The XPG Defender Pro clearly tries to package itself as a sturdy, clean-looking, ARGB-equipped E-ATX chassis, and it certainly delivers on all of that in essence. It comes with a solid steel interior, just like most modern cases in the $100+ segment, and also checks off the visuals box with a clean window and elaborate steel front design. Lastly, it also manages to offer the room one needs for an E-ATX board without any major size-related compromises, which is usually something that is mentioned by brands when advertising the ability to hold a motherboard of this format.

However, it does feel as though XPG is making the user pay for a few things that aren't really going to move the needle in real life, while opting for some cost-saving measures in other areas that are better executed for less money by other options on the market. A magnetic front panel is nice, but not really necessary—plastic clips would be fine. Also really nice are the two ARGB strips in the top and bottom of the front, which do add a cool visual touch. That said, a user would most likely favor a third ARGB fan in front over these strips. Then there is the built-in ARGB controller, which is both capable and universal, but instead of having a clean, central PCB like most other brands, you have to deal with quite the cable mess, which will only get worse the more lighting components you connect.

That trend continues a bit with the cheap ways to add 2.5" drives. It works flawlessly and does the job just like trays would, so there are no real-world issues here, but it simply is out of place for a case in this price segment. On top of that, it removes the possibility for a classic tray to be placed on the shroud to show off your SSD, which has become quite the standard for mainstream enclosures.

At the time of writing, the US has instituted a 25% tariff, which certainly affects pricing, so theoretically, the $109.99 price tag would be more along the lines of $90–$95 without it in place. But even so, the XPG Defender Pro is putting too much of an emphasis on niche and visual add-ons instead of added unique functionality or utility.