Waterproof Phone Cases Our Tech Pros Pack on Every Beach Trip (2024)

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.

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.

Each case featured in this roundup was tested for water-resistance claims by being submerged in a pool at one meter for 30 minutes. Our tech analysts then assessed each phone case or pouch for any water damage to devices, in addition to evaluating each model for its ease of use and design.

Over the past three years, analysts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Media and Tech Lab have evaluated more than 50 phone cases for criteria such as performance, water-resistance, durability and construction. To test durability, we drop test phone cases and assess any damage. To confirm wireless charging or MagSafe claims, we ensure that phones charge properly. To gather real-world feedback, we’ve had over 100 consumer testers use select phone cases for multiple days, evaluating each model’s ease of use and design — such as whether the phone case was easy to take on and off, comfortable to grip, nice to touch and more.

✔️ Make sure your phone is compatible: Phone cases aren't one-size-fits-all. Before making a purchase, double-check that the phone case is compatible with your device and offers a secure fit. Also, make sure that all ports are open and accessible for easy charging, and if you want to use your phone's wireless charging, look for cases that support MagSafe or Qi wireless charging.

✔️ Check the IP rating: Check whether your phone case specifies an IP (ingress protection) rating, which indicates to what degree it can handle water exposure or submersion in addition to contact with other elements like dirt, sand, etc. The first number refers to solids while the second number refers to liquids; as a rule of thumb, the higher the number, the more protection you can expect. If you're worried about your phone falling into a lake or pool, our pros suggest looking at phone cases with IP ratings of IPX7 or higher. “An IPX7 rating means that the phone case is waterproof based upon a submersion test of up to one meter in water for 30 minutes,” says former Good Housekeeping Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman.

✔️ Test it before going in the water: Before throwing your waterproof phone case or phone pouch into the water, you should first test it out at home. Our experts suggest placing a piece of tissue paper or a paper towel inside the case or pouch, securing it and submerging it underwater in the bathtub or sink for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the paper comes out completely dry. Once you are ready to test out your waterproof case in open waters, make sure to pay attention to any guidelines. While a phone case might be waterproof for a certain amount of time and to a certain depth, you should never exceed that limit.

✔️ Is it easy to use? Make sure that it's easy to send messages, take photos or check Google Maps through the phone case or pouch. While most waterproof phone cases and pouches are touchscreen-sensitive, you should ensure that it's easy to operate your phone as you would without a protective phone case. You wouldn't want to struggle to take a beautiful photo of a coral reef underwater because your phone case won't cooperate. If you're interested in underwater photography, make sure that your camera lens remains clear when taking photos and not distorted or covered.

✔️ Double-check buoyancy and max water depth specs: A floating device is much easier to hunt down in a moving body of water than one that sinks straight to the bottom. If buoyancy is important to you, opt for a phone case or pouch that floats. But if you plan on taking your phone underwater, you may prefer to have a phone case that doesn't float and hinder you from comfortably using your device.

A waterproof phone case is a great investment whether you're someone that spends a lot of time by the water or you want extra protection for your phone while around the house. Whether you're snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing by the lake or washing the dishes, a waterproof phone case ensures that your phone doesn't risk any water damage should it accidentally fall into the water or another liquid. This is especially important as most phone manufacturers don't cover water damage in their warranties.

You may also be wondering: why bother with a waterproof phone case if you already have a waterproof phone? Even though many modern smartphones today are waterproof, keep in mind that they are only waterproof to a certain duration and depth before water damage becomes a risk. If you want to take photos of fish underwater, it's wise to add the extra protection of a waterproof phone case which also protects against harsher liquids like saltwater and chlorine.

Also, most waterproof phone cases and phone pouches protect your phone from other outdoor elements like sand, dirt, mud and more so you don't have to spend as much time cleaning your device down the line. Many even include handy extras like lanyards for easy portability and buoyancy so they float.