Waterproof Phone Case Picks: The Ones Worth It
Contents
A waterproof phone case earns its place on a solo trip when a wave, a flipped kayak, or a cruise-deck downpour hits. Nobody is around to help. The seal decides whether it works, not the plastic. These six pouches were compared on closure type, fit with a case on, buoyancy, and lanyard design.
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The Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch is the pick: an IP68 rating, clear TPU film, a listed weight of just 0.17 pounds and a detachable lanyard, sold as a two-pack.
| Product | Best for | Rating on the listing | Stated fit / size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch | Best overall | IP68, 3.3 ft (1 m) | Regular size, 5.43 x 9.37 in |
| Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch | Best value | IPX8, double-lock seal | 8.9 x 5.3 in |
| Lamicall IP68 Floating Pouch | Deep-water rating | IP68, 100 ft (30 m) claimed | Fits 4 to 8.5 in |
| CACOE Floatable Waterproof Pouch | Smaller phones | IPX8, 30 m maximum | Up to 7.0 in, no thick cases |
| Rynapac Double Space Pouch | Carrying cash and keys | IPX8, three-layer lock | Up to 8.5 in |
| Case-Mate Soap Bubble Pouch | No-air float | IP68, 3.3 ft (1 m) | 8.86 x 4.92 in, single pack |
RedSky Adventures is funded by affiliate commission. Our picks come from comparing published specifications and documented features against what matters in the category — no brand pays for a place on this page. If you buy through a link here we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and it pays for the research behind the next guide. Full disclosure.
Lamicall IP68 Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch (100 ft Claim, 3-Year Warranty)
Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch (IP68, Detachable Lanyard)
- BrandPelican
- ModelPP048884
- Dimensions0.55 inches x 5.43 inches x 9.37 inches
- Weight0.17 pounds
- Size / capacityRegular
- ColourBlack/Neon – 2 Pack – Regular
- WarrantyOne Year Warranty
Quick take: The most complete package for a traveler who wants a rated waterproof phone case that is light, floats and comes with a spare.
The Pelican Marine pouch is made of soft TPU with a clear window on the front. The listing gives IP68 certification at 3.3 feet (1 meter). It also includes a detachable lanyard for neck or wrist and a one-year warranty. Each pack holds two pouches and two Hi-Vis Yellow lanyards. At 0.17 pounds, it is the lightest pouch here with a published weight. The Hiearcool is 0.24, the Case-Mate 0.29, and the Rynapac 0.5.
The shallow rating is the honest trade-off. A 1-meter claim suits snorkel surfaces, pool decks, kayak spray, and rain. The Lamicall’s 100-foot claim targets a different kind of exposure. The listing calls the closure a secure lock mechanism without naming the type. It sells the pouch as a single “Regular” size with no maximum screen diagonal. Measure your phone first. Check your phone’s height, width, and case thickness against the 5.43 x 9.37 inch dimensions before relying on the “fits all phones” title. The second pouch in the pack doubles as a backup.
Pros:
- IP68 certification — a rating under the IEC ingress standard, which is more than the IPX8-only listings give.
- 0.17 lb weight — the lightest listed here, so it barely registers around the neck on a long day.
- Two-pack with two lanyards — a spare pouch is cheap insurance when a seal gets damaged mid-trip.
- Detachable lanyard — it can be swapped for a wrist loop or removed to stow the pouch in a pocket.
- Clear TPU window — a flat clear film gives the camera and touchscreen a direct view, with side buttons accessible per the listing.
Cons:
- Shallow 1 m rating — not the pouch for anything past surface-level splashing.
- No stated maximum phone size — only a “Regular” label, so a large phone in a case needs measuring first.
- Closure type not named — the listing describes a lock mechanism but never says whether it is a slide, zip or roll-top style.
Who should buy this
Best overall: Solo travelers who want a rated, light, floating pouch with a spare in the pack. Skip if: A deeper rating matters, or the phone is a large model in a bulky case that has not been measured.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch (Slim, Double-Lock Seal)
- BrandHiearcool
- ModelBlack&Green Waterproof Phone Pouch
- Dimensions8.9 inches x 5.3 inches x 0.05 inches
- Weight0.24 pounds
- Size / capacity2PACK-8.3”
- Colour2-Pack Black & Green
- Warranty1-year
The short version: A wide-interior, flat two-pack that is the better value for a budget-minded buyer who mostly needs splash and pool protection.
The Hiearcool measures 8.9 x 5.3 inches. It is listed at just 0.05 inches thick and 0.24 pounds. The listing promises IPX8 protection. It also calls out a reinforced dual-lock seal. The large interior is intended to take a phone with its case on. The pack is a black-and-green pair. The warranty is one year.
The flat, thin build packs well and pairs naturally with a daypack. The gaps matter, though. The listing never says the pouch floats. It never states a depth or duration for the IPX8 claim. It mentions lanyards only in passing. The title says 8.9 inches, while the size field says 8.3. That inconsistency is worth confirming before ordering for a larger phone. An IPX8 label also carries no dust rating. Sand management comes down to the seal and careful handling. The Pelican is the better choice for a floating waterproof phone case. This one is the cheaper, roomier option.
Pros:
- Dual-lock seal — a second locking line gives a bit of redundancy against one bad closure.
- 8.9-inch inner space — the listing says it fits large phones with their cases left on.
- 0.05 in thickness — folds flat into a pocket or bag when not in use.
- 2-pack — a spare for a partner or a backup if one pouch is damaged.
- 0.24 lb — light enough to wear all day without noticing.
Cons:
- Floating not claimed — a dropped pouch may sink with the phone inside.
- No depth or time stated — IPX8 without those figures leaves the real limit unknown.
- Size labels conflict — 8.9 in the title versus 8.3 in the size field.
Our take
Ideal for: Budget-minded travelers covering pools, rain and cruise-deck splashes with a big phone. Pass on this if: The pouch will be near open water where a float matters.
Lamicall IP68 Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch (100 ft Claim, 3-Year Warranty)
- BrandLamicall
- ModelPRAB09
- Size / capacity8.5 inches
- ColourA-White Accent
- Warranty3 year
Why it earns a spot: The strongest on-paper claims here: the deepest rating, the longest warranty and an explicit buoyancy figure.
The Lamicall lists IP68 protection tested to 100 feet (30 meters). It also has a spacious 8.5 x 4.5 inch interior and a fit range of 4 to 8.5 inches. A built-in sponge air cushion is said to support 14 ounces (400 grams). A soft PVC touch layer is meant for wet-hand use. The three-year warranty is the longest of the six. The pack includes two pouches.
The manufacturer lists an Anti-Pop Lock System, and that’s a reasonable target for a pouch that takes pressure from the water. That 100-foot figure is a manufacturer claim. A lab depth rating says nothing about how a touchscreen behaves under pressure. Physical buttons are the dependable route for photos underwater. The 4.5-inch interior width deserves a tape measure for a Pro Max or Galaxy Ultra in a thick case. Dimensions and weight are not listed. That makes comparing bulk with the others impossible.
Pros:
- 100 ft (30 m) claim — the deepest rating on the list.
- 3-year warranty — the maker is willing to back the seal longer than anyone else here.
- 14 oz (400 g) buoyancy claim — a figure that lets a buyer judge whether a heavy phone and case will still float.
- Dedicated clear camera window — meant to reduce haze over the lens.
- 4 to 8.5 inch range — covers small and large phones in one pouch.
Cons:
- Dimensions and weight not listed — bulk cannot be compared with rivals.
- Depth is a claim, not a promise — still-water lab ratings do not cover sudden pressure or repeated heavy use.
- Narrow 4.5 in interior width — a large phone in a thick case may sit tight against the seal.
Final thoughts
Perfect for: Snorkelers and kayakers who want the longest warranty and the deepest stated rating. Not great if: A big phone with a heavy case is in play, or a published weight is a requirement.
CACOE Floatable Waterproof Phone Pouch (Up to 7.0 Inches)
- BrandCACOE
- ModelCMWB+BBTPU2
- Dimensions4.43 inches x 1.18 inches x 9.84 inches
- Size / capacityUp to 7.0"-Floatable
- ColourBlack+Green
- Warranty2 Year
In a nutshell: A two-pack for smaller phones, with airbag buoyancy and a two-year warranty.
The CACOE is sized for phones up to 7.0 inches. It lists dimensions of 4.43 x 1.18 x 9.84 inches. There’s an IPX8 seal with a 30-meter maximum, plus a snap-and-lock clip on a fully enclosed rim. Floatation comes from four-sided double airbags. The TPU film is described as high-transparency. Warranty is two years, and the title mentions an adjustable lanyard.
The listing warns the pouch isn’t for thick-cased phones. That’s more candid than the “fits all” claims elsewhere, and it narrows the audience. A large Pro Max or Ultra won’t fit. Air-based floatation works until a puncture or a leak hits the airbag seam. The Case-Mate avoids that by relying on buoyant material instead. The listing also admits pressure and water temperature can interfere with the touchscreen. Weight isn’t listed.
Pros:
- Honest fit warning — the maker says plainly that thick cases do not fit.
- Four-sided airbags — buoyancy on all edges so a dropped pouch tends to float.
- 30 m maximum — a depth claim well above the 1 m pouches.
- 2-year warranty — longer than the Pelican, Hiearcool, Rynapac and Case-Mate.
- Snap-and-lock clip — a physical clip over a fully enclosed rim gives a clear, checkable closing action.
Cons:
- 7.0 in limit — rules out larger phones entirely.
- Thick cases excluded — a rugged case means leaving it off.
- Air-dependent float — a damaged airbag takes buoyancy with it.
Who should buy this
Great match for: Owners of compact phones in slim cases who want a floating option. Think twice if: The phone is a Pro Max, an Ultra or anything in a rugged case.
Rynapac Double Space Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch (Extra Compartment)
- BrandRynapac
- ModelWPP-19274-BG
- Dimensions9.0 inches x 5.3 inches x 0.6 inches
- Weight0.5 pounds
- Size / capacity8.5 inch
- ColourBlack & Green
- Warranty6 Months
Here’s the deal: The only pouch here with a second compartment, for cash, ID and a room card.
The Rynapac is PVC with a built-in sponge for floating. It measures 9.0 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches. It weighs 0.5 pounds, the heaviest of the six. The main bag takes phones up to 8.5 inches. The small pouch holds cash, ID, keys or a room card. The seal is described as a three-layer lock-down meeting IPX8, and the lanyard is adjustable. The warranty is six months, the shortest here.
For a solo traveler, putting the phone and the room card into one neck-worn unit means one fewer thing to lose. Still, every extra compartment adds another seal to check. The listing claims face verification works through the film, and fingerprint and Face ID behavior through plastic is unreliable. Treat that as a claim to test dry. The six-month warranty is a poor match for a pouch whose seal is the whole point.
Pros:
- Second compartment — cash, ID, keys or a room card ride in a separate pouch.
- 8.5 in phone capacity — fits most large phones.
- Three-layer lock-down — a layered closure designed to resist water, sand and snow.
- Adjustable lanyard — hands-free carry on a beach or boat deck.
- 2-pack — the spare can cover a second person or a backup.
Cons:
- 6-month warranty — the shortest here, and the least confidence-inspiring on a seal-first product.
- 0.5 lb weight — nearly three times the Pelican, which adds up around the neck.
- Two seals to manage — the small pouch is a second place for water or sand to get in.
Our take
Ideal for: Beach and cruise travelers who want phone, ID and key card in one neck-worn bag. Pass on this if: Weight, a long warranty or a minimal setup matter more than extra storage.
Case-Mate Soap Bubble IP68 Waterproof Phone Pouch (Crossbody Lanyard)
- BrandCase-Mate
- ModelCM053384
- Dimensions8.86 inches x 4.92 inches x 0.53 inches
- Weight0.29 pounds
- Size / capacity1 Pack
- ColourIridescent
- Warranty1 Year Warranty
The real deal: A single-pouch waterproof phone case with a float that does not rely on air.
The Case-Mate Soap Bubble measures 8.86 x 4.92 x 0.53 inches. It weighs 0.29 pounds. It has an IP68 claim at 3.3 feet (1 meter). The TPU is described as buoyant without needing air, so it can’t deflate. A detachable crossbody lanyard adjusts to 30.5 inches. It can go around the neck or over a shoulder. Warranty is one year, and the pack is a single pouch in an iridescent finish.
A float that doesn’t depend on an airbag removes one failure mode found in the CACOE and Rynapac. The crossbody strap also keeps the pouch tight against the body on a boat deck. The catches are the single-pack format, which leaves no spare. The “fits all phones” title doesn’t give a maximum screen size. Measuring the phone and case against the 8.86 x 4.92 inch outer dimensions is the buyer’s job.
Pros:
- No-air floatation — buoyant TPU means nothing to deflate.
- IP68 certification — the same rating tier as the Pelican.
- Crossbody strap — adjusts to 30.5 inches and stays secure on a moving boat.
- 0.29 lb — mid-weight, lighter than the Rynapac.
- Detachable strap — comes off for pocket or bag carry.
Cons:
- Single pouch — no backup for a damaged seal.
- 1 m rating — the same shallow claim as the Pelican.
- No maximum phone size listed — fit must be verified by measuring.
Final thoughts
Best for: Travelers who distrust air-filled floats and want a crossbody carry. Skip if: A spare pouch or a deeper rating is a priority.
How We Chose These Waterproof Phone Cases
These picks come from comparing published specifications, materials, ratings, and documented features. They also reflect patterns that recur in verified-buyer reviews, where buyers often mention closure trouble and fit problems. None of the products were tested hands-on. Seal integrity carried the most weight: closure type, film quality at the fold and seam, and fit with a case on. A too-small pouch closes poorly, and a too-large one can trap air, hurting touch and camera clarity. Floating, camera window clarity, and lanyard security were secondary. Before ordering, measure the phone’s length, width, and thickness with its case on. Then compare those measurements to the listed dimensions.
How to Choose a Waterproof Phone Case for Solo Travel
Plan for the failure case. When a seal lets go far from help, the phone becomes the map, the ticket, and the emergency line. So the closure matters more than the label.
Closure type and seams
Pouches are commonly built from plastic film, plastic-coated fabric, TPU or PVC. They get joined by gluing, sewing, or radio-frequency welding. Sewing needs seam tape to block needle holes. A sewn seam without tape becomes a leak path. The classic roll-top closure folds a pair of rigid strips over again and again. It locks them into a loop with a side-release buckle. So the number of folds and a clean, dry seal line decide success. Most pouches here use a lock or clip instead. The Pelican listing names none. Read closing instructions carefully.
What IP68 and IPX8 mean
The ratings come from the IEC 60529 IP Code, which sets levels of protection for enclosures. IP68 includes a dust rating; IPX8 skips it, so the dust claim is blank. Immersion depth and time are set by the maker. That’s why the Pelican and Case-Mate claim 1 meter, while the Lamicall claims 100 feet. For coated-fabric waterproofness, there’s also ASTM D3393. None of these listings cites it.
Fit, floating and the floating phone pouch question
Measure the phone with its case. A tight fit stops the seal closing. A loose one traps air. That hurts touch response and camera clarity. Every pouch here claims to float, except the Hiearcool, which makes no such claim. A floating phone pouch only floats if the phone and case don’t outweigh its buoyancy. Only the Lamicall publishes a figure, 14 ounces.
Lanyards and the wider kit
A short, adjustable lanyard on a crossbody setup stays put on a boat deck. A waterproof phone pouch is one layer. Dry feet on a rainy travel day take footwear that actually stays dry on the road.
Our Final Recommendation
The Pelican Marine is the overall winner. It has an IP68 rating, a 0.17 pounds weight, a detachable lanyard, and a spare in the pack. The Hiearcool is the best value. It has a big 8.9-inch interior and a double-lock seal, as long as floating is not a requirement. The Lamicall is the choice for the longest warranty and the deepest claimed rating. Measure the phone first and run a dry test before any trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPX8 less protective than IP68?
Not for water. Both share the 8 immersion rating under the IEC 60529 standard. IP68 also states a dust rating. IPX8 leaves dust unrated. Depth and duration are set by each maker. Compare the actual claims, like 1 meter on the Pelican versus 30 meters on the CACOE.
Will a Pro Max or Ultra with a case fit?
Check the listed dimensions. The Lamicall (8.5 x 4.5 inch interior), Hiearcool (8.9 inches), and Rynapac (8.5 inches) are sized for large phones. The CACOE tops out at 7.0 inches and excludes thick cases. A tight fit can prevent sealing.
Does Face ID work through a waterproof phone pouch?
Unreliably. Film and water interfere with Face ID and fingerprint sensors. Capacitive touchscreens behave erratically when wet. Unlock the phone before sealing it. Use side buttons or a volume-button shutter for photos underwater.
