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What's the best waterproof phone pouch you can buy?

Don't leave your phone behind. Take it for a swim!
By
January 15, 2023
Unihertz Atom XL Underwater Photo
Chase Bernath / Android Authority

If you want to enjoy your time in the water without leaving your phone behind, a waterproof phone pouch is a must-have. It keeps your handset protected by sealing out all the water in a system similar to a Ziplock bag. These are not always the prettiest, but they will get the job done better than anything else. They tend to be mostly transparent, so you can operate the touchscreen through them and even take underwater photos. Let’s go through our favorite picks.

Looking for more ways to keep your phone safe? Check out our guides to the best case brands and essential mobile accessories!

Android Authority’s parent company, Authority Media, also owns CaliCase.

Why do you need a waterproof pouch?

E Waste smartphone on beach5
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

People without a waterproof smartphone obviously need one of these to take their devices for a swim. Those rocking a waterproof phone might be wondering why they should even invest in one of these bulky bags, though.

The truth is, even if you have a waterproof (or water-resistant) smartphone, your handset might still not be safe. Waterproof phones are certified by IP ratings, which you can learn more about in our dedicated IP rating guide. The best level of protection so far is IP68, and phones with this rating can survive 1.5 meters of water submersion for a maximum of 30 minutes. This means there’s still plenty of risk, even if your phone is “waterproof.”

With all that said, we wouldn’t recommend dipping your phone in water on purpose, even if the device is waterproof. Instead, this rating serves as peace of mind just in case you accidentally wet your phone. Especially considering manufacturers tend not to cover devices with water damage under warranty, even if they’re supposed to be able to handle it.

Waterproof phone pouches don’t necessarily protect your gadgets 100%, but they give them a much higher chance of survival. If anything, it could be an extra layer of protection for even further peace of mind. It would be best if you still were careful using one, though. Keep in mind there is still a chance water could slip in there.

The best waterproof phone pouch

CaliCase Waterproof Floating Case

CaliCase waterproof pouch
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

CaliCase has been blessing the industry for years, offering quality waterproof pouches at reasonable price points. These are made of two-layer PVC, which helps protect against damage and water ingress. Additionally, though, the materials used make it a floating accessory, which will help avoid losing the device if you lose grip on the lanyard.

Despite the thicker materials and protection, you can still use your touchscreen through the case, and even shoot images underwater. And CaliCase claims you can take this pouch as deep as 100 feet. If features aren’t enough, maybe you’ll like the color selection, which is more comprehensive than we’ve seen from other manufacturers.

CaliCase costs $29.99, is available in 2 sizes and is available in 15 colorful colors.

Get 20% off with discount code: AA20

JOTO cellphone dry bag

JOTO waterproof pouch 01

This one is a little cheaper than CaliCase’s and a great alternative. Though it may not feel as solid, the company promises the same functionality, and they have a similar design language. Joto’s cellphone dry bag comes in a two-pack, and it features windows on both sides so you can see the display and take pictures. It’s also IPX8 rated, so it can be submerged to 100 feet. It fits phones sized up to 6.9-inches.

Frieq floating waterproof phone pouch

Frieq

If you need a case that floats and you’re looking for a fun, colorful case, then the Frieq waterproof pouch is a great place to start. The Frieq case fits all phones up to 7-inches and comes IPX8 certified for up to 100 feet underwater. It skips the colorful bumpers around the sides, going for a fully transparent design. This allows you to easily access the volume rockers and power button on your phone. You can grab a two-pack right now with black and pink options.

Hiearcool universal waterproof

Hiearcool

This waterproof phone pouch from Hiearcool is another excellent option for phones up to 7-inches. It comes with three layers of protection, as well as four different color combinations. You can grab classic black along with blue, green, and purple to match your favorite color. We recommend a color that’s easy to see, in case you accidentally drop it. However, Hiearcool also includes an adjustable lanyard with its pouches to prevent this. Just make sure to set up other ways to unlock your phone, as in-display fingerprint readers won’t work.

Stash7 Waterpocket

Stash7 Waterpocket 01

If you don’t mind spending some more cash, the Stash7 Waterpocket is a great premium waterproof pouch. It’s made of more premium materials and looks very nice, but also feels great thanks to its soft-touch exterior. Its IPX8 build ensures your phone won’t die with a dunk. Not only that, but it also comes with a 40-inch nautical grade cord you can attach to yourself using the carabineers.


Is it already too late for you to save your phone? Maybe your device got water damage despite all these protective measures. You should try our guide on fixing water-damaged phones. It’s not 100% guaranteed to work, but it’s worth a try. Additionally, consider getting one of the best insurances on your new phones. This could save you when accidents come around.