Top 5 Best Waterproof iPhone Cases in 2025: Expert Reviews & Drop Tests

If you’ve been searching for the best iPhone waterproof case on Google, scrolling through Amazon reviews, or even posting in Reddit threads like “Which iPhone waterproof cover is the most reliable?”—you’re not alone. We know it isn’t easy to find a phone case that truly protects your iPhone underwater.

In this review, we break down the top waterproof iPhone cases of the year—based on waterproof depth, seal quality, and impact resistance—so you can choose with confidence. And if you’re ready to shop directly, check out our iPhone waterproof case collection, built for outdoor adventures with IP68 protection and rugged durability.

Is an iPhone Waterproof Case Worth It?

Investing in a waterproof iPhone protector, especially an IP68 Level Case, is very beneficial because it can provide your iPhone with waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and other protection.

By the way, if the waterproof iPhone case is used in the wrong scenario, the case will not work.

For instance, some waterproof covers have limited waterproof ratings and are suitable only for swimming or Beach Activities.

However, if used during diving or snorkeling, these waterproof protectors will not work properly due to water pressure and other reasons, and may even allow water to enter your iPhone, causing it to not work properly!

So the following will recommend the waterproof case collection for iPhone for you, suitable for swimming, diving, etc.!

The 5 Best Waterproof Cell Phone Case Reviews

To find the most premium smartphone waterproof case, we evaluated each cover based on water pressure, touch screen, compatibility, applicable scenarios, etc.

Beeasy Waterproof iPhone Case

While speaking of the Good waterproof case for Apple, the Beeasy waterproof iPhone Case is the best to mention.

 Buy Now Waterproof Case for iPhone

Unlike many other waterproof covers, the Beeasy cover provides full body IP68-rated protection that allows you to submerge it in water for 2 hours.

During the test, we completely submerged the phone in water, made calls, and took photos in the water, and everything seemed to be fine! So we have reason to believe that the waterproof ability of this phone case is trustworthy!

In addition, the bottom of the waterproof Apple case is made of silicone buttons to ensure the lossless sound of the phone case, ensuring the clarity of the call quality.

Finally, we put this rugged phone case through a drop test. We dropped it from 10 feet to the floor, and the phone was intact under the protection of the case!

So, the heavy-duty waterproof case not only provides you with extra protection for your iPhone but also allows you to engage in more adventurous activities such as swimming, diving, running, etc..

Summary: In terms of waterproof, shockproof, and drop-proof, I believe this phone case is the ceiling of the industry
But in terms of shortcomings, this phone case is heavier than the average ultra-thin phone case, but this is the only imperfect!

LifeProof frē magsafe Series Waterproof Case for iPhone

Next on my list is the OtterBox FRĒ Series Waterproof Case. This Waterproof case's outstanding feature is DROP+ protection that's 5X stronger than military standards.

The case is rugged, with an 810G drop rating, meaning it can survive a 6.6-foot drop, and is MagSafe compatible.

The OtterBox Fre performed well in my drop test, but the case's impact resistance was slightly below average, and the lanyard attachment point was crushed during the drop. 

The plastic screen protector offers decent clarity but can cause glare. The buttons are fairly hard, and while the front of the case is grippy, the back is slippery.

The sound quality was most impressive, as the case muffled the sound of my iPhone and all my music and podcasts. All the videos I shot had static in them.

Finally, I don't think they are waterproof to the level of IP68, even though they claim to be extremely IP68 waterproof.

Sportlink Waterproof Case

What impressed me most about the Sportlink waterproof protector is that it is lightweight and easy to install.

You only need to click it on, and you can easily use the water-sealed case. However, this is also its downside.

Sportlink is not drop-proof and is only suitable for shallow water, such as beaches and pools.

To test it, we submerged the case in water and placed something heavy on it to hold it down for a long time. Yes, the ports were dry, and while there was some water around the seals, my phone remained completely dry.

In addition, we wanted to see how well it performs underwater and how it sounds underwater. While testing it, I found that the large touchscreen sometimes stopped recording due to the water pressure.

At the same time, the downside is that you have to remove the screen protector to install the case.

Overall, given its performance, I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to use their phone near water or for water sports, but I wouldn't recommend deep diving.

Catalyst Total Protection Cases

Catalystcase is a full-body waterproof case for iPhones, with excellent drop and craft design.

The camera edge protection is pretty good, and the camera area is fully covered. The drop protection seems solid, and the built-in screen protector is flawless.

All the port cutouts match perfectly, especially the buttons that have a nice, tactile click.

But because of the poor after-sales service, the Catalyst waterproof case review on Reddit was once called the least recommended!

Catalyst Total Protection Case Is the Worst Case I have Ever Owned
byu/prboy7 iniphone

GHOSTEK Nautical

The Nautical case from Ghostek is a waterproof phone cover, or as they call it, an extreme-proof case. It's designed to resist water, snow, sand, and impacts. It’s a little cheaper, just under $40, compared to the Catalyst Case $89.99; it is an affordable waterproof case.

The case features a non-slip hexagonal grip that makes it easier to hold and less likely to drop. It has port seals to keep water out, which is great！

To test its waterproofing, we submerged the case and used it in a sandbox. Sand didn’t get into the ports, speaker grille, or microphone, thanks to the tight seals. After rinsing it under running water, we submerged it in a bowl of water to ensure everything stayed dry inside.

While submerged, the touchscreen didn’t work—something to expect underwater—but the phone remained functional and dry after removal.

Looking for a Floating Pouch? → See Our Pouch Picks

Need a lightweight waterproof cover for swimming or beach days?

This list focuses on rugged waterproof iPhone cases for daily and outdoor protection. But for casual use — like floating in the pool or light beach activities — a pouch might suit you better. Products like the Pelican Marine or JOTO Universal Waterproof Pouch offer basic waterproofing with buoyancy.

👉 For the best options, check our guide: Top 7 Waterproof Phone Pouches for Swimming & Floating

Tips for Buying Waterproof Cases for iPhone

What to Look for in the Best Waterproof Case for iPhone to Pick？

1. Waterproof Depth Rating

When choosing the best waterproof iPhone case to buy for outdoor activities, the first thing to consider is its waterproof rating. Currently, the best waterproofing is IP68-rated. It can withstand immersion in 3.3 feet for up to 1 hour.

This rating of waterproof protective cases can withstand deeper waters, such as swimming pools, snorkeling, or deep-sea diving.

2. Make Sure You Have the Right Phone Model

We recommend that you read the waterproof case specifications carefully. Waterproof cases are designed to seal tightly to specific phone models. If the wrong case is used, gaps or loose areas may allow water to seep in and damage the phone.

A case for a specific model ensures a tight fit and maximum protection. Also, make sure all ports are open and can be easily charged. A case that is too large or too small may block necessary ports, speakers, buttons, and cameras, affecting the usability of the phone.

Ensure the case is compatible not only with your phone model but also with additional accessories like wireless charging and headphones. For example, MagSafe-compatible Waterproof cases can be a great choice for iPhone users.

3. Lanyard Included

If you think your device could be easily lost during outdoor or water activities, you can use a lanyard phone case to securely attach your phone to your wrist or neck, or use a phone case with a lanyard.

4. Consider Style (Pouch/Case)

When choosing a phone to protect your device, consider whether to choose a durable waterproof case for Rugged Protective or a pouch case for Floating and sand-proof. Waterproof phone Pouches often offer more universal compatibility, while cases fit specific models and provide extra functions (magsafe, shockproof, dropproof).

5. Double-Check Buoyancy

If you plan to use your waterproof protector for drifting, choose a floating phone case or phone bag. Without buoyancy, your phone may quickly sink to the bottom of the pool, lake, or ocean, making it difficult or impossible to retrieve it.

A floating case ensures that your phone stays afloat, reducing the risk of losing it in deep or murky water.

6. Touchscreen Flexibility

As you dive deeper, the water pressure increases, which creates tension in the case. This pressure can reduce the screen's sensitivity, making it difficult for you to interact with the phone's touchscreen as you would on land.

7. Clear Shots

While the primary purpose of a waterproof case is protection, you shouldn’t compromise on photo quality, and a high-quality waterproof phone case should have clear, anti-glare protection over the camera lens.

This ensures that the case does not block or distort your phone’s camera, allowing you to take clear, vivid photos and videos underwater or in the rain. 

8. Clear Sound

iPhone devices come with noise-reduction technology. When your phone is in a waterproof bag, the sound coming out will be misinterpreted as noise by the iPhone, so it will automatically reduce.

This is a common problem faced by many waterproof cases, but waterproof cases use special membranes or acoustic vents to protect the phone from water while allowing sound waves to pass through.

This design maintains the original sound clarity of the phone, ensuring clear communication and media playback.

💡 Bonus Tip: Common Waterproof Case Problems

Even the best waterproof iPhone cases may face real-world issues like foggy lenses, muffled sound, or touch sensitivity problems. Learn how to avoid these in our guide: Top 5 Problems with Waterproof Phone Cases (And How to Solve Them).

How We Test the Best Waterproof Phone Cases

To protect your phone to the maximum extent, please be sure to perform a waterproof test before completely immersing it in water.

The method is very simple: put a dry piece of paper in the waterproof case, and then soak the waterproof case in waterproof water for 1-2 hours.

If the paper does not change, the waterproofness of the phone case can be ensured.

In this test, we purchased these phone cases from different places and tested each waterproof case for waterproof level detection, drop resistance, screen protection, button accessibility, and some important indicators of the protective case.

When testing waterproofness, we will immerse the phone case in various waters, place thin paper inside the phone case to identify water marks after immersion in water, and immerse the phone case recommended above in a swimming pool with a depth of 3 meters for 30 minutes to ensure the waterproofness of each protective case.

In order to test shock resistance and drop resistance, we will drop the phone with the protective case from a high altitude multiple times and then check the integrity of the phone.

At the same time, we will also investigate and collect real reviews of the purchase of these phone cases to prove the accuracy of our testing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof iPhone Cases

1: Are Beeasy Waterproof Apple Cases the Best in 2025?

Yes, the Beeasy waterproof iPhone case is rated IP68, which means it can be submerged in water more than 1 meter deep. Not only that, it is also dustproof, snowproof, and dropproof. The waterproof shell also has super strong protection, which is very suitable for outdoor, and other harsh environments.

2: Do I Need a Waterproof Case for iPhone?

Yes, although Apple introduced a waterproof function after the iPhone 12, this waterproof function can only withstand slight or brief contact with water, but if the phone is immersed in seawater or underwater for a long time, the phone will still be damaged!

So, to ensure that your iPhone can work properly, you still need a waterproof case, Shop now best waterproof case for iPhone 13/iPhone 14/iPhone 15/ iPhone 16!

3: Can You Take Pictures Underwater with a Waterproof iPhone Case?

Yes, as long as the phone case is fully protective, it can support taking photos underwater, but choose those with acrylic camera protection to ensure clear photos! Check out how to use the How to Use Your iPhone for Underwater Photography.

4: Are Waterproof Phone Pouches Safe for Swimming and Diving?

No, Most waterproof pouches are safe for daily swimming or the beach, but not for deep diving or impact protection. If you need stronger protection, a waterproof cellphone Case is a better choice.

5: Do Floating Phone Pouches Support Taking Underwater Photos?

Most floating bags can usually take pictures in shallow water, but the touchscreen response speed may be affected by the water flow. For better photo quality, it is recommended to use a waterproof case.

6: Can I Use Touchscreen Functions Inside a Waterproof Pouch?

Yes, most waterproof bags support basic touch functions, but fingerprint unlocking and precise gesture operations may not work properly. For more information, please refer to our Waterproof Pouch Bag Review Guide.

7: What are the Different Waterproof Cases and Water-Resistant Cases?

Water resistance withstands light or temporary contact with water, and Waterproofing provides complete waterproof protection when immersed in water to a specific depth and duration.

8: What’s the Best Waterproof iPhone Case for Snorkeling or Outdoor Use?

For outdoor adventures like snorkeling or hiking, Beeasy’s rugged waterproof case stands out. It’s IP68-rated, drop-resistant, and built for tough environments.

Summary

Although the iPhone is waterproof, if it is underwater for a long time—especially in a marine environment—we strongly recommend using a waterproof iPhone case for extra protection.

If you’re looking for the best iPhone waterproof case, make sure to check the waterproof rating before buying. The IP68 waterproof standard is the most reliable. Always test the case in water for 30 minutes before diving it to ensure no leakage.

Finally, Beeasy offers the best waterproof Apple cases in 2025, combining IP68 water protection with 360-degree drop resistance. It’s the perfect choice for travel, outdoor adventures, and underwater photography!