Just what is the Difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? {Review}

After you have finished reading about the difference between the Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases, be sure to look at these Otterbox Case Reviews and Otterbox Case Comparisons.

Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side. Otterbox Case Review | Otterbox Defender Review | Otterbox Commuter Review | Phone Case Review | iPhone Cases | Samsung Cases | Cases for iPhones | Cases for Samsung | Phone Case Tips #otterbox #techreviews

They will help with all of your shopping needs for Otterbox cases. What started as a jab joke at CES quickly became a mission. During our four days at CES, my friend Becca (who has a slight cell phone case addiction) and I saw hundreds of phone cases.

Hundreds for her iPhone and every other phone known to man, but no one seemed to have a case for my current Android at the time, the HTC One Max.

Just what is the Difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases Close Up of Otterbox Cases with Water Droplets on Them
Photo Credit: Otterbox

Thankfully, Otterbox came through and had a few to offer, so I quickly started comparing the Otterbox Defender and Commuter cases to find what would work best.

The Otterbox Commuter and Defender cases each have their pros and cons; here is a closer look at the differences between the Otterbox Defender and Commuter cases.

Just what is the Difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases Close Up of Otterbox Cases in a Row on a Beige Surface
Photo Credit: Otterbox

By the time we met with Otterbox, I honestly was coming to think that finding durable and strong Android cases was mission impossible, which is the LAST thing that should happen at CES.

Otterbox showed me not one but two of the most robust cases for my phone: the Otterbox Defender and Otterbox Commuter cases.

Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side.

The Otterbox Commuter Case

Otterbox was nice enough to send me these cases to review, so I first looked at the Otterbox commuter. I love the clean look of the case, and the white and gray color combo is sleek.

otterbox commuter case port covers - Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side.

The Otterbox Commuter Series is perfectly designed with two layers of protection for someone like myself who want to protect my device in a fairly typical “daily life.”

It is nice to know that my phone is protected from drops, scrapes, and bumps that are simply going to happen – it’s just a matter of when. The ports are also straightforward to access on the Otterbox Commuter Series.

Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side.

The covers keep out dust and debris, but I also found them to protect the ports from the random small objects that float around in my purse. The Otterbox Commuter Series is smoother on the exterior than the Defender Series which does allow it to slide in my pocket and my handbag pockets with ease.

As I said, the protection provided by the Commuter Series case is two-fold. An adhesive screen protector comes with your case to prevent scratches, and your device is protected by an inner silicone layer and then partially wrapped in a polycarbonate outer.

otterbox defender series case - Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side.

Otterbox Defender Series

After almost two weeks with the Commuter case, it was time to test another Otterbox case – the Otterbox Defender on my phone. The Defender Series is definitely more rugged than the Commuter Series.

It is geared toward heavier users who need more protection or would like the flexibility to add more protection as needed in their lives. The Defender Series comes with a built-in screen protector to guard against scrapes for heavy users.

difference between otterbox defender and commuter defender - Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side.

(I performed a bit of surgery and removed it. 🙂  I love the screen on my Max and didn’t like the barrier.)  With three layers of protection, your phone is truly protected with the Defender Series.  

The layers of protection are different in the Defender Series compared to the Commuter Series. The Commuter has a silicone inner layer, whereas the Defender Series has a polycarbonate inner layer.

Just what is the Difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases Close Up of a Person's Hand Holding an Otterbox Case
Photo Credit: Otterbox

Again, it is perfect for those who need more protection from their phone. The outer layer on the Defender case is silicone compared to the polycarbonate outer on the Commuter Series.

Port protection in both cases is equal regardless of the layers being different.  Another key difference on the Defender Series is the belt-clip holster that offers convenience for those who need their phone accessible on the job and while enjoying life on the go.

Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side.

Plus, it swivels. If you watch a lot of movies on your phone, the clip also acts as a kickstand for hands-free media viewing. I have to admit – I went into using the Otterbox Defender thinking that I would not like it as much as the Commuter.

I was completely surprised when I was torn about which one I liked better. After testing the Otterbox Defender and Commuter Series cases, here is where they rank:

Just what is the Difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases Otterbox Cases on a Yellow Surface
Photo Credit: Otterbox
  • I prefer the exterior texture of the Otterbox Defender because it is grippy and allows me to carry it with a bit more confidence.
  • The dual-tone of the Commuter Series and the slightly smaller size pull me in – I love them.
  • The power button is far easier to activate with the Otterbox Defender series case. I can carry it one-handed and push the button with any finger, and my phone turns on and off. With the Commuter Series, more often than not, I need to hold the phone with both hands to get the power button to work. The button on the silicone layer is positioned too low on the case and thus does not line up nicely.
Just what is the Difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases an Otterbox Case on a Small Stand Outdoors
Photo Credit: Otterbox

In the end, my vote is for the Otterbox Defender case solely because the Commuter makes the buttons harder to push. If it were based on form factor and design, the Commuter Series has my heart.

Wondering just what is the difference between Otterbox Defender and Commuter Cases? Our comparison review shows you how they compare side by side. Otterbox Case Review | Otterbox Defender Review | Otterbox Commuter Review | Phone Case Review | iPhone Cases | Samsung Cases | Cases for iPhones | Cases for Samsung | Phone Case Tips #otterbox #techreviews

More Otterbox

Otterbox Defender Case Review | There are so many things to learn about the Otterbox Defender case, this comparison simply can’t cover it all.

Otterbox Symmetry Vs Defender Case Comparison | But there are still comparisons that can be made since the Otterbox family of products is so large.

What is the difference between the Otterbox Cases? | In fact, what are the difference between all of the Otterbox cases?

Otterbox Agility Tablet System Review | There are also cases for tablets that could make life easier using one.

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29 Comments

  1. I loved the Otterbox cases. I had one for my HTC Evo 4G, but then had to do without once I got my Nexus 4. My wife’s Galaxy SII had a Ballistic case. I didn’t like it at all. Front was too thick, so it made it hard to touch the edge of the screen. Her new SIII is back to the Otterbox (blue/lightblue).

    One comparison you should do is how easily it slides into a pants or shirt pocket. Guys would be interested in that comparison.

  2. I just purchased an Otterbox Defender for my Galaxy Note 4. It is much bulkier than I expected. But I believe the only bad thing that will happen to my phone is losing it. I’m not to shore about the belt clip. Once clipped in it is difficult to get out due to my arthritis. The screen protected is so close to the screen you don’t know it is there.

    1. I don’t like belt clips. Is there an option to remove it, and it’s still protected from dirt, water, etc?

  3. I purchased two of the Defender cases based upon your review. One for my Samsung Note 3 and one for my mother’s Samsung S4.

  4. I was wondering what the differences were between the Otterbox Commuter and Defender cases and found your review. I recently purchased a Galaxy 5 Note and part of the package was an Otterbox Commuter case. I am pretty happy with it. I don’t see the issue with the power button, it extends a millimeter or more out of the case and I have no problem with one-handed operation. Maybe Otterbox acted on your review.

    1. So happy you found my review Mark! Thanks for stopping in to let me know your thoughts…I am happy you are enjoying the case and find it to be comfortable. 🙂

  5. Hi Amy,

    I am trying to decide between the defender and the commuter for my iPhone 6 s plus. The only factors in really considering is bulkiness vs protection. Does the commuter have a raised case that goes over the screen so that if you drop it the screen won’t crack? Or is that just for the defender? Thank you and happy holidays !

  6. Thanks for your review Amy.
    I just bought a Samsung Galaxy S7. The lock function can be operated by fingerprint recognition on the home button. Will this feature still work with either the Defender or the Commuter?

    Ted

  7. I am looking for a case for my husbands new IPhone 6plus. He works construction so I am thinking of going with the Defender….do you agree?
    Thanks for comparing the two….makes it easier for people like me!!

    1. Hi Wendy, For construction, yes I would definitely recommend the Defender! It can truly protect his phone if something happens! 🙂 You are very welcome – thanks for stopping in!

  8. i feel a liitle bit sorry about my question now. Before that sorry for my English i´m only a pupil. i don´t know which otter box is the best for me. Your reviwe is very good but my English is not so good:: 😀 I´m a girl i have a horse. my phone case shold be robust (?) stylish and functional. That´s for the cummuter… but you said (and you are not the only) that the buttons are hard to hit. Another question: is the screen also protected with an extra “case”?
    or is the defender maybe better for me? i often were tight pans and wan´t to carry my phone in my trousers pocket(?)
    hope you can help me an thanks in advance!

    1. “Defender” has silicone rubber on the exterior (more grippy, sticky) versus the “Commuter” that has a polycarbonate exterior that will be easier to slide in and out of tight pockets.

  9. Does the film screen protector on the commuter offer just as much protection as the built in protector on the defender?
    Say if you drop it and it lands dead center on a rock where the raised edges offer no protection. I have dropped a phone in a rocky area before and cracked the screen. The only time the raised edges help if it’s dropped on a flat surface

  10. Hey Amy I have a new note 8 and I need a case for it. I put a tempered glass on the front of my phone and you have to touch the screen a lot harde trailer for it to work. If I put a defender case on it dose it come with a screen protector where I can take this tempered glass of where the screen sensevity will be better. I tried a symmetry case and it don’t cover the screen
    Dose the defender or commuter cover the screen on the note 8?

  11. Hi Amy,
    I’ve been using Defender series for my Samsung S4 for 3 years. The back case is now all used and I am looking for its replacement but was not able to find it on Amazon but instead found Commuter series and was wondering if that will be as good as Defender one and found your blog post.

    Thanks for writing in such a beautiful and useful details. I really wish to stick with Defender series but seems like hard time getting it so would probably go with Commuter series.

    I really needed Defender case because of its firm grip-ness and ruggedness but after having read your review about Commuter, I guess it’s not a bad choice either.

    1. Moin, It’s now December 2018 and there are Otterbox Defender cases available on Amazon. I hope you were able to find one if that’s what you really want. I have a Commuter case and use a tempered glass screen protector from another company – for extra insurance. My screen protector cracked long long ago but the screen is fine. I like the Commuter because it’s slimmer and slides easily in and out of pockets.