Key Takeaways

• The OtterBox Commuter case offers superior protection with its combination of a hard outer case and a softer inner layer, as well as a port cover to prevent debris from entering the charging port.
• The Symmetry case is slimmer and easier to install and remove compared to the Commuter case, while still providing comparable protection with raised beveled edges to protect the screen and camera lenses.
• The Symmetry case offers a wider range of style and color options, with up to 20 designs available, compared to the Commuter case's four color options.

So, you've recently received your new iPhone 15 Pro Max after spending a considerable chunk of your pay on this device. Naturally, you want to protect your investment, but, of course, you're not just going for any case. You want the best. That's why you look at one of the most established case makers—OtterBox.

But, when you search for them, you get a ton of options. Which should you choose? To help you decide, take a look at this OtterBox series comparison. We'll compare the OtterBox Commuter vs. Symmetry to see which case you should buy.

Protection

The Commuter case wins if you're looking at which of the two protects your phone better. That's because, unlike most cases, which are either hard or soft phone cases, the Commuter case offers the best of both worlds—a hard outer case and a softer inner layer.

The layers work together by both absorbing impacts and deflecting sharp objects. This combination provides excellent protection for your smartphone. Furthermore, the Commuter case has a port cover, ensuring that your phone's charging port won't get any debris in it.

Beyond physical protection, some Commuter models have an external case impregnated with silver-based additives that help stop microbial growth. Although it doesn't protect your screen, it prevents common bacteria from sticking to your case and being picked up by your phone.

However, these are only usually found on cases for older phone models, like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, launched in 2020 and 2021.

On the other hand, the Symmetry case uses a single piece to protect your phone. This makes it easier to install and remove compared to the Commuter line, and it's also slimmer. Despite that, it still offers comparative protection.

If you're going to look at their specifications, both of these cases are DROP+ rated. OtterBox states this rating can withstand three times as many drops as the MIL-STD-801G 516.6 military standard. They also both have raised beveled edges. This ensures that the screen and the camera lenses are protected even if you drop your phone flat on its face or back.

Both cases will definitely make your phone thicker. But even so, it will remain slim and pocketable, so these cases won't make handling your phone a hassle. Furthermore, they provide a better grip, reducing your risk of dropping your device due to slippery hands. Nevertheless, we don't recommend the Commuter case if you like tight pants, as they're slightly thicker than the Symmetry line.

Winner: Commuter

Style and Variety

For some people, smartphones aren't just tools; they can also be fashion statements and conversation pieces. However, others prefer their phones to be low-profile and anonymous. No matter who you are, the Commuter case is perfect as it has four color options for the iPhone 15—Black, Get Your Greens (Green), Crisp Denim (Blue), and Run Wildflower (Pink). So, even if you value protection over everything else, you can still pick a color that'll fit your taste.

But if you can't find a color or design you like with the Commuter case, you should check out the Symmetry series cases instead. OtterBox offers many designs and colors with this case, so you're bound to find one you like.

If your phone has a unique color, you could go for the Clear or Stardust (Clear Glitter) design, which lets you showcase the best iPhone 15 Pro color you chose.

But if you're not particular about how your phone looks, you also have the following plain color options: Black, You Do Blue (Blue), Dark Echo (Translucent Black), Bluetiful (Blue), Sunstone (Orange), Ballet Shoes (Pink), Green Juice (Green), Aspen Gleam 2.0 (Yellow), Beet It (Translucent Pink), and Lemon Pucker (Translucent Yellow).

And for the adventurous souls out there, OtterBox offers the Symmetry Graphics case, which has a printed design at the back. You can pick from the following options: Island Getaway (Green), Iron Camo (Gray), Burnout Sky (Black), On The Spot (Brown), Soft Sunset (Purple), Dawn Floral (Translucent Blue), Realtree Flamingo Pink (Camo Graphic), and Realtree Blaze Edge (Camo Graphic).

All the latest OtterBox Commuter and Symmetry cases are now MagSage Charger compatible, so you don't have to worry about removing them if you want to wireless charge your device. Furthermore, some designs have a built-in OtterGrip attachment, allowing you to securely hold your phone when it's popped out.

The Symmetry case offers 20 designs, while the Commuter case only has four color options. So, if you like mixing and matching outfits and phone cases, you better go for the former.

Winner: Symmetry

Compatibility

There are simply too many phones out there for OtterBox to make a case for each one. So, if you're using a less popular model, you might not have an available case. Furthermore, some cases might not fully support a phone's features.

So, before you choose a protective case, ensure it works with the accessories you use on your phone.

Available Models

The Commuter Series can protect phones from Apple (from the iPhone 6 to 15), Samsung (from Galaxy S9 to S23 series), Nokia, Motorola, LG, OnePlus, Google, T-Mobile, and TCL. On the other hand, the Symmetry Series is available for Apple (from the iPhone 5 to 15), Samsung (from Galaxy S8 to S23 series), Motorola, Microsoft, LG, OnePlus, Google, and Huawei.

Winner: Symmetry

Wireless Charging and MagSafe

Both cases are designed to be compatible with wireless charging (what is wireless charging?). However, they work best with wireless chargers from OtterBox. You might encounter issues with third-party chargers, especially with the Commuter case. Due to its dual-layer design, your wireless charger should have greater power or range to work.

The Symmetry case occasionally runs into similar problems. But its thinner design than the Commuter means this is a less prevalent problem. If wireless charging is vital for you, consider getting a charger from OtterBox, as it's specifically designed to work with their cases. Nevertheless, iPhone 15 cases from OtterBox are MagSafe-compatible, so you don't have to worry about this issue if you're using an Apple device.

Winner: Symmetry

Usability

Both cases are designed to be as unintrusive as possible. However, they do still affect how you use your phone. The first issue is its thickness. A case can add up to 50% more thickness to your phone. This is especially true with the Commuter series, with its dual layers and thicker bumpers.

A case's thick edges can also intrude on the experience of using a phone. If you have large fingers, the Commuter's wider bumpers might make it difficult to swipe up. You might also have difficulty reaching the silent button because of its thicker edges.

The Commuter will outdo the Symmetry case anytime if protection is your priority. But, if you want more stylish options, you should go for the latter.

Winner: Symmetry

Eco-Friendliness

E-waste is one of our planet's biggest challenges, so we don't want to add to the problem by adding more waste after a phone's lifespan. Much like how Apple plans to become carbon neutral by 2030, we should try to achieve the same goal by using more recycled materials. Fortunately, all OtterBox cases are made with more than 50% recycled plastic, helping reduce our waste problem.

However, since the Commuter cases usually come in two pieces, they require more material and use different plastics. Because of this, the Symmetry case seems to be the greener option. Nevertheless, if you're looking for more eco-friendly alternatives, check out our list of eco-friendly phone cases.

Winner: Symmetry

More Style or More Protection?

Both the Symmetry and the Commuter case offer protection at roughly the same price. But you must consider your use when choosing the best case for you. Do you need something that can withstand rough conditions? Or do you want something that offers less protection but more style?

According to our tally, the Symmetry case is the better option among the two—that is, if you don't need superior protection. But, if you know you have butterfingers or work in a rough and tumble environment, you should pick the Commuter case for your phone.