The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches [2023]

When taking a family vacation to the beach or the lake, you are creating memories for a lifetime — and capturing them with the help of your smartphone. However, there is a very real danger of your phone coming into contact with water while on vacation, whether from dropping it into the lake or spilling your margarita on it.

That’s where waterproof phone cases come in. They can save you a lot of hassle while on vacation. Even better, you can use some waterproof phone pouches that maintain touchscreen functionality to take pictures or videos underwater.

Things To Consider With a Waterproof Phone Pouch

As straightforward as it sounds, buying a quality waterproof phone pouch can prove difficult. You need to consider whether the case is truly waterproof or just water-resistant, whether it floats, and the size of the case.

Considering the following factors can help you make a decision:

Floating

The ability of a phone case to float — in case you drop or lose contact with it while diving or swimming — is crucial. You will need to be able to find your phone, and the best way to do that is to let it float to the surface.

Bottom Line: Waterproof phone cases that can also float are a great choice, so keep an eye out for this feature.

Size

Before buying a specific phone pouch, you need to consider the size to make sure it fits your phone. Of course, there’s also the other side of the coin here — the case might be too bulky to comfortably grip.

Size makes all the difference and can be the deciding factor when choosing a case. Always double-check the size to prevent the case from opening due to underwater pressure.

Waterproof Seals

You will want to look for a waterproof seal on the phone pouch before you buy it. The reason for this is that some brands state that the case is waterproof when in fact, it’s only water-resistant.

This can be a big deal because water resistance means that the pouch can deflect some — but not all — water. Even juice or drinking water can cause damage in this case. So, make sure that your choice is completely waterproof.

The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches

Here is a list of the best waterproof best phone pouches. These options are all waterproof and not just water-resistant and feature compact sizing and high usability along with complete protection for your smartphone.

1. Waterproof Phone Pouch for Devices Under 7 Inches

Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Case

If you are looking for a universal waterproof phone pouch, the Hiearcool phone case might fit the bill. It’s best used for iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21, Nexus 6, and phones of similar size.

Being made of polyvinyl chloride, it should last for some time and offer sufficient protection for your device. It’s an IPX8-certified phone case that’s guaranteed to be waterproof up to 100 feet deep. It also includes a detachable lanyard.

The pouch is locked by turning 2 swivel switches at the top of the case.

What We Like:

• Waterproof-certified for depths up to 100 feet

What We Don’t Like:

• Needs to be tested before using

2. Waterproof Phone Pouch for Hiking

AiRun Tech Waterproof Pouch With Waist Strap

If you plan on going hiking where there might be rain or simply need to protect your phone and documents in wet areas, this pouch is the way to go. The AiRun Tech Waterproof Pouch is an excellent option that’s made of polyvinyl chloride material.

It has a waist strap to keep your phone and documents close while freeing up your hands, so you never need to worry about losing your grip on them. It keeps the waterproof quality up to 32 feet, which is plenty for most activities.

It has space for devices up to 8.5 inches by 5.6 inches, and it is floatable.

What We Like:

• Comes with a unique waist strap

What We Don’t Like:

• It might be a bit heavy with the phone and other items inside

3. Premium Waterproof Phone Pouch

Stash7 Waterpocket Premium Waterproof Phone Pouch

If you want a waterproof phone case including all the protective features that come in a pocket-size package, Stash7 is the real deal. It can even fit larger phones like iPhone XS Max, Galaxy S10, and others.

The professional-grade nylon material case is designed to withstand greater depths, and you can use your phone as usual while underwater. It’s also UV and abrasion-resistant, which adds another layer of protection to your phone.

Overall, with high-grade protection properties and compact size, this option is a great choice for all your travels.

What We Like:

• UV-resistant

What We Don’t Like:

• The bright colors might be too visible

4. Universal Dry Bag for Phones

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JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch Cellphone Dry Bag Case

If you’re looking for a universal phone dry bag that can be worn around your neck, consider the JOTO waterproof phone pouch. It’s a great option for the beach because it’s waterproof up to 100 feet and has full touchscreen properties underwater.

It’s made of durable polyvinyl chloride and it fits all phones up to 7 inches diagonally, which makes it compatible with most smartphones. Additionally, it has a full IPX8 waterproof certification.

It’s a great option for the beach if you wish to take your phone underwater with you to snap some pictures of the seafloor while diving under.

What We Like:

• Waterproof up to 100 feet

What We Don’t Like:

• Can’t be waist-strapped

5. Heavy-duty Protection Phone Pouch

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Case-Mate Universal Marine Series Phone Pouch XL

If you want a slightly larger option, Case-Mate’s heavy-duty phone pouch is a great choice. It’s 15% larger than most other options on the market and has IPX8 certification, meaning it can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

This pouch also has a clear window that retains the full touchscreen properties of your phone while underwater. It comes from a trustworthy brand that has pioneered waterproof seals since 1976.

What We Like:

• The larger size

What We Don’t Like:

• Comes only in 1 color

Final Thoughts

When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is your phone getting wet. You can rest easy with any of the pouches on this list, as they are not just water-resistant but have complete waterproof certification.

Some cases can support larger phones than others, and the protection depth varies. A choice like the Hiearcool case can be great if you plan to go fully underwater, while other options like the Case-Mate universal pouch are perfect for simply protecting your phone in case of spillage.