The iPhone is great for taking photos, but what about when you are near (or in) water? Whether you’re snorkeling, scuba diving, camping, or just waiting for the bus in the rain, the threat of water damage seems to be everywhere.
Modern iPhones are officially recognised for their water and dust resistance. The IP67 water and dust resistance on the iPhone 7, 8 and X/XR keeps your phone safe for in up to 1m of water for 30 mins. The IP68 certification on the XS and 11 series extended that to 2m.
Here we’ve rounded up the best waterproof cases for iPhone 7/8/X/Xs/XR and iPhone 11.
LifeProof Fre Case for iPhone
LifeProof’s case is available in a broad range of colours for a broad range of iPhone models.
It offers protection at the IP68 rating which is ideal for older phone models rated at IP67. It’s also dirt, snow, and drop-proof, and comes in a variety of different colours, so you’re not stuck with the black one you see here.
Get it for the iPhone 11 range for £69.99/$89.99/AUD$93.46 (though cheaper on Amazon in the UK and US) and older models up to the iPhone 5/5s and old SE.
Best waterproof iPhone cases
The Optrix waterproof case for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s is slightly different to the rest of the cases in our roundup, as it transforms your iPhone into an action camera. The case is waterproof to around 33ft and will protect your phone from 6.1m (20ft) drops.
The case also features two interchangeable lenses to improve the iPhone camera: a 0-degree low profile lens for general photography, and a 165-degree wide-angle lens for capturing all the action.
Though Optrix is no longer manufacturing this case, you can still find it on Amazon for £23/ US$13/ AUD$36.94.
Haweel iPhone Underwater Housing Case
This rugged waterproof case is similar to Otrix’s option in that it converts your iPhone 7 or 8 into an action camera. Haweel’s offering is designed for underwater use at depths of up to 40 meters (or 130 feet), so ideal for snorkelers and divers, or anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Keep in mind, once your phone is in the case, you won’t be able to do much other than take pictures and film videos. You can’t make calls with when the case is on.
You can buy it from Amazon for £52. In the US it’s available for the iPhone 7 Plus/8 Plus ($45), XR ($69.99) and X/XS ( $53.99).
Hitcase Splash for iPhone
The Hitcase Splash is another popular option for further waterproofing your iPhone. It’s available for the iPhone 7/8 Plus, and X/XS/XS Max and iPhone XR directly from Hitcase for £55.59/US$69.99/AUD$99.87.
It offers IP68 protection but at depths of 3 metres. It’s drop-resistant too and can survive falls of up to 2 meters.
You can find options on Amazon as well.
Temdan iPhone SE 2020/7/8 Waterproof Case
The Temdan waterproof case is available for the new iPhone SE 2020 along with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 7.
It’s versatile enough to be used in water and as a regular day-to-day case too. It’s similar in look to the Hitcase, but at a fraction of the price.
In terms of waterproofing, it outdoes the IP68 standard with up to one hour protection in 10 feet of water. It’s also a rugged case that promises your iPhone survival form drops up to 2 meters high.
It comes with a removable kickstand too, which means you can use your phone hands-free. You also get a free microfibre cleaning cloth, a headphone jack adapter, and a wrist strap.
You can buy it on Amazon for US$18.99/AUD$33.37 (currently unavailable in the UK).
Vansky waterproof dry bag
The Vansky waterproof dry bag isn’t a fitted case, but is instead a waterproof bag that should fit most smartphones. In the US it works on phones up to 6.3in in size while the UK model accommodates sizes up to 5.7in.
The case will protect your iPhone submerged to around 30 meters while still maintaining full touchscreen functionality, making it an ideal companion for diving. The edges are also inflatable, which means it will float if you lose the case in the water.
It comes with a lanyard to secure the bag around your neck – because the last thing you want is your iPhone drifting down to the seabed! Additionally, you get an armband so you can wear your phone while exercising.
Catalyst Case for iPhone 7
The Catalyst case is another one that’s available for a wide range of iPhones, from the iPhone 11 Pro Max, XS and XR (all £88.99/US$89.99 – US pricing where available). See all Catalyst options here.
Like most of the cases on this list, it offers IP68 protection, but Catalyst claims that its case goes even beyond that, and that it can keep phones safe up to 33ft (10m) deep.
It should also survive drops up to 6.6ft (2m), and is safe against dust, dirt, and snow. It even comes with a detachable wrist lanyard to help avoid those drops in the first place.
Best waterproof iPhone cases
The Eco-Fused waterproof bag should fit most iPhone models including the iPhone 6s Plus. While the Eco-Fused bag offers no real protection against shock or impact, it is very well sealed against water.
It claims protection up to 100 feet, and comes with a strap so it’s good for carrying around a pool or beach, and we think it’s good value at the price.
Spigen Waterproof Phone Case
Sticking with the pouch theme, Spigen’s waterproof variant is compatible with any phone up to 6in, which includes most iPhones. There should also be room for other essentials such as cards or cash.
Spigen are class leaders when it comes to cases, so it’s no surprise that this waterproof pouch is of a similarly high standard.
It has an IPX8 rating, meaning it can survive long periods of time underwater. We also like the sturdy lanyard, which ensures you won’t your iPhone while wearing it. The clear cover remains touch responsive, meaning you won’t ever have to risk taking your phone out of the case while in the water.
Author: Lewis Painter, Senior Staff Writer
Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You'll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.