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.
ZUGU iPad Cases : amzn.to/3yhd771
Paperlike iPad Screen Protector: amzn.to/3CfPNrg
iCarez Matte iPad Screen Protector: amzn.to/3CfPNrg
*Chris Piascik is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.*
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[@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 :)

[@chris-piascik]

Oh thanks for letting me know! Glad you found it useful!

[@negktl2353]

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! 🎨📱

[@chris-piascik]

Awesome, thank you! That's so nice to hear!

[@Blueeyesinthesky]

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

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@zacpino3072]

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.!!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate that, glad you found this helpful!

[@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. :)

[@chris-piascik]

I appreciate that!

[@CallumWarrenArt]

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

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks!

[@edwardwilliams188]

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 !

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you so much! Glad you found the review helpful. My channel is still pretty new, I’ve been working hard on it though, so I hope you’re right about it growing :)

[@stefnotfound]

@@chris-piascik Its not the first time i’ve came across your videos. Your thumbnails are very distinct and it seems you’re always near the top when i search for certain art videos, so i have no doubt you’ll get the traffic to your channel you deserve. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@chris-piascik]

@@stefnotfound oh wow, that's great to hear. I really appreciate the feedback and info!

[@jondoh587]

@@chris-piascik Definitely some helpful info here, but wow, a script might have been a good idea on this one.

[@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. 👍😊

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I don’t really use the angle thing that much because I hold my iPad while I draw.

[@sharonzumpfe790]

I have a question about this case. I have used the Targus versavu for years and love the fact that you can turn the iPad so it is in portrait mode. I was wondering if when the zugu case is in maybe the mid position if the iPad in the case could be turned on its side to obtain. the same result.

[@marqosmarqos1201]

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

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! Glad you think so, this was a nice change from a bunch of recent comments on this video complaining about me rambling, lol.

[@marqosmarqos1201]

The rambling is funny and entertaining. Dont change your style.It works.@@chris-piascik

[@HAPPY_DECAY]

Thanks heaps for the review. New IPP so new cover, got an Otterbox but didn't realize they had redesigned their cover with a not so easy to use pencil-holding draw thing. Anyway, one thing leads to another and here I am so thanks. Going to get the Zugu now.

[@chris-piascik]

Ahh bummer about the pencil situation. I dunno why it’s so tricky for a lot of cases. I had one where it was so hard to get the pencil out. Glad this was helpful though!

[@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

[@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

[@chris-piascik]

Ahh great news!

[@Wraith26]

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.

[@chris-piascik]

Nice! Agreed, it’s a great 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.

[@chris-piascik]

Nice! I have the ESR one for the new iPad and it’s working well for me so far.

[@justinTime077]

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

[@dsemben1978]

SOOO great video chris. have been looking for a better case... thanks for the info

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@wiljaq2773]

Okay. I’ve seen a couple of your videos. You’re a humorous dude and I iPad draw so I’m going to subscribe.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! Glad you appreciate my sense of humor.

[@brushstroke7190]

just ordered one 🙂 nice video

[@charliemartian8720]

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

[@chris-piascik]

Nice!

[@lawsdraws]

I have 2nd gen one too :) it's great to hear that this case is built to last... very tempted to get one!

[@AgentSmith13]

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

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for the suggestion, I actually saw a video about that one and decided to order it. Maybe I’ll do another video to compare it to the others I’ve tried.

[@racerx3669]

I’m having a bad day. Sorry.

[@RickGladwin]

+1 for Bellemond. I've got the Bellemond Kent paper (slightly smoother than the standard) and this Zugu case and it's a really good setup. The Bellemond Kent paper also diffuses light from the screen a little less than Paperlike etc., so the image stays a little clearer. It's a nice balance between optimizing for writing vs viewing.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks I’ll have to try that one. I thought the Paper version was a bit too much in regards to texture. The new updated PaperLike sounds similar. It has less matte texture than the original. I actually miss the original.

[@JJMotionStudio]

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

[@chris-piascik]

Hah glad you appreciated that. Some did not. Lol

[@ndomanski6947]

Hey is this still your go to case for the new iPad Pro (M4)? If not what do you recommend now?

[@chris-piascik]

If they’ve made a new one I’d still recommend it, I haven’t checked though because ESR sent me one to check out and it works for me. My iPad mainly lives in my Sketchboard Pro 2 though. When I go somewhere and take the iPad I put it in a case, but that doesn’t happen that often.

[@londonstar3657]

Awesome Awesome Awesome funny fun video. Again great great info. But, you had me laughing loud 😂

[@chris-piascik]

That’s so great to hear. I’m really enjoying making these videos. Let me know if there’s any specific content you’d be interested in my talking about.

[@pattysterneker6910]

Can you tell me if you can put the case in portrait mode to take a picture by folding the case to the back? Thank you.

[@chris-piascik]

With the case folded back it hides the camera.

[@kallamatko]

For everyone who has used it, have you noticed your iPad overheating a bit more while it’s in this case? I like that it’s thicker, but I’m also worried about that trapping some of the heat. Especially when the front cover is flipped to cover the back of the iPad + vents.

[@AwjayTV]

this is so funny chaotic review 😂😭😂❤️

[@chris-piascik]

Haha thank you!

[@londonstar3657]

You’re funny man😂. Also, thanks for the great info‼️‼️‼️👍

[@chris-piascik]

😊😊😊

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Hi, I have been watching several of your videos about cases and screen protectors. I am ordering this cover it looks great, thanks for the detailed review. I use my ipad pro for watching videos, reading knitting patterns and drawing and writing. In your opinion do you think a glass protector is a good idea and a magnetic paperlike that you take on and off when you are going to draw? I guess what I"m asking is will the apple pencil still register well through both protective products?

[@chris-piascik]

Unfortunately I don’t have any experience using a glass protector and a PaperLike so I can’t say if the pressure sensitivity would be hindered. I know in Adobe Fresco you can tweak the pressure settings to accommodate preference thoughZ

[@tommyjones1870]

You’re so funny great review I’m going to purchase one thanks for the info

[@chris-piascik]

Hah glad you think so! I’m sure you will love the case!

[@InyasArt]

way to go on "selling" the giveaway prize :)) really fun design, though! and great video!

[@chris-piascik]

Haha thank you!

[@trapjimmy3346]

hey nice review but i had one quick question, when you are drawing flat with this case does it overheat? and also should i be concerned with the case bending the ipad or messing with the buttons over time do to the tightness or you wouldn’t say that’d be a problem?

[@chris-piascik]

I haven’t had any overheating issues with it, I’ve actually only ever had my iPad get hot enough to let me know once and it was while charging and using my astropad Darkboard which is much more thick and dense than this case. I was also working in a big file for several hours when it happened. I definitely don’t think this case would bend the iPad especially since it’s not putting any pressure on it anywhere.

[@trapjimmy3346]

@@chris-piascik to conclude though you still recommend this case even a year later or how would you feel now?

[@MrsSMH1998]

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.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh cool, I haven’t had an issue with my microfiber yet. I forgot about the pencil pocket because I use mine so much.

[@dresdenwillette7336]

but will this protector save it in drops? im a bit clumsy and i need that protection

[@chris-piascik]

It’s more protective than a lot of other cases, I’d assume it would protect from the occasional drop pretty well.

[@lunarcrystal4695]

When you took your ipad out of the case did it scratch the sides at all?

[@chris-piascik]

Just double checked-no scratches.

[@ricmay2837]

I watched your video from Scotland tonight…I own a 10.5 Zugu..Case….I like the tough case ..bit heavy … I just ordered the new blue colour … as I watched your video, for my new 12.9 version 5…. Your right…. it’s a great case …. Protection and flexibility… quality …. Bless…..your utube ….video and sound quality is amazing…. Ric

[@chris-piascik]

Cool! Thanks so much!

[@miskojones82]

Sorry my english is soo bad. The paperlike magnetic is good?

[@chris-piascik]

I have had good luck with the magnetic screen protector by Astropad. I have a video reviewing it.

[@philippecarle6999]

I like how he took some time editing yo implement a "so" counter instead of just jumpcut through them lmao

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah, I definitely waste a lot of time on silly jokes.

[@CustomCole]

Is this case compatible with the 2023 IPad Pro?

[@chris-piascik]

Do you mean 2024? If so I don’t think this one in particular is as the new iPad is thinner. I imagine ZUGU will have one quickly if it’s not already available.

[@davidlane1248]

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

[@chris-piascik]

I do like it better on my ipad Pro vs my iPad mini. Thanks for your input.

[@orbispictus6127]

What could be an ipad artists best friend? I'm really torn between choices.

[@a.d.c7941]

Hey. My issue with this case is that the part of the case that sits on the screen makes contact with the surface its sitting on when its opened. Has this caused u any issues?

[@chris-piascik]

Are you talking about the cover folding back and then the iPad resting on that? If so i have no issues. It’s very flat and stable, it doesn’t shift around. I think it might have something to do with the magnets in the stand part.

[@a.d.c7941]

@@chris-piascik I was referring to the cover laying flat on the surface then it going onto the screen when closed. Wondering if thats a concern for picking stuff that may scratch or whatever

[@chris-piascik]

Ah I see. I haven’t had any issues. It’s a soft material that doesn’t seem to pick up much of anything.

[@a.d.c7941]

@@chris-piascik Thanks bro. I Went ahead and ordered the pine green color one. I think its just as simple as making sure theres nothing on it when I close the case. The reviews are too good to pass it up. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh cool that green looks nice. I’m sure you’ll like the case!

[@crewzta]

I have this case! Yes it’s the best!

[@chris-piascik]

Nice!

[@amymalcolm6336]

Can you link Apple stuff so you can be even less "guiltfully" when I buy my new iPad?

[@chris-piascik]

Technically it is part of my setup so I should add it in here 😎

[@wickedrootart]

I'm sold. Thank u

[@chris-piascik]

I'm sure you'll love it!

[@elichristopher8488]

Ha! Great review - Humorous! Thank you!

[@chris-piascik]

Hey, thanks!

[@da-quan]

Just bought via your link. 🎉

[@chris-piascik]

Awesome! I appreciate the support!

[@Vloshko]

So, will someone explain the "so" counter?

[@chris-piascik]

Sure, i was editing the video and noticed I said “so” way too often. “So” I made a joke out of it.

[@pawpkitty]

I bought these cases and they are awesome. Pricy but worth it

[@chris-piascik]

:)

[@_bob_8170]

There a reason why their top ranked it’s not a fluke.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh cool, didn’t realize they were.

[@Art_e_motion]

I seriously thought that this was related to points concerned for illustrators but NO !!! What about the drawing angles mann ? The edge or lip of the case where your hand touches while you draw ? Does it bother you ? Does it hurt ? Is the lowest angle still too much or uncomfortable to draw on when on a table if not kept flat ? Does it hurt your wrist ? I actually thought you would cover all these points…but mann.

[@chris-piascik]

Hey Chris, I’m sorry I didn’t cover everything you were hoping. I sort of assumed everyone had their own unique way of working, so I focused on the things I specifically look for in an iPad case for the way I work. I get that my title is a bit broad, but you sort of have to keep titles succinct in order to please KZbin’s algorithm/etc. On a side note, since my channel is pretty new, your’s is my first negative comment!

[@Art_e_motion]

@@chris-piascik hey, I was not being negative, rather blunt. Reason being I’ve been searching for a case designed for iPad artists/ illustrators, addressing specifically to cater their needs like I’ve mentioned in my comment. Your personal view, have you felt this case really comfortable for sketching ? As you’ve probably been using this for a period now, so your feedback will be helpful for my decision on buying this or keeping my search on for the optimal case ! 🤟🏼

[@chris-piascik]

I’ve been using this case for a long time, as I mentioned in the video it’s actually my second (I had one with my last iPad Pro). I find it very comfortable for drawing, there’s no protrusions or anything where you rest your hand/wrist. I can’t really speak to how the different angles feel since I mainly draw holding the iPad or with it flat. I can say there are a lot of options so I’d imagine it could easily be dialed into a preferred position for most people. It’s also sturdy in the angled positions. Happy to answer any other questions!

[@Immanuelkantig]

Have you found a good case to work with? If so, which one? The one I use and love on my 11" is available for 12.9" too but for some reason they decided to ditch the pencil protection😐

[@chris-piascik]

I still really like this ZUGU case.

[@RickGladwin]

Thanks

[@chris-piascik]

🙏🙏🙏☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@PttPndlm]

Pattern video?!!! Must go watch now by iPad case you

[@chris-piascik]

Haha hope you like it!

[@zz12863]

Best screen protector plz

[@chris-piascik]

I actually talk about it at the end of this video, and also in my setup video!

[@LoriWolfcat]

I think you’re the first person ever to promote your own product, while simultaneously destroying your own product. 🤣 This seems like the perfect case for me. I’m an artist too, but I like my canvas elevated because it’s way easier to draw. How many years would it endure for? I like to draw all day, everyday.

[@chris-piascik]

Lol! I’m terrible at business. I think this case is definitely durable and would last for a lot of drawing. That said, when I’m drawing for an extended period I’m using either my Darkboard or my Sketchboard Pro to help with ergonomics.

[@ZlPPENHAFT]

i just want a case shell like for smartphone, i hate folio panel. but it's seems there's no simple case. i found one from poetic turtle shield but it's not for m2 ipad... wtf not a single case that act like a shell.. btw the material from zugu as changed. it's not synthetic anymore and its pretty expensive case. 100$ CAD for a stupid case come on..

[@jerene2496]

Lol! The so counter 😂

[@chris-piascik]

lol 🤓

[@raionik1202]

The so counter is pretty distracting but great review tho

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you liked the review. Sorry the counter was distracting, I was just being silly.

[@justinbooth-aspinall836]

👍👍

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks!

[@zacpino3072]

✊🏼FOLD BACK GANG!! 😂

[@chris-piascik]

🤜💥🤛

[@wizoldsages]

I heard paperlike just ruins your screen

[@chris-piascik]

Any screen cover is going to dull the clarity a bit but for me, as someone who uses their iPad mainly as a drawing tool, that trade off is well worth it for the improved drawing feel. Astropad makes a solid removable option that can taken off when you’re not drawing.

[@cobaltblu4196]

ADHD TLDR version. The case is good because it's sturdy, cover folds flat, parts of their income go to charity. good magnet, built in sturdy kickstand Congratulations I just saved you 17 minuets of your life. you're welcome

[@chris-piascik]

I made a version that’s under 2 minutes.

[@esmfamil5086]

Video starts at 3:30 you're welcome.

[@chris-piascik]

🏆

[@jimbojet8728]

However………..!

[@MrBracey100]

Ok this was helpful but damn it was painful to get through. Sorry man but you just ramble like crazy and it makes watching the video a real slog.

[@chris-piascik]

Hey sorry to hear that. Some people seem to enjoy the longer ones. There is a short version available, but this one seems to get pushed more by the algorithm.

[@angelXPJ]

It’s just guilty

[@chris-piascik]

!!

[@GothicKittyMadness]

this dude is mega cringe

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks Kitty!

[@dr.abhisheksharma6909]

Kindly don't but this "so" counter. It makes irritating to view this review. Nobody cares about you "so", as long as content is good!!! Put pointing it out in term of "so" counter makes is annoying rather than fully.

[@chris-piascik]

Nobody cares!

[@dr.abhisheksharma6909]

@@chris-piascik I think, as a content creator you should care, what irritates the content consumer while watching the video? It is a friendly suggestion, you are free to ignore it, if you don't care about your consumer base.

[@chris-piascik]

@@dr.abhisheksharma6909 your comment was super rude, and lots of people appreciate my sense of humor. I’m not selling this iPad case. There’s tons of other reviews for it out there. This is my take.

[@dr.abhisheksharma6909]

@@chris-piascik The comment was not to sound rude. It was a gentle suggestion as a honest viewer. That counter that u put on "'so" was making it difficult to watch the video (It was causing distraction rather than sounding funny). I appreciate your content, hence gave the suggestion.

[@cine-ish]

This entitle review was pointless unstructured rambling which would be fine if it weren't pure waffle

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for watching!

[@GoldenWisteria]

Thumber.

[@chris-piascik]

😁😁😁😁😁