Capture Underwater Shots With The Best Waterproof Phone Cases

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty
• Great look
• Eco-friendly build made from recycled plastic

Cons:

• Limited availability depending on your mobile device

The best overall waterproof case, the OtterBox FRE Series, looks like a normal phone case that also supports MagSafe and will keep your phone dry. Over half of the case is made from recycled plastic, so it’s environmentally friendly, which is a nice bonus. It has an IP68 water and dust rating for solid protection from accidental drops and spills as well as the occasional dunking in a large body of water.

The Otterbox case is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. What’s more, this is one of the few cases in the list that actually looks like a phone case. You can carry your phone around anywhere and it won’t look out of place, which is an added bonus. But it’s also one of the more expensive cases on the list and it’s not available for every phone out there, so if you’re not carrying an iPhone or a Samsung device, you might be out of luck.

Pros:

• Clear backplate and camera cover for clear photos
• Looks and feels like a phone case

Cons:

• iPhone only
• Not MagSafe compatible

The best iPhones have a tremendous camera, so you should be able to use it when you’re in the water. The Temdan iPhone case, as the name suggests, is only available for iPhone 12 and up. Even if you have an older iPhone, you might be out of luck. If you’re carrying an iPhone, the clear backplate on this case and camera cover ensure that you can snap clear photos, even when submerged.

The Temdan iPhone case looks like a phone case, which is nice since you can carry it around when you’re not around the water, and it won’t look odd. The phone case is rated IP68 for water and dust protection. The phone case is thin enough that it doesn’t affect wireless charging, but it’s not MagSafe friendly, so definitely keep that in mind as well.

Pros:

• Comes in a 2-pack for fun colorways
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Lanyard is pretty short

If you’re looking for a case to protect your phone only if you’re active in the water, you might want to consider using a waterproof pouch like the Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Pouch. It’s similar to a case where it can protect your device, but it can hold your phone and other valuables if you need them too, which is a nice bonus. But be careful about putting hard things that can scratch your phone in the pouch.

This pouch is clear on both sides, so you can see everything tucked inside. You can also touch your phone through the clear case, so you no need take it out to fire off that quick text message. It also has a lanyard clip at the top with an included lanyard, so you can hang it around your neck or wrap it around your wrist to prevent loss. 

That being said, the lanyard has a max length of 21 inches in length, so you can’t wear it across your body. Beyond that, there’s little to complain about. It’s just a nice all-around pouch that does its job well.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Can carry valuables or phone (or both)
• Very inexpensive

Cons:

• Not a traditional phone case
• You won’t leave this one when not swimming

This isn’t a phone case, per se. The Joto Universal Water Phone Pouch is exactly that, a pouch, or just a dry bag in general. It’s 100% IPX8 certified, which means it will protect from water ingress, but isn’t rated for dust. Keep that in mind. 

The phone pouch can accommodate a phone up to a seven-inch diagonal size, which should be large enough for most phones on the market today. The snap lock is easy to use and keeps your phone secure and dry. The pouch also comes with a lanyard for holding onto the phone while swimming, so you don’t lose it. Most of all, it’s very inexpensive. It retails for under $13, and as of this writing, you can get it for under $10, making it great for tight budgets.

Pros:

• Includes Hi-Vis lanyard
• Windows in the back for cameras
• Includes two packets

Cons:

• Bulky compared to other options

If you’re heading out for a camping adventure that can also include some water activities, the Pelican Marine Pouch is a great choice. The pouch has a secure lock feature at the top with a carabiner loop. The included lanyard comes in a high-visibility yellow, which is great if you lose track of your phone in the water or at night around the campfire.

The pouch is IP68 with water and dust resistance and includes an air cushion for floatability and a window in the back for your phone’s cameras. You can touch your phone’s screen through the clear front and use your phone. Unfortunately, the air cushion on the back and the clasp at the top both make the pouch unwieldy when you’re not using it for its purpose. Other cases on this list can be used as everyday cases, while the pouches are really only meant to be used in situations where it needs to be used.

Pros:

• Self-check waterproof test built in
• Large window for photography
• Universal fit for most phones

Cons:

• Little bit bulky

Snorkeling is the kind of activity that will require a little bit of extra protection. You tend to be underwater a little bit longer, and you might venture down a bit deeper that you would on a normal swim. You’ll also want to grab some nice photos while you’re underwater. Thankfully, the AICase Waterproof Phone Case comes with all the features you need. 

The highlight of this case is the self-check waterproof function. The phone case has a pressure valve that you can press with your finger and if the film bulges, you know the waterproof seal is intact. Additionally, this is a sort of pouch/case hybrid with flexible side rails. That means you can press the power button on the side while the phone is in the pouch to turn the phone on. The pouch has a wide range of phones it’s compatible with between iPhone and Android. It also comes with a lanyard to keep the phone with you while you’re diving.