Dodocase Review
Date:
[]
Categories:
[Tech]
Tags:
[Reviews]
On my Uses page I mention the Dodocase I use for my iPad. I have been using these since 2011, and I wanted to say a few words about why I like them. I have no relationship or affiliation with the company.
Dodocases are iPad cases hand-made using bookbinding materials and techniques. They also make iPhone cases, but I’ve never used one; this review is just for the iPad case.
The ones I use, the Monocrome and Two-Tone models, resemble Moleskine-style notebooks, with an elastic band that helps keep the case closed. I’ve never tried one of their leather cases, or any of their other higher-end cases. The Monochrome and Two-Tone cases are about $70 as of December 2025.
The negatives first: a Dodocase might not be the best choice for some people. The cases are not water-resistant; in fact, water can do serious damage to the case. They provide protection from scratches, impacts and falls, but I wouldn’t want to test the drop protection. And the case shows signs of wear fairly quickly; more on this below.
So why do I like them? I like the book-like appearance and feel of the case. The Dodocase feels like a good quality hardcover book, and is very natural to use for reading, or sketching with the Pencil. It folds into a stand in landscape mode for hands-free use, and it folds flat when needed. The newer cases provide good access to the iPad charging port and control buttons.
One drawback for some might be that the case starts to show wear after a year or less. Like a hardcover book used every day, the material frays a little on the spine side. The elastic strap loses its elasticity after a couple of years, and eventually starts to curl. The elastic loop for the Apple Pencil stretches, making it easier for the Pencil to slip out. The bookplate on the inside front cover looks a little ragged after a few years.
But this doesn’t bother me. The case looks beautiful when new, but I expect a book that I use every day to weather over time. The case evolves to look like a beloved old sketchbook, a little frayed here and there but still sturdy and functional. The picture below gives some idea of how the cases age.
The one on the left is a Monochrome case after five years. The one on the right is a Two-Tone case after three years, with the palm frond pattern almost completely faded out. The blue Two-Tone case on my Uses page is about one year old. I’m still happy with all of these cases.
I have had two or three issues over the years with case defects, for example cracks in the inside plastic tray that holds the iPad. But Dodocase provides a one-year warranty, and they have always taken care of any issues for me, repairing or even replacing a case if necessary. Repairs can take two or three weeks, but that’s to be expected for a hand-made product from a small company.
I haven’t tried many other cases, so I can’t provide a comparative review. I see that Wirecutter likes ESR magnetic cases, which look quite functional, and most models are less expensive than a Dodocase. Otterbox cases look sturdy and I’m sure work well when a more rugged case is needed.
But I find plastic cases bulky and awkward, and most of them look unattractive to me. I rarely use a keyboard with the iPad, so I don’t need a magnetic stand or a keyboard case. I tried an Apple Folio case once, but it was awkward to use, it didn’t seem to provide much or any protection and I just didn’t care for it.
In summary, a Dodocase looks good, even after weathering, protects my iPad, and feels natural and comfortable to use.