This Number Tells You How Waterproof Your Phone Is
3 items in this article 1 item on sale!
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer
None of us want to replace our pricey gadgets due to a water mishap or tiny, pesky particles mucking up their internal parts. Thankfully, most modern smartphones, wireless earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers have some form of water and dust protection to keep them safe from the rough and tumble of daily life. Just how much protection is indicated by what's called an IP rating. But unless you dive into the International Electronic Commission's charts to understand what the numbers associated with an IP rating mean, it's hard to know how protected your gadgets are.
An IP rating consists of two numbers with the first number indicating how protected your device is against solid foreign objects such as small pieces of dirt or dust, while the second indicates how it stands up to water. If either number is replaced by an X, it means the device was not tested for that protection.
For the rating against solid objects, the numbers range from 0 to 6. A rating of IP0X indicates that the device has zero protection against solid objects (and wasn't tested for water damage). Ratings 1 through 4 indicate the size of the particles your device is protected against, ranging from 50mm down to 1mm. A rating of 5 up until 6 tells you the degree your device is protected against dust, with 6 being the most sealed.
That second number, which indicates how resistant your device is to water damage, ranges from 0 to 9. As with the dust rating, 0 indicates zero protection while 1 and 2 indicate the level of protection against vertical drops of water, which can come in handy if you need to use your phone in the rain. Numbers 3 through 6 indicate the level of protection against spraying water and water jets, and numbers 7 through 9 show that your device is safe from varying levels of submersion into water. A device with an IPX7 rating has temporary protection against submersion underwater for up to 30 minutes, while a device with an IPX9 rating has additional protection against high-pressure water jets.
None of this should take precedence over properly caring for your devices. Above all else, be careful with how you handle your gadgets, where and when you use them, and what you expose them to. Still, checking that IP rating, which is typically listed in the specs page for a given product, before clicking the "buy" button can give you the assurance that your gear will be fine through a bit of turmoil.
From $80$100 now 20% off
Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.
Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy NoticeThe Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
This Waterproof Phone Case Is Compatible With Any Phone And It Has 60,100+ 5-Star Reviews
© Provided by E! News Getty ImagesWe independently selected these products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! Has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.
A vacation should be a time to relax, have fun, and leave your stress behind. But, sometimes, it's hard not to overthink, especially when you travel to a new place. It can be so comforting to know that your phone is in your pocket, right? If you want to make the most of your travels and document your best moments, you need to take care of your phone. A waterproof phone case is definitely a travel essential. You won't have to worry about your phone near the pool or make an "emergency" trip to replace your phone if it happens to fall in the water during your vacation. Plus, you can take videos and photos underwater if you have a truly waterproof phone case.
If that sounds cool, but a bit unrealistic, you just haven't found the right phone case. The Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case has 60,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews from shoppers who cannot get over how amazing this case is. If you read the customer reviews, you'll find stories about phones lost underwater for hours with zero damage, people who love recording videos in the ocean, and other shoppers who use this case to store other small essentials like credit cards and hotel room keys.
This phone case is universal, which means it's compatible with any phone. It stays sealed shut, and it's such a game-changer. If you feel more comfortable having your phone by your side while you travel, this is the case you need. You'll never have to go phoneless for a swim, a pool party, a beach trip, or a day at the waterpark.
18 Top-Rated Travel Finds That Will Make Economy Feel Like First Class
© Provided by E! NewsShop Now: Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case- Set of 2
If you're not 100% set on shopping, check out these rave reviews to find out why shoppers love this phone case so much.
A shopper recalled, "Took this to Belize and decided to set it in the back of our kayak instead of around my neck. Well, kayak flips, phone goes in the water. My only mistake was thinking it floated. Sank right to the bottom. After 45 min of snorkeling in about 8 ft of water we found it and thank goodness it was airtight and never let any water in!! Note to yourself: wear it around your neck or attached to something always!"
Another shared, "Used them snorkeling and swimming on our vacation to Hawaii. Absolutely kept my phone dry and I got great pictures."
Someone wrote, "Bought this just to protect my phone in Hawaii but decided to use it on my night swim with manta rays. It worked great!"
Another shopper admitted, "I never write reviews, but this product deserves one. About 40 days ago, I was paddle boarding in Puget Sound and I dropped my encased phone into the water. Today I got a call from the police department. Someone had just retrieved my phone from the water, and handed it over to the police. It is fully functioning. What an astonishingly good product."
Someone raved, "This waterproof case works great! The best thing is that it kept my devices completely dry and I didn't have to worry. The design of the case makes it quick and easy to seal shut, which is my second favorite thing. Each case also comes with a great lanyard that has a carabiner style clip so you don't lose your case in the water."
An Amazon customer gushed, "This was the best $10 I ever spent. We floated down a river for 4 hours. My phone was in and out of the water at least 100 times. We took tons of pictures and the quality of the photo doesn't even look like it was in a case. Definitely worth getting."
"I use these 30 times a summer at least and I've never had water get inside once. Very nice to have," a shopper wrote.
An impressed customer said, "This is my first time writing a review for a product but I absolutely had to considering my experience. I had bought this case for a trip to the Adirondacks. I was doing a long lazy river float down the Hudson River when my raft flipped and my phone went into the river. I was unable to find my phone after and figured it was a loss. 30 HOURS LATER someone found my phone in the river and it was in full working order. They ended up mailing my phone back to me and the phone completely works. There is absolutely ZERO water damage. I cannot recommend this product more. I've even been telling all my friends and family to buy it. Especially considering the price it's totally worth it."
"Purchased this product to take on a recent family cruise. I initially purchased it to just make sure my phone was protected from moisture. However while snorkeling in the Cayman Islands I took the risk to take my phone underwater and take some pics and video. I was impressed the clarity not only underwater but also above the water," someone reviewed.
If you're looking for more great deals, check out these affordable travel essentials $40 and under.
Sign up for E! Insider Shop to get updates on the biggest sales and must-have products!—Originally published July 24, 2022 at 4 AM PT.
The Best Waterproof Phone Holders That'll Protect Your Phone On Beach Days
Whether you're relaxing on a pool float by the lake or packing your favorite beach towel for a sandy, sunny beach day, you're going to take your phone with you. But smartphones and water don't mix, and the last thing you want to worry about is your phone getting dunked in the ocean—or worse, getting lost in the waves. The best waterproof phone holders can keep your device dry and secure during the most extreme beach conditions.
Protect your phone with our recommendations for the best waterproof phone holders.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: RetailersTo get the best waterproof phone holders, you'll want to consider a features like the case's waterproof rating, clear window slots and more. Here are our top recommendations for waterproof phone holders that include top picks from Pelican, Case Mate and other popular brands.
Amazon
Pelican 2 Pack Marine
Dimensions: 9.37 x 5.43 x 0.55 inchesWeight: 0.18 poundsWaterproof rating: IP68
Best for: Keeping your phone securely around your neck during your favorite water sports.
The Pelican Marine tops our list as the best waterproof phone holder. The soft TPU material offers a clear window design so you can send texts and snap photos while in water. That same TPU material also acts as a solid barrier, protecting your phone from drops and scratches.
We especially like the detachable lanyard so you can either hang your phone around your neck while paddle boarding or snorkeling. Submerge it in up to 3.3 meters of water without worry.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 8.27 x 4.33 x 0.5 inchesWeight: 3.8 ouncesWaterproof rating: IPX8
Best for: Maximizing your underwater adventure while on a budget.
The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch offers a great price for two waterproof pouches, with the two-pack clocking in at just under $10. The clear pouches can handle submersion in up to 100 feet of water, so you can snorkel to your heart's content and capture great underwater content. Like others on our list, the pouch offers universal phone compatibility so you can pack any Android phone into the case.
The case keeps your phone safe from scratches and scrapes. As a heads up, because it's a plastic TPU material without any drop protection, we recommend keeping the lanyard securely around your neck. For those that prefer to add personal flair, you can get the case in a variety of colors.
Pros:
Cons:
Case-Mate
Case-Mate Waterproof Floating Pouch
Dimensions: 0.53 x 4.53 x 8.27 inchesWeight: 3.66 ouncesWaterproof rating: IP68
Best for: Sending your friends awesome photos while underwater.
Not only does the Case-Mate waterproof phone case keep your phone fully protected while submerged, but you can still use your device to snap photos, send texts and more. Thanks to the full-sized clear window in the front and the smaller clear window designed for the camera, you have full control over your phone underwater.
It can stay fully submerged in three feet of water, making it great for short snorkeling adventures and casual beach days. As a heads up, it can only stay submerged for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 6.89 x 3.58 x 0.59 inchesWeight: 3.2 ouncesWaterproof rating: IP68
Best for: iPhone users who want to capture underwater adventures.
You can get this case for any iPhone 14 model, making it perfect for iPhone users who want full access to their device's capabilities underwater. It can submerge as far down as 33 feet—and comes with drop protection so you won't stress over accidental drops.
As a heads up, while other cases on our list float, this one does not come with that feature. It's not a deal breaker considering you get full access to your iPhone when using it, but it's something to keep in mind when you take it to the beach.
Pros:
Cons:
Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inchesWeight: 3.36 ouncesWaterproof rating: IP68
Best for: Those that want a hands-free option that's not a lanyard.
Sometimes it's easier to attach your device to a handy armband instead of using a lanyard. The Voxkin gives you the best of both worlds, offering both a detachable lanyard and a detachable arm band. You can choose which option suits your needs depending if you're doing pool laps, surfing and more.
It comes with the same technology as the Case-Mate and Pelican cases on our list so if you accidentally drop the pouch, it will float on water. That same float technology also features drop protection, too. And, to top off all the great features, you'll get a built-in compass, too.
Pros:
Cons:
We combined research with hands-on testing and experience, and we spoke with product experts and industry leaders to help us determine the phone holders that made the cut. We carefully evaluated each waterproof phone holder's features, waterproof rating, accessory options and more. We also paid attention to what sets each waterproof phone holder apart from its competition.
Why Trust Forbes VettedThe Forbes Vetted tech team strives to offer accurate and trustworthy product assessments that are the result of intensive research and hands-on testing. Our writers and editors have years of experience writing about a broad range of consumer electronics and have the background and expertise to help you make the best buying decisions possible.
Other Articles You Might LikeForbes Vetted regularly covers all types of consumer electronics and then reviews and recommends the best products in specific categories. Here are some other articles you might enjoy reading:
