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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: Pelican 2-Pack Marine
- Best Budget Waterproof Phone Holder: Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Best Waterproof Phone Holder For Texting Underwater: Case-Mate Waterproof Floating Pouch
- Best Waterproof Phone Holder for iPhones: Catalyst Waterproof Total Protection Case
- Best Waterproof Phone Holder Arm Band: Voxkin Premium Quality Universal Waterproof Case
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
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
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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