Best Low-Cost Alternatives to OtterBox for the iPad Mini 4

Updated April 2017: We have re-focused the list specifically for the iPad Mini 4, take a look at the great cases below.

OtterBox is one of the go-to names for protective cases, but it's not the only option around when it comes to keeping your iPad Mini 4 safe. After you've already spent a whack of money on your iPad, you probably don't really want to spend a bunch more on a case.

Griffin Survivor case

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Drop-tested to withstand falls from up to six feet high, the Griffin Survivor Case gives you solid 360-degree protection for your iPad Mini 4. Its dual-layered design consists of a rubbery TPU inner sleeve that provides shock protection, while the hard outer polycarbonate shell will keep it safe from chips, scratches, and scuffs.

Plus, the Griffin Survivor Case has a front cover that will keep your screen as pristine as possible, so you don't need to buy a separate screen protector for your iPad Mini 4.

See at Amazon

UAG Composite case

If you're looking for a lightweight case for your iPad Mini 4 that offers protection similar to OtterBox but without the OtterBox bulk or price, check out the UAG Composite case.

The UAG Composite case has a hard, armored outer shell and a soft inner core that shields your iPad Mini 4 from scratches, dings, and drops. It has a raised lip so that your iPad mini's screen is protected, too. In addition to being protective, it maintains a slim profile and doesn't add a lot of weight or bulk.

Its oversized rubbery buttons makes it easy to access the volume, sleep/wake, and Lock switch on your iPad Mini 4, so you don't have to worry that it will interfere in any way.

See at Amazon

Spigen Tough Armor

The Spigen Tough Armor case is exactly what you see on the box: It's a protective case for the iPad mini that has received rave reviews from people who own it for its durability, how well it works, and its slim fit.

The Spigen Tough Armor case is made from webbed thermo-plastic-urethane (TPU) with an air-cushioned interior for protection from dings and drops. It is also slim-fitting, so if you want to preserve the slim lines of your iPad mini, this will do it for you.

See at Amazon

Speck StyleFolio

The Speck StyleFolio case gives you all the benefits of an A+ heavy duty case and a folio case in one!

It has a hard shell that shields your iPad Mini 4 from getting smashed, Speck has drop-tested the Style Folio case for drops up to 4-feet, so minor falls of your coffee table should be no problem!

Plus, it's also a folio case, meaning it will help protect the screen from scratches and scuffs while you're carrying it around and you always can use it as a stand. Talk about the best of both worlds!

See at Amazon

SUPCASE Unicorn Beetle

Whether it's the extremely positive Amazon reviews or in the comments section on iMore (see below), the Supcase Unicorn Beetle case comes highly recommended and for good reason.

It has everything you need in a heavy-duty case: a hard polycarbonate shell protects all sides and edges of your iPad, a built-in screen protector prevents the glass from being damaged, and dust covers protect the Lightning port and headphone jack.

It comes in a range of colors such as blue, green, pink, black, and white, so you should have no problem finding the color that fits you.

See at Amazon

Your favorites?

Didn't see your favorite tough case for iPad mini on our list? Let us know which one you use and why it meets the OtterBox-level standard of protection in the comments below!

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.