ZUGU CASE: The Best iPad Case for Illustrators?!

I think I've found the best iPad case for Illustrators. I've been drawing on an ipad for many years now and over that time I've tried a bunch of different iPad cases and covers—most of them suck. I decided to make this review because I watched a ton of iPad case reviews in my hunt for the perfect case and I found that none of them addressed the specific things I wanted to know. These things were usually specific to drawing on an iPad as opposed to using it to stream, or just general computer replacement. This review is not sponsored by Zugu—I just like their case, and purchased it myself.

If you're interested in this case (or the iPad screen protector for a better drawing experience), here are some affiliate links—meaning, I get a small cut from Amazon if you purchase one using one of the links. That cut will help me devote more time to making videos.

🔍 You can also find me on:

[RickGladwin]

Wanted to come back and say thanks for this recommendation. I was specifically looking for a good case to use for drawing and designing, and your review (especially the part where you LEANED ON THE CASE WHEN IT WAS PROPPED OPEN!!) sold me. It was 100% the right call. It's exactly what I was looking for.

I had a Speck Folio case before this, which is a very good case, but not quite stable enough at low angles (you fold and tuck the cover under the iPad for drawing or typing, and there's only friction to lock it in place, and only one angle). Great for most things, lots of higher angles, not the best option for drawing.

Also really appreciated that you're clearly not being a salesman here, and genuinely just want to talk about the product. That sold me as well :)

[negktl]

Hey Chris! I stumbled upon your channel a couple of days back, and I'm absolutely hooked on your content now. Even though I'm not a pro illustrator, I've had a passion for drawing since my childhood. Your videos have truly opened up a whole new world for me! Thanks a lot!
🎨📱

[AgentSmith]

If you like paper like you’ll love bellemond. Definitely worth trying out. I’ve been through several different brands to find the best drawing experience and this seems to be exactly what was missing

[doomsmith]

This review and the impromptu review for your own case were both amazing. I love the way you slam your own product lol. But for real, it shows that you're a real person and you're expressing honest opinions without thinking solely about your wallet. I really appreciate that. I like your content, and opinions, and real-ness. Thanks for doing what you do. :)

[zacpino]

Brother, thank you for making this video. I’ve never seen your videos before but you’re funny as hell and I needed a video with the fold back. I am also an artist but I use mine for a completely different purpose. I’m in construction so I need the cover for the screen for protection, but when I’m out in the field, I am holding it and need a sturdy case that when it’s open like you said, it’s nice and firm, it has a magnet on it but man, thank you for being down to earth funny as hell and very informative. I definitely subscribed after watching this one video.!!

[CallumWarrenArt]

I've just binged so many iPad videos. Great content!

[junkykid_art]

Great vid, Chris! I happen to be using this case already. Been using for a few years as well. Best case for how I use it as well. I always use the angle thingy. 👍😊

[charliemartian]

I have this case for my 2nd Gen ipad and I love it. Still holding up great after 5+ years

[gabrielcameron]

I love your quirkiness, Chris. I also really appreciate your honesty and authenticity.

Is this still your favorite case? I have a new 13" iPad Pro coming next week and I’m considering getting this case.

Also, I think this would be a magnificent name for a show or podcast or something: The Foldback with Chris Piascik

[edwardwilliams]

I bought the Zugu case when it first came out for my 1st gen iPad Pro 12.9 and was so happy with it that I’ve always bought one for every iPad I’ve bought since, they are the best case hands down. No other can compare.

[stefnotfound]

Thanks for the review, it helped alot! Such high quality videos and a captivating personality! 😂 I was shocked to see you had a few thousand ! But im glad i’ll get to see you grow see from here !

[Wraith]

I’ve tried a few cases and this one by far is the best one. Great quality, It inclines to the artist angles and very sturdy magnetic legs to hold it up. 100 percent recommended.

[Blueeyesinthesky]

Great review! Love the dry humor too haha I cackled out loud a couple times. Def purchasing this case!

[CeeC_CeeC]

Had this for the last 2 ipads i owned and it’s awesome. Waiting for them to release for the new ipad.

[JJMotionStudio]

Your delivery style won me over - I subscribed right away when I saw the "so" counter.

[justinTime]

This dude knows, and on top of it being a great case they package it with more love than any company I’ve ordered from. It’s a good experience. Lol

[marqosmarqos]

Your recommendations are helpful. Once again, thanks. I'm ordering this right now. I'll use the link so that you can get a kickback.

[MrsSMH]

I recently bought the newer version of this case. I really like it. ZUGU got rid of the microfiber on the inside. People said it got dirty easily and was hard to clean. Also, I didn’t hear you mention the pencil pocket on the back. For those of us that don’t use a pencil that often, it’s helpful because constantly charging the pencil will drain the iPad battery quicker.

[davidlane]

I've used zugu cases for a while now and, while i love them, there's some niggles i have specifically from an artists standpoint

For starters, the outer ridge that protrudes around the screen. It's not such a big deal on larger ipads, but the mini series is already fairly cramped for an artist to work with and the already hampered ability to use your wrist to make line motions is basically taken out as an option entirely with the zugu case and it's ridge. It digs into the wrist and hampers wrist motion. It's still workable, but to a noticeable detriment

My second point isn't so much that the Zugu is bad, just that other cases are better for this... And that's drawing angles. On my old 9.7 inch ipad pro, i used the otterbox defender. It has a screen cover shell that snaps off and has a hinged stand inside that allows a near 90 degree slot for watching content and, if you flip it backwards, offerings a roughly 45 degree angle to prop your ipad on for drawing... But both in horizontal AND vertical modes. After using that option, it's hard to want to go back to having to manually prop up your screen for vertical drawing sessions

Zugu is still a great case and offers the best protection for the weight and thickness while offering a few bonus features, but it's not an ipad artists best friend

Also, for anyone looking into the otterbox defender case for the ipad mini 6, be aware there are complaints. The hinge for the apple pencil 2 slot has been reported to be extremely prone to breaking and I've heard from other sources that the artist angles for propping up the screen aren't nearly as good as they were in previous models, given it's not a secure fit

[Sharkroars]

Thank you i got this same case right after watching your video and i got it on black friday deal too so perfect timing haha