Customers consistently note the Defender Series for Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) provides good protection and fits well. Many appreciate the inclusion of a built-in screen protector. However, some customers find the stand to be of lower quality and mention that the case adds noticeable weight to the iPad. There are also concerns about the build quality and the pen cover's durability.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 101 reviews
Cons mentioned:
Stand, Weight
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Great protection at the sacrifice of ease of use.
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Otter Box makes great cases but this is overkill for my needs. It’s just too bulky and cumbersome. The stand broke a couple of weeks after I got it as it’s the only part of this case that doesn’t seem to be fully thought out.
This is great if you’re in need of the ultimate iPad protection case. Just not practical for everyday use.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from OtterBox Customer Support
Posted .
Hello! We are so sorry to hear that the Defender Series case is not to your liking. We have multiple case options for this device and our Customer Service Team would be happy to assist with finding the perfect option to meet your needs! Please feel free to reach out to us via chat and are happy to help!
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Otterbox
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great product, with extraordinary protection. Specially when it comes to dust and drop protection. Been using it for the last few weeks and so far couldn’t asked for anything better when it comes to protecting my ipad pro, drop it a few time here and there with no damage to the screen or camera one’s ever. The sounds if the speakers is on point in comparison to other cases that i have used in the passed. The grip of the case is phenomenal due to texture and the material use, which it comes handy when working in the outside environment and its unpredictable elements.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Screen protector
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Get it on sale and it’s a good buy…
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I got it on sale ($67) at a pretty big discount so it was worth it. I do think the retail price is a little steep, though. I don’t care for where the pencil gets stored (on the outside), because it does at times pop out and that’s an expensive item to lose. I will say that I do like the viewing angles. Otterbox has improved these over the years it seems. I also like the built in screen protector…because if you buy one aftermarket, you’re looking at like $50 for an iPad Pro 13” M4…
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
JuanC
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Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
very good protector, fits well and protects my tablet well from falls and also has a way to charge the pro pencil.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Build quality
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Long time Funeral Home Customer of Best Buy
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Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As someone who works in a funeral home, my iPad Pro isn’t just a luxury—it’s a vital part of how I serve families with care and professionalism. I purchased the OtterBox case expecting it to offer the kind of protection and reliability that matches the seriousness of my work. Unfortunately, it has failed me on multiple levels.
Within a month, the stand broke under normal use. This has significantly impacted my ability to be mobile during home arrangement conferences, where flexibility and efficiency are essential. I reached out to OtterBox for a refund, but was only offered a replacement. I don’t want another case of the same poor quality—I need something I can count on.
Even more concerning is the design flaw: there’s a noticeable gap between the back of the iPad Pro and the case. You can feel the separation, and it doesn’t sit securely. For a device as valuable and essential as the iPad Pro, this lack of a snug, protective fit is unacceptable.
I’m also preparing to return to school, and this iPad was one of the key tools I planned to use for success. Now I’m left scrambling to find a reliable alternative. I had even been considering purchasing a MacBook Pro from Best Buy to complement my setup, but this experience has made me question the quality and support behind these high-end tech investments.
OtterBox is known for durability, but this product simply doesn’t live up to that reputation. If you rely on your iPad Pro for serious work or study, I would strongly advise looking elsewhere for protection that truly delivers.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from OtterBox Customer Support
Posted .
Hello! We’re so sorry to hear about the trouble with your product! Please reach out to our CS Team by chat, and we are happy to help with this!
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
OtterBox hinge pin
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Posted . Owned for 6 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Pen charging cover has broken off at mini hinge pin.
Protection from drops is worth the money.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from OtterBox Customer Support
Posted .
We have a great warranty, and we would be more than happy to get you a new product via warranty replacement. Please give our CS Team a call at 1-855-688-7269, or reach out to us via chat, and we are happy to help with this!
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Disappointing from day One
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Posted . Owned for 6 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have been purchasing Otterbox cases since the defender cell phone case came out. I’ve previously purchased defender cases for my two iPads that one of which is still in tact and in use with my teenage daughter. This case is by and large the worst to date following the last otterbox cell case that my iPhone shattered inside of, from a 3 foot fall off the table. Front and back. This case for my 13” iPad Pro is the most expensive poorly constructed trash to date. Moisture gets under the screen, and the screen is cheap and crappy. Such that you often lose contact with the screen, as the cover isn’t flush. Constantly needs to be cleaned. When I say constantly, I’m saying I believe it to be excessive considering recent models. The stand absolutely sucks and can be very difficult to adjust. There’s a little cover that supposed to keep the top sealed to the bottom that opens anytime you touch it and today it simply fell off. I’m starting to wonder if the massive use of recycled plastics(though great for the environment) is making for a reduction in quality. I have been disappointed in this product from day one but optimistically hoped I was the issue and needed adjustment. I do like that the stand locks firm to the iPad but as pictured leaves an opening where the not so secure pen storage is and doesn’t fully protect the screen. I am about to seek alternatives because this $130 crap is trash. Find an alternative and DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from OtterBox Customer Support
Posted .
Hello Dougie! We’re so sorry to hear about the trouble with your product! Please reach out to our CS Team by chat, and we are happy to help with this!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
It goes everywhere with me because of the OtterBox
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I got one for my phone of course I had to have it for my tablet
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Real strong an durable otterbox definitely getting another one.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Cons mentioned:
Stand
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Overall great case, could use improvements.
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
So I just got the iPad Pro 13 inch and it was bare so I wasn’t taking any chances. I went straight to Best Buy and started looking after the local T-Mobile lacked in selection. This looked rugged enough so I took the dive. The price is a scratch compared to the turtle back protection you get with this. What do I mean by turtle back, well there’s a plastic piece that whips out which in my opinion is the worst thing about this but negligible nonetheless since it’s hard to stand up and click the stand into place or click it out of place. I don’t enjoy standing it up because it’s finicky but once it’s up, it’s pretty solid. There’s a noticeable wobble here and there if you don’t lock the arm stand into place so make sure you do. The coolest feature is the pencil holder. It’s pretty sturdy. Keeps my pro pencil still. Once you get used to how to insert it, it’s pretty easy. You can charge the pencil without taking the case off. A small caveat that made it an issue to charge the pencil was only when the back stand is on the iPad. It’s hard to wedge the pencil in to charge because the opening that allows you to charge your pencil is obstructed by the back. Nothing too major, just some small things here and there but overall it’s amazing and I love that it protects my iPad. I’ve already dropped it a couple times but nothing major.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Cons mentioned:
Pen cover, Stand
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
GREAT CASE.... STAND AND PENCIL STORAGE NEEDS WORK
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The case is protective but only using the protective feature. The stand on the plastic attachment keeps locking and takes some time to tuck away. Also the pencil holder is too tight so it makes it difficult to stow the pencil. There is another storage feature on the case itself to charge the pencil but the cover doesn't shut which I feel like it should so you don't lose the pencil.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good protection, but …
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Let me start with the positives: anyone that must work in an industrial environment should know this case should be your #1 consideration. I’ve had several “Defender” cases over the years, and all my devices continue looking brand new — some devices being older than 6 years. I expect the same from this case, but I have concerns. First of all, the clear screen cover doesn’t fit snugly against the screen, and causes the Apple Pencil to perform erratically when using it, especially when scribbling or drawing. Out of a slight frustration, I elected to remove the Defender’s screen cover (easy to remove) and purchased a Zagg “Invisible Shield” glass cover as a replacement. I could not be more satisfied with this decision to remove the OtterBox screen protector. Lastly, the Apple Pencil storage solution is a bit too tight. I (slipped, manuvered, “forced?”) the pencil into the slot, and went in with a resounding “snap!” I needed a screwdriver to remove pry it out. In all, I continue to think there’s no more sturdy or “stout” protective solution for the M4 iPad out there. But just deal with the compromises amd “work-arounds.”
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice selection for IPAD Pro 13 Cases
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Nice selection for options to choose from for Apple Ipad Pro 13 in. I had forgotten to look for this when getting the IPAD for someone who is hard on ANY items. This gave me the piece of mind that the IPAD would be safe and secure.
We have purchased OtterBox for other items, so was confident this would be a good item for this use.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Could use a redesign
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Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great Protection. this case does a good job of protecting my iPad wish it was thinner.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Fit, Protection, Screen protector
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Otterbox for ipad pro
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Fits great and very protective also has a built in screen protector
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Build quality, Weight
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Not for me
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’m sorry, but I hate it. The cover adds a lot of weight to my iPad. The worst part is that I don’t know how to use the cover. I was never sure I had the four pieces on correctly. I wasn’t sure how to even use it to make my iPad sit up. I even took my iPad and cover back to Best Buy and asked one of the Staff to show me again what to do. I thought I understood but the next day, I was still confused. On top of that, the hard “plastic” material is not pleasant to touch, and I had to use so much strength to arrange it properly that I was afraid I might break it, though I knew from the manufacturer’s information this was not at all likely to happen. I returned the item.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from OtterBox Customer Support
Posted .
We are glad to hear that the retailer helped with this issue.
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Protected.
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This case has definitely changed the way i feel about protecting my devices I’ve always been a fan of otterbox so i already knew i would get my moneys worth with this purchase. Glad you guys had it in stock. Really works and has a pencil charging section also no disappointment here.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Cons mentioned:
Stand
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
otterbox
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Good protection for the IPad. Only issue i have with it is the stand.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Durable Cover
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Good cover and very durable. However the Apple Pencil does not work with this case on the IPad. I would not have purchased this cover had I known.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Protection
Cons mentioned:
Pen cover
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Case
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Only 1 small concern was the pencil holder it seemed flemsy at first but once i got it to click in properly its been fine. Might have been due to shipping. Other features are fantastic like the removeable hardshell clip with the stand. Keeps the low profile of the iPad. Great protection