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.
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 own pros and cons; here is a closer look at the differences between the Otterbox Defender and Commuter cases.
By the time we met with Otterbox, I truly 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 strongest cases for my phone: the Otterbox Defender and Otterbox Commuter cases.
The Otterbox Commuter Case
Otterbox was nice enough to send me these cases to review so I first took a look at the Otterbox commuter
. I love the clean look of the case and the white and gray color combo is sleek.
The Otterbox Commuter Series is perfectly designed with two layers of protection for someone like myself where I 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 really easy to access on the Otterbox Commuter Series. The covers keep out dust and debris but I also found them to really 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
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 and is geared toward heavier users that need more protection or would like the flexibility to add more protection as needed in their life.
The Defender Series comes with a built-in screen protector to guard against scrapes for heavy users. (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 on the Defender Series compared to the Commuter Series. The Commuter has a silicone inner layer whereas the Defender Series has a polycarbonate inner layer. Again, perfect for those that need more protection from their phone.
The outer layer on the Defender case is silicone as 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 that need their phone accessible on the job and while enjoying life on the go.
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. And was completely surprised when I was torn as to which one I liked better.
After testing the Otterbox Defender and Commuter Series cases, here is where they rank:
- 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 well.
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.
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.
Otterbox Universe Case System Overview | Otterbox is just good at what it does, protects our devices and does it in a stylish way.
Bryan Logan says
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.
Amy Barseghian says
Thanks for the tip Bryan! I guess you don’t care if it slides into a handbag nicely, huh? 🙂
Frank says
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.
Amy Barseghian says
Frank, I can totally see how the belt clip would be challenging for you as well as getting the case on and off of your phone. It’s a snug fit!
Bobbi Hampel says
I don’t like belt clips. Is there an option to remove it, and it’s still protected from dirt, water, etc?
Amy Barseghian says
Yes it is an option you can choose to snap on and off. And yes all protection remains! 🙂 Thanks for stopping in Bobbi!
Bruce says
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.
Amy Barseghian says
Hey Bruce! That is awesome to hear! Thanks for stopping in!
Mark Totzke says
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.
Amy Barseghian says
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. 🙂
Mike says
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 !
Amy Barseghian says
Hi Mike, Happy holidays to you! Otterbox cases all raise above the screen to offer the ultimate protection. Here is a look at the Commuter case- hope that helps and feel free to reply with more questions. 🙂
https://bestoflifemag.com/2015/07/what-does-the-otterbox-commuter-case-do.html
Ted says
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
Amy Barseghian says
Hi Ted, The Commuter would allow this to work but if you used the thick screen protector on the Defender it would not work.
Wendy says
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!!
Amy Barseghian says
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!
Karen says
I already have a tempered glass screen protector on my Galaxy S3. Will the Commuter still fit?
Amy Barseghian says
Yes it should fit just fine. I have not had any problems with that.
Laura says
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!
Muscles says
“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.
Vurtricia says
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
Mary Kostiw says
I haver the defender and i like it cause i am very clumsy
And it holds better
Terry Rogers says
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?
Amy Barseghian says
The defender should have that.
Jordan says
Thank you for the review! It has helped me decide.
Amy Barseghian says
That’s great to hear! You are welcome!
Moin says
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.
Amy Barseghian says
So glad you found us! I love the Commuter series as well.
Stacy says
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.