Best Underwater Smartphone Housing: Our Picks for 2025

The Kraken Sports KRH08 Universal Smart Phone Housing V2 is a universal Kraken smartphone housing designed for underwater photography and videography. It supports a wide range of iOS and Android smartphones by using an adjustable clamp system. The housing is constructed from anodized aluminum and polycarbonate and is rated for depths up to 85 meters (279 feet), making it suitable for recreational and technical diving.

This Kraken phone case connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth and allows the user to control the camera functions through the Kraken Sports app. It includes a vacuum pump and sensor for seal integrity verification prior to diving. The Kraken underwater housing supports integration with optional accessories, including external lenses, lighting systems, and tray mounts.

While diving with the Kraken Sports KRH08 Universal Smartphone Housing V2 on multiple dives off Catalina Island, we found the housing to be exceptionally solid and reliable. The vacuum system provided peace of mind, the physical buttons responded well, even when using thick gloves, allowing full control of the smartphone without needing to touch the screen. We did encounter occasional instances where the Bluetooth connection needed to be re-paired, particularly after powering the phone off between dives. Once connected, the Kraken app functioned smoothly, though we noted the absence of some native camera features such as ProRAW. The housing’s support for wide-angle and macro wet lenses also proved useful. Overall, the Kraken KRH08 performed reliably underwater, and while the Kraken smartphone housing is bulkier than phone-specific models, its depth rating and construction quality make it a strong choice for dependable underwater imaging wiht your smartphone.

• Universal Compatibility: Supports most iOS and Android smartphones via adjustable internal clamping system

• Optional Depth and Temperature Sensor: Compatible with optional Kraken accessories for environmental data logging

• App-Based Operation: Requires Kraken Sports app for control interface; app provides live view and shooting functions

• Integrated Smartphone Tray: Adjustable phone tray holds the device securely in place during dives

• Accessory Support: Compatible with wet lenses (macro and wide-angle), lighting systems, and tray/arm mounts

• Sturdy Construction: Made from anodized aluminum and polycarbonate for durability in harsh underwater environments

• Physical Control Buttons: Access to key camera functions (photo, video, mode switching) via external mechanical buttons

• Bluetooth Control: Connects to the smartphone via Bluetooth and operates through the Kraken Sports app

• Vacuum Seal System: Includes a manual vacuum pump and built-in pressure sensor for pre-dive leak testing

• 85m Depth Rating: Rated for underwater use up to 85 meters (279 feet), suitable for recreational and technical diving

• Compatible with most modern smartphones (iOS and Android)

• Durable construction from anodized aluminum and polycarbonate

• Compatible with wide-angle and macro wet lenses

• Physical control buttons for photo, video, and mode switching

• Includes vacuum sealing system with built-in leak detection

• Rated to 85 meters, exceeding recreational depth limits

• Requires use of Kraken Sports app for functionality

• App interface may not support all native phone camera features

• Slightly bulky compared to phone-specific housings

• Touchscreen not directly accessible underwater

• Bluetooth connection may need re-pairing before each dive

The Weefine WFH07X Universal Smartphone Housing is designed to accept most modern smartphones (up to approximately 163.5 × 82 × 10 mm, allowing +7 mm for lens protrusion) for underwater use. The housing is constructed from anodized aluminum alloy with optical-grade polycarbonate and is rated to 80 meters (262 feet) depth. It features an updated vacuum system, adding a safety factor to allow for a more relaxed dive.

The Weefine smart housing connects via Bluetooth through the DiveIT (or DiveIT/Dive+ compatible) app, offering live view, camera control, and dive‑computer functionality on iOS or Android devices. The housing includes a built‑in vacuum pump, humidity and vacuum sensors with visual/audible alarms, and external mechanical controls including a lever shutter, roller dial for lens switching, and fiber‑optic sync port for lighting 

Having dived with previous versions of this Weefine housing, we found the vacuum pump system reliable and fast—each pre‑dive seal check completed in under a minute, with both visual and audible confirmation of integrity. The mechanical shutter lever and roller dial felt robust in use with thick neoprene gloves, and switching between lenses via the DiveIT app (wide, ultra-wide, macro) worked smoothly during dives deeper than 30 m. Extended sessions required charging once every few dives, but overall battery uptime exceeded 24 hours. The fiber‑optic sync port integrated well with external Weefine video lights, delivering consistent flash exposure. Overall we found the Weefine phone case to be highly dependable, while offering universal compatibility, with strong accessory support, despite added weight compared to more compact housings.

If you're looking for the absolute best value smartphone housing on the market then it's worth considering the Weefine WFH06 housing kit. This housing is very similar to the WFH07 but includes a wide angle lens and lens adapter for just $274!

• Universal Smartphone Compatibility: Fits most iOS and Android smartphones up to ~163.5 × 82 × 10 mm in size (+7 mm lens protrusion allowance)

• Material Construction: Made from anodized aluminum alloy with optical-grade polycarbonate window

• App-Controlled Camera Features: Allows switching between wide, ultra-wide, macro, and front-facing cameras through the app

• Rechargeable Lithium Battery: Powers the vacuum and sensors; lasts over 24 hours per charge

• Accessory Support: Cold shoe mount and dual tripod threads for video lights, trays, and arms

• Fiber-Optic Sync Port: Supports external strobes via optical cable connection

• External Physical Controls: Mechanical shutter lever, dial for switching lenses, and additional function buttons

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Connects via Bluetooth to the Dive+ or DiveIT app for full camera and dive data control

• Vacuum and Humidity Sensor: Real-time leak detection with visual and audible alerts

• Built-In Vacuum Pump: Integrated manual vacuum system for pre-dive seal testing

• 80 Meter Depth Rating: Waterproof to 80 meters (262 feet), suitable for recreational and technical diving

• Universal compatibility across iOS and Android phones within size limits

• Built‑in rechargeable lithium battery with USB‑C charging and >100 vacuum cycles per charge; >24 h active use 

• Fiber‑optic port and cold shoe mount support external video lights and trays

• Supports switching between wide, ultra‑wide, macro, and front cameras via app

• Physical shutter works even with gloves; intuitive external controls

• Waterproof up to 80 m with reliable sealing and vacuum‑leak detection system

• Requires DiveIT/Dive+ app for full operation; some advanced features locked behind paid version (e.g. RAW iOS support, 4K video)

• Users must ensure correct seal assembly; failure to maintain O‑rings or valve can risk water ingress 

• Bulkier and heavier than smartphone-specific housings (approx. 1.15 kg in air, ~100 g underwater)

The SeaLife SportDiver Ultra Smartphone Housing accommodates most modern smartphones, including larger Android models and all iPhones from iPhone 8 through iPhone 16 Pro Max. Constructed from polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum, and optical-grade glass, it is lightweight (≈ 808 g / 1.78 lb) and offers near-neutral buoyancy depending on phone choice. Waterproof to 40 m (130 ft), it connects via Bluetooth LE 5 to the free SportDiver app, enabling use of native smartphone camera controls with no in-app purchases or ads. 

The Sealife Sportdiver housing includes a color‑correction filter, dual leak alarms (vacuum pressure and moisture), cam‑lock sealing latch, anti‑fog “Moisture Muncher” capsule, and multiple 1/4‑20 mounting points for accessories.

Based on our previous experiences testing other Sealife smartphone cases, we always found them to perform reliably, delivering stable and consistent operation. Using the large shutter lever and rear control buttons while wearing dive gloves was straightforward, and the cam-lock latch felt sturdy even with slippery hands. The included red color-correction filter made a noticeable difference in mid-depth reef environments, improving natural tones without needing lights. Internal anti-fogging with the Moisture Muncher capsule significantly reduced condensation on longer multi-dive days.

If you're looking to a lighter, more affordable housing depth rated to 100ft, the SeaLife SportDiver S uses the same app as the SportDiver Ultra and has all of the same features. 

• Universal smartphone compatibility (iPhones 8–16 Pro Max, large Android “Ultra” models)

• Rated to 40 m / 130 ft underwater

• Shock‑protective holding spring and rubber grip tabs

• Lightweight polycarbonate, stainless steel, aluminum construction; nearly neutral buoyancy underwater (~808 g)

• Seven 1/4‑20 tripod threads for accessories like lights and trays

• Anti-fog “Moisture Muncher” capsule to control internal condensation

• Large shutter lever and rear control buttons operable with dive gloves

• Removable underwater color-correction filter (red; optional magenta/yellow available) tethered to housing

• Dual leak detection: vacuum pressure and moisture alarms with visual/audio alerts

• Bluetooth LE 5 connection to free SportDiver app (no in-app purchases or ads)

• Supports most iPhones and Android smartphones, including large “Ultra” models

• Anti‑fog Moisture Muncher capsule reduces internal condensation

• Shock‑protective grip spring and rubber tabs secure the phone

• Numerous accessory mounts (seven 1/4‑20 threads)

• Lightweight (≈ 808 g) and nearly neutrally buoyant underwater

• Dual leak alarms for vacuum pressure and moisture detection

• Removable color-correction filter restores natural underwater color

• Free SportDiver app provides full native camera control without ads or in-app purchases

• Rated to 40 m (130 ft), suitable for recreational diving

• Basic Vacuum system supplied, with a vacuum pump.

• Depth rating (40 m) is lower than competitors offering 80–85 m

• Some advanced phone camera functions may not be supported depending on device/app compatibility

• Powered by AAA cells (≈ 50 hours runtime), less robust than rechargeable sealed electronics

The Oceanic+ Dive Housing is a universal underwater smartphone housing developed by Oceanic, specifically designed to accommodate various iPhone models. This Oceanic iPhone housing enables users to take their smartphones underwater and access full camera functionality up to recreational dive depths. The Oceanic dive housing is compatible with the Oceanic+ app, providing manual controls, dive data integration, and logging. The housing is constructed for use in both recreational scuba diving and freediving scenarios. The Oceanic housing supports depth ratings up to 60 meters (196 feet).

Our experiences with the Oceanic housing have all been positive. We found it straightforward to set up and secure with its built-in vacuum seal system. The physical controls were responsive even with thick gloves, and the housing maintained a strong Bluetooth connection throughout each dive. We appreciated having access to manual exposure settings through the Oceanic+ app, and the ability to view depth and dive time directly on the phone screen made it easy to monitor dives without switching between devices. We did notice that the housing's size is on the larger side compared to other smartphone housings, but it offers solid protection and functionality in return. Over multiple dives, the housing remained dry inside, and the real-time feedback from the leak detection system provided extra peace of mind. Syncing dive logs post-dive was seamless.

• Compatible with iPhone (models vary; check compatibility list)

• Works with Oceanic+ app for full camera manual control

• Vacuum sealing system for leak detection

• Rechargeable Bluetooth shutter and control interface

• Integrated depth and temperature sensors

• Dive log sync via Oceanic+ cloud

• Ergonomic design with tactile controls for underwater use

• Optional red filter accessory available

• Universal tray mounting system included

• Supports multiple iPhone modelsSecure vacuum seal with leak detection

• Easy app integration with dive logging features

• Rugged and ergonomic construction

• Real-time dive data displayed on screen

• Full manual control over camera settings

• Depth rating suitable for most recreational diving

• Requires Oceanic+ app subscription for full functionality

• Compatibility is iPhone-only; no Android support

• Battery life of shutter system needs monitoring on extended trips

• Touchscreen functions are disabled underwater (reliant on physical controls)

• Housing size may be bulky for travel

The Isotta Smartphone Housing is a universal underwater smartphone housing manufactured by Isotta, an Italian company known for its anodized aluminum dive housings. The Isotta underwater housing is designed to accommodate a wide range of smartphones through the use of adjustable internal brackets and supports. It features a robust aluminum body and double O-ring seals for increased water resistance. This housing is depth-rated to 100 meters (328 feet), making it suitable for both recreational and technical diving. Isotta housings are known for their modular design, manual controls, and compatibility with external accessories.

This Isotta smartphone housing will be released soon.

• Depth rating: 100 meters / 328 feet

• Compatible with Isotta’s mounting tray and arm accessories

• Standard M67 threaded port for filters or wet lenses

• Rear window for full screen visibility

• Adjustable internal support system

• Mechanical controls for shutter and video

• Vacuum valve and moisture alarm

• Double O-ring sealing system

• Full aluminum body with anodized finish

• Universal fit for most smartphone sizes (iOS and Android)

• High depth rating suitable for technical diving

• Effective sealing system with moisture sensor

• Compatible with wide range of accessories and optics

• Mechanical controls do not rely on Bluetooth

• Universal compatibility with many smartphones

• Durable aluminum construction

• Requires some setup and adjustment per phone model

• Higher price point compared to plastic housings

• No built-in app or dive logging features

• Larger and heavier than polycarbonate housings

The ProShot Dive Case is a universal underwater housing specifically designed for iPhone models. The ProShot Touch 2.0 supports full touchscreen functionality underwater, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons or Bluetooth connectivity. It is compatible with the ProShotCase app for photo and video capture and offers integration with various iPhone models (iPhone 6 to iPhone 14 Pro Max, depending on case size). The case is constructed from polycarbonate material and rated to a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet), suitable for snorkeling and shallow recreational diving only.

Our experiences with the ProShot Touch 2.0 allowed us full touchscreen control underwater, which seem to function well, allowing us to access the native camera and third-party apps without issues. Setup was quick—just place the phone in the tray and close the latch. However, we noticed reduced responsiveness when using it with wet or gloved fingers. The ProShot iPhone housing felt lightweight and easy to travel with, making it a practical option for casual use and snorkelling trips. We also appreciated not needing to pair or charge any electronics. That said, we were conscious of its 15-meter limit and would not use it for deeper dives. Overall, it performed reliably within its intended range.

• Depth rating: 15 meters / 50 feet

• One-handed latch system for quick access

• Floatable with optional buoyancy accessories

• Compact and lightweight design

• Shockproof polycarbonate housing

• Supports native iPhone camera and ProShotCase app

• Built-in dome-shaped rear window for full screen access

• No Bluetooth pairing or mechanical controls required

• Compatible with iPhone 6 through iPhone 14 Pro Max (model-specific fit)

• Full touchscreen functionality underwater

• Maintains full touchscreen control underwater

• Affordable compared to higher-depth housings

• Fits a wide range of iPhone models

• No need for external buttons or pairing

• Lightweight and travel-friendly

• Simple setup and operation

• Limited to shallow diving (15m max)

• Not compatible with gloves or cold water diving where touch function is impaired

• Limited support for external lenses or filters

• App-based operation may be affected by iOS updates

• Not suitable for technical or deep diving

Our team includes professional underwater photographers and videographers with over 15 years of experience testing and photographing underwater to ensure you get thorough first hand experience and trusted reviews.

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Anthony Grote is a South African professional photographer renowned for his expertise in underwater, wildlife, adventure sports, and hospitality photography. His passion for photography began in the early 1990s during his studies, where he initially focused on bird photography. This interest deepened while managing game farms in the Lowveld, until a pivotal moment in his career when he was introducted to underwater photography, which has since become a significant part of his life since.

Having trained as a Conservationist, his career took a turn into professional photography, with his portfolio including adventure sports photography, covering events such as river canoeing, surfski racing, beach soccer, mountain biking, trail running, and lifesaving. His deep appreciation for the natural world also led him to specialize in hotel and lodge photography, allowing him to capture the essence of travel destination venues situated throughout Africa and ther Caribbean .

I use Nikon, recently shooting a Z6ii with an Aquatica housing, but recently upgraded to a Z8 with an Aquatica housing.