The Best Waterproof Phone Case to Keep Your Phone Dry

So much of our life is contained in our phones, we rarely go anywhere without them. That includes to the pool, the beach, on a boat…and even into the water itself. Waterproof phone cases are in higher and higher demand every year, and selecting the right one can be a bit of a hunt.

But we’ve got you covered! Check out our roundup of the best waterproof phone cases, as well as some things to consider when choosing one.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐜𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐞 Waterproof Phone Pouch

Best for Underwater Photography:
Professional Snorkeling Underwater Phone Case

Best for Large Phones:
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

Best Budget:
JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

Best Overall

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐜𝐰𝐢𝐫𝐞 Waterproof Phone Pouch

Finding the best waterproof phone case out there can be tricky. Not only are there a lot of different options on the market, but it can be hard to shop for one that fits your specific phone needs. Especially since a lot of waterproof phone cases are made only for the latest models!

You want a waterproof phone case that checks off the boxes for a fully waterproof, touchscreen-friendly case that can endure up to a depth of 100 feet underwater and can accommodate many different phones. For all these reasons and more, we recommend the Syncwire Waterproof Phone Pouch as the best waterproof phone case overall.

This pouch case has a snap and lock mechanism to keep out, not just water, but snow, sand, dirt, and dust. It has enough room for any phone model, big name brand or not, up to a size of 7 inches—which is standard for most smart phones. Due to these features and more, it definitely deserves the ranking of best waterproof phone case overall!

Pros:

Accommodates most standard smartphones, both older and newer models
Has extra space for credit cards, ID, etc., so you can carry all of your water-sensitive items in one convenient pouch
Snaps and seals for extra waterproof protection
IPX8 certified with a waterproof guarantee up to a depth of 100 feet
Sturdy lanyard clip for extra durability in rough waters
Comes in a convenient pack of two

Cons:

Some customers have reported issues with overheating when using the phone inside the case, as its waterproof design can also conduct heat.
Most phones will need to be removed for their case—especially if they are mounted in a bulkier case, like an Otterbox—before they will fit into the phone pouch

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Best for Underwater Photography

Professional Snorkeling Underwater Phone Case

There are some moments in life you can only capture in a split-second…even underwater! Whether you are snorkeling in the ocean, along a reef, or simply making memories in the pool, you want the best waterproof phone case. One that is fully sealed and secure, with an emphasis on easy photography at a moment’s notice.

For a sturdy, adaptable phone case that meets these needs and more, we recommend the Niko Professional Underwater Snorkeling Phone Case as the best waterproof phone case for underwater photography. It can even fit all standard Android and Apple phones!

This sturdy, structured phone case is designed with underwater photography specifically in mind. It’s easy to grip and can also be mounted to a handheld tripod or selfie stick for optimal photography, making it easy to take photos of yourself as well as the underwater scape.

Pros:

The case’s large body and ergonomic design can fit both Android and Apple models
Allows easy access to all buttons and ports
Designed specifically for uninhibited camera access while underwater

Cons:

After one hour in up to 15 feet of water or about 30 minutes in depths up to 100 feet, there is a risk of water damage to the phone
Occasionally customers have had issues with accessing buttons on their specific tested. It may be unclear how well the case will work for your phone until bought and tested

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Best for Large Phones

Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

Nowadays, you will find many phone models beginning to stretch past the 7-inch mark as the demand for bigger screens grows higher and higher. These big phones are in just as much need of water protection as their smaller counterparts, but in many cases, they just don’t fit.

That’s why, for the best waterproof phone case for large phone models, we recommend the Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch. This pouch ranks in many ways similar to our overall best pick, but with some additional space to allow for the larger phone models making a splash on the market today.

This case is waterproof, scratch resistant, and repels snow, dust, and sand. It has extra space to accommodate other items as well, including a passport! The more things you need to carry and keep safe from the water, the more useful this large case becomes.

Pros:

Perfect for most MAX and PLUS sized phones on the market today
Convenient for carrying even more additional necessities such as passport, credit cards, and other items
Waterproof guaranteed up to a depth of 100 feet, with an IPX8 certification rating

Cons:

Touch ID is not available underwater, so you will need to use your volume button to take pictures and navigate your phone
You will most likely need to remove your phone from its standard use case in order to use it in the waterproof pouch

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Best Budget

JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch

Waterproof phone cases may not be incredibly expensive, but the bigger and fancier you go, the more you will have to pay. Many folks are just on the hunt for the best waterproof phone case, without any bells and whistles, that they can still trust to keep their device safe.

For this purpose and the buyer’s peace of mind, we recommend the JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch as the best waterproof phone case on a budget. This pouch has all of the standard fanfare you want, including a high waterproof certification rating, easy carrying ability, and protection against the elements in addition to water…all without breaking the bank.

Whether you are boating, beaching, swimming, or even taking your phone on a hike in the rain, this is a great cost effective option to ensure your phone and valuables are safe from the water. All while you stay well within your budget.

Pros:

Affordable as well as reliable—does not sacrifice sturdiness for the price point
Fits all phone models universally up to seven inches
Offers waterproof protection up to 100 feet in depth with an IPX8 rating

Cons:

Some customers reported their phone case beginning to show wear and tear and breakdown after several uses
Can be difficult to take photos with it underwater
Does not float if phone is dropped in the water in the pouch

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Considerations for Choosing the Best Waterproof Phone Case

How Waterproof is Waterproof?

The term “waterproof” seems like it should be fairly universal, but different companies and brands can actually indicate different things when they say “waterproof”.

For example, in some instances, “waterproof” may be used to indicate a phone case that will protect your phone from incidental water contact like a brief rainshower or waterspray when aboard a boat.

However, those cases may not be intended for “submersion”. In other words, they might not be graded to have your phone actually underwater for any length of time. And even submersion cases are waterproof only for a certain length of time, or up to a certain depth.

Whichever waterproof phone case you choose, be sure it is one that fully fits your needs and intended use. One way to find out how actually “waterproof” a phone case is, is to check its IPX waterproof rating. This scales from 0 to 9, ranking how well a phone case protects the phone.

The Conditions of the Water

There are some waterproof phone cases that are designed for different conditions. Some simply close around your phone as-is, while many come on lanyards that can be worn around the neck. When choosing the best waterproof phone case for your needs, consider the conditions of the water you will be in.

If you plan to be in fast-flowing or tumultuous waters, such as when boating or rafting, you may want to take special consideration to a phone case with a sturdy lanyard, so that you don’t risk it falling out of your pocket.

If you are in calmer waters, however, a phone case that can be easily slipped in and out of a pocket or tucked into your bathing suit or bag may be much easier to navigate.

If you intend to leave your phone out in the heat, such as on the beach or at the poolside, a lanyard pouch case may run the risk of overheating your phone as well, so you should take this factor into consideration when choosing the best waterproof phone case.

Additional Risks to Your Phone

There are all kinds of scenarios where you may be on the hunt for the best waterproof phone case! There may be other risks to your phone in addition to water exposure. These could be things like a risk of shock by dropping the phone while hiking, for example.

Many different waterproof phone cases boast additional benefits as well, such as being shock-absorbent, scratch resistant, and more. When considering the scenarios where you might be using your waterproof phone case, be sure to check and see if there are any other features in the phone case that will truly make it the best fit for you.

Wrapping up the Best Waterproof Phone Cases of the Year

Finding the best waterproof phone case is just one of the many things to consider when it comes to preparing for any and all scenarios. Be sure to check out our Every Day Items page for recommendations on some of the best products to keep you equipped and prepared for life as it comes your way!