The 5 Best Waterproof iPhone Cases…That Float!

Posted by Alan. Last updated: July 23, 2013.

While there are many waterproof iPhone cases out there, there are very few that also float when dropped in water. Why a floating iPhone case? Because if you work around deep water or are a kayaker, outdoor sportsman, etc, a floating iPhone case could save you some serious money and a lot of hassles if you drop your iPhone in deep water. Below are several of the best solutions from keeping your iPhone from the bottom of a lake.

The LifeProof case ($79) for the iPhone is waterproof for up to 6 feet, but to make it float, you’ll also need the LifeJacket ($39.99), a buoyant orange casing that fits around the LifeProof as a second layer and will make the iPhone float. The LifeProof even comes with waterproof headphones that will allow you to listen to music as you swim! (See video examples below). The LifeProof is the best and most popular waterproof/floating iPhone case solution for the iPhone, but at around $120 for the combo, it’s also one of the most expensive.

Helpful links:

Official LifeProof website

LifeProof Waterproof case for iPhone 4/4S at Amazon.com

LifeProof Waterproof case for iPhone 5 at Amazon.com

LifeJacket Floating Case for iPhone 4/4S at Amazon.com

LifeJacket for iPhone 5 at Amazon.com




The EcoPod ($49.99) is a waterproof iPhone case what will float as long as it has a standard payload (smartphone) inside. Despite its waterproofing, the EcoPod isn’t the type of case you’ll to expose the iPhone to submersion in water for long periods (ie, you can’t go swimming with this case)–it’s only certified to keep water out at depths of 3 feet and for only 30 minutes. Still, it’s good for most outdoor tasks where briefly dropping the iPhone in water is a risk. The EcoPod comes with waterproof earbuds.

Helpful links:

Official website for EcoPod Waterproof iPhone case

EcoPod iPhone Case at Amazon.com

The Overboard ($29) is a clear waterproof pouch that is buoyant (it floats). The Overboard is waterproof up to an impressive depth of 19 feet. Another benefit of the Overboard is that, if you already use a case on your iPhone, you won’t have to remove it to place it in the Overboard—you can use both at the same time (unless the case is extremely bulky). The Overboard has a Pro Sport version that comes with an armband and waterproof headphones. There is even a version for the iPad.

Helpful links:

Overboard for iPhone 5 at Amazon.com

Overboard Pro Sport Case for iPhone 4/4S

The Chums Camera/iPhone Float ($9.99) isn’t a case, but it a cheap accessory that you can attach to other waterproof cases to make them float. The Chums Float is made of high-density bouyant foam. Because there are way, war more waterproof iPhone cases and pouches that don’t float than do, purchasing the Chums Float along with a cheaper waterproof iPhone case can save you some money over an expensive all-in-one solution, the tradeoff being this combo is more bulky.

Helpful links:

Official website for Chums Camera Float

Chums Camera/iPhone Float at Amazon.com

The DandyCase ($29.99) is an affordable waterproof solution that works with just about every smartphone under 5? in screen size (all current iPhones fit into the case). The DandyCase is a clear pouch that lets your operate the iPhone’s touchscreen through its plastic. You can also take reasonably good photos with the case on. It doesn’t float by itself but does allow you to attach a floating dongle, like the one mentioned above in this article.

Helpful links:

DandyCase at Amazon.com

The BeachBuoy by Proporta ($19) is another affordable waterproofing solution that is a see-through pouch. It is waterproof up to 16-foot. The clear plastic allows you to operate the iPhone’s screen through the plastic, so you can still use apps, send text messages, and take pictures with the iPhone’s camera. The BeachBuoy requires you to attach a float dongle to become buoyant (sold separately). You can often find this case cheaper than the $19 retail price on Amazon. And although it says “for iPhone 5,” it works with most smartphones, or any thing you want to waterproof, for that matter.

Helpful Links:

Official website for the BeachBuoy by Proporta

BeachBuoy for iPhone 5 at Amazon.com

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iPhone Case Review: Tigra Sport Bravo Aluminum Waterproof Case for the iPhone 5/5s Review

The Bravo aluminum case by Tigra Sport is possibly the toughest iPhone case on the market. Constructed of solid anodized aluminum, there's nothing else like it.
Size and Fit

The Bravo takes a significant amount of time to install (10-15 minutes) thanks to its use of 7 tiny hex nuts. Tigra provides all of the necessary tools, however, including a very unique hex driver and a tapered tool to help you pry the case pieces apart without damaging the o-ring. Once installed, the Bravo adds about 1/2 an inch to the width, length, and thickness of your phone, and approximately doubles its weight. The case is machined to exacting specifications, and I had no difficulty accessing any of the buttons, ports, or mute switch.

Features and Quality

The Bravo's claim to fame is its construction; solid anodized aluminum. As cool as this sounds, it's actually not just a gimmick. If you happened to drop your phone while it was wearing the Bravo, you would more likely be worried about breaking a toe than your phone. It's super tough; of course, it's also super heavy. On the plus side, however, the Bravo doesn't add a great deal of bulk to your phone; especially considering how much protection it provides. Unlike some of the newer waterproof cases, the Bravo utilizes a screen cover. Thankfully, this cover is not permanently attached to the case. Instead, it takes the form of an electrostatic screen protector that you can remove/reuse/replace as necessary.

The case forms a watertight seal against this cover, which is itself adhered firmly to the glass of your iPhone in order to protect the home button, speaker, and camera. This means no air gaps between the cover and your screen; something that usually causes me to remove them in frustration. Additionally, thanks to this design, iPhone 5s users can also use the Bravo as long as they pony-up an extra $15 to purchase the cover that is TouchID compatible. Once properly installed, the Bravo is IP68 rated for dust/water protection. In case you're wondering what this means, the IP stands for Ingress Protection, the first digit reflects the case's ability to protect against dust (6 is best), and the second digit reflects the case's ability to protect against water (8=60 minutes of protection at 2m).

The Bravo gives full access to all buttons, ports, the mute switch, and the camera, all without sacrificing the integrity of its protection. Lastly, in addition to the previously mentioned installation tools, the Bravo comes with a screw-down waterproof headphone adaptor and a soft cloth for cleaning your phone prior to installing the screen cover.

Style

The Bravo is available in both polished and black anodized aluminum. Beware, however, the silver model comes with a white bordered screen cover, and the black one comes with black. You may purchase additional screen covers in either color, but as far as I can tell, there is no way to choose your screen cover when purchasing the case.
Summary
Thanks to its all aluminum construction, Tigra Sport's Bravo stands out from the crowd for its level of protection and its style. If you aren't a fan of screen covers, however, and/or don't want to add the extra weight that comes with a metal case, you may want to look elsewhere for your waterproof case.

Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4
What's Hot: Aluminum alloy is stylish and unbelievably tough. IP68 rating for dust/water protection. Phone is fully accessible when enclosed in case.
What's Not: Heavy. iPhone 5s users must purchase a separate screen cover to use TouchID.
Price: $99.99
Web site: Tigra Sport

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