Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Bottom line: The Otterbox Commuter case is great protection for your iPhone 5 investment. And it's sleeker and lighter than the negative reviews might lead you to believe. My highest priority was to protect this $400 gadget from damage. I also have preschoolers who are additional risks to anything fragile! Check. At the same time, I wanted something with good design that would fit unobtrusively in my pants or shirt pocket. Check and check. Also wanted materials that are durable. Time will tell, but my initial analysis indicates check. FYI, I compared to the Otterbox Defender, which offers more protection, but is bulkier and more noticeable in my pocket. Also compared it to several different Speck cases, which appeared to offer similar protection at the same price, but did not come with a screen protector. Plus, the Otterbox color combinations, from black/white to lime green/navy, accommodate a range of tastes. The criticisms in other reviews appear overblown. Regarding on/off switch stiffness, this isn't a factor at all. The case fits the phone perfectly. I didn't notice the "rough" edges on the bottom back because I don't hold it there. In my four years of owning iPhones, iPads and cases, my experience is that no case is "perfect." If you want solid protection without too much bulk, this case is worth your consideration.