative workstation – one that lets you better create wherever you are. It lets you prop your tablet at a 20-degree incline or vertically like an easel, so you can draw with ease, allowing you to completely focus on your creative process. It even has space for your Apple Pencil as well so you can keep it close whenever you need to take a break.
Those who want to follow in Apple's sustainability footsteps will appreciate that the company plants a tree for every Sketchboard Pro you purchase.
The best iPad Pro headphones
Apple AirPods Pro
With Apple expanding its sustainability and green initiatives, many of its products have less carbon footprint than before. For example, it's reduced the environmental impact of its Apple AirPods Pro, making these awesome audio devices better than ever. That's without mentioning its beautiful sound quality, Active Noise Cancellation, sweat and water resistance, and spatial audio so you're completely immersed in what you're listening to.
Thanks to its charging case, you're also getting up to 24 hours of battery life. Finally, thanks to Apple's brilliant design approach, AirPods Pro can also seamlessly move connectivity from one Apple device to another, making connected life that much easier.
The best iPad Pro battery pack
Intelli ScoutPro
Apple might promise all-day battery life on the 2021 iPad Pro. However, its longevity will be cut in half if you're doing video rendering, photo editing, or 3D modeling. Luckily, more powerful power banks like the Intelli ScoutPro are more accessible than ever. This 240W option from Intelli is so compact, it'll fit in your pocket. Yet, it's got so much juice it'll fully charge your 11-inch iPad Pro three times or your 12.9-inch two times, and still have some power leftover.
With one USB-A port, two 100W USB-C ports, and a wireless charger, you can even charge all your Apple devices all at once.
The best rugged iPad Pro case
Otterbox iPad Pro (12.9-inch) (5th gen) Defender Series Pro Case
One thing Apple's Magic Keyboard cannot do is protect your iPad Pro from harsh elements or even drops and bumps. For that, you can always rely on Otterbox, one of our go-to brands for cases for mobile devices. For the new iPad Pro 12.9-inch, there's the Defender Series Pro Case, which is not just designed to be rugged, but also built to inhibit microbial growth thanks to a silver-based antimicrobial additive.
It's not just drop- and pathogen-resistant. It's dust-resistant as well, featuring a port that keeps dirt and dust away from your iPad Pro's audio jack and USB-C port.
The best iPad Pro Bluetooth keyboard
Logitech K380
If you prefer a more traditional keyboard that is separate from your tablet, the Logitech K380 is an excellent, travel-friendly choice. This mini wireless keyboard with a 75% form factor is amazing to use, with great bounce and travel that make it among the most comfortable keyboards out there. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with your iPad Pro, along with two other devices due to its three-device connectivity feature.
Because it's thin and light, it's the perfect travel companion to your iPad Pro, and will come in handy when you're working while traveling. Best yet, it's cheap – much cheaper than the Magic Keyboard, in fact.
The best iPad Pro stand
Yohann iPad Pro Stand
Of course, if you're getting a separate keyboard, you're going to need a stand for your iPad Pro as well. For one, you can go on Amazon and choose one from the sea of homogeneous options. Or you can get this stunner of a stand from Yohann, whose minimalist design is only topped by its versatility. Made of walnut or oak, it offers three different angles as well as landscape and portrait mounting. Finally, it has two ways to safely and easily store your Apple Pencil.
If you're an artist and want a minimalist yet stylist setup, you'll love this one as much as we do.
The best iPad Pro tracker
Apple AirTags
We only wish that Apple had devised a way to attach its new AirTags to Apple devices like the iPad Pro. At the moment, there's really no way to do so. However, as they are now, these trackers are a great way to ensure that your tablet is safe – or at the very least, retrievable when it does get stolen.
There might not be a way to snap the AirTag directly on your iPad Pro, but you can pop it into your laptop bag. If someone steals your bag, you can use your phone to not just track it, but also audibly and visually ping it as well as find its exact location.