The Best OtterBox Cases for Your iPhone

Our recommendations work with iPhone 15, 14, and 13

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Our favorite OtterBox case is the OtterBox Defender, and we highly recommend it to anyone who wants robust phone protection.

Why Trust Us

I've tried many iPhone accessories and cases as a tech writer. I  also drop my phone a lot, so I know a thing or two about the importance of protective phone cases and put them through the wringer. —Kaylyn McKenna.

Just Buy This

Otterbox Defender Series XT for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13)

Otterbox Defender Series XT for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13).

Amazon

TL;DR: The OtterBox Defender Series XT for MagSafe offers high-level protection with a multi-layer design that fits securely on your smartphone.

Pros
  • Highly protective

  • Easy-to-grip

  • Secure fit on the phone

Cons
  • Slightly bulky

  • Not compatible with third-party camera protectors

The OtterBox Defender XT for MagSafe case makes an iPhone 15, 14, or 13 feel the most secure. The case includes a front frame that securely holds your phone in place and adds a raised ridge for extra drop protection. It's also MagSafe-compatible for easy wireless charging.

OtterBox says this phone case can survive as many drops as the military standard. It features raised edges around the screen and camera to prevent them from shattering.

We were pleasantly surprised at how easy the case was to put on, as multi-layer phone cases with front and back pieces can often be a pain to assemble. Even though it requires some assembly, it only took about 60 seconds to get on.

This rugged phone case also felt lighter than expected. The design and overall feel sealed the deal.

Budget Buy

OtterBox Commuter Series for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13)

OtterBox Commuter Series for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13).

Amazon

TL;DR: The OtterBox Commuter Series for MagSafe offers strong protection at an affordable price. The two-layer case is easy to put on and lock into place.

Pros
  • Provides two-layer protection

  • More affordable than other OtterBox cases

  • Easy set-up

Cons
  • Less drop protection than in the Defender Series

The Commuter's case design is like the reverse of the Defender's. The interior layer is a synthetic rubber that locks into a plastic protective outer shell. Some synthetic rubber is still exposed on the phone's sides, so you can still get a firm grip. This case fits the iPhone 15, 14, and 13.

This case features 3x drop protection compared to the military standard. That's slightly less protective than the OtterBox Defender Series case, but it is still adequate to meet the needs of the vast majority of consumers.

It's cheaper than the Defender OtterBox case and offers excellent protection, so this is an ideal budget option.

Stylish Option

OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13)

OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe (iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 13).

Amazon

TL;DR: The OtterBox Symmetry Series Clear for MagSafe is a sleek but protective phone case in many colors and designs, making it an excellent choice for fashion-forward shoppers.

Pros
  • Lightweight design

  • Wide range of colors and styles

  • MagSafe-compatible

Cons
  • Not as protective as other OtterBox cases

If you want a stylish phone case with solid drop protection, the OtterBox Symmetry has the sleekest, most elegant design. It's rugged but doesn't have the heavy look of the Defender or Commuter cases. The Symmetry is also the only case we recommend that is all one piece. There's nothing to snap together.

The Defender and Commuter worked with my wireless and MagSafe chargers. The Symmetry was the only one that perfectly locked in with the MagSafe charger. Therefore, this is an excellent choice if you prefer that method.

The case features a raised edge around the camera on the back of the phone for impressive camera protection. The Defender and Commuter cases are thicker, so the camera protection ridge doesn't need to stick out as far to give the same amount of support. The Symmetry case lays at an angle with the top of the phone raised due to that elongated camera ridge.

  • Who else recommends it? Rolling Stone recommended the OtterBox Symmetry as the best overall protective phone case for iPhones.
  • What do buyers say? Amazon reviewers praise this case for its protection, fit, and easy installation. 81% of the over 2,800 buyers that rated the iPhone 13 model on Amazon gave it a 5-star rating.

Or Maybe These?

  • I want a more sophisticated design. The OtterBox Strada Folio Series is a premium leather case with a more sophisticated look.
  • I want a better grip on my phone. The OtterBox OtterGrip Symmetry series can be used with interchangeable PopGrips to give you a better grip or to prop up your phone on different surfaces.

What to Look For

When shopping for an OtterBox phone case, consider the following:

  • Protection: Each OtterBox case has passed extensive drop-testing to ensure it can adequately protect your device. 
  • Fit: You want an OtterBox that securely fits on your device. 
  • Design: You want a phone case with a design that feels comfortable and fits your aesthetic.
  • Warranty: A good warranty shows that the brand believes in its product and ensures that you'll get a replacement if the case that you receive breaks or malfunctions.
  • Antimicrobial Properties (Optional): An easy-to-clean or antimicrobial case will help keep your phone from getting too gross.

Protection

For the best protection, you will want to look for a phone with a protective shell and raised edges around the screen and back camera(s). These raised edges help prevent cracking or shattering when you drop your phone. All OtterBox phone cases undergo intensive testing to verify that they can protect your phone from significant drops without damage.

Fit

A case that fits snuggly on your phone will provide it with the best protection. Many prefer the multi-layer or multi-piece OtterBox cases due to their ultra-secure fit. Always ensure you buy the correct version of the OtterBox case for a proper fit. OtterBox makes phone cases for most Apple and Android smartphones.


Design

Consider your design preferences when shopping for an OtterBox case. Some models, such as the OtterBox Symmetry, come in a broader range of color options.

There are also some variances in the weight of the different OtterBox models. Some people prefer thick and heavy phone cases to offer more robust protection. OtterBox offers several models with a multi-layer design for added phone protection. Meanwhile, others prefer a lightweight single-layer design like that of the OtterBox Symmetry case.

Warranty

One of the key considerations when shopping for phone cases is the warranty. A good warranty shows that the manufacturer stands behind its product and will replace the case if it breaks within a set timeframe. OtterBox offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on its smartphone cases. This warranty covers the "Lifetime of the product," which OtterBox determines as being seven years from the original date of purchase.

Antimicrobial Properties (Optional)

Your phone case is constantly being touched and set down in different places, so it can easily pick up germs. All OtterBox cases are easy to clean. However, if you are particularly concerned about cleanliness, consider buying the Antimicrobial versions of your chosen OtterBox phone case.  The antimicrobial versions contain silver additives that protect them from microbial growth.

FAQ
  • How do I open an OtterBox Defender case?

    The OtterBox Defender Case has three layers: a plastic holster, a rubber slipcover, and a hard plastic shell. Each layer is removable. To remove the plastic holster, the outermost layer, unclip each of the four corners one at a time. Next, peel the rubber slipcover away from the plastic casing. If you're struggling to get underneath the cover, undo the flap covering the charging port and pull the small rubber tab away from the device. You will then be able to slide your finger underneath all edges. Finally, unclip the case's frame from the rear using the clips on the underside of the remaining plastic case. These clips sit along both sides and the top and bottom of the phone. Once you release the clips, the frame and the back cover will separate from the phone.

  • Do OtterBox cases work with wireless charging?

    All OtterBox smartphone cases work with wireless charging, although they can vary in performance depending on the type of charger you’re using and the handset in question. There are two main wireless chargers on the market: Qi and MagSafe. While you can use both to charge any phone with wireless charging capabilities, MagSafe chargers specifically fast-charge iPhone 12 handsets and above. If you buy an OtterBox case for a MagSafe handset, but the case itself doesn’t have the proprietary MagSafe magnets built-in, you’ll still be able to charge it via MagSafe, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of the increased MagSafe speeds. To guarantee top MagSafe performance, purchase an OtterBox case labeled "with MagSafe."

  • Are OtterBox cases waterproof?

    Most OtterBox cases with the DROP+ protection rating are water-resistant but not waterproof. Cases that don’t have the DROP+ protection rating are not water-resistant by default. Water resistance means they can withstand splashes without damage. OtterBox doesn’t guarantee the cases will protect your device when submerged, so you should avoid taking your phone in water unless it is waterproof.

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