The Best Waterproof Phone Holders That’ll Protect Your Phone On Beach Days (2024)

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Rebecca Isaacs

Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

Whether you’re relaxing on a pool float by the lake or packing your favorite beach towel for a sandy, sunny beach day, you’re going to take your phone with you. But smartphones and water don’t mix, and the last thing you want to worry about is your phone getting dunked in the ocean—or worse, getting lost in the waves. The best waterproof phone holders can keep your device dry and secure during the most extreme beach conditions.

To get the best waterproof phone holders, you’ll want to consider a features like the case’s waterproof rating, clear window slots and more. Here are our top recommendations for waterproof phone holders that include top picks from Pelican, Case Mate and other popular brands.

Best Waterproof Phone Holder Overall

Keep Your Phone Secure At All Times

Pelican 2 Pack Marine

Dimensions: 9.37 x 5.43 x 0.55 inches | Weight: 0.18 pounds | Waterproof rating: IP68

Best for: Keeping your phone securely around your neck during your favorite water sports.

The Pelican Marine tops our list as the best waterproof phone holder. The soft TPU material offers a clear window design so you can send texts and snap photos while in water. That same TPU material also acts as a solid barrier, protecting your phone from drops and scratches.

We especially like the detachable lanyard so you can either hang your phone around your neck while paddle boarding or snorkeling. Submerge it in up to 3.3 meters of water without worry.

Pros:

  • Lanyard design
  • Floats in water
  • Some drop protection

Cons:

  • Need to completely seal the case for it to work properly
  • Can’t accommodate larger phones

Best Budget Waterproof Phone Holder

Get Full Protection For Less Than $10

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch

Dimensions: 8.27 x 4.33 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 3.8 ounces | Waterproof rating: IPX8

Best for: Maximizing your underwater adventure while on a budget.

The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch offers a great price for two waterproof pouches, with the two-pack clocking in at just under $10. The clear pouches can handle submersion in up to 100 feet of water, so you can snorkel to your heart’s content and capture great underwater content. Like others on our list, the pouch offers universal phone compatibility so you can pack any Android phone into the case.

The case keeps your phone safe from scratches and scrapes. As a heads up, because it’s a plastic TPU material without any drop protection, we recommend keeping the lanyard securely around your neck. For those that prefer to add personal flair, you can get the case in a variety of colors.

Pros:

  • Triple lock feature for extra security
  • Can use Face ID to unlock your phone

Cons:

  • No drop protection

Best Waterproof Phone Holder For Texting Underwater

Send Photos To Friends While Snorkeling

MOST POPULAR

Case-Mate Waterproof Floating Pouch

Dimensions: 0.53 x 4.53 x 8.27 inches | Weight: 3.66 ounces | Waterproof rating: IP68

Best for: Sending your friends awesome photos while underwater.

Not only does the Case-Mate waterproof phone case keep your phone fully protected while submerged, but you can still use your device to snap photos, send texts and more. Thanks to the full-sized clear window in the front and the smaller clear window designed for the camera, you have full control over your phone underwater.

It can stay fully submerged in three feet of water, making it great for short snorkeling adventures and casual beach days. As a heads up, it can only stay submerged for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Pros:

  • Adjustable lanyard
  • Phone usable with the clear window
  • Can use the device underwater

Cons:

  • Can only use for up to 30 minutes underwater

Best Waterproof Phone Holder for iPhones

A Sleek Waterproof iPhone Option

Catalyst Waterproof Total Protection Case

Dimensions: 6.89 x 3.58 x 0.59 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Waterproof rating: IP68

Best for: iPhone users who want to capture underwater adventures.

You can get this case for any iPhone 14 model, making it perfect for iPhone users who want full access to their device’s capabilities underwater. It can submerge as far down as 33 feet—and comes with drop protection so you won’t stress over accidental drops.

As a heads up, while other cases on our list float, this one does not come with that feature. It’s not a deal breaker considering you get full access to your iPhone when using it, but it’s something to keep in mind when you take it to the beach.

Pros:

  • Designed for Apple iPhone 14 models
  • Offers full drop protection

Cons:

  • Not available for older iPhone models
  • Does not float
  • Pricey

Best Waterproof Phone Holder With Arm Band

Strap Your Phone To Your Arm

Voxkin Universal Waterproof Case

Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 3.36 ounces | Waterproof rating: IP68

Best for: Those that want a hands-free option that’s not a lanyard.

Sometimes it’s easier to attach your device to a handy armband instead of using a lanyard. The Voxkin gives you the best of both worlds, offering both a detachable lanyard and a detachable arm band. You can choose which option suits your needs depending if you’re doing pool laps, surfing and more.

It comes with the same technology as the Case-Mate and Pelican cases on our list so if you accidentally drop the pouch, it will float on water. That same float technology also features drop protection, too. And, to top off all the great features, you’ll get a built-in compass, too.

Pros:

  • Built-in compass
  • Detachable lanyard and armband included

Cons:

  • Reports buttons are difficult to press while in case
  • Not suited for larger phone models

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How We Chose The Best Waterproof Phone Holders

We combined research with hands-on testing and experience, and we spoke with product experts and industry leaders to help us determine the phone holders that made the cut. We carefully evaluated each waterproof phone holder’s features, waterproof rating, accessory options and more. We also paid attention to what sets each waterproof phone holder apart from its competition.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted tech team strives to offer accurate and trustworthy product assessments that are the result of intensive research and hands-on testing. Our writers and editors have years of experience writing about a broad range of consumer electronics and have the background and expertise to help you make the best buying decisions possible.

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The Best Waterproof Phone Holders That’ll Protect Your Phone On Beach Days (2024)

FAQs

How can I waterproof my phone in the ocean? ›

The key tip is to choose a high-quality waterproof phone pouch to protect your phone from water damage. Such pouches are made from materials certified for underwater use. Case-Mate's waterproof phone pouches, for example, are IP68 certified and can be submerged in up to 3 ft of water for 30 minutes.

Do waterproof phone pouches actually work? ›

JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch

I personally used one of these JOTO phone cases on a snorkeling trip with a friend, and it worked quite well, even for (rudimentary) underwater photos. Plus, the strap helps if you're underwater or doing any sort of water sports, as it keeps it on your person.

How do you protect your phone while swimming? ›

One option is to hang the phone (in its case) around your neck on a lanyard. This makes it very easy to grab and use, and is reasonably secure if you're dipping or casual breaststroke swimming.

Do waterproof phone cases work for swimming? ›

GREAT FOR WATER ACTIVITIES

Whether you're surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, open water swimming, cruising on a boat, walking in the rain or simply lounging at the beach or pool, our waterproof phone case ensures your device stays dry and protected from water, sand, sunscreen and sticky fingers.

How do I keep my phone dry in the ocean? ›

Saltwater from the ocean can corrode parts of your phone or electronics, so keep your phone dry by taking some of these measures.
  1. Seal It. Put your phone in an airtight plastic baggie or waterproof pouch for additional protection to your waterproof phone case. ...
  2. Dry Off. ...
  3. Keep It Away From the Water.

Do waterproof phones actually work? ›

Each phone is rated IP68, so they're not only waterproof; they're also dust resistant. Specifically, these phones can be submerged down to 6 meters of water (AKA about 20 feet) for 30 minutes. You can drop them in a pool and retrieve them to find them still functioning half an hour later!

Do Ziploc bags protect phones from water? ›

While ziploc bags can provide some protection against water, they are not designed to be completely waterproof or provide long-term protection. It's best to avoid exposing your phone to water, as even a small amount of moisture can potentially damage its internal components.

Where to put phone when swimming? ›

It's a good idea to bring a waterproof pouch or a small waterproof bag with essential items like your phone, keys, and some money when you go swimming in the ocean. You might need these items for emergencies or for when you're out of the water.

How to swim at the beach with a phone? ›

Put it in a Plastic Bag

Grab yourself a box of plastic snack baggies. Drop one of your electronics in there and seal it tight. Now you are still able to use the touch screen, but this will prevent you from getting water in your phone or sand on the screen.

Can you put a waterproof phone in salt water? ›

Typically, no. Most cell phones are not designed to be waterproof and can be damaged by being submerged in water, whether it is fresh or salt water.

How do you save a phone that fell in the ocean? ›

What to do if water got into the smartphone?
  1. Disconnect the power supply and turn it off. ...
  2. Disassemble the smartphone and dry it thoroughly. ...
  3. Dropped into the pool or sea: Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and use isopropanol. ...
  4. Suck out water. ...
  5. Put the phone in a silicate bag. ...
  6. Check the insurance.
Feb 14, 2023

How do I choose a waterproof phone case? ›

Tips for Buying a Waterproof Phone Case

When looking for a waterproof phone case, consider the buoyancy capabilities. You may want to look for a device with built-in floatation abilities or opt for a pouch with a lanyard to ensure your phone does not sink if it's dropped while swimming or snorkeling.

Are waterproof phone pouches really waterproof? ›

Unlike a waterproof phone case, these pouches protect your device and give you a way to stay hands-free, usually in the form of a lanyard. The best waterproof phone pouches even float, so if it gets knocked into a deep body of water (or even the deep end of a pool), you won't be scrambling to find it.

What is the difference between water repellent and waterproof phone? ›

Water-resistant: able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely. Water-repellent: not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating. Waterproof: impervious to water.

Can waterproof phones go in salt water? ›

Do not expose the product to unclean water or liquids (salt water, pool water, soapy water, oils, perfumes, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, chemicals such as cosmetics, liquids containing alcohol, etc).

Do cell phones work out in the ocean? ›

While cell companies have made great strides at filling the coverage gaps on land, the sea is almost a complete cell dead zone. Why is that, and what can be used to communicate when at sea? The main reason there is no cell coverage on the seas it due to how the system is designed.

How can I save my phone from sea water? ›

What to do if water got into the smartphone?
  1. Disconnect the power supply and turn it off. ...
  2. Disassemble the smartphone and dry it thoroughly. ...
  3. Dropped into the pool or sea: Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and use isopropanol. ...
  4. Suck out water. ...
  5. Put the phone in a silicate bag. ...
  6. Check the insurance.
Feb 14, 2023

Can I put my iPhone in sea water? ›

The iPhone is not waterproof and is not recommended for taking photos underwater. About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later - Apple Support As noted in the link I provided, it says not to intentionally submerge your iPhone in water. Sea water is especially problematic. Don't do it.

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