Best Tablet Accessories for Australians

A tablet is a capable device on its own, but the right accessories can transform it into something even more powerful and versatile. Whether you want to protect your investment, boost productivity, enhance creativity, or simply make your tablet more enjoyable to use, there's an accessory for that. The challenge lies in navigating the vast array of options to find what genuinely adds value for your specific needs.

This guide covers the essential accessory categories every tablet owner should consider, explains what to look for in each category, and provides guidance on when premium options are worth the investment versus when budget alternatives suffice. We'll focus on accessories available to Australian consumers through local retailers.

Protection: Cases and Screen Protectors

Protection accessories should be your first consideration—tablets are expensive to repair, and accidents happen to everyone eventually.

Tablet Cases

Cases range from slim, minimalist covers that add minimal bulk to rugged armour designed to survive significant drops. The right choice depends on your lifestyle and how you use your tablet.

Folio cases fold around your tablet like a book cover, protecting both front and back. Many include stands that prop the tablet at various angles for typing or viewing. These are excellent all-rounders for everyday use, offering solid protection with moderate added bulk.

Keyboard cases integrate a physical keyboard with the protective cover, creating a laptop-like experience. These are ideal for users who do significant typing on their tablets. We'll discuss these in more detail in the keyboard section.

Rugged cases from brands like OtterBox or LifeProof add substantial protection with reinforced corners, raised edges around screens, and sometimes port covers. They add considerable bulk but provide peace of mind for accident-prone users, those who work in demanding environments, or parents whose tablets get handled by children.

Sleeve cases provide protection during transport without changing how the tablet feels during use. Slip your tablet into a padded sleeve when putting it in a bag, then remove it for use. This works well for users who find attached cases too bulky but want transport protection.

Screen Protectors

Screen protectors add a sacrificial layer over your display. When they get scratched, you replace the protector, not the screen.

Tempered glass protectors are the most popular choice. They feel similar to the original screen, offer excellent clarity, and provide good scratch resistance. Quality tempered glass protectors typically cost $15-50 depending on tablet model and brand.

Matte/Anti-glare protectors reduce reflections and fingerprint visibility at the cost of some screen clarity. These are popular with users who frequently use tablets outdoors or dislike the fingerprint-magnet nature of glossy screens.

Paper-feel protectors add texture that makes stylus input feel more like pen on paper. Digital artists and note-takers often swear by these, though they do reduce screen clarity slightly and may wear stylus tips faster.

Productivity: Keyboards and Stands

If you plan to use your tablet for work tasks, these accessories can dramatically improve the experience.

Physical Keyboards

Extended typing on a touchscreen is frustrating. A physical keyboard transforms your tablet into a laptop-like productivity tool.

Official keyboard cases from Apple (Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio) and Samsung (Book Cover Keyboard) offer seamless integration with their respective tablets. They typically feature backlit keys, trackpads, and automatic pairing. The downside is premium pricing—Apple's Magic Keyboard costs $449-549 AUD, Samsung's options range $200-400.

Third-party keyboard cases from companies like Logitech offer similar functionality at lower prices, typically $100-200. They may lack some premium features but provide excellent typing experiences. Logitech's Combo Touch and similar products receive consistently positive reviews.

Standalone Bluetooth keyboards offer the most flexibility. Any Bluetooth keyboard works with any tablet, letting you choose your preferred keyboard style and replace it independently of your case. Full-size keyboards provide the best typing experience but aren't portable. Compact Bluetooth keyboards balance portability with usability.

Tablet Stands

If you use a keyboard that doesn't include a stand, or if you want to position your tablet ergonomically for video calls and viewing, a dedicated stand is invaluable.

Desk stands hold your tablet at comfortable viewing angles for extended use. Adjustable stands let you find the perfect height and angle for your setup. These range from simple plastic holders ($15-30) to premium aluminium stands ($50-150) that complement Apple or Samsung aesthetics.

Portable stands fold flat for travel while providing stable support when deployed. These are excellent for users who work in various locations.

Creativity: Styluses and Drawing Tools

For digital artists, note-takers, and anyone who prefers writing to typing, a stylus unlocks your tablet's creative potential.

Active Styluses

First-party styluses offer the best experience on their respective platforms. The Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd generation, or the newer Pencil Pro) for iPads and Samsung S Pen for Galaxy tablets provide pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, tilt support, and low latency that make digital writing and drawing feel natural. These cost $149-219 for Apple Pencil variants and are often included with Samsung tablets or available separately for around $50-100.

Third-party active styluses can provide similar functionality at lower prices, though compatibility and feature sets vary. Brands like Logitech (Crayon for iPad) offer good alternatives at reduced cost. Research compatibility with your specific tablet model before purchasing.

Passive Styluses

Basic capacitive styluses work with any touchscreen but lack pressure sensitivity and palm rejection. They're fine for navigation and casual note-taking but unsuitable for drawing or precise work. These typically cost $10-30 and can be useful as backup or for users with basic needs.

Audio: Headphones and Speakers

Tablet speakers are adequate but rarely exceptional. External audio accessories dramatically improve media consumption.

Headphones and Earbuds

For private listening—commuting, working in shared spaces, or late-night streaming—quality headphones make a difference. Wireless Bluetooth options offer convenience and freedom from cables.

True wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds provide excellent portability and increasingly good sound quality. Premium options include active noise cancellation. Prices range from $100 for budget options to $400+ for premium models.

Over-ear headphones generally provide better sound quality and noise isolation at the cost of portability. They're excellent for extended listening sessions at home. Options range from $50 budget picks to $600+ audiophile models.

Portable Speakers

When headphones aren't appropriate, a portable Bluetooth speaker shares your tablet's audio with others. Compact speakers from JBL, Bose, Sony, and others offer impressive sound quality in portable packages, ranging from $50 to $400 depending on size and features.

Power: Chargers and Power Banks

Keep your tablet powered through long days with the right charging accessories.

Fast Chargers

Many tablets ship with slower chargers than they can actually accept. Upgrading to a faster charger reduces charging time significantly. Check your tablet's maximum supported charging wattage and match your charger accordingly. USB-C PD (Power Delivery) chargers offer the most flexibility, often capable of charging tablets, phones, and laptops with appropriate cables.

Power Banks

Portable battery packs let you charge on the go. For tablets, look for higher-capacity power banks (10,000-20,000mAh or more) and support for fast charging protocols. A 20,000mAh power bank can typically provide 1-2 full tablet charges. Expect to pay $50-150 for quality options from reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, or manufacturer offerings.

Connectivity: Hubs and Adapters

Modern tablets often have limited ports. USB-C hubs expand your connectivity options.

USB-C hubs add multiple ports through a single connection. Look for hubs with combinations of USB-A ports (for legacy accessories), card readers (for photographers), HDMI output (for external displays), and pass-through charging. Quality hubs cost $50-150.

Dongles and adapters solve specific connectivity needs. HDMI adapters for presentations, USB adapters for accessories, and headphone adapters (for tablets lacking audio jacks) are commonly needed items.

Budgeting for Accessories

Accessories can add significantly to your total investment. A realistic accessory budget is 20-50% of your tablet's cost. For a $800 tablet, expect to spend $160-400 on accessories to fully equip it for your needs.

Prioritise based on immediate needs. A case and screen protector should come first to protect your investment. Add productivity or creativity accessories as needs emerge. Not everything needs to be premium—budget options work well for many accessories, saving premium spending for items where quality truly matters (keyboards and styluses, primarily).

Consider bundles if available, as manufacturers and retailers often package popular accessory combinations at discounts compared to buying separately. And watch for sales, particularly around major shopping events like EOFY sales, Black Friday, and Boxing Day when accessory discounts can be substantial.