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To me, summertime is synonymous with water—each year, my weekends (and weekdays, when I'm lucky) revolve around finding ways to be near and in water. Sometimes that's heading to the Rockaways for a beach day, other times it's finding an upstate or NYC pool to splash around in or taking a paddleboard out in places like Austin or Seattle. Through all these experiences, I've found plenty of use for waterproof phone pouches.
Unlike a waterproof phone case, these pouches protect your device—so you don't have to worry about it falling in the water or getting splashed by a kid jumping into the pool near you (or worse, a wave pulling it out of your hands)—and offer a way to stay hands-free, usually in the form of a lanyard that goes around your neck or can be worn crossbody. The best waterproof phone pouches even float, so if it gets knocked into a deep body of water (or even the deep end of a pool), you won't be scrambling to find it. Some have room to store additional items you want to keep dry, like a hotel room key, ID, or small wallet.
If you're heading out on a beach trip, cruise, or even a rainy day hike anytime soon, you'd be wise to invest in a waterproof phone pouch—I've got you covered with my top tested and reviewed options, all under $50.
Testing process
Around six years ago, ahead of the summer season, I started testing out a slew of waterproof phone bags and pouches to find out which ones will really keep your phone dry. I went through a few rounds of testing for each bag: first, with a tissue inside, to ensure there was no immediate water damage. Then, with an old (and small) iPhone. Lastly, I put my iPhone 13 Pro Max inside of each one to see how it fit. With each round, all of the pouches were tossed into a pool or ocean.
I'm happy to report the cell phones (and tissues) all came out unscathed, but still, some pouches proved better than others. Since those initial rounds of testing, I've continued to put these pouches and more options to the test while traveling, with the aim of finding the best options for different types of trips and activities.
How to test at home
While you can be confident the bags below will work as intended, it's always best to double check for any defects before putting them to use with expensive electronics. The easiest way to do so is to fold up a few tissues, put them inside the case, close it up, then submerge it in water for a few minutes. Open up the case (with dry hands) to see if the interior contents remained dry.
What to know before using a waterproof pouch
If you're someone who wants your phone on you just in case, but doesn't really plan to use it while it's inside the case, you don't have much to worry about beyond finding a case that's easy enough to open and close. However, if you're planning to take photos, text, read, or scroll on your device while it's in a case, there are a few things to note.
I've pointed out in the reviews below which cases don't allow for camera use because of how they're designed. For the ones that are built to take photos and videos through, I find it much easier to take a photo or hit record using the side button rather than trying to tap the on-screen button.
I've also noted below when it was particularly easy to type through a case—in general, a trade-off you might have to make for a floating pouch (which, to me, is worth it) is making a slightly more concerted effort to type, as the case doesn't sit flush against the screen.
Lastly, if you have any mobility concerns regarding use of your fingers, I'd highly recommend going with the Nite Ize; the zip-closure will be much easier to use than one with a hook-and-loop system.
Read on for reviews of the ones I recommend, starting with the best waterproof phone pouch I've found so far (and a close second).
My top picks:
Dimensions: 4.5" x 8.5"
This Pelican pouch is still the clear standout for me, largely for its ability to float, and it's the one I've packed most frequently in the years since I started testing waterproof pouches. While the point of the lanyard is to keep your phone from dunking into the water without you, accidents happen, and knowing this bag will stay afloat offers peace of mind. It's also cushioned, protecting your phone from drops on a hard surface too. Other pros: The lanyard is detachable in case you want to swap out the lime green one it comes with, and it was easy enough to still use my phone while inside the case to take photos. Per Pelican, which puts its pouches through even more rigorous testing, the case is proven to stay dry in one meter of water (3.3 feet) for 60 minutes.
This size is a little tight for my phone (an iPhone 13 Pro Max) and the cushion (which is what allows it to float) meant typing is just a bit more annoying—I have to press down harder than normal—than with the thinner ones. Also worth noting: With all of these pouches, FaceID can be a bit finicky, so be prepared to enter your lock code in manually.
Since I first reviewed this pouch, I've brought it on several more trips, and have been happy to have it with me on a cruise to the Caribbean, kayaking outings in my home state of Florida, and on a waterfall excursion in Puerto Rico. Of all the ones I've tested, this is the one I recommend most to friends and family.
Dimensions: 5.4" x 10"
This Torras pouch is giving the Pelican a run for its money. Like the Pelican, it floats, which definitely gives it a leg up compared to other options. It's a little bit longer and wider, though, making it easier to get my phone (which, to be fair, is quite large) in and out. It also has a secondary pouch on the back that can hold IDs, key cards, or credit cards, which is handy if you're at a hotel, resort, beach, or anywhere else where you might need something on hand; you could easily store cash in here too. I've only had this one for a month or so, testing it out while paddleboarding on a lake in Austin, Texas, and swimming in Barton Springs, so time will tell if I end up reaching for it more often than the Pelican.
Other good options:
Dimensions: 9.02" x 7.05"
Made by Nite Ize, the same brand behind another editor-favorite outdoor item (former travel bookings editor Meredith Carey's go-to bicycle phone mount), this pouch has been tested to stay dry in one meter of water for 30 minutes. It comes with an adjustable lanyard that can be taken on and off, and a touchscreen that works seamlessly when you need to send a text or otherwise use your phone. There’s also a loop to clip it onto a belt or backpack instead of wearing it around your neck. The biggest pro by far though is the zipper, which makes it much more simple to open and close than the teeth apparatus most other cases have. I recently tried an updated version of this case and found the zipper to be much smoother to use than the previous model.
Worth noting: It feels counterintuitive, but you'll want to put your phone in upside down if you plan to take photos while it's still in the case (otherwise, the camera will be obscured by the black portion up top). This one was also a tiny bit snug on my phone, though for anyone with an Android or iPhone that is smaller than the Pro Max, you should be good to go.
Dimensions: 7.5" x 4"
This two-pack is one of the most budget-friendly options on the list—under $10 for the set, which comes with two cases and two lanyards—and is a great everyday option for the pool or beach. It has a slim profile that makes it easy to text and otherwise use your phone while it's in the bag, and the little tabs on the edge of the locks make it easier to open than the otherwise similarly option from Hiearcool. As with most of these, it's a little harder to take photos or videos by hitting the touch screen; I'd recommend using the side buttons instead.
Dimensions: 8.9" x 4.9"
Case-Mate's pouch is definitely the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch—it comes in colors like Sand Dollar, Citrus Splash, and Soap Bubble, an iridescent lilac hue—and gets bonus points for floating in water and having a detachable lanyard that is long enough to wear as a crossbody. Its recent design updates make it another top choice for classic pouch-style cases: With the first model I tried, I had some difficulty seeing my screen while using it (granted, it was a particularly sunny day), in part because of air bubbles that formed on the surface. And while my iPhone 13 Pro Max fit inside, the front camera was obstructed; with an iPhone 13 Pro, this wasn't a problem, and typing was easier. Last year, an updated version came out that is slightly larger, making it easier to fit my phone inside and fixing the issue with the camera. This current version is designed for phones with up to a 6.7" screen, and is a great option for anyone looking for a phone pouch that works well, but also looks cute in photos.
Dimensions: 8.5" x 6"
These waterproof fanny packs were a surprise favorite. An order comes with two bags, each with an adjustable strap to wear around your waist or across your chest. They have both a Velcro closure and a triple lock seal, which means it's not a quick in-and-out to grab your stuff, but also that everything inside is safe and secure.
These bags are great to have with you on on solo beach outings—they’re fully submersible, so you can keep them on while you wade into the water—and while on cruise ship excursions where you're carrying more than just a phone (while not as big as a dry bag, a credit card, sunscreen, and other valuables could easily fit in here). To note, this one is not meant for touchscreen use, so you will need to take your phone out if you want to take a photo or otherwise use it.
Dimensions: 13" x 7" x 2"
This bucket bag from Case-Mate functions more like a dry bag, with a dedicated phone case inside. It's best suited for kayaking trips, or outings like a day at a water park when you have multiple items to keep secure and want fairly easy access to your phone, but don't need to take it out of the case often. The double seam functionality means your phone is ultra protected, but not able to be slipped in and out easily (and in fact, it takes some coordination to get the phone inside the interior case and close off that seam). One other thing to note: The clear portion is only front-facing, so while you could take selfies while it's in the bag, you won't be able to use the back camera. Typing and navigating your phone screen works well on this one.
Dimensions: 8" x 4.25"
Another solid pick: This Joto phone pouch; the touchscreen worked easily and the camera was especially clear. That said, this one doesn't float, and the open/close mechanism was confusing at first (you have to loop the prongs through the top of the case once your phone is inside). An order comes with two cases and two lanyards, and you can choose between a few colors (black, clear, aqua blue, pink). I'd take this one snorkeling or to a water park, and recommend it to anyone taking a lot of photos or videos, as it's easy to use your phone while it's in the case than it is with the floating options.
Dimensions: 8" x 4.25"
When I first opened this phone pouch, I thought it looked flimsy, but it was watertight, with solid touchscreen capability too. It's super lightweight, so if you're camping or hiking and concerned about weight, it's a good pick. An order comes with two cases and in a variety of colors, and the cases themselves are both waterproof and snow-proof. This one was the easiest to fit my phone in, so if you're at all concerned about dexterity, or have a larger phone, it may be the best one for you. However, it does open and close in a similar fashion to the Joto—a little confusing at first, but easy once you get the hang of it. After testing, I happened to see this one in action on a group tour in Puerto Rico.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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