Does the lifeproof protect against drops as well as the Otterbox? I would pay $40 for an more slender case if I had the same piece of mind as I do right now after many drops to asphalt without a scratch on my phone. The Otterbox case on the other hand is another story.

Can you use a docking station with the LifeProof?

No, you can't use any docking stations with the LifeProof Fre on your device. It's easy to get the case on and off but it could become a hassle. If you need something to dock this isn't the right case. Also, in my experience so far you can't only use the Apple headphones without the adaptor that's provided. All the other headphones that I have news the adaptor attached on order to work. That is literally my only complaint about the case as I would love to use my XB500 to listen to music on the go. It's a simple process to get the adaptor attached bit would be awesome to not have to use it. That's something extra that now has to be in my pocket. Basically I only use the Earpods now because of the convenience they offer. I hope this helps out.

@charissa - yes, I can tell you - my lifeproof case has been so great at protecting my phone against ALL elements that even after swimming with it regularly and dropping it against solid concrete, the phone is still PRISTINE.

@wendy b - yes, you absolutely can use a docking station, such as an iHome unit, while your phone is safely inside your Lifeproof case. My alarm clock is an iHome and I simply use my Lifeproof dock connector to charge my phone each night. So there's no need whatsoever to ever take the case off.

Here's the dock connector: http://www.lifeproof.com/shop/us_en/connectors/lifeproof-dock-adapter

I also use my H2O Audio waterproof flex headphones while my phone is in the Lifeproof case, without ever having to use an adapter of any sort.

Good luck! :)

I purchased an Otterbox for my Iphone5 over a month ago and even though I initially balked at the price it's one of the best investments I've made for protecting such an expensive device. It is a bit bulky but since the Ip5 is so light, I don't mind it at all. Never had a problem with my cell phones until this year, 3 devices almost back to back, all fell in water or got run over by my car- slipped out of my pocket. The kids have their own Ipod touch so I don't let them use my phone, but for the few times they have, I don't worry about scratches or it being dropped on hard surfaces. While none of the Otterbox models are blinged out or printed with cute or interesting designs, I did get a two toned turquoise case that I am happy with, plus it stands out from the more popular pink and purple colors. Bottom line, if you can afford it, go for it. I needed to get it right away so I ended up paying around $46.00 dollars with tax but you can get the same ones through Amazon much cheaper.

I know the old otterbox'swere horrible for collecting dust snide the case! Anyone know the sound quality of talking on the phone w the Lifeproof case? I have a Griffin Survivor Extreme and it rocks, but no one can understand you when they call you w/o headphones.

I am a commercial fisherman and I've always had otter-box cases. When Lifeproof cases came out I was 1st in line for one. I was disappointed by the light duty materials of this case. When I used it people informed me that my voice has a echo to it. Doing a net search I found that this is a problem for some of these cases. I returned the case, bought a otter-box, and am now waiting not so Patiently for otters new waterproof case that maybe release mid-Jan

The lifeproof case is rated for falls up to 2 meters. I work construction doing windows and have dropped from higher then that and the phone survived fine but the case was damaged once when it fell from the 3rd story. I bought a new one even though it was water tight. I have been using one since they came out.

You need to purchase a dock extender to use a dock or bigger then standard docking/charging cord. I had to pick one up for my car stereo dock and tv adapter cord. The case is not really meant to be taken on and off all the time. Eventually you have to replace the gasket.

It is best to use the waterproof headphone adapter if you need the device to be waterproof while using headphones. If you swim, surf, ski in wet snow or do alot of active exercise that can get you really sweaty or you jump in the shower and forget your still listening to music like me it keeps everything water tight.

The sound quality of the lifeproof case is just like the original iphone naked as long as it is clean and dry. Also sometimes if the pressure is to high inside the case you need to blow a little air into the holes on the bottom to keep the waterproof membrane from bumping against the grill that keeps bigger pebbles or keys from poking the membrane.

If your case is dirty I found it best to rinse close the ports, rinse, dry and then blow lightly into the bottom holes and then suck out the excess air from the earpiece hole so their isn't to much space between the screen and the screen cover. This solves any echo or static too.

Excellent, Mark you just answered a question I was abiut to ask - whether or not otterbox was coming out with a water proof case. Much appreciated. We have otterboxes for all of the 4th gen ipod touches that the kids (four of them) use and I really feel safe letting them out of my sight after those cases were installed. Now, if otterbox would only make a protective case for the children...

When using the Lifeproof case I'm told by my call recipients that they can't here me or they here an echo on their end.is there something I'm doing wrong on my installation of the Lifeproof case.

Yep, the Lifeproof case is shock resitant to drops from up to 6.6'!

What about taking pictures with the LifeProof and Otterbox? If the LifeProof has a protective seal, how well does the flash work?

I hate the lifeproof. I left it out in the rain one night and woke up and my sound was not working. The water proof seal is terrible. I do not recomend the lifeproof.

I was excited about the life proof case at first, but I have a very, very difficult time getting the charger on & off each day (which is an original iPhone charger). And, I have to use speaker phone in the car, which is very quiet since the case is so sealed up. Putting the earphones in sucks because I have to carry the adapter everywhere, and in the car I have to use it. I only used the adapter once because after I took off the adapter the speaker wouldn't work so I had to turn my phone on/off. Thankfully the speaker worked after that! It was a brand new phone! I previously was using the otterbox, but the acrylic screen protector got dust/dirt in it and scratched the plastic. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using a regular screen protector under the acrylic one or my screen would've been ruined. Also, the otterbox case - the rubber outside shell has become all stretched out...I only owned it for 7 months! Today I took off the scratched acrylic screen on the otterbox so I can see my screen clearly, and am returning the life proof case. It's too much work for such a high price. $80 at Walmart and the outbox last year was $55 at Walmart.

I purchased the lifeproof for my iPhone 5. When assembling the product, my fingerna actually put a dent in the material and a deep scratch. I was surprised by this. Also I felt a ripple in the screen. It was weird. I took off the case and the "waterproof" seal fell out. I was very disappointed. I took it back. I was excited to see a case that wasn't as bulky as the otter box, but I guess I will wait for the waterproof otter box. I just don't like the bulk ones of the defender.

Anyone know if either will work with the Square or Intuit GoPayment inserted?

i use the otterbox on my iphone 4s and i was very disappointed when i found out the otter boxes flaps were VERY hard to close havent tried the lifeprrof case yet i hate that the lifeproof cases cost 80.95 in stores (walmart,target,etc)the otterboxes are much cheaper i think so but has less qualitys such as water proof etc but i have heard there is static what is that all about is this true? should i try lifeproof???