The best underwater housings for cameras and smartphones allow you to take your passion for image-making underwater. Whether you want to go snorkelling or scuba-diving, and whether you're using an iPhone or the latest professional mirrorless camera, a good housing will give you the tools you need to create spectacular sub-aquatic images.
While it’s true that there are many great waterproof cameras out there, many of which can sink to impressive depths, waterproof cases and housings still have an edge for a number of reasons. Waterproof compacts are not terribly sophisticated as far as camera tech goes; they tend to have smaller sensors than the best mirrorless cameras and the best DSLRs, and lack advanced imaging features such as high frame rates, sophisticated autofocus systems and high-quality 4K video.
What's more, if you do all your snapping on one of the best smartphones for photography, or one of the best GoPros, it makes sense to pick up a cheaper housing for your device, as this will likely set you back less than a dedicated tough camera. So, we've split this guide up to cover housings for smartphones, action cameras, mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, with options for shallow and deep diving.
So, let’s dive right in!
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The quick list
Made in conjunction with Aquatech, Joby's sophisticated underwater housing for iPhones and Samsung smartphones is a brilliant tool for shallow dives.
This phone case is secure to depths of 15m, outstripping the SeaPal's 10m maximum rating, making it a good choice for adventurous smartphone snappers.
It ain't fancy, but this broadly compatible smartphone pouch is cheap and effective for shallow-water shooting – as long as you don't mind limited settings control.
Available for a huge range of mirrorless, compact, medium format and cine cameras, Aquatech's EDGE housings allow for shooting down to 10m depths.
Suited to a wide range of DSLRs, this underwater housing from Dicapac is also affordably priced, especially in comparison to the professional-level housings.
Available for a broad range of professional mirrorless and DSLR cameras, Ikelite's range is not cheap, but is more or less the last word in pro underwater photography.
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The OM System and Olympus Tough are probably the best waterproof compact cameras around – this housing takes the camera down to depths of 45m (147ft).
Best GoPro housing
Extend the diving depth of your GoPro Mission 1 camera with this protective housing, which is capable enough to support deep-diving to a whopping 60m.
The best underwater camera housings
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Best underwater case for phones
Protective underwater cases for phones can vary from simple pouches to more robust cases that are tailored to individual models. When picking a good underwater case for a phone, make sure it will also allow you full operation of the touchscreen, so that you’ll be able to shoot to your full ability without compromising the waterproofing.
Best underwater smartphone case
Technically your iPhone 15 is able to film while submerged at a depth of up to 18 meters for 30 minutes, which makes it water resistant (but not waterproof due to the time limit). However, would you really want to risk your expensive iPhone on a deep dive? The JOBY SeaPal enables your iPhone to go where no other grips can take it - underwater! While other iPhone users may be limited to capturing shore-based activities on a beach holiday the SeaPal’s waterproof casing enables you to use your iPhone to shoot shoals of fish on a snorkeling trip (up to a depth of 10 meters/33 feet.) Another bonus of keeping your iPhone sealed in SeaPal’s case is that it will be protected from being smeared in suntan lotion or being ingressed by sand particles.
The JOBY SeaPal Waterproof Case takes a little time to set up for the first time (say 15 minutes), but then you’re good to go. It ships with a collection of rubber mounts that you need to clip into the body of the case to fit your particular iPhone or smartphone model. A downloadable manual gives you a clear diagram of which rubber mounts to insert and where to place them. After an initial waterproofing test you can pop your iPhone into the case and rotate a large plastic button to seal it in. Make sure that the knob makes a satisfying click to endure that the case is fully sealed.
The front of the case has a large glass port for your iPhone’s three lenses to shoot through. This glass is superior to cheaper third-party plastic cases that may be more prone to fogging up. The SeaPal case’s glass is also scratch-resistant so your shots and clips should look pristine. On the rear of the case is a plastic membrane. This is thin enough for you to interact with your iPhone’s screen while filming underwater, so you can swipe in the Camera app to change shooting modes or trigger a recording.
Like other grips, the SeaPal Waterproof Case has a hand (or glove) friendly grip so that you can hold onto it securely. For an even firmer hold, it's worth purchasing the JOBY Bluetooth Shutter Grip. This extra accessory also enables you to snap a shot or capture a clip with the press of a physical button, so you don’t need to fumble with the touchscreen.
Read our full JOBY SeaPal review for more
Best smartphone case for deeper dives
For serious diving, then this polycarbonate case is just the ticket. It claims to fit most popular iPhones and Galaxy handsets - so you may still be able to use it when you upgrade your camera phone (and you can also share it with friends). The 15m depth rating makes it suitable for sub-aqua use - but will also appeal to those into sailing and other water sports. You do need to set up the phone before you put in the housing, as the only control you get is the shutter button. As ever with any housing, you do need to follow the instructions for checking the seal every time you use it.
Best cheap smartphone underwater case
While many of the housings on this list can be quite pricey, if you’re after a real bargain then we’d recommend this pouch from JOTO. Styled as universal, it’s a straightforward product that will work with pretty much any smartphone that physically fits inside it. Once you’ve sealed the clamps (and it pays to double-check, here) then your phone will be protected down to about 30m of water, and you’ll be able to take pictures through the clear window on both the front and rear sides. Some users report some difficulty using the touchscreen so it may take a few tries, but if you’re after a bargain underwater case, this is unbeatable.
Best underwater camera housing for mirrorless
The EDGE range of housings from Aquatech – the manufacturer who collaborated with Joby for the SeaPal case featured above – is available for a broad range of mirrorless and compact cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and Leica. There are also options for select Fujifilm GFX medium-format cameras, and two cameras from Sony's FX cinema range (the FX3 and FX30).
The range is split into 'Pro' and 'Base', the main difference being that the Pro housings are designed for specific model of cameras, and offer push-button controls on the rear for underwater settings changes. The 'Base' housings are more affordable, but don't offer button controls, meaning you have to decide on your camera settings before you get into the water.
Able to safely descend to depths of 10m, the EDGE housings are great for snorkelling and shallow diving. They're durably built, and can be customised with additional accessories such as a right-side handle for a secure grip.
Best DSLR underwater housing
Dicapac makes a whole host of straightforward underwater bag-style housings for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and they’re significantly more affordable than comparable pro housings would be. This one even has enough space for zoom lenses like a 24-105mm to be used (though this extra space does make it fiddly if you want to use a shorter lens), and is compatible with enthusiast DSLRs like the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. While it has strategically placed holes to allow the user to operate the DSLR’s controls, some users have experienced trapped air in the bag making it hard to operate. Still, once you get used to its quirks, this is an impressive piece of kit.
Best professional underwater camera housing
Ikelite’s housings are probably the best deep-water camera protection out there right now. The 200DL can be purchased for the Canon EOS 5D series, the OM System OM-1 II, the Fujifilm X-T5 or practically any number of other mirrorless and DSLR cameras you’d care to name, past and present. Its Dry Lock Port system provides superlative security underwater (though does require the additional purchase of the Lens Port), and the unique zoom gear system of the housing makes it easy to use zoom lenses. There’s even the option to use the included Ikelite ICS-5 bulkhead connector with manual hotshoe for triggering underwater strobes, providing a new dimension to your underwater shooting. These are the best housings around.
Best for OM System Tough
The OM System PT-059 is is custom-built for the extremely-popular Olympus TG-6 and OM System TG-7 compact cameras. Rated to 45 meters (147 feet), it extends the depth capabilities of these waterproof compacts from 15m (50ft) while maintaining near-neutral underwater buoyancy.
Weighing just 484g, it is exceptionally travel-friendly and comfortable to handle. Key highlights include full camera control access, an included flash diffuser that allows the camera’s internal flash to light macro subjects, and a 52mm threaded glass port compatible with wide-angle wet lenses and bayonet adapters. It also features a cold shoe mount and triple baseplate threads for lighting trays.
See our full OM System PT-059 review
Best underwater housing for GoPros
Extend the waterproofing of the flagship GoPro Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 cameras from 10m to a whopping 60m with this dedicated housing. It also includes a “skeleton backdoor” which provides access to the touchscreen and improves audio capture, and according to GoPro, a camera with this housing equipped will still produce reliably sharp images above and below water. This is not compatible with the Mission 1 Pro ILS.
Extend the waterproofing of the flagship GoPro Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 cameras from 10m to a whopping 60m with this dedicated housing. It also includes a “skeleton backdoor” which provides access to the touchscreen and improves audio capture, and according to GoPro, a camera with this housing equipped will still produce reliably sharp images above and below water. This is not compatible with the Mission 1 Pro ILS.
How to choose an underwater camera housing
When you're choosing an underwater housing for your smartphone or camera, the first issue you're going to run into is going to be compatibility – simply put, does your camera fit in the housing? As you can see on this list, some housings are designed to work fairly generically with a few different models of phone or camera, while others are built around one specific model, and will not be suitable for use with any others.
This will likely also affect another key factor to consider when choosing housings – how much camera control they offer. A housing that is designed to fit just one type of camera can be made with that camera's control scheme in mind, and can thereby allow you to operate the buttons while diving. This can be hugely useful if you want to vary your settings; with more generic (or cheaper) housings that don't offer this depth of control, you'll have to put more faith in the camera's auto modes.
Some housings also offer accessory ports, allowing you to attach handles for a secure grip, or space for additional accessories like a flashgun. The latter can be especially useful for underwater photography, where light is in short supply – though you may need to buy additional parts to ensure it works (Ikelite, for instance, sells hotshoe TTL converters to allow for the use of strobes with its housings).
How we test underwater camera housings
We test all photo and video accessories by using them as the manufacturer intends – so for underwater housings, we set them up with a compatible camera and give them a dunking! Our review budgets don't always allow for a trip to a tropical ocean (unfortunately), so we take housings to more local waters to see how they perform when fully submerged. Where possible, we test housings to their rated depths, and we assess the quality of images we are able to capture in these circumstances. After all, there's no point taking your phone or camera underwater if the resultant images are too compromised to be of any use.
