7 Best Waterproof Phone Cases, Tested & Reviewed

Whether you like to cruise down slopes or soak up the sun at an all-inclusive resort, pesky elements like sand, snow, dirt and water can get in between the cracks of your phone. To keep your device looking as good as new, our pros recommend this durable phone case from OtterBox brand, LifeProof. We like that not only is it waterproof, but it features a built-in screen protector and, according to the brand, can safely be dropped from at least six feet.

Testers were impressed with the case and how easy it is to assemble. “I think it’s an amazing case that’s lightweight yet protective,” says Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Analyst Grace Wu. “I could immediately tell it was high quality and it has protected my phone from both rain and accidental drops — it only has two scratches from when I dropped it on the asphalt!”

In previous Lab tests, our analysts were able to submerge the FRE case in 6.5 feet of water for an hour without any incurred damage while successfully using the fingerprint sensor. While we love the case's sturdy, sealed design, our pros point out that it's a bit tricky to remove (you'll need a coin handy to pry it open) and the side switch that controls whether your phone is on loud or silent could be easier to adjust.

Sometimes you need an easy, inexpensive solution to protect you and your family's devices when at the lake, waterpark or pool. Look no further than the JOTO phone pouch, which is offered in a variety of fun colors to suit your style. According to the brand, this phone pouch is IPX8, meaning that you can comfortably take it with you into the water, and it comes with a detachable lanyard so you can hang your phone around your neck. If you own a larger phone you may need to remove your case, but most devices up to seven inches should comfortably fit inside, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Who said waterproof phone cases had to be boring? The experts at the GH Institute agree that this colorful phone pouch is a must-have for family vacations and all sorts of water sports. A Family Travel Awards winner, it’s not only super easy to pack but the lanyard keeps your phone where you want it.

We love that the two locking mechanisms stop water from getting inside, but even better is that the pouch floats should it slip into the lake. “It was fun to bring my phone into the water to take photos without having to worry about accidentally dropping it,” said one tester.

While our pros wouldn’t recommend this waterproof phone pouch for everyday use, it’s the perfect choice for someone going on vacation that needs extra protection when snorkeling, canoeing or participating in any watersports. All you have to do is pop in your phone, secure the sides and you’re good to go! Not only is this phone pouch waterproof, but it floats and comes with a detachable lanyard so you never lose track of your device.

According to the brand, it’s waterproof up to 3.3 feet and the XL size should fit most smartphones up to seven inches. Our pros love that it’s touchscreen compatible so you can text without removing the pouch (as well as take photos underwater!) and that there’s a large, clear film on the back so no matter what phone you use, your camera shouldn’t be blocked. With the XL size, you should have enough room to also stash a credit card or key inside if desired.

Looking for a durable case to protect your iPhone from any spills, drops or accidents? Catalyst has waterproof phone cases for most iPhone models, which includes some of the older models as well as the latest iPhone 14. According to the brand, the case is IP68-rated and you should be able to safely submerge it underwater up to 33 feet.

Our pros found this case one of the easiest to take on and off, and we like that once the case is installed, all switches and buttons are easy to use — we especially like the case's upgraded design now features easy push buttons as opposed to a "rotating mute switch." In addition to a handy lanyard, this case includes a built-in screen protector for maximum protection. Just keep in mind that while this case is wireless charging compatible, it isn't MagSafe so you won't be able to use any MagSafe chargers with it.

These days, it's hard to leave all your tech gadgets behind. If you think you'll need room for a few extras on your next camping trip, consider this super versatile waterproof pouch. Not only does it have enough space for your phone, but you should be able to fit in AirPods, a passport and a phone charger.

While the zipper can feel a bit tricky to slide back and forth, our pros like that this pouch is IP67 rated and floats so you don't have to fret if it accidentally falls in the water or mud. It's also transparent so you can see what's inside and be able to check your phone's GPS or send a quick message thanks to touchscreen compatibility. But if you're looking for a case specifically for your phone that enables you to take photos without removing your device, consider this Nite Ize Runoff Waterproof Phone Case.

Our experts found the Kona phone pouch super easy to use and carry around. Two clamps on each side are opened up by a quick maneuver, and detaching the lanyard is seamless when you're ready to store your pouch. According to the brand, it should be suitable for most phones up to 6.3 inches and waterproof up to 100 feet. Our pros were impressed with how easy it is to snap photos and navigate among apps through the pouch's clear film. Unfortunately, we did witness the pouch sinking when testing it in the pool, though the brand claims that it floats — just make sure to properly squeeze the sides when closing to trap excess air in.