Customer Reviews for OtterBox Defender Series Polycarbonate Cover for 10.9" iPad Air, Black (77-65735)
98 reviews
Most helpful positive review
Posted Sep 29, 2025
Would buy more again
Second time I’m buying this. I was rough on it the first go around. Outstanding product.
VS
Most helpful critical review
Posted Dec 25, 2024
Difficult to install
Pretty good for protection but difficult to install. No installation instructions are included. The YouTube videos are not helpful, they seem to be for a different product. As a result, it took longer to install than was necessary. However, all is well that ends well. We got it installed without breaking anything.
Albert
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Sep 29, 2025
Would buy more again
Second time I’m buying this. I was rough on it the first go around. Outstanding product.
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Bill
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Sep 16, 2025
Don't love this
It's painful to asemble, bulky and let's dust inside the protective screen. To clean the screen you need to disassemble, clean and put back together. I am sure it is great if you are dropping off a three story building, but for daily use it's not great.
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Response from Staples :
Hello Bill! Thank you for your feedback! 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!
September 18, 2025
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Sep 9, 2025
Essential Defender.
My third DEFENDER, keeping my iPad safe. Can’t live without it!
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Vince
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted May 1, 2025
Too much for my needs
The Defender is heavy duty and maybe too much for light users.
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Response from Staples :
Hello, Vince! We are so sorry this specific case is not working out the way you had hoped! Please reach out to our Customer Service Team via chat, and we are happy to help with this situation and we would be happy to assist in finding another case option that is perfect for you!
Customer Service, May 2, 2025
jimwill172
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Dec 25, 2024
Difficult to install
Pretty good for protection but difficult to install. No installation instructions are included. The YouTube videos are not helpful, they seem to be for a different product. As a result, it took longer to install than was necessary. However, all is well that ends well. We got it installed without breaking anything.
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Response from Staples :
Hello! We apologize for the difficulty with the installation process, and we are so glad to hear you are enjoying the case. Please reach out to our CS Team by phone or via chat should any questions arise as you enjoy the case, as we are always happy to help!
December 30, 2024
ShellyT
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Nov 15, 2024
I always use Otterbox for my IPads.
I have used Otterbox cases for both of my IPads. They stay in like new condition.
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Scott Armacost
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Apr 3, 2024
Excellent Durability
All the OtterBox’s I’ve ever owned have performed perfectly and last a very long time with excellent protection for IPhones and iPads.
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Kolly
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Feb 5, 2024
Perfect iPad Air Case!
Fits iPad Air perfectly! All buttons work and the itouch, too!
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RDGJ
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Jan 12, 2024
Offers great protection
I’ve owned the defender series before so it was no decision on what to purchase. Very heavy duty and offers great protection for my iPad Air
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CoachAngie
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Dec 30, 2023
3 Broken IPad Screens
I am a coach and have been using iPads and lifeproof cases for years with no issue. Lately we purchased 2 new iPad Air 4th gen and I wanted to get good protection for them since we are outside and around sand. I’ve had iPad screens break 3 times. Initially after the first one I thought it was our own fault even though we weren’t sure how as we haven’t used it yet, just ...
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Response from Staples :
Hello, Coach Angie! We’re sorry to hear about your damaged device. Our cases are very protective, but some variables can’t be predicted. We’re happy to send a new OtterBox product under our product warranty, but we are unable to extend our warranty to the device itself, as we are not the manufacturer. Please give us a call at 1-855-688-7269 with any questions or if you’d like a new case.
January 3, 2024
gramlovesapple
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Nov 10, 2023
love our defender
great protection, especially with the kids using electronics
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moonlightcheese
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Oct 31, 2023
Causes permanent damage to device glass
This product damaged the glass on my iPad Air 4th gen. The case wraps the outer edge of the device with a hard plastic which causes blemishes and scratches to appear on the surface where the case encapsulates the outer edge, permanently damaging the glass.
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Response from Staples :
Hello! The Defender Series case for the iPad Air 4th and 5th generation is designed to protect your device, and it offers built-in screen protection. We are most happy to offer a warranty replacement case, but our warranty will not extend to the device itself. Please give our CS Team a call at 1-855-688-7269 and we are happy to help with this!
October 31, 2023
Lisa K
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Oct 1, 2023
Too bulky
This was purchased for my sons iPad Air and it was way too complicated and did not like the plastic cover over the screen, although it would be ultimate protection. It was just too bulky for our needs
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Response from Staples :
Hello! We are so sorry to hear that the Defender Series case did not meet your son's needs. We have a variety of cases to protect iPads and we are happy to assist you with finding another option that will better meet your needs. Please give our CS Team a call at 1-855-688-7269 and we are happy to help with this!
October 2, 2023
Anthony
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Aug 4, 2023
Ipad otterbox cover 5th & 4th
Easy to install. Protects my pencil. Can work on ipad without fingerprints on it. The cover is what i was wanting also, to put in backpack. Do use tilt. And, pencil cover i just took off.
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unusualeyes
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted May 15, 2023
Durable case but ?
I like the OtterBox Defender cases… been using nothing but them on my phones
For years. They have saved my electronics many times. They make you feel safer.
But the Apple Pencil Door on this model is flimsy. Falls off easily. Not ready to be sold.
Still a nice durable case but that one feature with the pencil storage ruins, the product review. It would’ve been much bet...
For years. They have saved my electronics many times. They make you feel safer.
But the Apple Pencil Door on this model is flimsy. Falls off easily. Not ready to be sold.
Still a nice durable case but that one feature with the pencil storage ruins, the product review. It would’ve been much bet...
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Cook
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Apr 20, 2023
Useful
It’s an otter ox. It’s heavy but appears durable. For my last iPad, which I used heavily in commercial kitchens, I replaced the case twice in about 10 years, and have yet to have any issues with the pad,
I do think the case is heavier than the iPad is these days.
Recommend for heavy use in hostile environments.
I do think the case is heavier than the iPad is these days.
Recommend for heavy use in hostile environments.
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Zach
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Feb 24, 2023
On/Off Top Button Stuck
When the case is put on, it pushes and holds down that top bottom. I used a pocket knife to shave that off and now it works alright. But annoying to do that to a new product.
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Response from Staples :
Oh no! We apologize for any discouragement you may have experienced with the Defender Series case for your iPad Air. We get how that can be a bit frustrating. We specifically designed this case to work seamlessly with your device and we sometimes find those buttons just need to be loosened up a bit over time. It sounds like this issue might be past that though, so we'd like to see what we can do to make things right. Please give our CS team a ring at 1-855-688-7269 and they'd be glad to go over your warranty replacement options with you.
Best,
OtterBox Customer Support
OtterBox, February 28, 2023
GS02
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Feb 12, 2023
Best protection case!
Great product. Great protection for adults and kids.
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Scortch
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Jan 16, 2023
Great product.
Great product. But assembly instructions are lacking. Even the video is short and too fast moving. It took my feeble mind a while to figure it out.
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LNC1
Verified Buyer
Reviewed at:
otterbox.com
Posted Dec 19, 2022
Great product
Great case for iPad. Protects iPad good. Easy to install. Works great!!
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