Key takeaways
- Look for an IPX8 rating, the standard for gear that can sit underwater. IPX7 is fine for splashes and rain but not for swimming or diving.
- A clear front window that works with your touchscreen matters most day to day. Some pouches let you take photos through the plastic, others don’t.
- Floating pouches are worth the extra pound or two if you’ll be near open water like a lake, the sea or a paddleboard.
- Most good pouches cost between £5 and £16, and the cheaper two-packs are fine for holidays and the pool.
Waterproof phone pouches are having a moment again this summer. With school holidays underway and a run of hot weather pushing people towards pools, beaches and festivals, these cheap plastic sleeves are back near the top of Amazon’s movers and shakers. They keep your phone dry at the lido, let you film underwater on holiday, and stop sand and sun cream ruining an expensive handset. The catch is that they vary a lot in quality, and a bad seal can cost you a phone.
We looked at the pouches British shoppers are actually buying right now and picked six that suit different jobs, from a cheap two-pack for the pool to a floating case for kayaking. Every price is a rough guide and will move around, especially in the summer sales.
How we picked these
We started with the waterproof rating. IPX8 is the one to want because it means the pouch is built to stay sealed while fully submerged, which is what you need for swimming and snorkelling. We leaned towards pouches with a lot of reviews and a steady rating around 4.4 or higher, since a phone pouch is only as good as its weakest seal and volume of feedback tells you the design holds up. We also checked that the front window is clear enough to use the touchscreen and take photos, that the closure is a proper snap-and-lock rather than a flimsy clip, and that the size fits a modern large phone. Prices and stock come from Amazon UK at the time of writing.
At a glance
| Pouch | Best for | Rating | Around |
|---|---|---|---|
| YOSH IPX8 2-Pack | All-rounder | 4.4 | £9 |
| Lamicall Double Space 7.5″ | Big phones | 4.4 | £15 |
| Rynapac Floating IP68 | Watersports | 4.5 | £16 |
| ivoler Pouch Bag + waist strap | Beach and festivals | 4.3 | £10 |
| Gritin IPX8 2-Pack | Budget | 4.5 | £6 |
| JETech IPX8 Dry Bag 2-Pack | Travel | 4.4 | £10 |
The best waterproof phone pouches
YOSH Waterproof Phone Pouch (IPX8, 2-Pack)
Best all-rounderA safe first pick if you just want something reliable for the pool and the odd holiday. It fits phones up to 7 inches, the touchscreen works through the window, and you get two in the pack so a partner or child can have one too. The double-lock closure is easy to feel shut, which builds confidence before you dunk it.
The catch: the plastic on the back is cloudy, so rear-camera photos underwater come out soft. Flip the phone and use the front camera if you want a clear shot.
IPX8, fits up to 7 inches, 2-pack · around £9
Check price on Amazon →Lamicall IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch (Double Space)
Best for big phonesBigger than most at 7.5 inches, so it swallows a Pro Max or a large Android without a fight. The second compartment is handy for a card, a locker key or a bit of cash, which means you can leave the beach bag unattended with less to lose. The window is clear enough for confident touchscreen use.
The catch: the extra length makes it feel bulky if you have a smaller phone, and it hangs low on the neck lanyard.
IPX8, fits up to 7.5 inches, twin pocket · around £15
Check price on Amazon →Rynapac Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch (IP68)
Best for watersportsThe one to buy if you’ll be on open water. It floats, so a dropped phone sits on the surface instead of sinking to the bottom of a lake, and the IP68 build handles being knocked about on a kayak or paddleboard. You get two in the pack and they fit phones up to 7 inches.
The catch: the float adds bulk, so it’s less comfortable tucked inside a swimming costume for lengths at the pool.
IP68, floats, fits up to 7 inches, 2-pack · around £16
Check price on Amazon →ivoler Waterproof Pouch Bag with Waist Strap
Best for beach and festivalsThis is a small waist bag rather than a slim sleeve, with a long adjustable strap and room for a phone plus keys, cash and a card. It’s the easy choice for a festival or a beach day when you want everything on you and dry, and it comes with a separate phone case too.
The catch: it’s more of a splash-and-rain bag than a swimming pouch, so don’t rely on it for lengths in the pool.
Adjustable waist strap, holds phone plus valuables · around £10
Check price on Amazon →Gritin Waterproof Phone Pouch (IPX8, 2-Pack)
Best budgetTwo IPX8 pouches for around six pounds makes this the sensible grab if you just need to keep phones dry at the pool and don’t want to spend much. The lanyard length adjusts, the seal is a proper snap lock, and at this price you won’t mind if one gets scuffed by the end of the summer.
The catch: the window is a touch stiff, so heavy typing through it is fiddly. It’s fine for tapping and swiping.
IPX8, adjustable lanyard, 2-pack · around £6
Check price on Amazon →JETech IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch (Dry Bag, 2-Pack)
Best for travelA tidy, no-nonsense two-pack from a brand that does a lot of phone accessories. The touchscreen works well through the front, it packs flat into a case or hand luggage, and having a spare means you’re covered if one gets lost on the way home. A good default to throw in the suitcase.
The catch: the neck cord is on the short side, so it sits high on the chest rather than hanging loose.
IPX8, touchscreen compatible, 2-pack · around £10
Check price on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
What does IPX8 actually mean?
IPX8 is the top water rating in the IP system. The X means the seal hasn’t been tested for dust, and the 8 means it’s designed to survive being submerged in water, usually beyond one metre. For a phone pouch it’s the rating you want if you plan to swim or take it underwater. IPX7 is a step down and better suited to rain and splashes.
Can I take photos through the pouch?
Usually yes, but quality varies. The front window is normally clear enough for decent shots, while the back panel is often cloudier and softens rear-camera photos. If you want the best underwater pictures, use the front camera or pick a pouch that advertises a clear back.
Will a pouch fit my large phone?
Most pouches fit phones up to about 7 inches, which covers nearly all current handsets even in a slim case. If you have a large Pro or Ultra model, or you keep a bulky case on, choose one rated for 7.5 inches to be safe.
How do I test a pouch before I trust my phone to it?
Seal it empty with a folded paper tissue inside and hold it underwater for a couple of minutes, pressing gently. If the tissue comes out dry, the seal is good. Do this once when it’s new and again if you’ve stored it folded for a while.
Sources
Product details, prices and ratings from Amazon UK Best Sellers. Water resistance ratings explained by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IP ratings).