Stylish and protective iPad mini cases

I got an iPad Mini for my birthday. I want a protective but stylish case with a stand so I can be hands free when I watch a movie. I want something that is going to protect all the edges of the device and not just the corners. -Jennifer

Oooh, what an awesome birthday gift, Jennifer! We totally get that you want to keep your new precious gadget protected but also looking fabulous too, so here are a few recommendations that we hope will work for you.

We’ve always been big fans of Speck because they do such a great job of balancing protection and style. Their new StyleFolio cases (above) are a perfect example: Tons of color and pattern choices, including some really pretty ones for spring and summer, along with a hard shell case that covers all the edges of your mini. The cover folds back for viewing or typing, and there’s a clasp to keep it from flapping open when you pop it in your bag or hand it to your child. If you decide to share it, that is. ($34.95, Speck)

Belkin, another longtime favorite of ours, makes a similar iPad mini case with comparable protection and a magnetic-close cover. While the color combos are limited, the cover folds back for viewing, and it’s reversible too. But unlike the Speck StyleFolio case, you can remove the Belkin cover entirely, which is a nice option. ($39.99, Belkin)

And if you’re still looking for added protection, you can’t go wrong with the OtterBox Defender series, which we’ve recommended many times before. The Build-Your-Own color choices are fun, the built-in stand is super sturdy, and the construction and protection really can’t be beat. But the OtterBox is definitely bulkier than the Speck and Belkin cases, so if you want a slimmer profile, go with one of those instead. It’s also twice the price, so keep that in mind too. ($79.90, OtterBox)

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