6 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches to Keep Your Device Dry (2024)

26.07.2024 - 15:40 / cntraveler.com

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.

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

The Pelican Marine Series pouch in a pool

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.

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