- 9.20/10 1. Premium pick: Apple AirPods Pro
- 9.60/10 2. Editors choice: Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
- 8.80/10 3. Best value: Arteck iPad Pro Keyboard
- 9.40/10 4. Otterbox Defender iPad Pro Case
- 8.40/10 5. Satechi Aluminum USB-C Hub
- 9.40/10 6. Anker PowerPort PD 2
- 9.20/10 7. JETech iPad Pro Screen Protector
- 9.20/10 8. Uni USB-C SD Card Reader
The iPad Pro is Apple's most powerful tablet. The device is positioned as a viable laptop alternative, thanks to its large screen, multitasking support, and the inclusion of the tablet-specific iPadOS operating system.
However, to make the most of your iPad Pro, you'll need some accessories to go alongside it. While Apple has an official range available through their stores, we're going to look mostly at third-party options here.
These are the best iPad Pro accessories available today.
In Marvel's Iron Man films, Tony Stark controls all of his technology by voice through his smart assistant, Jarvis. As science fiction becomes reality, you can control your devices with a voice assistant, too. In Apple's case, that'll be Siri.
If this kind of hands-free interaction is important to you, then consider investing in a set of Apple AirPods Pro earbuds. The Bluetooth headphones are tightly integrated with Apple's software, thanks to the company's H1 chip. The AirPods Pro also come equipped with active noise cancellation.
- Include Apple's H1 chip
- Noise-cancelation technology
- Brand: Apple
- Battery Life: 4.5 hours, 24 hours with charging case
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Additional Tips: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Integration with Siri
- Case provides up to 24 hours of battery
- Adaptive EQ
- Only available in white
- One of the most expensive options
While the iPad Pro is designed around its touchscreen, it's not the most precise input. That's especially true if you are using it for graphics editing or handwritten notes. The Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) is the tablet's official stylus and one of the best iPad Pro accessories.
If you need to replicate the experience of putting pen to paper, then the Apple Pencil will be your most valuable peripheral. The device wirelessly connects to your iPad Pro and supports wireless charging, too. There's a palm rejection feature included so you can use the Apple Pencil naturally as well.
- Connects via Bluetooth to your iPad Pro
- Comes with a Palm Rejection feature for a smooth writing experience
- Brand: Apple
- Compatibility: iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1
- Supports wireless charging
- Magnetic flat side for charging, pairing, and storage
- Only compatible with iPad Pro and iPad Air (4th generation)
Although Apple produces its own keyboard for the iPad Pro, the Smart Keyboard Folio, it is expensive. If you aren't going to be using it that regularly, you can find a more affordable iPad Pro keyboard elsewhere. The Arteck iPad Pro Keyboard is a great alternative and is equipped with many of the same features.
The keyboard doubles as a stand for your tablet and when not in use becomes a protective case for the iPad Pro. The keyboard follows the standard Mac layout and connects via Bluetooth. The built-in battery is good for around 100 hours of use before it needs a two-hour recharge.
- Keyboard doubles as a protective case
- 100-hour battery life
- Connects via Bluetooth
- Brand: Arteck
- Wireless: Yes
- Backlight: No
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: 100 hours (rechargable)
- Num Pad: No
- Standard Mac key layout
- Supports the iPad's auto sleep/wake feature when opened and closed
- Typing experience not up to par with official Apple accessories
It's well-known that Apple's devices can be fragile. All it takes is a small fall or a brief collision with the screen, and your premium device could be out of action. To protect your investment, consider the Otterbox Defender iPad Pro Case.
Otterbox cases are regarded as the best rugged protection you can give your mobile device. The Defender case doesn't only cover the rear of the iPad Pro. Instead, you insert your tablet inside the case and lock it inside. This protects the screen, keeps your tablet clean, and assists with unexpected shocks.
- Rugged design
- Brand: Otterbox
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 1.98lbs
- Comes with a kickstand
- All-round device protection, including screen
- Case adds extra weight to your iPad Pro
- Can't interact directly with the touchscreen, only through protective layer
5. Satechi Aluminum USB-C Hub
Most USB-C hubs and adaptors in the market will work with the new iPad Pro. But because of their short cables, they're unwieldy to use with the device propped up. Satechi has an Aluminum USB-C Hub specially designed for the iPad Pro.
Just plug the hub into the tablet, and you'll have access to an HDMI port, USB-A port, SD card reader, and a USB-C port. It's important to note that the USB-C port is for charging only. The HDMI port supports monitors with up to 4K resolution at 30Hz.
- Supports USB-C power delivery to power gadgets with the iPad Pro's battery
- 4K HDMI output
- Brand: Satechi
- Connection: USB-C
- Ports: USB-C PD charging (up to 100W), HDMI and VGA display outputs, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-C data port, two USB-A data ports, and micro/SD card reader slots
- 3.5mm headphone jack means you can use wired headphones
- Available in Space Gray color to complement the iPad Pro
- Fairly expensive
- Only supports the iPad Pro
6. Anker PowerPort PD 2
Due to the iPad Pro's large battery, topping up your tablet can be a slow affair without the right charger. The Anker PowerPort PD 2 is one of the best iPad Pro chargers available today. This is thanks to its 18W USB-C output with which it can recharge your portable Apple devices at the fastest speeds possible.
There's also a USB-A charging port for all non-USB-C devices, equipped with Anker's PowerIQ charging technology. As the plug can be folded, the PowerPort PD 2 is the ideal travel charger for the iPad Pro, too.
- 18W USB-C output
- Includes Anker's PowerIQ charging technology
- Brand: Anker
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Weight: 0.23lbs
- USB-A port for non-USB-C devices
- Foldable and portable design
- Requires a wall socket
As you interact with the iPad Pro through the display alone, it makes sense to keep it protected and clean. The JETech iPad Pro Screen Protector is one of the best iPad Pro accessories you can buy. You'd think all screen protectors are alike, but that isn't the case.
Some protectors interfere with your tablet's features like Face ID, touch performance, or the camera. This option plays nicely with all of those important functions and is even compatible with the Apple Pencil. Thankfully, the JETech iPad Pro Screen Protector is also fingerprint-resistant.
- Fingerprint-resistant surface
- Full edge-to-edge coverage with notch for front-facing camera
- Brand: JETech
- Compatibility: iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- Supports the Apple Pencil
- Made from 0.33mm thick tempered glass
- Scratch-resistant
- Only suitable for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch
8. Uni USB-C SD Card Reader
If you use the iPad Pro for creative pursuits like photography, you'll need a way of transferring files to the tablet. The Uni USB-C SD Card Reader is compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, and Micro SDXC cards.
Just pop in the SD card, connect the USB-C cable to your iPad Pro and it will launch the Import function in the Photos app. You can tap to select the images or videos you want to import. Once the transfer is done, you can delete them from the SD card as well.
- Supports six types of SD card
- Equipped with microSD and SD card slots
- Brand: Uni
- Connection: USB-C
- Slots: SD card, microSD card
- Slimline design means it doesn't block other ports or get in the way
- USB-C connection provides tranfer speeds up to 5Gbps
- Doesn't often achieve maximum file transfer speeds
FAQ
Q: What Accessories Do I Need for My iPad Pro?
The iPad Pro is a feature-packed entry in Apple's range of tablets. However, it can be turned into a productivity powerhouse with the help of a handful of accessories.
Items like wireless headphones, portable chargers, USB hubs and card readers, and protective cases are all highly recommended accessories for your iPad Pro.
Q: What Comes in an iPad Pro Box?
When you purchase your iPad Pro, it comes with a USB-C charging cable and a 18W USB-C power adapter.
Q: Which Screen Protector Is Best for iPad Pro?
While there are many screen protectors available for the iPad Pro, we recommend the JETech iPad Pro Screen Protector. It is made of tempered glass, is easy to apply and fingerprint-resistant, and supports the Apple Pencil.