The Aquabuddy has a clear window, allowing you to use your camera when your phone is inside it. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
We tested two phone-sized pouches: the Casely AquaBuddy Waterproof Pouch and the Case-Mate Wavy Waterproof Pouch. And this is what we found: If you’re looking for a pouch to keep your phone safe on aquatic adventures, but you want to be able to easily answer texts, snap photos, and record videos, the AquaBuddy is the better pick.
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This protective pouch creates an airtight seal that keeps water, sand, and dust from getting in without sacrificing touchscreen capabilities. It fits most smartphones, floats in water, and comes with a convenient cross-body strap.
The Casely AquaBuddy Waterproof Pouch uses locking hinges to create an effective airtight seal: When it’s locked, the pouch successfully keeps out water, sand, dirt, and dust particles. Even after it was submerged in water for 30 minutes, the paper towels inside the Aquabuddy remained bone-dry. By comparison, the paper towels inside the Case-Mate Wavy Waterproof Pouch were damp after testing.
The Aquabuddy and Wavy pouches both have smooth exteriors, and they didn’t show any signs of tears or microabrasions after tumbling through a container of gritty sand. Sand and dust collected around their hinges, but I was able to wipe them clean before opening each pouch to retrieve my phone. Not a grain of sand was to be found inside either pouch. (The zip-top bag I used as a control, on the other hand, was riddled with tiny rips, allowing sand to pool at the bottom of the bag.)
Sand collected in the crevices of the Aquabuddy pouch’s hinges, but the seal was tight enough to keep granules and dust from infiltrating the pouch. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
When my phone was encased in the Aquabuddy pouch, it was easy to use. I could see the screen clearly though the pouch, and the plastic was flush against the screen, so I could text quickly and accurately without having to press down harder than I normally do. The touchscreen did become less accurate when the pouch was wet, though, and pressing the keys required more force.
The backside of the pouch also has a clear plastic window that allows you to use the camera. The shots I took while my phone was inside the Aquabuddy came out clear and crisp. (Just keep in mind that when it’s submerged completely under water, the touchscreen isn’t responsive, so you’ll have to use the buttons on the side of your phone to capture those images.)
The Aquabuddy’s clear plastic casing allows your camera to capture clear photos and videos. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
I really liked the look of the Aquabuddy and the Case-Mate pouches. They’re both narrow and long, about the size of an airline ticket, and they come in several, shimmering colors. I was most drawn to the Case-Mate’s wavy, sparkly border (and it was nearly identical to the Aquabuddy’s). But it ultimately failed to keep out water from seeping inside the pouch.
I adored the funky shape of the Case-Mate Wavy pouch. But because it wasn’t completely waterproof, I don’t recommend it, especially if you plan to take your pouch into water. Elissa Sanci/NYT Wirecutter
Both pouches comfortably fit most smartphones — I was able to squeeze my iPhone 15 Pro into the pouches without removing my phone case. And they also have small interior pockets that are big enough to fit a driver’s license, a few credit cards, and some cash. Also, with their thick, adjustable straps (which can be worn across the body or hung around your neck), these pouches are easy to tote around, whether you’re steering a stand-up paddleboard or lazily floating in a tube.