You know you want to protect your phone from falls and scratches, but deciding between an OtterBox Commuter Series vs. Defender Series can be difficult. Fortunately, all OtterBox cases offer proven protection and are trusted for their high standards. The right one ultimately comes down to your needs and how you intend to use your device. 

When choosing between Commuter Series and Defender Series, consider where your life takes you. Are you the outdoorsy type who hikes untamed backtrails, or do you work in a rough-and-tumble industry, such as construction? Defender Series provides the robust protection your phone needs to take on any environment. Are you more of an urbanite who spends your workday at an office desk? Commuter Series' lighter, more compact frame may be better for everyday use.

Still can't decide between an OtterBox Commuter Series and Defender Series? Check out this comparison of the series' bulkiness, protection, price, available accessories and overall utility.

What is the difference between Commuter Series and Defender Series?

OtterBox Commuter Series and Defender Series cases provide ample protection for your smartphone. However, they each serve different niches. An OtterBox Commuter Series works great for everyday use, with its lightweight, silicone build that provides drop protection and scratch and dust resistance. Defender Series adds an extra degree of protectiveness with its multilayered design consisting of plastic and rubber. These dependable cases call out to anyone who is rough on their phones or ventures into rugged environments.

OtterBox Commuter Series

• MagSafe compatible
• Two-piece design

Form and function collide with OtterBox Commuter Series cases. Designed with the sleek stylishness you crave and the portable protection your phone deserves, this minimalist case comes in an assortment of solid colors and dual-tone patterns. Its textured sides help you keep your grip, while the slim profile slips right into your pocket.

OtterBox Defender Series

• MagSafe compatible
• Three- or four-piece design

Say goodbye to the fear of cracked screens and broken devices with an OtterBox Defender Series. This ultra-durable case provides drop protection at seven times the military standard. Reinforced, shock-absorbing corners and the case's triple-layer defense keep your phone safe, even after unexpected tumbles. Despite the added bulk, the all-over texture makes texting and scrolling comfortable. Perfectly match your style with a range of color options, including standard black, rich pinks, greens and purples.



Commuter Series vs. Defender Series: Bulkiness

Bulkiness can impact how easy your phone is to use. Thicker cases can make it harder to keep your grip or use your phone comfortably, especially for those with small hands. However, it also affects how drop-proof your phone case really is. A bulkier case tends to offer more protection for devices, which is exactly what Defender Series does. 

Renowned for its extreme durability, Defender Series is also one of the thicker cases on the market. Commuter Series, in comparison, is much slimmer. It's more comfortable to hold for longer periods, making it suitable for regular use.

Commuter Series or Defender Series: Protection

OtterBox Defender Series and Commuter Series cases both provide ample protection from drops and falls. However, Defender Series reigns supreme when it comes to protection from steep falls. With up to seven-times drop rating based on military standards, it far outclasses Commuter Series. 

Despite Commuter Series' three-times drop rating, it still excels in keeping devices damage-free. If you don't regularly drop it from heights above 4 feet, your phone should remain intact.

Both cases provide port covers, keeping dust, dirt and pocket lint at bay, and work with OtterBox screen protectors for an additional shield against scratches, cracks and chips. They also feature raised lips surrounding the camera to protect your lenses from direct impacts.

Compare Defender Series and Commuter Series on price

In the battle for the most affordable case with an OtterBox Commuter Series vs. an OtterBox Defender Series, Commuter Series comes out on top. Defender Series and its iterations generally cost more than Commuter Series. You pay for extra layers, protection and additional features.

However, price points depend on the specific phone case model and additional features. For example, MagSafe-compatible models tend to cost more than the base model. 

OtterBox Commuter Series

Commuter Series offers budget-friendliness without sacrificing protection. It's suitable for the vast majority of daily uses and guards your phone from the occasional tumble off the counter or out of your pocket.

OtterBox Defender Series

Defender Series provides extensive protection at a reasonable price point. The base model is more durable than Commuter Series and has extra case layers.

OtterBox Defender Series XT

Defender Series XT is a slightly slimmer version of Defender Series, but its five-times drop rating elevates the price. It’s also transparent, offering durable protection without hiding your device's design.

OtterBox Defender Series Pro

Hikers, this one's for you! Defender Series Pro is water resistant and has a built-in screen protector, bolstering its defenses against outdoor hazards. It also includes an antimicrobial additive for extra protection when your hands get dirty, which raises the price point. 

OtterBox Defender Series Pro XT

Defender Series Pro XT takes the XT to the next level. It's water-resistant and built with premium materials. The Defender Series Pro XT also has a screen protector and a five-time drop rating for ample protection that warrants an increase in price.

Accessories for Defender Series vs. Commuter Series cases

More accessories are available for Defender Series. If you want belt clips so your phone never leaves your side, check out the Defender Series XT holster.

General accessories, such as OtterBox screen protectors, work with both series. MagSafe-compatible options connect seamlessly to wireless chargers.

Is Symmetry Series as good as Commuter Series?

There's no bad phone case choice with OtterBox. All cases adhere to strict safety and protection standards, so the right case depends on your lifestyle, preferences and use. 

Symmetry Series is slimmer than Commuter Series, providing a sleeker aesthetic. Part of this comes from its one-piece design, compared to the Commuter Series' two-piece build. Despite this, Symmetry Series still provides ample protection for screens and camera lenses, thanks to its raised beveled edges. Symmetry Series also comes in a much broader range of colors. 

Symmetry Series is probably the better choice for those who prefer slimmer cases. However, if you don't mind a touch of bulkiness in exchange for additional protection and a limited color palette, Commuter Series has you covered.