Whether on the commute to work or vacation in a tropical island, we hold and use our smartphones dearly for the precious little thing that it is. We depend on them now in every facet of our daily lives that damaging or losing them is nothing short of devastating. Sure, protective cases are here to save our devices from damage caused by drops and mishandlings. But what if you’re a super active person who loves exploring the great outdoors and enjoying aquatic adventures? In case you’re a frequent traveler or just a general klutz, you’re badly in need of a waterproof phone case.
How Does a Waterproof Phone Case Work?
In this article, two general kinds of waterproof phone cases were considered. First up is the regular case. It securely snaps onto your mobile phone and completely encloses the device, keeping it away from water and other particles. You can also submerge these cases underwater for a specific amount of time and depth, allowing you to take photos and videos. Early models come with a bulky construction but most brands now present lighter and sleeker designs.
Ideal for water sports aficionados, the second kind looks and functions like a dry bag. It comes in universal sizes with extra room and attachments (heavy-duty lanyard or band). This allows you to fit most smartphone models along with your other valuables and hang them around your neck. Some models also offer a floatable design. This certainly ensures you won’t lose your device in deep waters.
Finally and without further ado, here’s the list of the 20 best waterproof cases to ensure your dear smartphone stays far away from danger in your adventures:
Right off the bat, the Shield Link boasts its reputation as the world’s thinnest waterproof iPhone case. It’s made from a machined piece of aluminum that’s only 11 millimeters thick. This metal construction will make your mobile device easily survive a drop from head height. It also has a built-in magnetic mount system that allows you to attach their patented lenses to your phone’s camera. Additionally, Shield Link comes with two screen protectors (Airshield and Aquashield) as well to suit your specific needs.
- Waterproof and drop-proof rating: 10 feet (3 meters)
- High-quality yet lightweight aluminum construction
- TrueLUX lens sold separately
- Compatible with iPhone 7 / 8, 7 Plus / 8 Plus, X / XS
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Available in black-mirror and black-translucent variants, Ounne offers the already water-resistant iPhone X another level of security. This case seals the entire phone with easy snap-on installation for all-out protection against water, snow, and dirt. It also eliminates air bubbles in the process. The minimalist Ounne is made of highly durable TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material making it both scratchproof and shatterproof.
- Submersible to over 10 feet of water for 1 hour
- Can withstand falls from 6.6 feet (2 meters) height
- Offers 360-degree full-body protection
- Compatible with iPhone X / XS
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
CellEver’s eye-popping selection of neon colors is surely the first thing to capture your attention, but it offers more than that. This phone case protects your device from water and rain even in its slim and lightweight construction of 1.46 ounces. CellEver fully seals your device even from the smallest of particles. It comes with a detachable rubber cover for the headphone jack. A rotating wheel also enables you to control the mute feature of your iPhone from the outside.
- Submersible to over 6.6 feet of water for 1 hour
- Can withstand drops up to 6 feet
- Compatible with iPhone 6 Plus / 6s Plus
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Someone asked the question “how deep can you go?” Yuker answered “20 feet.” Yes, this waterproof smartphone case can be used to take photos and shoot videos under up to 20 feet of water for an hour! If that won’t make you consider it, then we don’t know what will.
- Fully submersible to 20 feet for a full hour
- Can withstand 100 drops from 6.6 feet height
- TPU base material with full-body protection
- Quick and easy snap-on installation with anti-slip design
- Compatible with iPhone 6 / 6s
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Catalyst overheard what Yuker said, so it naturally upped the ante with its 33 feet waterproof rating. The deeper the better so it seems. This clear front-and-back phone case compliments the iconic design of the iPhone. Its military standard construction enables it to survive drops of up to 6.6 feet. A true sound acoustic technology comes as a bonus, maintaining clear audio through loudspeakers for music and calls.
- Fully submersible to 33 feet for 30 minutes
- Can withstand falls up to 6.6 feet
- Made of scratchproof polycarbonate and silicone
- Compatible with iPhone 7 / 8
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Whether you’re swimming or hiking, this lightweight and slim case from OTTBA will provide the utmost protection. It’s built from top-level TPU material thus, making it solid and durable. The OTTBA is also extremely easy to install without compromising button functionality and screen sensitivity and clarity.
- Submersible to over 10 feet of water for 2 hours
- Can withstand falls up to 6.5 feet
- Snowproof, dirtproof, shockproof
- Compatible with iPhone 7 Plus / 8 Plus
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
ORDTBY’s sealed-cover phone case offers 360-degree protection with its heavy-duty plastic shell that’s both lightweight and durable. It’s essentially everything-proof (shock, water, snow, dust, dirt). Its built-in screen protector and full-body coverage allow you to take pictures underwater or take it to the shower as well. It also supports wireless charging without any signal blocking. So you can just put your mobile device onto the charging surface without removing it from the case.
- Waterproof rating: 8 feet
- Drop-proof rating: 6.6 feet
- Provides full device protection in 1.5 ounces
- Compatible with iPhone X / XS
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Yes, the iPhone XR is water-resistant on its own. But we’re pretty sure it can’t and won’t resist the safety features offered by Beasyjoy. Its rugged and heavy-duty construction consists of premium TPU material, metal plates, and screw-on bumpers. As a result, it’s perfect for underwater activities. Its fully sealed outer shell is so excellent at keeping water out that you can wash it with your smartphone inside.
- Submersible to over 10 feet of water for 2 hours
- Snowproof, dirtproof, shockproof
- Supports wireless charging
- Comes with a hand strap for easy handling
- Compatible with iPhone XR
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
As the brand name implies, ImpactStrong’s phone case offers 360-degree protection in its slim and lightweight yet durable construction. It provides easy access to all buttons and ports. Moreover, it’s fully compatible with the Apple Touch ID biometric scanner. The case’s full seal cover keeps your device away even from the smallest of particles.
- Waterproof rating: 6.6 feet for 1 hour
- Drop-proof rating: 6 feet
- With anti-reflective optical lens for high-quality pictures underwater
- Sound enhancement system provides clear audio quality
- Compatible with iPhone 6 Plus / 6s Plus
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
One of the lines under the LifeProof brand, the Frē Series seems to be tailor-made for the Galaxy S9. Its ultra-thin design provides a snug and sleek fit. Above all, it wraps smoothly on the phone’s Infinity Display. The case also sports an anti-reflective optical glass lens cover for the rear camera. Lastly, a built-in screen cover for full-body protection is included as well.
- Waterproof rating: 6.6 feet for 1 hour
- Drop-proof rating: 6.6 feet
- Available in four unique color options (Chakra, Drop-in, Night Lite, Wipeout)
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S9
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Likewise, this slim phone case from Spidercase fits perfectly on the Galaxy Note 9. It provides easy access to all your device’s controls. It boasts of a rugged back panel for a comfortable grip. The highlight feature would be its high-sensitivity and anti-scratch screen protector, which works seamlessly with the stylus pen.
- Fully submersible to 6.6 feet for 1 hour
- Can withstand falls up to 6.6 feet
- Supports wireless charging
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
The Ghostek Nautical Series offers all-around protection for your mobile device even with its easy two-part case assembly. It sports a solid construction of polycarbonate shell with rubberized corner spring bumpers to boot for impact absorption. Lastly, its detailed cutouts for the headphone jack and USB port fits perfectly to keep water away.
- Fully submersible to 6.6 feet for 1 hour
- Supports wireless charging
- Drop tested under military-grade standards
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S8
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Punkcase’s Kickstud Series is one of the best slim fit phone cases in the market. It just adds a few millimeters of bulk to your smartphone without compromising on its safety features. The scratch-resistant polycarbonate back cover and built-in screen protector offer full coverage from back to front. It also comes with a kickstand for placing upright on any flat surface, so you can watch your movies hands-free.
- Waterproof rating: 6.6 feet for 30 minutes
- Drop-proof rating: 6.6 feet
- With an anti-reflective coated lens for the rear camera
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Designed specifically for the Galaxy S7, this Marrkey smartphone case provides full access to audio and lighting ports, volume and power buttons, as well as the camera. This ultra-durable case gives full protection from water, dirt, dust, grease, and the like. Its anti-scratch touch screen protector offers superb clarity without sacrificing touch sensitivity.
- Waterproof rating: 6.6 feet for 1 hour
- Supports wireless charging
- Snowproof, dirtproof, shockproof
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S7
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
A multi-functional phone case, this product from EFFUN is made to be durable. Not only does it protect your phone from jets of water, but from fall damage as well. Protect your phone from potential dangers and extend its longevity.
- Waterproof rating: 6.6 feet for 1 hour
- Drop-proof rating: 6.6 feet
- Available in seven color options
- Compatible with iPhone 7 & 8
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Joto’s waterproof phone case is our first entry under the dry bag or phone pouch category. It’s a universal case that accommodates almost any kind of smartphone up to 6.8 inches in diagonal size. It features a simple snap-and-lock closure that’s both easy and secure. The product’s clear windows on the front and back sides allow for taking perfect photos and videos. Lastly, it has extra room to fit credit cards and cash together with your device.
- IPX8-certified waterproof rating: 100 feet for 30 minutes
- High quality and budget-friendly
- 14 color options available
- Compatible with devices up to 6.8” diagonal size
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
The key feature for this phone pouch by AquaVault is buoyancy. Thanks to its patented dual-layer air bladder design, your phone will always float back to the surface if dropped. Its unique rolling Ziploc system, reinforced with a double Velcro locking system, provides total protection from all elements. All these safety features still ensure that you retain the full functionality of your device.
- Waterproof rating: 30 feet
- Super clear screen and polycarbonate lens for full phone functionality
- Comes with a neck strap
- Compatible with devices up to 7.25” x 4.25” in size
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
This heavy-duty smartphone pouch is made from premium grade TPU material that’s perfect for activities in extreme conditions. Vansky’s floatable case also includes crystal clear windows on both sides that provide waterproof protection while keeping your phone’s touch screen functionality. But perhaps the product’s waterproof external audio jack is what it’s known for. Coupled with an armband, you can enjoy listening to tunes while running by the beach.
- IPX8-certified waterproof rating: 100 feet for 30 minutes
- Easy-to-use snap clasp-and-lock seal with an adjustable lanyard
- External audio jack and armband strap included
- Compatible with devices up to 6.5” diagonal size
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Like its name, the Kona Submariner can withstand underwater depths up to 100 feet. It’s made from a specialized transparent film of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material with a 30% stronger welded seam for water impenetrability. Aside from being buoyant, it also has enough space to fit in some cash, cards, and documents.
- Waterproof rating: 100 feet
- Snowproof, dirtproof, shockproof
- Backed by a 5-year no-hassle free replacement guarantee
- Compatible with devices up to 6.3” diagonal size
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
The CaliCase smartphone pouch goes for double the protection, as it’s made from two layers of high-grade PVC plastic. This makes the case more difficult to puncture and leak. A built-in foam padding allows your device to float on water. Finally, its universal size fits all phones (an extra-large version is available and recommended for phablets).
- IPX8-certified waterproof rating: 100 feet for 30 minutes
- Includes lanyard, carabiner, and microfiber cloth
- 15 color choices available, with glow-in-the-dark options
- Universal size is made to fit all phones
- Check price and buy it now on Amazon
Waterproof Phone Case Basics
If you’ve lost or damaged a smartphone in the past, then you already know how expensive it is to repair or worse, replace these devices. Some people even go out of their way to get insurance for their mobile phones. While this is a smart practice nowadays, upon closer look, you’ll see that most cell phone insurance plans do not cover water damage. Hence, this is where a waterproof phone case comes in handy.
There are two main reasons why you need to use a waterproof cell phone case. First of all, you want to avoid water exposure brought about by unpredictable or inclement weather. Aside from accidental drops into bodies of water, encasing your smartphone will keep it safe from scratches, shock, moisture, dust, dirt, and other foreign elements. Second, you intentionally plan to get your mobile device wet. This is related to traveling and extreme outdoor activities, as you might want to take photos on your smartphone while swimming, snorkeling, sailing, skiing, hiking, and the like.
Types and Material
Either water-resistant only or full-on waterproof, here are the several types of smartphone cases present in the market today:
- Flip cases – Made of real or faux leather, this kind covers the entire phone from front to back and comes with a Velcro fastening.
- Sleeves – These are small pouches that can be opened or closed by Velcro strips or zippers and are usually made of cloth, leather, silicone, or plastic.
- Shells – Shells are made of hard plastic, silicone, or rubber. They also come with a clear plastic cover for the phone screen.
- Skins – Similar to shells albeit thinner, these are usually made from silicone rubber.
- Ultimate protection cases – As the name implies, this type offers the finest in waterproofing, shock-proofing, and dust-proofing. They also usually come with additional accessories.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing
- Level of Protection – A case’s capability of keeping your device away from all forms of particles and harm (water, ice, frost, snow, dust, dirt, sand, grease, shock, and scratches) is always of prime consideration.
- Functionality – What is total security if you can’t even use your phone’s basic features? Make sure that your case still provides full access to all controls, ports, and buttons of your device.
- Size – Waterproof cases tend to be bulky as they need to be extra protective, though there are numerous brands now that offer slim and sleek sizes, you just have to make sure these are compatible with your smartphone.
- Personalization – Having the option of customizing something to our personal preferences is always a plus.
- Extra Features – Some phone cases offer extra space for other valuables aside from your mobile. Several also sport buoyant features. Go for alternatives like these whenever available.
