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Many phones these days have waterproofing built in, but it’s not always the strongest feature. The brand new iPhone XR, for example, is only waterproof for 30 minutes or in up to one meter of water. Any deeper or any longer than that and you’ll risk ruining your phone. If you love the beach, kayaking, river rafting, or just tubing on a lazy summer afternoon, you might worry that your waterproof phone case won’t cut it.    Worse, your phone might not have waterproofing at all. If either of these are the case for you, you need a waterproof phone case. Luckily, they’re not hard to come by. Read on to learn about the most durable and affordable waterproof phone cases around.  

Waterproof Phone Case FAQ

1. What Is a Waterproof Phone Case?

Waterproof phone cases come in a number of different designs. Some look like small plastic bags: just slip your phone inside to protect it. Others look more like traditional phone cases, but bulkier. The type you get will depend on whether you want something to protect your phone on occasions when you’re near water or if you want a full-time phone case that’s also waterproof.

2. What Are the Downsides to Waterproof Phone Cases?

If you want something simple to keep your phone safe near water, you might decide to go with one of the bag-like cases. These make it difficult to use your phone unless you remove it from the case, which might defeat the purpose. Some people find the alternative traditional waterproof cases too bulky and unpleasant to handle.

3. How Do They Work?

The reason some users don’t like the traditional phone case design with waterproof cases is because of how they work: a clear plastic barrier is placed between the phone screen and the outside world. You’ll be tapping on this barrier rather than on the screen. This keeps your phone sealed up tight.

How We Reviewed

We scoured the internet for high-quality, well-designed waterproof phone cases to bring you the ten best out there. They don’t all work for every phone, but you should be able to find one that works for you on this list. We took into account durability, design, price, and versatility in making this final, unbiased list.

Overall Price Range of Waterproof Phone Cases

Waterproof phone cases can sell for as little as $10 for the most basic designs, while more high-end cases can go for upwards of $80. We have included links with each entry that will lead you to Amazon or the manufacturer’s website where you can purchase each product.

What We Reviewed

  • EOTW 2 Pack Universal Waterproof Case
  • Mpow Universal Waterproof Case
  • Ounne iPhone Waterproof Case
  • LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Case for Samsung Galaxy
  • ALOFOX Waterproof Case for iPhone
  • Dog Bone Wetsuit Impact for iPhone Waterproof Case
  • OTBBA Underwater Case for iPhone
  • Temdan iPhone Waterproof Case with Floating Strap
  • Eficle Waterproof Phone Pouch
  • LifeProof FRE Series Waterproof Case for iPhone  

EOTW 2 Pack Universal Waterproof Case

Features 

The EOTW 2 Pack Universal Waterproof Case is an absolute steal on Amazon for a bag-like case with a lanyard. Just slip your phone inside and wear it around your neck at the beach, at the waterpark, or wherever you need to go. It’s difficult to use your phone while it’s in this case though, so be careful when removing it to text or answer an email. It works for any phone up to 6 inches in length, no matter the model.

Pros  

  • Inexpensive
  • Works with any phone 6 inches in size or under

Cons  

  • Hard to use phone while it’s in the case
  • Too small for larger phone models

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $10 for a pack of two.

Where to Buy

Durability

While this case will get you through a few days or a short vacation, its price means that it’s not built to last. If you’re taking it on a trip, we recommend taking the second one along as a backup.  

Mpow Universal Waterproof Case

Features 

Mpow’s Universal Waterproof case is similar to EOTW’s: a bag-like slip case that can fit any phone up to 6 inches long. Just like the waterproof phone case above, it’s a little hard to type through the plastic film surrounding your phone while it’s in the bag and it’s impossible to use a fingerprint reader. This product also comes in a pack of two from Amazon.

Pros  

  • Inexpensive
  • Fits any phone 6 inches in size or under

Cons  

  • Hard to use phone while it’s in the case
  • Too small for larger phone models

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $8 for a pack of two.

Where to Buy

Durability

Once again, the low price point means that this product isn’t built to last. We recommend carrying a backup on long trips. With both products, you can test the quality of the waterproofing by putting a paper towel inside and submerging it.

Ounne iPhone Waterproof Case

Features 

The Ounne iPhone Waterproof Case is a fitted case designed for use with iPhones 7 and 8. It will make your phone a little bulkier, but its 4-star rating on Amazon proves it works well for water-bound excursions. Some have complained that this case muffles the speaker on calls resulting in reduced call quality, so pack some Bluetooth headphones or be ready to remove it from the case if you need to talk.

Pros  

  • Inexpensive fitted case
  • Durable design

Cons  

  • Muffles the call quality
  • Only works with older iPhone models 7 and 8

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $20.

Where to Buy

Durability

With a shockproof design from up to 6 and a half feet high, a scratch-resistant screen, and waterproofing, this case will do a decent job of keeping your phone safe for a bargain price.

LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Case for Samsung Galaxy

Features 

The LifeProof FRĒ Series waterproof phone case for the Samsung Galaxy S9+ makes your Samsung phone waterproof, but also drop-proof and dirt-proof. It’s a sturdy case that’s not too bulky, and in even comes in a variety of colors. Grab one in pastel pink and purple, or in bright green and jet black. The biggest downsides to this case are its high price tag compared to the Ounne case and the fact that it’s only available for one phone model.

Pros  

  • Sleek design
  • Durable
  • Choice of colors

Cons  

  • Only works with the Samsung Galaxy S9+

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $40.

Where to Buy

Durability

With super-thin scratch protector over the screen, water- and snow-proofing, and a seal that prevents dust and dirt from getting in, this case is worth the money.

ALOFOX Waterproof Case for iPhone

Features

The ALOFOX Waterproof Case is designed for use with the iPhone 6 and 6s. These phones are old models, but plenty of people are still using them. It claims to be both water- and snow-proof, but it’s not padded enough to protect much from drops. It’s rated for a 6.6-foot fall, but Amazon reviews claim it’s not that durable. If you need a slim case with waterproofing at a low price, this is a good choice.

Pros  

  • Low price
  • Water- and snow-proofing

Cons  

  • Only for use with iPhone 6 and 6s
  • Some Amazon reviews claim it’s not curable

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $20.

Where to Buy

Durability

While some Amazon reviews question this product’s durability, the overall consensus is good on this product. It’s not as airtight at the Samsung case above and its design won’t set the world on fire, but it will protect your phone from the elements.  

Dog & Bone Wetsuit Impact for iPhone X Waterproof Case

Features 

The Dog & Bone Wetsuit Impact cast for iPhone X is a rugged waterproof case with 360 degrees of water, snow, dirt, and drop protection. It’s pricey, but it comes with a 12-month warranty to soften the blow. Its stylish, slim design comes in four available colors, including teal, red, black, and gray. Its screen guard is made from a protective glass that feels just like your mobile phone’s screen and provides the touch responsiveness to match. If you own an iPhone X, it’s going to be hard to beat this waterproof phone case.

Pros  

  • Rugged with 360 degrees of protection
  • Slim profile
  • Great screen guard that feels like a real phone screen
  • 1-year warranty

Cons  

  • High price
  • Only available for iPhone X

Price

This product can be found on Dog & Bone’s website for around $80.

Where to Buy

https://www.dogandbonecases.com/products/apple/iphone-x/wetsuit-impact/wetsuit-impact-iphone-x-waterproof-rugged-case/

Durability

With a rubber bumper all the way around the edge, a flexible glass screen guard, and great design, this case is a high-end product that will keep your iPhone X safe and secure. If anything happens to the case, you can exercise your 1-year warranty for a replacement.

OTBBA Underwater Case for iPhone 7 Plus & 8 Plus

Features 

OTBBA’s Underwater Case for iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus is a durable, highly rated product suitable for high-intensity sports like diving. It’s fully sealed, with a thin screen protector that shouldn’t sacrifice touchscreen sensitivity. It’s affordable too, with the downside being that some Amazon users have found that it doesn’t last very long.

Pros  

  • Rugged design makes it useful for water-based sports
  • Screen protector that doesn’t interfere with touchscreen functionality
  • Affordable

Cons  

  • Prone to breaking or losing waterproofing

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $20.

Where to Buy

Durability

Some Amazon users have found that this case breaks fairly quickly with regular rugged use, so if you plan to snorkel with it or are regularly hard on your phone, you may want to buy two to be safe or upgrade to a more durable case.  

Temdan iPhone Waterproof Case with Floating Strap

Features

The Temdan Waterproof Case for iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 is popular on Amazon. It’s also shockproof and snow-proof, but the biggest unique feature on this affordable case is its floating strap. A small flotation device on the strap will keep it on the surface of the water, so if you lose your phone will out on the river it shouldn’t be too hard to find. Unfortunately, some Amazon reviewers found this case also muffled their calls.

Pros  

  • Floating strap
  • Rugged and durable
  • Great price

Cons  

  • Muffles calls

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $23.

Where to Buy

Durability

This is a durable, rugged case that gets the job done. The tradeoff is a little added bulk when compared to more expensive waterproof phone cases, but it’s far from a disqualifier.

Eficle Waterproof Phone Pouch

Features 

Eficle’s Waterproof Phone Pouch is a step above the other phone pouches on this list. Its unique design will keep it floating on the surface of the water even if you drop your phone, and Amazon reviews note it allows users to take high-quality underwater photos. It can accommodate any phone up to 6.3 inches long. Some reviewers have reported leak issues with this product though, so be sure to test it by putting a paper towel into it and submerging it before putting your phone inside.

Pros  

  • Floats even with a phone inside
  • Can take underwater photos with your phone inside it
  • Low price

Cons  

  • Some Amazon reviewers have reported leaking issues

Price

This phone pouch is available on Amazon for around $12.

Where to Buy

Durability

Because some users have reported leaking with this product, we suggest testing its waterproofing before every use.  

LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Case for iPhone X

Features

The LifeProof FRĒ Series Waterproof Case for iPhone X can last underwater for up to an hour, and its slim design makes it look great in the process. Its scratch-resistant screen protector also allows the fingerprint function to work through it, and its shock-proofing can keep it safe from falls of up to 6.6 feet. Some Amazon reviewers have complained that its camera and screen protectors scratch too easily though.

Pros  

  • Slim design
  • Waterproof for up to one hour
  • Fingerprint function works through the screen protector

Cons  

  • Screen and camera protectors scratch too easily
  • High price
  • Only available for iPhone X

Price

This case can be found on Amazon for around $58.

Where to Buy

Durability

This case will undoubtedly protect your phone, and its one-hour waterproofing is impressive. On the other hand, some users complain that its screen and camera protectors scratch too easily, so you must be a bit careful when using it.

The Verdict

There are a wide range of waterproof phone cases available to choose from, and the right one for you will depend on how you want to use it. If you’re looking for something to protect your phone while you’re at the beach or the pool, one of the pouches will do the trick at a low price. If, however, you want a permanent case, you have a lot of options. If you can afford them, we suggest Dog & Bone’s premium cases for their rugged yet slim designs and high-quality waterproofing.

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