Renowned for durability, OtterBox has garnered trust as a provider of high-quality phone cases. Reliable phone case protection comes in all shapes and sizes, and Commuter Series and Symmetry Series prove this with their slim profiles. Whether the OtterBox Symmetry Series vs. the OtterBox Commuter Series is right for you depends on how you intend to use your phone and what kind of protection you need.

Symmetry Series has a thinner, one-piece design that allows for easy gripping and provides ample protection from daily wear and tear. On the other hand, Commuter Series ups the protection with a two-piece design and added durability. Let's explore the differences between Commuter Series vs. Symmetry Series, including protection, style, bulkiness and price, to inform your decision.

What is the difference between Commuter Series and Symmetry Series?

When comparing the OtterBox Commuter Series vs. the Symmetry Series, it all boils down to personal preference. Both cases have slight variations in bulk, design and protection level.

Symmetry Series offers a slimmer profile with more color options, while Commuter Series adds a touch of bulk for extra protection. Those who drop their phones frequently might want the added protection of Commuter Series, and people who favor more color options and a smaller overall profile may prefer Symmetry Series. 

Symmetry Series

• MagSafe compatible
• One-piece design

As the slimmest case in the OtterBox lineup, Symmetry Series has a lot going for it, and style is at the forefront. Choose from clear cases, solid colors like black or patterns that showcase your personality. These cases can withstand bumps and falls, so your phone doesn't have to. The OtterBox Symmetry Series case can be hard or soft, depending on which one you choose. Although these phone cases are slim, they still maintain an impressive three-times drop rating compared to military standards.

Commuter Series cases

• MagSafe compatible
• Two-piece design

With Commuter Series, your phone and its ports, screen and camera are safeguarded from the average fall. Designed with a soft inner layer and a hard outer shell, these cases merge seamlessly with OtterBox screen protectors for complete protection. The outer shell helps deflect and absorb the shock of impacts, and its grippy edges keep your phone safely in your hand, even as you pull it from your pocket.

Is the OtterBox Symmetry Series enough protection?

While you might be concerned about the slimness of Symmetry Series, these cases keep your phone safely protected according to OtterBox's industry-leading standards. Symmetry Series is as good as Commuter Series for most use cases, even with the slight difference in drop rating. These cases provide day-to-day protection against accidents.

Commuter Series vs. Symmetry Series: Bulkiness & design

The OtterBox Commuter Series and OtterBox Symmetry Series both provide a relatively slim design that's comfortable in the hand and easy to grip. Symmetry Series is thinner, which may make it more ergonomic in smaller hands. However, Commuter Series provides additional grippiness around the edges to help prevent unintentional slips during use.

Both options are drop-proof. However, Commuter Series offers a slightly higher drop rating thanks to its two-piece design.

Style: Commuter Series or Symmetry Series case?

When your phone goes virtually everywhere with you, aesthetics matter. If you want your phone and case to showcase your style with vivid colors and patterns, Symmetry Series has you covered. The Picnic Daisy, Y2K Butterfly and Cow Print case patterns add a hint of flair to your device.

Commuter Series provides an aesthetic, slim case with great color options, such as Run Wildflower (Pink), for versatile customizability. 

When deciding between the OtterBox Commuter Series or Symmetry Series, keep your style preferences in mind.

Price Comparison: Commuter Series vs. Symmetry Series

Both phone cases fall within a similar price range. The base Symmetry Series starts at $49.95, while the Commuter Series starts at $39.95. They're both budget-friendly options for robust OtterBox-approved protection. However, Symmetry Series offers additional features and premium materials at increased price points.

Symmetry Series Soft Touch

Symmetry Series Soft Touch costs slightly more than the base model, starting at $59.95. It has a silky-smooth silicone finish, making it comfortable to hold. Several color options are available, including vibrant yellows and pinks or sophisticated blacks and grays. 

Symmetry Series Cactus Leather

Elevating the sleekness of Symmetry Series with supple nopal cactus leather by Desserto, this case provides additional scratch and stain resilience. Designed with MagSafe magnets and a metal crown to protect the camera, the premium Symmetry Series Cactus Leather case envelopes your phone with a luxurious aesthetic. Prices start at $59.95.

Symmetry Series With Camera Control

As the newest addition to the Symmetry Series family, Symmetry Series with Camera Control is unique to the iPhone 16 phone line. This clear case shows off your phone's aesthetic design and slim build without sacrificing durability. While it's the most expensive of the Symmetry Series lineup at $69.95, it provides seamless integration with the iPhone 16's robust camera control options, including swiping, clicking and tapping.

Is the OtterBox Commuter Series better than Symmetry Series?

There's no wrong choice in the OtterBox Symmetry Series vs. Commuter Series debate. Both cases are drop-proof, so if you need reliable protection at an affordable price, you can find it with either model. 

They both offer stylish appeal with a slim profile and unique color options. Commuter Series thrives with solid and two-tone colors, while Symmetry Series adds a spark of creativity and personality with more daring patterns. 

Those prone to dropping their phones may prefer Commuter Series, while Symmetry Series provides day-to-day protection. The best choice is the one that matches your needs, style and preferences.