Make a Splash With These Waterproof Phone Cases (2024)

Updated on January 23, 2024

If you’re prone to dropping your phone, consider the protective qualities of the Otterbox Frē Series, which are waterproof cases with built-in screen protection made for optimal shock absorption. In fact, it has been tested to withstand five times as many drops as the average phone case.

We also love that this case is made from 25 percent recycled plastics found in the ocean. Other beneficial features to the Otterbox Frē case includes wireless charging capabilities (it’s a magsafe case) and dust protection around the ports. Once you head to water, you can submerge the case up to two meters for up to an hour — plenty of time to get some waterside selfies and explore some underwater life.

The Details: Polycarbonite | iPhone15 Pro Max | 6.6-foot depth | IP68

If you’re heading off on a sand, snow, or water-based vacation, it’s smart to have a waterproof phone pouch to protect your device from the elements. The waterproof pouch from Case-mate works with any phone type that fits and features handy touchscreen access so you can take photos and videos while snorkeling, boating, bodyboarding, and any number of activities without having to take your phone out of the pouch and risk it getting wet. Additionally, if you’re using the pouch on the water, it will float back up if it slips out of your hand, so you can enjoy the water worry-free.

The Details: Thermoplastic polyurethane | Compatible with all phones up to 6.7 inches in screen size | 2-foot depth | IP68

The Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch offers an affordable two-pack case with a straightforward design handy for most smartphone users. Holding up to environmental conditions from sand to sea, the Joto pouch fits easily in purses or carry-ons and can even fit multiple devices at once with its snap and lock construction (if you only want the protection and not usability). If you like to freedive or snorkel, this is a great option as it is IPX8 certified to 100 feet (30 meters), offering a high level of water protection.

The Details: Polyvinyl chloride | Compatible with all phones up to 6.8 inches in screen size | 100-foot depth | IPX8

The Catalyst Waterproof Total Protection Case can be used for everyday phone protection or as a temporary case when you are out in nature for extra protection. The case has a drop protection of 6.6 feet and is designed to prevent serious scratches on the polycarbonate surface. This case is also designed with a clear camera lens that won’t warp or affect photos, even underwater, so you can ensure a clear shot. The microphone capabilities also ensure no sound is lost or muffled if you’re recording through the case.

Keep the case close to you throughout your activities with the included lanyard that works well even in water (and allows you to go hands-free without losing your phone in case of emergency.) It also includes built-in wireless connectivity to allow you to charge your phone through the case so the adventures can continue uninterrupted.

The Details: Polycarbonate | iPhone 14 to iPhone 14 Pro Max | 33-foot depth | IP68 | 6.6-foot drop protection

With the Casetify Bounce Extreme, your device will be protected from drops from over 9 feet high due to the EcoShock materials, making it a worthy case to have on those rocky campground and hiking trails. Additionally, the reinforcedbumpers on the case add to the drop protection when you have a more aggressive phone slip. For water enthusiasts, the Bounce Extreme case will withstand submersion up to 6.6 feet for up to one hour of fun whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or whitewater rafting. While this case is designed to fit the iPhone 14 Pro, be sure to check out the Casetify store for a durable phone case made for your model.

The Details: Polycarbonate | iPhone 14 Pro | 6.6-foot depth for one hour | IP68 | 9.8- foot drop protection

Built with a tempered glass screen protector and 360-degree full-body shockproof protection, the Temdan Waterproof Case can withstand military grade drops. It’s rated IP68 for underwater protection, which means it can be submerged in up to 6.6 feet of water for up to one hour, which is perfect for snorkelers looking to take surface-level photos and videos. The case also supports wireless charging, so you don’t need to remove it when you want to charge your phone. This case can be used as your daily phone protection as it is extremely durable, but do note that the thick case may muffle sounds from phone calls, videos, and more.

The Details: Thermoplastic Polyurethane | iPhone 12 to iPhone 15 Pro Max | 6.6-foot depth for one hour | IP68

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an IP rating?

  IP ratings grade the resistance of an enclosure to dust and liquids and consist of two numbers that rate the resistance to solids and liquids respectively. The higher the rating, the greater protection offered, so you should always look for underwater devices with high IP ratings.
  

• Do waterproof phone cases work underwater?

  It is important to test your case before using it in deep water as some waterproof phone cases and pouches are meant to protect from rain or splashes as opposed to full water submersion. Some cases have a depth maximum where at a certain depth you have a specific time to use the case before the waterproof protections have a probability of failing. Be sure to look for a high IP rating when choosing your case and test the case at home before taking it on vacation.
  

• Where should I put my phone when swimming?

  Some waterproof phone cases and pouches come with a built-in lanyard that you can adjust around your neck or wrist for safe use in the waterIf you’re an experienced swimmer and have a waterproof phone case, you can bring it with you when swimming. However, if you are less experienced, you should leave your phone safely on the beach or poolside with friends (or in a safe storage locker, if available.)

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