5 Useful Travel Accessories Every iPad Owner Should Have

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If you’re always on the go with an iPad, you probably already have some very useful accessories like Apple’s Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil. After all, it seems like these two Apple accessories are indispensable in every situation, like when working at a coffee shop, on a lazy Sunday morning at home, and more. Still, if you want to up your game, there are other not-so-obvious accessories you should have every time you travel, like a portable tablet stand on planes, a large power bank, a proper case, and more.

Although some users prefer iPad accessories that Apple doesn’t make because they’re cheaper, there are a wide range of different products you can get to enhance your iPad experience. Traveling with my iPad all the time on trains, planes, and cars, some of these accessories have become my go-to devices whenever I need to pack for a new trip. Better than that, most of the time you can combine them all into one trip, meaning they can still be meaningful to you no matter where you are.

After all, the iPad can be a productivity hub, but also the best screen you could have for watching your favorite TV shows, distracting yourself a little with some doodling, or even reading the news on your favorite websites. That said, here are some useful travel accessories that every iPad owner should have and consider using on their next trip.

Every square inch of space counts on an airplane. If your airline doesn’t have a screen, or it’s just plain awful, then you know the iPad is still your best friend in situations like this. This is why a portable stand can be the perfect option. On Amazon, several different brands and options can be adapted to your budget and your profile. One that has been highly praised by customers is the KDD Airplane Tablet Holder.

Supporting up to 15 oz, this accessory is made of ABS and partial metal materials to provide users with a strong yet lightweight product. With the locking buttons you can keep your iPad secure and stable, and once attached you can adjust its angle and rotate it up to 360 degrees. Customers also use this tablet holder to mount their Nintendo Switch and even a phone, as this can be the most convenient way to attach it to the small table on the plane and enjoy your favorite content.

Customers can use it vertically with devices from 4.7 to 7.9 inches and horizontally for products from 8 to 13 inches, making this accessory perfect for every iPhone or iPad user. It can also be used in your vehicle, on a train and anywhere else you might want to enjoy your tablet.

If you like to camp in the summer, spend long weekends, or go a long time without a power supply, a large power bank is a lifesaver. One of the best brands to trust for keeping your iPad charged is Anker. The company offers a wide range of different power banks, but one of the best is the Prime Power Bank range, which can charge up to three devices at once. A high-end model is the one with 20,000 mAh and 220 W total power, which can bring 140 W fast charging to any Apple device and up to 100 W recharge, ensuring you get a full battery for the power bank as quickly as possible.

Not only is this power bank approved for flight, but users can control it and learn more via an app. The accessory is so powerful that you can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro, a 13-inch iPad Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max simultaneously. That said, if you only have your iPad with you, or your iPad and a few iPhones, you’re fine, because this big power bank will get the job done.

Although it’s more expensive at $179.99, Anker also has other options that might cost a little more or a little less. After all, if you own an iPad Pro M5, which is the only iPad capable of fast charging, spending a little more might make sense.

A slightly more usual accessory, it’s important for any constant traveler to protect their iPad with a case. These devices have become more expensive as Apple has increased the prices of several products, and it is better to have a tablet in perfect condition than to suffer from small or large scratches, dents, etc. There are a wide range of protective iPad cases available, but my favorite so far is the Smart Folio.

Apple’s Smart Folio is available on all iPad models and comes in fun colors to match your tablet (or not, if you own an iPad Pro). However, what I like the most is its simplicity but its effectiveness. Recently, Apple updated the Smart Folio to support a wider range of viewing angles, so you can always adjust your accessory every time you read, type, make a FaceTime call, play a game, or watch a movie. Once you open the Smart Folio, the iPad screens light up and once you close it, the iPad locks.

Unlike previous versions, the Smart Folio protects both the back and front of the iPad, and because it’s ultra-thin and light, it barely feels like there’s anything on your iPad. Priced at $79 for most models, only those with a 13-inch iPad Air or iPad Pro need to pay $99 for this accessory. A little too expensive? Certainly. But it protects my iPad and is a great option when I don’t want the Magic Keyboard connected to my tablet.

If you’re traveling from the United States to Europe, the United Kingdom, South America, Asia and more, you know how important it is to have the right outlet. For years, Apple sold a Worldwide Travel Adapter kit, handy for removing the MacBook’s duck head and inserting another one, but the company no longer offers that option. That said, if you’re not one of those travelers who already owned this product, you’ll need a third-party option. Among many brands, BGR recommends power supplies with plug adapters from Satechi. For example, Satechi has a 4-port GaN USB-C travel charger that delivers up to 145W of total power with intelligent power distribution alongside the ports. It comes with US, UK, EU and Australian standards, plus a mesh pouch to keep everything organized for the most meticulous traveler.

Customers simply need to remove the current duck head and replace it with the one they are traveling to. Of course, this GaN charger is compatible with all the latest Apple devices and products from other brands.

As a constant traveler who takes my iPad everywhere, accessories like this have changed the way I travel. Often I would find myself in another country only to realize that I hadn’t brought the correct plug. Sometimes I get lucky and the hotel front desk or Airbnb host has an outlet I can use, but other times I have to buy an adapter just for that trip. With an accessory like this, I’m always covered.

Finally, what’s a good travel accessory for an iPad item if we don’t recommend a backpack? After all, if you have to put everything together, you need a suitable transport device. You can choose a tech storage pouch for just cables, power supplies and other small things. However, in reality, if you’re carrying a 13-inch iPad Pro, a big power bank, a tablet stand, and your favorite universal plug adapters, you need a backpack.

One of the more interesting options, which is obviously priced high, is Harber London. They have high-quality leather backpacks in which you can easily fit a 13-inch iPad or even a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Customers can easily store and organize their cables, add a water bottle, wallet, AirPods, AirTag and more.

Featuring multiple compartments and a microfiber finish to prevent abrasions and bruises, its backpacks are made from durable, water-resistant fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. It’s also handmade in Spain, adding a European touch to your next tech backpack. However, it is important to note that this is not the only option and users might find it difficult to choose from so many other more budget-friendly backpacks. Still, this is a must-have travel accessory because you should avoid doing what I did and putting most of your tech gear in a tote bag and calling it a day.

BGR chose these accessories based on customer reviews, products that staff have been able to test, and personal experience over the years. Having owned several different iPads over the past decade, from the iPad 2 to the iPad Air 2, to the iPad mini 6 and most recently a 13-inch iPad Pro M4, I more than cover the ground, I always look forward to finding the perfect piece of equipment for my daily setup, whether that’s using my iPad as my best travel companion or simply making the most of my favorite TV show when I don’t have a TV or projector nearby.

The accessories mentioned above have been reviewed by real customers, as well as our staff. Although we chose these specific products to highlight the article, these are just ideas you might have before planning your next trip with your iPad. After all, the tablet can take up a lot of space on a plane, and when we start using it more, the battery can drain quickly. That’s why a reliable power bank that you can take anywhere is a good idea. The Apple Smart Folio is also a safe bet when looking for a protective case. I also recommend the third-party options offered on Apple’s website because the company makes sure to only sell its customers the best accessories that work well with its products. However, customers are free to choose other brands and other devices that might better meet their needs.