Best Products > Phones & Accessories 114 114 people found this article helpful The Best Waterproof Phone Cases of 2024 Protect your phone from splashes and dunks with these protective cases By Jesse Hollington Jesse Hollington Writer Jesse Hollington is a tech writer with 10+ years' experience. He has written for iLounge, Forbes, Yahoo, The Independent, and iDropNews, among others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 7, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Phones & Accessories Accessories You don’t have to leave your smartphone behind when heading out for an adventure, and if you’re planning on being anywhere near the water, you’ll want the protection offered by the best waterproof phone cases to ensure it remains safe and dry. The best waterproof phone cases also keep out sand, dust, and dirt and often provide some drop protection. Many will also float to ensure you can easily retrieve your phone if it falls into a lake or river. in this article Expand Our Picks What to Look For in a Waterproof Phone Case FAQ Best Universal Kona Submariner Waterproof Phone Case Amazon View On Amazon $11 Pros Universal compatibility Heavy duty construction Enough room for other slim objects Cons Not compatible with fingerprint sensors Since it can handle any smartphone up to 6.3 inches in length, regardless of the model, Kona's Submariner makes a great pick if you want a case that you can use for years—and even share with family and friends. Plus, with room inside for other small objects like hotel keys, credit cards, and a bit of cash, you can leave your wallet behind in your hotel room during your outdoor adventure tours. Like most universal cases, Submariner offers expanded depth protection by keeping your smartphone sealed inside. It's suitable for depths of up to 100 feet, and the strong welded seam means you won't need to worry about it popping open if it bounces off the side of your boat before hitting the water. The crystal-clear case won't get in the way of the touchscreen or cameras, so you can even use it for underwater photography. Compatibility: Universal | Drop Protection: N/A | Water Resistant: 100 feet | Screen Protector: Yes Multifunction JOTO Universal Pouch Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $7 Pros Universal compatibility Enough extra room for a slim wallet Included neck strap Cons Included lanyard isn't ideal for rigorous activities Adventures who prefer to travel light will like what Joto’s Universal Waterproof Case offers since it protects your smartphone and has enough room inside for a few credit cards, cash, or even a slim wallet. This means you’ll be able to head out for a day’s worth of adventures with everything you need in one place. The Joto case is large enough to handle screen sizes up to 6.9 inches. It’s clear on both sides, so you can see what’s on your screen—and even access touchscreen controls—and take photos and videos without distortion. A simple snap-and-lock design makes it easy to get your smartphone out when you need to access it directly while remaining water- and dust-proof when closed. The included neck strap also means you won’t ever need to worry about how to carry it, even when you’re wearing nothing more than a set of swim trunks. Compatibility: Universal | Drop Protection: N/A | Water Resistant: 100 feet | Screen Protector: Yes Floating CaliCase Universal Waterproof Floating Case Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Calicase.com Pros Universal compatibility Designed to float Available in lots of fun colors Cons Doesn't fit "Max" or "Ultra" sized phones As the name implies, CaliCase’s Universal Waterproof Floating case is an excellent choice for outdoor adventurers who spend time boating, rafting, or kayaking. After all, even a waterproof case with hundreds of feet of protection won’t do you much good if you can’t retrieve your valuable smartphone from the bottom of the lake it fell into. CaliCase still offers up to 100 feet of water protection for up to 30 minutes, but thanks to built-in foam padding that will keep it bobbing to the surface, it’s unlikely your smartphone will ever reach that depth. Dual-layer PVC plastic makes the case sturdy enough to handle everyday bumps and drops, and transparent windows on both sides let you use your phone and take pictures with it still in the case. It’s available in a range of fun colors and fits all standard sizes of smartphones. Compatibility: Universal | Drop Protection: N/A | Water Resistant: 100 feet | Screen Protector: Yes Underwater Photography Willbox Professional Diving Case Amazon View On Amazon $40 Pros Camera grip and shutter button for easy photo capture Standard threaded tripod mount Rugged and durable build Cons Not designed for everyday use Premium smartphones like the iPhone Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy Ultra take great photos on land and above water. Still, if you’re looking to explore the final frontier of underwater photography, you’ll need a case like the Willbox Professional Diving Case. The sturdy case protects your smartphone for extended periods at depths of up to 50 feet, so it’s great for everything from skiing and surfing to snorkeling and diving. While most waterproof cases can record underwater, the Willbox turns your smartphone into an underwater camera. For example, you get an external shutter release button and camera grip to snap photos quickly and easily. A standard threaded tripod mount lets you attach your smartphone to professional underwater photo equipment. However, this isn’t for everyday use, as the hard screen protector blocks many touchscreen capabilities. This is a highly protective case for underwater use, but it’s the sort that you put on before going for a dive and take off when you’re done. Compatibility: Universal | Drop Protection: 10 feet| Water Resistant: 50 feet | Screen Protector: Yes CAT S42 Rugged Phone Review What to Look For in a Waterproof Phone Case Compatibility Waterproof cases come in two general styles—those designed for specific smartphone models and universal ones that can fit several models. When buying a universal model, you’ll want to make sure that it fits your phone in size and passes through all the necessary buttons, ports, and other functions you may want to use while it’s in the case. Versatility If you plan to use a waterproof case while on vacation or a day at the beach, it’s handy to get one that also can replace your wallet by allowing you to store a few other essential items, such as the card key for your hotel room or a little emergency cash. Bouyancy Protecting your phone against deep water doesn’t help if you can’t get it back after it goes into the lake, so if you’re into activities like boating, kayaking, or rafting, you’ll want to look for a floatable case. These generally offer good depth protection, but you may never need that because your phone will float back to the surface. The Best Waterproof Phone Cases of 2024 FAQ Why do I need a waterproof case when my phone is already waterproof? Most smartphones are water-resistant, not necessarily waterproof. This means they’ll generally handle being temporarily dunked in the water, but all bets are off if they go over the side of your boat. Further, even though their phones promise to be water-resistant, companies like Apple and Samsung won’t cover them under warranty if any water damage is detected. A waterproof case will offer much better water protection—often to 10 times more depth—and guard against drops, scuffs, and scratches. Can I go scuba diving with a waterproof case? The short answer is yes, provided you have a waterproof case certified to the depth you plan to dive—and how long you plan to be under. Many of the best waterproof cases are suitable for submersion in up to 100 meters of water, but you’ll want to read the fine print to see how long they’re designed to withstand that. Some cases only protect your smartphone from being accidentally dropped in the water—they’re not intended for long-term underwater use—so if you plan to take your phone down with you, ensure you get a waterproof case built for it. What do these IP ratings mean? IP, or "Ingress Protection" codes, refer to how well an enclosure is sealed against foreign particles and moisture. They’re expressed by the letters “IP” followed by two numbers, such as "IP68." The first number represents how well a case is protected against solid particles like dust and dirt, while the second protects against water and other liquids. The higher each number, the better the protection. However, it’s important to note that the scale typically maxes out at IP68, which means a case is dust-tight and offers a minimum of protection against immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This means that the level of protection provided by IP68 cases and enclosures can vary greatly, so always check the specific protection levels offered by each case. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit