The Otterbox Commuter and Defender are both made by Otterbox but some significant differences can make people choose one over the other. Both are made with a polycarbonate shell and synthetic rubber but the defender comes thicker and it is also a bit longer as compared to the commuter. The commuter is considered to be more lightweight.
This is also less invasive which can be very helpful when you are traveling and you just need something that will offer the right protection to your phone. The best thing about these two types of Otterbox cases is that they can both protect your phone in all angles. Even your screen can be protected properly.