Lifeproof vs Otterbox : Updated for Best NEW iPhone case companies in 2023

UPDATE in 2023

Here are the top competitors to Lifeproof and Otterbox for iPhone cases as of 2023:

1. Spigen: Buy here

   Spigen is a Korean company that has been making high-quality phone cases for over a decade. Their cases are known for their durability and affordability, and they offer a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from.

2. Caseology: Buy here
   
   Caseology is another Korean company that makes high-quality phone cases. Their cases are known for their sleek design and slim fit, and they offer a wide variety of protection levels to choose from.
3. UAG: Buy here
   UAG is a US-based company that makes rugged phone cases. Their cases are known for their ability to withstand extreme conditions, and they offer a variety of styles and colors to choose from.
4. Supcase: Buy her
   Supcase is a US-based company that makes durable phone cases. Their cases are known for their ability to protect against drops, scratches, and dents, and they offer a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from.
5. Incipio: Buy here

   Incipio is a US-based company that makes high-quality phone cases. Their cases are known for their combination of style and protection, and they offer a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from.

These are just a few of the many great cases that are available for the iPhone X, XS, and XS Max. The best case for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Lifeproof vs Otterbox Which is Best iPhone Case ?

Everyone says, Lifeproof was the best choice before launch of iPhone X !

And with introduction of iPhone X, boasting IP67 protection, and iPhone XS, XS Max with IP68 rating, each website is yelling that now you don’t need Lifeproof  case !!!

But This Nugget May Change Your Mind

Its well known fact that the previous generation iPhones 5 or 6 etc. were not Water resistant.

Hence Lifeproof case was the best option with certified rating of IP68 protection, making your iPhone Snow-proof, Dirt-proof, Drop-proof, and Waterproof.

Now people are saying that with iPhone X & XS, you don’t need waterproof protection, but only need a drop-protection !

Does iPhone X IP67 or XS IP68 protection means WaterProof ?

No, not at all !

Apple on their official website has clearly indicated to avoid using your  iPhone X & iPhone XS/Max during Swimming, Bathing, water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, jet skiing !!!

See the No No list and what Apple says for iPhone X Waterproofing… Read here …

Here is the Truth:

iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, X, XS, XS Max phones are not waterproof, hence will still need Lifeproof or Otterbox protection case

Risk:

Even for iPhone X with IP67 rating or XS/Max with IP68 rating, you carry risk of loosing your phone, during Swimming, Bathing, water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, jet skiing ! and hence you need to make sure that the phone is protected with case like otterbox or lifeproof. This will simply ensure a double protection to your phone.

Outdoor or Indoor:

Outdoor Sports activity involving water & dust attacks on your iPhone XS or XS Max:

Now that we know that we need a protection case for your iPhone. Lets talk about which one is the best.

For an adventure freak like you, Doing Hiking, Swimming, Trekking, then don’t even think, simply go for LifeProof proven cases which are Water and Snow Proof.

Lifeproof case will fight with Water & Snow attacks that your iPhone will carry during snow & water sports activities. Simple best for outdoor use.

I don’t think you will mind spending a few dollars more 🙂

This will ensure added ip68 protection over your iPhone XS, XS Max IP68 protection, rather than loosing valuable phone, no harm in ensuring double protection. Again refer to what Apple says, complete no for using in swimming etc.. Read listing here …

Office / Indoor User where less weight & slimness factors are important:

What is the common thing that happens to your phone in office or indoors?

Yes, you are correct!

The phone faces drop on hard surfaces like floor or table.

Hence it becomes important to protect your iPhone from hard-drops, even the latest protection of iPhone X & iPhone XS Max to IP68 level does not guarantee protection from floor drop !

So now here you have an option of spending less still getting good protection, Otterbox cases.

You will get them for cheaper price than Lifeproof, they are light & sleek, still protect phone from drop-off.

So here I recommend to go for Otterbox cases which are not waterproof still helps you from drop & dirt, guards the phone screen.

Lets compare:

Now that you have an idea on strengths of each brand, you will see simple comparison table showing different Otterbox & Lifeproof case models. Where you will see the kind of protection each case provides, with multiple layerd protection for your phone screen. If they can protect your phone from Drop, Dust, Mud (Depending upon model), Refer to below specs chart for quick reference.

Comparison chart for OtterBox Versus Lifeproof Cases for iPhone / Samsung phones

Otterbox cases:

• Positives
  • Sleek design still providing multiple layered protection
  • Good grip even with wet hands
  • Good shock and impact resistant : Protects from drops
  • Provides clear voice call clarity
  • Good color options availability
• Negatives
  • Less protection from water, the front & rear cameras remains exposed
  • Touchscreen protector does not gel well with iPhone screen

LifeProof cases:

• Positives
  • Great protection for adventure sports, level IP68 Rating
    Use your phone during Swimming, Bathing, water skiing, wake boarding, surfing, jet skiing with double protection (Remember iPhone X is now IP67 protected!)
  • Touchscreen gels well with iPhone shape, perfectly designed for 🙂
• Negatives
  • Otterbox supersedes Lifeproof when you talk of protection from Drop
  • The IP68 protection results into deterioration in sound performance, yes, somewhere you need to sacrifice ! you can’t get everything !!

What’s the bottom line?

For Outdoor : Lifeproof case (Slightly expensive)

For Indoor / Office : OtterBox

Important Information :

• Most of these cases are not compatible with 30-pin to Lightning Adapters or the majority of non-Apple branded USB to Lightning cables, but they are mostly compatible with Apple cables or Apple certified cables
• Please keep in mind that if you want to charge your phone in dock, then you have to take it out of the case frequently, you may like to user charging cord instead with handy flaps that can be opened and closed

I hope all above information is useful to you to take final call on purchase of your phone / tablet protection.

Cheers !!