Surface Pro 6

Best Rugged Cases for Surface Pro Windows Central 2019

The Urban Armor Gear Metropolis is everything you'll need to keep your Surface Pro safe and looking like new. Not only does this case offer protection for the tablet, but comes rocking a kickstand and doesn't add too much in terms of weight.

Our pick

Urban Armor Gear Metropolis

Protect your valuable Surface Pro tablet with UAG

What makes the Metropolis from UAG worth the money is the non-slip grip material that snaps tightly around your Pro, and despite its ruggedness doesn't add a lot of weight. The handy kickstand on the back can also be used in five different positions.

Who should buy this case

You should buy the UAG Metropolis should you own a Surface Pro tablet (4th, 5th or 6th generation) and desire to add some external protection. As well as avoiding bumps, dents, and scratches, the case will allow you to continue using the tablet with a kickstand on the rear so you don't lose any functionality.

Is it a good time to buy this case?

Urban Armor Gear has updated the listing for this case to support the latest Surface Pro 6. Whether you own the latest tablet, Surface Pro (2017) or even the older Surface Pro 4, this case is worth buying now.

Reasons to buy

  • Great protection
  • Kickstand
  • Supports older models
  • Lightweight
  • Military drop-test standards

Reasons not to buy

  • A little pricey

Excellent value protection for your Surface

UAG is a familiar brand when it comes to quality rugged and protected accessories, and the case for the Surface Pro is no different. The company has done a stellar job with maximizing protection in a case without making it too bulky. For just shy of $70, we have a case that is compatible with both Surface Pro 4 and 2017 models, supports Type Cover keyboards, and has a built-in magnetic Surface Pen storage slot.

Excellent protection without making the Surface Pro appear bulky.

As for the case itself, UAG opted for a slim design with a dedicated aluminum stand. This makes it possible to configure the tablet in a number of positions without relying on the Surface Pro stand, prolonging the life of the hinge (not that the Surface Pro has a weak hinge but every little bit helps). There's also unobstructed access to the screen, all ports, and speakers to not impede the Windows tablet experience.

When used with a Type Cover keyboard, the UAG case meets military drop-test standards (MIL-STD 810G 516.6). If the Surface Pro 4 or 2017 is your pride and joy for mobile computing, you really should look to invest in a case like this to better protect it out in the field, whether you happen to travel a lot or are just prone to accidents.

Alternatives to the UAG Metropolis

You'd be hard pressed to find better protection at this price, but there are alternatives out there if UAG isn't quite what you're after.

Best lightweight

Kensington BlackBelt 2nd Degree

Enhanced levels of protection without the bulk

This case from Kensington is as lightweight as it is affordable. It's the best of both worlds when looking to protect your Surface Pro.

Not all rugged cases need to be bulky. Kensington's BlackBelt 2nd Degree is a mouthful to speak but packs enough protection to keep your tablet safe from bumps and scratches without adding too much to the dimensions. Meeting military-grade testing standards, this case also works well with the Surface Pro 4 and 2017 models. Interestingly, the Kensington case has a cut out on the rear to allow for unobstructed access to the kick-out stand.

Value pick

i-Blason Armorbox

Budget-friendly protection for your Surface

Don't let the price fool you into believing this case won't offer enough protection. The case will even support the built-in kickstand.

This affordable case by i-Blason is ideal for those who wish to add a little protection to their Surface Pros without spending too much money. Supporting Surface Pro 6, 2017, and 4 models, the case works alongside the built-in hinge, maintains access to the screen and available ports, and is made of polycarbonate to fight against damage from drops and bumps.

Bottom line

While damage to your Surface Pro tablet may not occur throughout ownership, there's always the small possibility of something terrible happening, which is why we encourage you to purchase a case for your tablet. The UAG Metropolis is a solid form of protection.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.

Cale Hunt is a full-time writer for Windows Central, focusing mainly on PC hardware and VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and when he has some free time you can usually find him practicing guitar or reorganizing his ever-growing library. If you hear him say "Sorry!" it's only because he's Canadian.

This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.