OtterBox Commuter Case for iPhone 3G/3GS - Black

 (311 customer reviews)

I have the Defender as well, and the Commuter gives a nice, in-between product between the Impact and the Defender. My review will really focus on the Defender vs the Commuter:

The Defender has a polycarb frame surrounded by silicon, plugs the docking port, headphone port, and volume and sleep button. It also covers the screen with a clear protective layer. This is a very protective case, while not waterproof it's pretty much impervious to everything else. However, this protection adds heft to the phone, and the raised edges can make it difficult to get to the letters on the edges of the screen.

The Commuter has a silicon wrap that is protected by a polycarb frame around it. The screen protection is provided by a screen protector that is applied to the surface, with a slot for the speaker and a cutout for the home button. There is a plug around the headphone jack as well as the docking port. The volume and sleep buttons are protected, but the mute switch is open...Read more

I purchased the Otterbox Commuter Case after owning a Speck Toughskin for my iPhone 3G. The Toughskin was too bulky and kept peeling the corner of my screen shield up. I found the Commuter to be very smooth and slim. It gives the iPhone a sleek look and feels good in your hand. The rubber is somewhat flimsy and I didn't feel it would give me enough protection for the money. I am a flight attendant and am constantly on the go. I have dropped my iPhone several times with a cheap plastic case and really needed to get it protected. A friend had purchased the Otterbox Defender and after comparing it to my Commuter, I decided to return the Commuter and purchase the Defender. The Defender adds more bulk but is very tough. Once it's on, it's on. It looks like it is a part of the iPhone. So if you are looking for a basic cover for your iPhone, and aren't on the go-go-go, then I would get the Commuter. If you are on the go and constantly using your iPhone while doing that, I would...Read more

I never write reviews, but I wanted everyone to know how wonderful this case is. I read all the reviews prior to getting this case and was very excited to try it out. I've been using it for one month now, and with three kids between the ages of 7 and 1 ½ playing games on my iphone, this case has really protected it. It's nice and slides easily either into my purse or pocket. My husband bought the otterbox defender and he loves my case to, he's in the military and incredibly rough on his phone or he would've already ordered him one like mine. He'll pick my phone up and mention how much user friendly my case is because it doesn't cover any part on the front, smaller, smoother, can hear the speaker nicely with no distortions, and it's comfortable to use right next to your year. Overall, I will never use another case and I recommend it to anyone who wishes to protect their phone with style.