Essential accessories for your tablet
No matter the model or size of the tablet you own, there are many accessories available to expand its functionality and protect it from physical damage. Whether you’re looking for a waterproof case, a holder to place on your desk or a portable Bluetooth keyboard, there are plenty of options available for a variety of needs.
If you’re specifically looking for a tablet case, the classic ProCase Universal Tablet Case for 9-10-Inch Tablets is tough to beat. It features a built-in stand that can be positioned at various angles as well as a pocket and a pen holder; it also comes with a stylus.
What to know before you buy a tablet accessory
Pay attention to tablet model compatibility
Before buying a tablet accessory, make sure it’s compatible with the size and model of tablet you own. Most tablet accessories are universal and work with most current tablets, but some might be specifically designed with one specific product in mind.
Tablet operating systems and compatibility
Most universal tablet accessories are compatible with most tablet operating systems. Depending on which operating system your tablet uses, you might have to follow certain steps to pair via Bluetooth if the tablet accessory is wireless.
Tablet power and connections
Some tablet accessories come with a built-in battery and others use disposable batteries. Most tablet accessories can be used while charging your tablet via power outlet.
Tablet accessory types
Tablet screen protectors
Some screen protectors are made of a thin layer of plastic film which fits easily over your screen by peeling off an adhesive layer. Others are heavier plastic, or even-tempered glass, built to protect from heavy-duty use and the elements.
Tablet cases
Some cases might include a keyboard cover or sleeve in case you use a Bluetooth keyboard with your tablets. Some are a slim profile with an outer bumper to protect the edges of your tablet and others are more robust, with two separate heavy-duty plastic pieces and sometimes a rubber sleeve to waterproof your tablet.
Tablet chargers and battery packs
Depending on the model of your tablet, you might be able to use a wireless charging pad for your tablet. You can also get a power pack which, once charged separately via an outlet, will then charge your tablet.
Tablet stands
Some tablet stands allow you to use your tablet just like a laptop by standing it up at eye level. Other stands are built into the tablet case and simply fold out at various angles, which can be great for reading with your tablet or using it to watch movies and TV shows.
Keyboards and mice for tablets
Most keyboards and mice for tablets connect to your device via Bluetooth and may be slightly smaller than keyboards and mice for computers. They generally run off of removable batteries, which may be rechargeable depending on the battery model.
Tablet accessory cost
Most tablet accessories cost anywhere from about $10-$60, depending on the accessory type.
Tablet accessory FAQ
How can I best protect my tablet from getting wet or being dropped?
A. Some companies make impact-resistant and waterproof cases and shells for tablets. Generally, these cases also include a warranty against accidental damage, are built to withstand the elements and often include a screen protector.
Can I plug my tablet into my external display?
A. Depending on your tablet’s outputs and your display model, all you need is an adapter to connect your tablet to your external display.
Which tablet accessory should I get?
Best of the best tablet case
ProCase Universal Tablet Case for 9-10-Inch Tablets: available at Amazon
Our take: This adjustable case fits most 9-10-inch tablet models and comes with a protective cover and built-in stand.
What we like: Stand folds out to several different angles. Includes a stylus. Elastic X-shaped holder adjusts to fit most tablets.
What we dislike: Only fits some iPad models. Users who wish to orient their tablets in portrait mode have to use a separate stand. Some users find it slightly bulky.
Best bang for your buck tablet case
Speck Products StyleFolio Flex Universal Case for 9-10.5-Inch Tablets: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable, simple folio-style case fits most tablets and has a flip-down cover for easy use.
What we like: Easily installed via sliding bracket. Has four protective corners.
What we dislike: Some users find that depending on the tablet model, the case presses volume buttons or the tablet occasionally pops out. The faux leather on the cover wears off quickly. Some users find the tablet size bulky.
Honorable mention tablet case
KuRoKo Universal 360 Rotating Case for 9-10-Inch Tablet: available at Amazon
Our take: This universal tablet case rotates to allow for portrait or landscape usage.
What we like: Durable and easy to adjust to most tablets via adjustable strap. Has grips on all four corners.
What we dislike: Some users find the viewing angles are limited depending on use. Does not always fit depending on the tablet model.
Best of the best water-resistant tablet case
ShellBox Waterproof iPad Case: available at Amazon
Our take: This durable waterproof case fits most iPads and comes with a detachable lanyard.
What we like: Has a plastic shockproof layer. Waterproof up to 6 feet for up to an hour. Has built-in screen protector.
What we dislike: The back cover partially blocks the speakers and users report that the sound is slightly muddy at high volume. Only compatible with certain iPad models.
Best bang for your buck water-resistant tablet case
MoKo Waterproof Tablet Case: available at Amazon
Our take: This affordable tablet case fits most tablet sizes and has room left over for credit cards and ID, cash and coins and other small accessories.
What we like: Comes with a detachable lanyard to hang it up in the shower or wear around your neck at the beach or pool. Has a durable lock to close the plastic cover. Waterproof up to 98 feet.
What we dislike: Some users find the plastic screen cover is too thick. Does not fit the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Honorable mention water-resistant tablet case
AlCase iPad Pro/iPad Air Waterproof Case: available at Amazon
Our take: This waterproof iPad case fits the iPad Air and iPad Pro 9.7 models and comes with a detachable carrying strap.
What we like: Transparent windows on both sides of the device are thin enough to allow for easy scrolling. Easy to install.
What we dislike: Difficult to remove. Some users report that the case blocks some buttons and functions on their iPad.
Best of the best tablet keyboard
Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard: available at Amazon
Our take: This versatile and compact Bluetooth keyboard has a built-in stand and connects seamlessly to any tablet model.
What we like: Full-sized keyboard. Up to two-year battery life with AAA batteries. Can connect to three different machines or devices at once for easy handoff and multitasking.
What we dislike: Some users find the built-in stand to be clunky. Some users find the auto-sleep feature to be inconvenient.
Best bang for your buck tablet keyboard
Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Portable Wireless Keyboard: available at Amazon
Our take: This colorful and lightweight wireless keyboard is compatible with any operating system and tablet.
What we like: Has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery. LED backlight feature has two brightness levels and an auto-sleep feature to save energy. Affordable price.
What we dislike: Some users report that it is finicky to pair with certain devices. The only low battery indicator is a blinking light.
Honorable mention tablet keyboard
Fosmon Mini Bluetooth Keyboard: available at Amazon
Our take: This compact keyboard includes a touchpad, making it great for gamers and creatives.
What we like: Has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery. The keys are tilted slightly on the right and left sides for more comfortable ergonomics. Charges quickly in under two hours.
What we dislike: Some users find that the keys are too small. Some users report latency issues when using it for gaming.
Best of the best tablet stand
AboveTek Aluminum Tablet Stand: available at Amazon
Our take: This stable but lightweight universal tablet stand swivels 360 degrees so you can orient your tablet however you’d like.
What we like: Includes a camera tripod adaptor. Folds up for easy transport. Can also be used as a GPS stand.
What we dislike: Some parts of the stand are adjustable only by Allen wrench. Some users report that the plastic parts of the stand are flimsy.
Best bang for your buck tablet stand
Doboli Tablet Stand Holder: available at Amazon
Our take: This sleek and minimal tablet stand holds most types of tablets and comes in a variety of colors.
What we like: Folds down for easy transport. Supports vertical and horizontal viewing. Silicone grip pads on the stand are very sturdy and help stabilize the tablet.
What we dislike: Some users find that the stand tips over easily. The base is not adjustable.
Honorable mention tablet stand
KABCON Tablet Stand: available at Amazon
Our take: This sturdy aluminum tablet stand holds a variety of tablets and has a long adjustable arm.
What we like: Fits larger tablets. Heavy base creates stability. Angle and height can be adjusted and then tightened.
What we dislike: Some users feel the plastic clamp is slightly flimsy. Some users find the stand shakes when they type Adrian Wengenroth is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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