Best waterproof phone cases for swimming trips

Shoot photos underwater and keep your phone safe

You want a photo of that turquoise pool, but you also do not want to brick a $1,000 phone. A waterproof pouch lets you shoot through the clear window, floats if you drop it, and keeps sand and water out. We compared universal pouches and rugged cases for swimming holes, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Waterproof Phone Cases comparison chart

Product PriceTypeDepth ratingFloatsBest for Buy
Best value Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack) JOTO $13 approx.PouchIPX8, 100 ftNo (sinks)Most people View on
Best floating Floating Waterproof Pouch CaliCase $17 approx.Floating pouchIPX8Yes (foam back)Open water View on
Budget pick Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack) Hiearcool $10 approx.PouchIPX8NoValue seekers View on
Premium Waterproof Full-Body Case SPIDERCASE $17 approx.Hard case (model-specific)IP68NoDaily + water View on
Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-pack) Lamicall $12 approx.PouchIPX8NoBackups View on

Product details

Best value

JOTO Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack)

JOTO Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack)
View on

The JOTO pouch is the default recommendation for a reason: a two-pack costs about the price of one coffee run, fits nearly every phone, and reliably keeps water out.

Features

  • Fits phones up to 7 inches, case-on for most models
  • Snap-and-lock closure rated IPX8 to 100 ft
  • Clear front and back for photos and Face ID
  • Lanyard for wearing around your neck

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Extremely cheap, comes in a 2-pack Does not float — add it to a dry bag or use a floating model
Touchscreen works through the window Underwater touch is unreliable (use a button or volume shutter)
Trusted by millions

Activities and environments best for

  • Casual swimming and snorkeling
  • Rainy hikes
  • Boat days

Overall

For a few dollars, there is no reason not to keep one of these in your pack. Just clip it to something so it does not sink.

Customer reviews

5.0 out of 5

1 global ratings

5 star 100%
4 star 0%
3 star 0%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Best floating

CaliCase Floating Waterproof Pouch

CaliCase Floating Waterproof Pouch
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The CaliCase solves the biggest flaw of cheap pouches — it floats. A foam-backed panel keeps your phone bobbing at the surface instead of sinking into the deep end.

Features

  • Built-in foam float keeps the case on the surface
  • Double-locking seal rated IPX8
  • Fits most large phones with the case on
  • Bright colors are easy to spot in the water

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Floats screen-up so you can grab it Bulkier than a flat pouch
Solid sealing system Foam adds thickness in a pocket
Roomy fit

Activities and environments best for

  • Deep swimming holes
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding
  • Snorkeling

Overall

If you will be in water over your head, spend the extra few dollars for a floating case — your phone will thank you.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

2,531 global ratings

5 star 70%
4 star 13%
3 star 7%
2 star 3%
1 star 7%
Budget pick

Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack)

Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case (2-pack)
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Hiearcool’s universal waterproof pouch is among the cheapest ways to keep your phone dry — a two-pack means you can leave one in your pack and one in the car.

Features

  • Fits most phones up to 7 inches
  • IPX8-rated snap-and-lock seal
  • Clear window for photos and Face ID
  • Neck lanyard included

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Extremely cheap 2-pack Does not float
Works with most phones Underwater touch is unreliable
Touchscreen usable above water

Activities and environments best for

  • Budget protection
  • Rainy hikes
  • Boat and beach days

Overall

Buy a two-pack and stop worrying about splash damage.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

111,543 global ratings

5 star 76%
4 star 14%
3 star 6%
2 star 1%
1 star 3%
Premium

SPIDERCASE Waterproof Full-Body Case

SPIDERCASE Waterproof Full-Body Case
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SPIDERCASE’s full-body hard case wraps your phone in built-in screen and lens protection with IP68 waterproofing — for swimmers who want daily drop protection and swim-ready sealing.

Features

  • Built-in screen protector and lens cover
  • IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating
  • Raised bezels protect corners on rock
  • Model-specific fit for a secure seal

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Always-on protection Bulkier than a pouch
No separate pouch to forget Must match your exact phone model
Survives drops and splashes

Activities and environments best for

  • Daily carry to the water
  • Clumsy swimmers
  • Phone-as-camera users

Overall

Leave the pouch at home — this case is on your phone all the time.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5

9,178 global ratings

5 star 72%
4 star 11%
3 star 7%
2 star 3%
1 star 7%

Lamicall Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-pack)

Lamicall Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-pack)
View on

Lamicall’s two-pack waterproof pouches are a handy backup set to stash in different bags — cheap insurance when you forget your primary case.

Features

  • IPX8 waterproof seal
  • Fits large phones with cases on
  • Clear front and back windows
  • Neck strap included

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Two pouches for the price of one premium case Does not float
Roomy fit Not for deep underwater photography
Simple snap closure

Activities and environments best for

  • Backup protection
  • Sharing with a friend
  • Travel extras

Overall

Keep a spare in every swim bag and stop gambling with your phone.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

10,035 global ratings

5 star 77%
4 star 11%
3 star 7%
2 star 1%
1 star 4%
Dry BagsKeep phones, keys, and clothes bone-dry on the waterSnorkel Sets & MasksSee what is below the surface of clear springs and lakesWater ShoesGrippy soles that keep you upright on slick, mossy rocks

Waterproof Phone Cases FAQ

Can I take underwater photos through a waterproof phone pouch?

Yes. The clear window lets you shoot photos and video underwater, though the touchscreen often stops responding when submerged — use a physical button (volume-up as a shutter) for reliable underwater capture.

What does IPX8 mean on a waterproof phone case?

IPX8 is the highest water-resistance rating in the standard scale, meaning the case is tested for continuous submersion beyond 1 meter. Most quality pouches list a specific depth such as 100 ft (30 m).

Do waterproof phone pouches work with Face ID and fingerprint scanners?

Touchscreens usually work through the plastic window when dry; underwater and with wet fingers, response drops off. Face ID and fingerprint unlock often fail through the pouch — plan on passcode entry at the water.

Should I get a floating waterproof phone case?

If you will be in water deep enough to lose a dropped phone, yes. Otherwise a standard pouch clipped to a lanyard or stowed in a dry bag is fine and cheaper.

Are cheap Amazon waterproof pouches actually waterproof?

Many work for splashes and brief dunks if you test the seal at home first — submerge with tissue inside for a few minutes. For frequent swimming and snorkeling, choose a pouch with IPX8 rating and real user reviews mentioning long submersion.