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During the summer, vacation plans tend to involve the water. Maybe you're headed to a Caribbean beach, or to chase waterfalls in a state park. Perhaps you are dusting off your water sports skills for afternoons on the boat, in a kayak, or balancing atop a paddleboard. Or maybe you're just taking photos close to the shore and don't want to worry about your phone falling in or getting splashed by a wave. Wherever you go, if you're bringing your cell along, you'd be wise to invest in a waterproof phone pouch.
Unlike a waterproof phone case, these pouches protect your device and give you 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 or ID. If you're looking for a phone pouch to bring on your next beach trip, cruise, or rainy day hike, we've got you covered with six tested and reviewed options, all under $50.
Testing process
A few years ago, ahead of the summer season, I tested out a slew of waterproof phone bags and pouches to find out which 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 to the test while traveling, and added a new model from Case-Mate into the rotation.
Testing an array of waterproof phone cases
Madison Flager
The Pelican Marine Series pouch in a pool
Madison Flager
Read on for my reviews of each one, starting with the best waterproof phone pouch I've found so far.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
The top picks:
Pelican Marine Series floating waterproof phone pouch
Dimensions: 4.5" x 8.5" x 0.17"
This Pelican pouch is the clear standout, 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, 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.
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.
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 my second 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. This 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.
Another solid pick: This Joto phone pouch; the touchscreen worked easily and the camera was especially clear. That said, this one isn't floatable, 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.
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.
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, has a super easy-to-open zipper, and a touchscreen that works seamlessly. There’s also a loop to clip it onto a belt or backpack.
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 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.
