One drop of water in the speaker grille was all it took to nearly fry my phone last summer. Since then, water resistance has been non-negotiable for me. Our top picks for 2026 are the iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, iPhone 16e, Google Pixel 9a, and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, covering every budget and use case from premium flagship to under-$500 daily driver.
That said, no phone is truly waterproof. Every IP-rated device has limits, and those limits matter if you spend real time near water. Here's what you need to know before you trust your phone poolside, at the beach, or on a kayak.
Best waterproof phones of 2026 compared
Best overall
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
The best mainstream waterproof iPhone with an IP68 certification up to 6 meters of depth, to keep your phone safe from unexpected dips.
Read moreBest Android
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The most powerful Android flagship of 2026, with IP68 classification, a 200MP camera, and an S Pen built in.
Read moreBest iPhone for less
Apple iPhone 16e
The same 6-meter water protection as the Pro models at $599, making it the most affordable iPhone with deep IP68 certification.
Read moreBest budget
Google Pixel 9a
The first A-series Pixel with IP68 protection, strong cameras, and 30-plus hour battery life for under $500.
Read moreBest general use
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
IP68, 1.5m depth with flagship-grade build quality, a massive 4,900mAh battery, and Galaxy AI features at a mid-range price.
Read moreWhat do IP ratings mean for water resistance?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. The two-digit number on your phone tells you how well it resists solid particles (the first digit, up to 6) and liquids (the second digit, up to 9). A phone rated IP68 has maximum dust protection and can survive submersion in water beyond 1 meter, with the exact depth set by each manufacturer. Higher numbers equal better protection, but the rating only reflects performance under the specific conditions of the test, not every scenario.
IP rating quick guide
| Rating | Water protection | Real-world scenario | Example phones |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Up to 1m for 30 minutes | Toilet drop, kitchen sink | iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
| IP68 | 1.5m or deeper for 30 minutes (depth set by manufacturer) | Pool drop, beach splash, heavy rain | iPhone 17 Pro (6m), Galaxy S26 Ultra (1.5m), Pixel 9a (1.5m) |
| IP69 | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets | Power washing, industrial use | OnePlus 15, Motorola Edge 60 Pro |
A few things IP ratings don't cover are saltwater, chlorinated pool water, pressurized water (from a faucet or shower), and steam. Those conditions are harsher than the controlled freshwater lab tests manufacturers use. The harsher the conditions, the faster seals degrade over time. An IP68 phone can survive a drop in the ocean, but you should rinse it with fresh water afterward and stick it in a bowl of rice for good measure.
Water resistance isn't permanent either. Seals wear down with age, and any physical damage from a drop or impact can break them even if you don't see any damage.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors in demanding conditions and want a phone built to take a beating beyond standard IP68, our roundup of the best rugged smartphones covers phones engineered for the toughest terrain.
Best waterproof phones of 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro: Best waterproof phone overall
- Best for: Beachside vacationers, water sports enthusiasts, and iPhone users who want the deepest water protection available.
- Starting price: $1,099
Pros
- IP68 rated to 6 meters (nearly 20 feet) for 30 minutes.
- Ceramic Shield 2 front glass with 3x better scratch resistance than the previous generation.
- 48MP triple camera system with 8x optical zoom and ProRes video up to 4K.
- A19 Pro chip with 7 years of iOS software support.
Cons
- It's a pricier phone, starting at $1,099.
- Water damage is not covered under Apple's standard warranty.
The iPhone 17 Pro withstands a certified depth of 6 meters, making it the best overall pick for anyone who spends considerable time in or near the water. That's nearly 20 feet, which is deep enough for snorkelers to capture shallow reef footage without a separate underwater pouch—if you dare. You can easily shoot video while floating in turquoise waters, document a kayaking trip in the rain, and stop flinching every time your phone gets close to a pool.
Beyond the water specs, the iPhone 17 Pro is the best compact iPhone Apple makes right now. The 48MP triple camera system with 8x optical zoom produces exceptional travel and outdoor photography in any conditions. The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright enough to read in direct sunlight, and the A19 Pro chip handles 4K ProRes video and Apple Intelligence features without breaking a sweat.
Just keep in mind that Apple's standard warranty doesn't cover liquid damage, regardless of the IP rating, if you plan to push the limits regularly. Just in case, check out the best waterproof phone cases for added protection.
View detailsSave on an iPhone 17 Pro
You can save hundreds by financing your phone through your phone plan, but do you know who's offering the biggest discounts?
Check out the best iPhone deals below to snag the newest version for less:
iPhone 17 Pro 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Best waterproof Android phone
- Best for: Power users, outdoor photographers, and Android users who want the most premium flagship available.
- Starting price: $1,299
Pros
- IP68 rated to 1.5m for 30 minutes. Reinforced with a Gorilla Armor 2 front and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back.
- 200MP main camera with f/1.4 aperture for more light exposure.
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
Cons
- 1.5m water depth is lower than iPhones at a similar price point.
- It's the most expensive pick on this list.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most capable Android phone available right now, and its combination of Armor Aluminum frame, dual Gorilla Glass panels, and IP68 certification makes it one of the most durable flagships of 2026. It's the phone to reach for when you want to shoot stabilized video at a waterfall, sketch notes with the S Pen on a rainy hiking trip, or take 200MP photos in the kind of bright, changeable outdoor light that exposes weaker cameras. The f/1.4 aperture on the main sensor collects significantly more light than the S25 Ultra, which pays off immediately in overcast or low-light conditions near water.
Samsung's Galaxy AI integration is more developed here than anywhere else in the Android lineup, with Photo Assist for AI-powered editing, real-time translation during calls, and the new Privacy Display feature that limits screen visibility to onlookers at an angle.
The one area where the S26 Ultra trails the iPhone 17 Pro is water depth. Samsung's IP68 certification covers 1.5 meters versus Apple's 6 meters, which is more than sufficient for pool splashes and tropical rain but worth noting if you plan to take your phone snorkeling. A waterproof case closes that gap considerably if you're heading somewhere where the stakes are higher.
View detailsPhone plans that travel with you
Before you take your waterproof phone on your next summer trip, make sure you have a phone plan that travels with you. T-Mobile offers the most international data so you can skip the roaming charges and overage fees with a phone plan that already comes with travel benefits included.
Check out the best T-Mobile plans for travel below:
|
XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
|
T-Mobile
Essentials Saver
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
|
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$30.00/mo
$90.00 upfront payment for 3 months <br>(equals to $30.00/month). <br>Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
Apple iPhone 16e: Best waterproof iPhone for less
- Best for: Budget-conscious iPhone buyers who still want deep IP68 protection and Apple Intelligence without paying flagship prices.
- Starting price: $599
Pros
- IP68 rated to 6 meters for 30 minutes (the same depth as the iPhone 17 Pro at $500 less).
- A18 chip with full Apple Intelligence support.
- 48MP Fusion camera with optical image stabilization.
Cons
- Single rear camera only, and no ultrawide lens.
- 60Hz display (rather than 120Hz).
- No MagSafe support.
The iPhone 16e carries the same 6-meter IP68 certification as the iPhone 17 Pro at half the price. It's easy to overlook water protection standards on Apple devices when comparing waterproof iPhones. Most people focus only on the Pro models, but Apple extended its deepest water protection standard all the way down to its most affordable phone. For anyone who enjoys the water but doesn't need a pro camera system or a 120Hz display to enjoy it, the 16e is ideal.
The A18 chip handles Apple Intelligence features smoothly, the single 48MP camera produces solid photos in most daylight conditions, and the 6.1-inch display is comfortable to use one-handed at the beach or on a boat.
The tradeoffs may be dealbreakers for you, though. The iPhone 16e lacks the ultrawide lens, which means you're cropping a lot of outdoor scenes. The 60Hz display may feel slower than modern Android competitors at the same price, and with the newer models every year, availability depends on remaining retail stock. But if none of those factors affect you, the iPhone 16e offers exceptional water protection at a price that's hard to argue with.
View detailsSwitch and save on unlimited data
Chances are that you're overspending on your phone plan. Snag unlimited data for less by switching to an MVNO that operates on the same networks as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Since smaller carriers don't pay tower maintenance fees, they pass the savings on to you with lower monthly prices.
Check out the most popular unlimited phone plan available today:
|
XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
|
T-Mobile
Essentials Saver
$50.00/mo
with Auto-Pay - Taxes & Fees NOT included
|
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$30.00/mo
$90.00 upfront payment for 3 months <br>(equals to $30.00/month). <br>Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
Google Pixel 9a: Best budget waterproof phone
- Best for: Android buyers who want solid IP68 protection, Google's camera processing, and seven years of software updates for under $500.
- Starting price: $499
Pros
- IP68 rated to 1.5m for 30 minutes.
- 48MP main camera with Google's top-notch photography processing.
- 5,100mAh battery with over 30 hours of usage.
Cons
- No telephoto lens.
- Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection isn't the most durable.
The Google Pixel 9a is the best waterproof phone you can buy for under $500. At $499, it carries a full IP68 certification, a meaningful step up from the IP67-rated Pixel 8a it replaced. That means it handles submersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, the same standard as Samsung's flagship Galaxy S line, at roughly a third of the price. The 5,100mAh battery (that Google estimates lasts over 30 hours per charge) makes it a dependable companion for a full day at the beach or a long hike somewhere without easy access to a charger.
Not only do you get a waterproof device, but you also get Google's top-notch photography features. The 48MP main sensor produces photos that consistently outperform what you'd expect from a lower-cost phone. Plus, it handles changing outdoor light smoothly, and Gemini AI handles real-time call assistance, scam detection, and photo editing without requiring a paid subscription. For anyone who wants dependable water protection and seven years of software support without spending over $500, the Pixel 9a is the clear pick.
If you ever find yourself dealing with a wet phone after an accident, our guide on what to do if you drop your phone in water covers the right steps to take immediately.
View detailsSwitch and save on your next phone
Did you know the Big Three offer new customers device discounts? That way, you can save on a new phone and get top-notch coverage across the nation.
Check out the best discounts going on now to get the most bang for your buck:
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
G310 5G
- 6.56 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 8MP
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Best waterproof phone for general use
- Best for: Everyday Android users who want flagship-grade build quality and a large display without paying Ultra prices.
- Starting price: $649
Pros
- IP68 rated to 1.5m for 30 minutes, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an Armor Aluminum frame.
- 4,900mAh battery with 45W fast wired charging.
- Triple rear camera with Galaxy AI photo editing tools.
Cons
- The Exynos 2400 chip isn't as fast as newer Snapdragon editions.
- Weaker telephoto lens.
- Fewer years of software updates than Samsung's flagship Ultra line.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is the phone for people who want a durable Android without paying flagship prices, and its IP68 rating withstands everyday water exposure. Rain on a walk, a splash at the pool, a bottle of water knocked over on a desk—the S25 FE handles all of it without drama. Backed by Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an Armor Aluminum frame, the Samsung S25 FE handles any kind of slip or spill.
Plus, the 4,900mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day under normal use and tops up quickly with 45W fast charging. You still get all the Galaxy AI features, including Photo Assist for editing, Audio Eraser for video cleanup, and real-time translation, at this price.
The only spec that shows its mid-range (instead of top-of-the-line) position is in the Exynos 2400 chip. It handles everyday tasks without issue, but won't keep up with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the flagships like the Ultra during heavy use. The camera system is solid, but nothing to write home about either. For a well-rounded daily phone with IP68 protection, the S25 FE earns its place on this list.
For more options across both platforms, browse the best Android phones and the best iPhones available right now.
View detailsHow we chose the best waterproof phones
Every phone on this list was evaluated across the following criteria before making the cut.
- IP rating and certified water depth. We only recommend phones with verified IP68 ratings or better, and we note where manufacturers have set a depth above the IP68 minimum, since Apple's 6-meter certification is meaningfully different from the standard 1.5-meter threshold.
- Build materials and long-term durability. IP certification is a snapshot taken at the factory, not a permanent guarantee. We look at frame materials, glass protection tiers, and how well a device holds up to real-world wear that degrades seal integrity over time.
- Overall performance relative to price. A waterproof phone that underperforms everywhere else isn't worth recommending. We compare processor performance, camera quality, battery life, and software support for each pick to make sure the whole package justifies the cost.
- Carrier availability. All picks work across major US carriers. A phone limited to a single network loses points regardless of its specs.
- Value at each price tier. We pick one phone per category to make sure each recommendation serves a distinct type of buyer rather than competing with the pick next to it.
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Waterproof phones: FAQ
What phone is the most waterproof?
Technically, the most waterproof phones are the OnePlus 15 and Motorola Edge 60 Pro, but neither is as user-friendly as the iPhone 17 Pro, which is our top overall pick.
How long can phones be submerged in water?
Most IP68-rated phones are certified for 30 minutes of submersion in fresh water at their rated depth, but that depends on the conditions (like saltwater or pool chemicals), which can reduce the device's tolerance.
What is the highest waterproof rating for a phone?
IP69 is the highest rating available on a consumer smartphone, covering resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Phones like the OnePlus 15 and Motorola Edge 60 Pro are the only current devices with an IP69 rating.
Is there a phone that is 100% waterproof?
No smartphone is 100% waterproof. All phones have openings for speakers, microphones, and ports, so IP ratings describe water resistance within defined limits, not total protection.
Is water damage covered by my phone's warranty?
Most manufacturers (including Apple and Samsung) don't cover liquid damage under their standard warranties—even on IP68-rated devices. So a protection plan like AppleCare+ or Samsung Care+ is the only way to get coverage if you plan on submerging your phone.
If your phone has already taken a dip, our guide on what to do if you drop your phone in water covers the right steps.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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