All phone cases are not created equal, especially when you’re talking about waterproof cases. In this review I look at a bunch of the top iPhone cases on the market that are rated for full water submersion. While most of these cases are designed specifically for the the iPhone 4/4s, many will work for various other smart phone options and many have other versions designed for other specific phones, like the iPhone 5/5s. Having a rugged case that keeps dust, water and scratches off my phone is very important for me, as I travel A LOT in very demanding environments. Without my phone working to its full capabilities, this website and associated social media, wouldn’t be the same! Lets first have a look at the competitors:
Travelon Clear View Waterproof Pouch:
MSRP: $13.00 (BUY NOW for LESS!), 4.25″x6.25″, Material: PVC & interior foam for padding and floatation, Waterproofness: IPX8, Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: No, Included Acces.: Lanyard, Fits: fits many devices
While not the highest quality case it worked great for keeping the phone dry on paddling missions or while out exploring in bad weather. The built in float was a nice reassurance as well, and worked great. At $13 it is hard to complain!
VestPac Waterproof MP3 Player Softcase:
MSRP: $24.95, 8.5″x3.75″, Material: TPU, Waterproofness: IPX8, Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: Yes, Included Acces.: Lanyard, Fits: Variety of Phones
The construction quality on this case seemed top notch and the double seal provided great confidence.
AquaPac Micro Whanganui:
MSRP: $30.00 (BUY NOW), Weight: 24g + 7g Lanyard, Material: TPU, Waterproofness: IPX8, Camera Compatibility: Yes Lenzflex window, Waterproof Headphone Jack: No, Included Acces.: Lanyard, Fits: iPhone 1-4 but not iPhone 5 (Mini Whanganui does)
Solid construction and a confidence inspiring seal. The latch closure is a bit finicky, but seemed to always work.
Dry Case Waterproof Phone Case:
MSRP: $39.99 (BUY NOW), Waterproofness: 100′ for 1hr, Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: Yes, Included Acces.: Case/Pump/Armband/Lanyard, Fits: Almost all phones
The vacuum seal one way valve allows you to have confidence that the case is completely water tight. While they provide a pump for the one way vacuum valve, I always just found it easier and quicker to use my mouth. I did have one of these units fail after some extended use. The case tore at the seam where the loop that holds the neoprene armband on attaches. I quickly became aware of the issue because the case would not stay vacuum sealed, and the company instantly warrantied the product. I love this unit for running in the rain, getting in a kayak, or for a SUP workout.
ECase iPhone 5 Case w/Jack:
MSRP: $39.95 (BUY NOW for Less), 10.5 cm x 18.5 cm, Material: 600D polyurethane-coated polyester & PVC-free urethane windows, Waterproofness: IPX7 (1 meter for 30 min), Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: Yes, Included Acces.: None, Fits: Most Phones
Super durable case that is made in the USA and checks off nearly all the must have boxes. While a bit large for an everyday carry it is great for any time spent out on the water. I’ve used it out on powerboats and while kayaking in my PFD pocket, and still use this case regularly.
Dri Cat Waterproof iPhone Case:
MSRP: $59.99 (BUY NOW for Less), Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: No, Included Acces.: Lanyard or Carabiner, Fits: iPhone 4/4s
This case looks the part and has pretty good touch screen sensitivity. Not an everyday carry due to bulk and no headphone jack, but a fun unit to keep your phone safe around water. (Since this review the unit has been completely redesigned to make it slimmer and more light weight.)
Optrix XD4:
MSRP: $79.95 (BUY NOW for Less), Waterproofness: to 6′, Camera Compatibility: Yes/with interchangeable lenses, Waterproof Headphone Jack: No, Included Acces.: 175 degree wide angle lens/sticky mount, Fits: iPhone 4/4s (newer unit available for iPhone 5)
This case basically allows you to turn your iPhone into a POV camera system that can be used for action sports in and around the water. The company offers LOTS of mounting options to make sure you get the perfect shot. It also allows you to change lenses and truly turn your iPhone into a camera system. While not great as an every day carry, this case is by far the best for getting top quality photos and videos out of you iPhone while staying water safe.
Outdoor Technology Safe 4:
MSRP: $24.95 (BUY NOW), Weight: 2.47oz, Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: No, Included Acces.: None, Fits: iPhone 4/4s
Solid case, but bulky and not easy to get the phone in and out of.
Lifeproof iPhone 4/4s Case:
MSRP: $79.99 (BUY NOW for Less), 2.6″x5.08″x.52″, Weight: 28g, Material: , Waterproofness: up to 6.6′, Camera Compatibility: Yes, Waterproof Headphone Jack: Yes, Included Acces.: None, Fits: iPhone 4/4s (other case options for other phones)
The best everyday carry waterproof case of the bunch. Very slim overall profile and slides easily in and out of your pocket. Touchscreen sensitivity is diminished, but is easy to get accustomed to. Some aftermarket chargers and plugs require an additional adaptor to work with the case, but all factory Apple cords/plugs work directly with the case. In order for the headphone jack to be waterproof it requires a small plug or cord adaptor. It is a bit annoying to have to keep track of these parts, but they do work great. The phone is the structure of the case, so be VERY careful with the case when the phone is not installed. The case can also delaminate at the corners when dropped directly on a corners’ edge, but Lifeproof is really good with warranties and stands behind their products. There are also A LOT of available accessories for these cases. I used the armband accessory quite often to go out on runs or get out paddling.
In the end it really comes down to what exactly you want to use your phone for and if you want a case that is an everyday carry or not. I really loved the Lifeproof case as my everyday phone protection. The DryCase was great for workouts in the rain or on the water, as you could always tell by the suction if it was completely waterproof or not. The Optrix case is by far the best for taking photos with your phone. It is extremely tough to make a waterproof case that does it all well, and all of these companies have taken very different approaches to that end. Figure out what you really want to do with your phone around the water and I’m sure at least one of these cases will fit the bill for your needs.
Waterproof iPhone cases not reviewed but worth consideration:
Griffin Survivor+ Catalyst, Otter Box Armor, Ballistic Hydra, Concord Keystone Eco, driSuit Endurance, GraceDigital EcoPod, Incipio Atlas, Mophie OutRide, Seidio Obex and also worth checking out is the waterproof coating Liquipel.
Other great comparison reviews for waterproof iPhone cases:
(Disclaimer: All cases in this review were supplied to Exploring Elements for review consideration. No other compensation was received.)
