Overboard vs Aquapac in iPhone 4 water torture test - Amazing Case
If you had to trust a water-proof case to protect your precious iPhone 4 during a torture test, which would it be -- the Overboard or the Aquapac? That's the challenge they gave me for the latest episode of TiPb's Amazing Case, our hardcore, case vs case tests of strength, durability, and performance.
We figure if either -- or both -- of these water cases could survive being thrown into the deep end and taken through the high-pressure car wash then they can survive a dip in the tub or day at the beach.
Follow on after the jump for the details, and the give-away!
Aquapac vs Overboard
Truth be told these two cases are very similar. Both are clear plastic that retains the capacitive touch so you can keep using your iPhones while they're inside. (At least when you're out of the water -- no capacitive touch can work when you're under water). This means you can still make calls, record video, check the web, etc. with ease.
The Overboard has a black outer lining that does conceal part of the iPhone which I found kind of annoying. The Aquapac is clear all the way around allowing you to be able to see the whole screen of the iPhone and use the camera without having to worry about the view being obstructed.
Both the Overboard and the Aquapac have hard plastic seals that close tightly and securely. They do allow a small amount of water to get caught in the closure though, so you need to open the cases with caution or you risk dripping water on your iPhones. And yes, both cases are equally hard to get iPhones into and out of.
Lanyards are included with both the Overboard and the Aquapac so you can hold onto them or tie them to something to make sure you don't lose them in the water.
It should be mentioned that the Aquapac has a three year warranty which covers the phone if damaged in proper use (would a carwash count?). The overboard has a 1 year warranty but this does not cover the phone. Thanks Andy!
Fight! (and give-away)
So which water proof case was the most protective? No spoilers! You have to watch the video above for the results of our Overboard vs Aquapac ultimate iPad scratch test.
When you're done leave me a reply in the comments below and tell me which one you'd rather have protecting your iPhone 4 -- Overboard or Aquapac -- and where exactly you want to take you iPhone 4 that it needs water protection.
We have a one of each to give away, so make sure you leave a valid email address so we can contact you if you win. (US mailing address required for delivery).
Ready? Fight!
Senior Editor at iMore, psychotherapist, 2x Canadian Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, co-host of iPhone & iPad Live and ZEN and TECH.
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I like the aquapac better because it's completely clear and doesn't have the black outer lining. I completely need one of these because i attend many weddings and have ruined a number of phones by having a bit too much to drink and jumping in pools with my phone in my pocket. Pity huh?
Great review. Awesome products. Either look solid, but got to hand it go the look of the Aquapac. Wish I could have a hands on with both. Thanks!
There were cases in that video?
Georgia, you're KILLING me.
I'd take the Aquapac personally if I had the choice. And as I've already destroyed a camera by taking it into the pool accidentally, I think this would be perfect for me.
I'll take the Aquapac to protect from my kids @ the pool.
Sorry but you can put your iPhone in a Ziploc bag and it will stay dry and cost a hell a lot less.
I'm liking the overboard, and I live in New Orleans...so I need it to go outside.
Overboard cause I'm always at the pool with my kids. Plus a take it on the boat at the lake (people love hooking into my wifi). Not to mention all the football games this fall. I'm sure there will be rain at one or two.
Aquapac! Yippee!
I'd use it at the beach and surfing.
Aquapac for me! I need one for two reasons - first, we have a pool and I'm clumsy. Can't tell you how many times I've almost gone in when working around the pool w/ iPhone in pocket. Yikes! Second, Whitewater rafting baby!
Action speaks louder then the words. I think the fight will be now between the color preference and my choice is Black.Just kidding both are great. Thanks for the generous offer. Deepak
Aquapac so I can watch a movie when I jump in the bath with peace of mind
I like the aquapac most for the look and I really need one because I am firefighter and I loose several phone for wather damage. Great review!!!
Aquapac since it does not have the black outer. I'd take it back country camping!
I'd do the aquapack, because the lining is black... Like my soul
I'm completely with you, Derek (#4). Been reading TiPb a lot more since Georgia joined. ;D
I'd love to take the aquapac into the shower.
I'd go with the Aquapac because it is all clear. This is very handy for us motorcycle riders who get caught in the rain...
As Georgia said, they both are very similar. I wouldn't mind owning either one, but if I was forced to pick one, it would have to be the Overboard. I think I just like it's looks a bit better.
Oops, forgot to say where I'd use it...I go camping and hiking all the time. It's usually near a lake, river, or waterfall. I just hiked about 10 miles along some mountain creeks to see Bridal Veil Falls in NC this past weekend.
Please Married me
I bought an Aquapak after my car was stolen while surfing. I now take my electronic key with me while surfing and it works great. I am still pondering whether to take my iPhone4!
They both look pretty good to me.
Nice Georgia. I like the Overboard one.
Personally, I'm liking the Aquapac. The Overboard just doesn't seem to have that design aesthetic that iPhones crave. I do a lot of walking in the rain (not by choice - blame Mother Nature).
Taking phone calls/recording video while in the bag. Does it sound ok/record audio ok?
This has to be the best test video ever! Great job, great review!
I wish I'd had either at the beach last weekend....
I'd choose the Aquapac for my wife... Wednesday she rolled down the car window and showed me her dripping wet iPhone she had placed in the cup holder, only to realize there was a clear punch cup with water vying for the same real estate.
Hopefully I wont be out another $199 with the help of either of these two cases.
Other than the black border they seem the same so I would choose the Aquapac for the completely clear plastic. I need a waterproof case for when I travel to Japan to see the underwater "pyramids."
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/09/070919-sunken-city.html
I like the overboard better. It would come in handy when I go on my cruise next month.
the OB Aqua reminds me of a condom for some reason.. ahem..
so i'd rather have the Aquapac please.. mainly because it is more versatile 
I would love the Aquapack, it looks great, and would be awesome for my bath time routine, I'm always afraid of my iPhone falling into the water, I can't afford a NEW PHONE! lol.
Aquapack! I could really use one because I'm frequently wakeskating, wakeboarding, wake surfing, and air chairing. I am also swimming and if by the beach or pool alot. It would be really nice not having to worry about my phone getting wet while on the boat because we like to use my phone to film us doing tricks. Also we use my phone to film skiing and it would save slot of worry there as well! Thanks!
I like the Aquapack! Looks a little less obtrusive. If i had one i would use it to record around the pool and definitely at the beach trips with the fam!
I would just like to say that I have a pool and Georgia can come swimming anytime. Oh, and both of these cases looked like they worked well in the carwash..didn't really notice the cases in the pool test.
Yee haw! A great review to help decide which for me... and it's the Aquapac! I should really get one because the only reason I have my new iPhone4 was getting caught in a rainstorm hiking with my 3GS. This would be the perfect compliment to justify since I already take the thing everywhere, including pools, amusement park water rides especially! Good stuff guys & gals
Aquapack looks like it is easier to see and use being it's all clear. But both did the job.
the things that bloggers do to their iPhones...
I would choose the Aquapack because the main reason I'd use my iPhone underwater is to take pictures - and you said that one can be better because the view of the screen is not obstructed. Whatever makes it better to take pictures wins, so that's Aquapack! I hope I win too! (I'd probably use the Aquapack to go snorkeling...would it work with that? Hmmm....I wonder if the iPhone flash could be used underwater to see the fish!?) Thanks for the contests!
I'd take the aquapack, like the grey color, it matches the ip4 antenna. Use it to go to the beach and not worry about phone getting stolen cause it will be on me. Also good for when it rains at theme parks.
So side note- anyone else's heart stop seeing these tests?!?!
I'll take either. What is their depth rating? I'm a scuba diver and have been dying for a way to be able to take my phone down so people topside cand text me info on what's going on up there!!!
Overboard beats the aquapac
Aquapac's warranty is 3 years, and they cover the phone itself if it gets damaged. Overboard is 1 year and doesn't cover the phone.
Andy thanks that is an excellent point which I didn't mention in the review and I should have. The warranty in this case is a huge factor in deciding a case, and covering the phone is massive. Ill add it in now
I'd use the Overboard to take pics/movies of my soon-to-be 1 yr old daughter. She loves my aunt's pool!
Aquapac for the win! Is use it for shooting storm/lightning footage like there was nothing to it! No more standing behind a window indoors!
Overboard wins it for me. Looks like a better case. Heading for the pool next week would be a nice addition.
I'll take the aquapac!!
The aquapac would make me much less stressed while at the pool with my kids
They both look great, but I like the look of the Overboard a bit better. I would love this for next month when I will be riding Splash Mountain!
Both functional - but I like Overboard a teeny bit better: it looks like even though there is black, the plastic is a bit clearer. I'd take it skiing and hiking - never know when you'll be getting wet.
I'd go with the Aquapac. & I'll be using it to take some great playing-in-the-sprinkler photos.
They both look good but like the Aquapac - anyone know if you can get them in the UK?
Will this competition including international members I know most don't (unlike my old favorite Crackberry.com)
I prefer the Aquapac - it looks nicer to me. Great for trips to the beach or amusement parks!!
I would have to choose the aquapac as it would be a great addition for taking videos of the waves and surfers near the water
Great review. You are much braver than most running their devices through the carwash
I'd have to go with the Aquapac. I live in Florida so there's the beach, tubing on the rivers, pools everywhere, and of course there's always the heavy rains and hurricanes. Yup, it would be great to have for my new iPhone4. Got my fingers & toes crossed. Thanks for the chance.
Nine comments and no one brings up a sexy woman in a bikini?? I'll go there....
To hell with the cases, owwwwwwww!!! Wolf call!!
I aquadpac I will be a life guard teaching little kids how to swim and i dont want my iphone to slip in and im out of luck.
I have used the aquapac while snorkeling with a small digital camera and had no issues. Excellent product and I'd have no reservations about using it to protect my iphone in and around water
Aquuapac since Mike has used the brand and the warranty for aquapac is so comprehensive.
I would want the Overboard because it has a nice black look to it and it's got the nice closing mechanism. I would use it in many different situations, such as going to the beach and being able to use my iPhone on the sand and in the water. I can also freely take pictures and videos at the beach and in the sea without being afraid of the water. Another situation where I might use it is at the water-park. Everyone loves to take photos and videos at water parks, but at the same time extremely afraid their electronic devices might get wet. This case would absolutely solve my problem!
I like the look of the overboard better. I would use it when i go hiking, swimming, and just everytime it rains and i am going to be outdoors.
Both look great, but I like the fact that the entire screen is visible in the aquapac. Would make me a whole lot less nervous when bringing my daughter to the pool or beach.
The Aquapac please! Need one for the pool!
Can they build a water proof case that doesn't look like a plastic baggy you carry around to pickup dog poo?
PS, the photo for this article is my new Lock Screen
the aquapac is much better looking. I would use it since I live in Florida and hit up the beach all the time. I wonder how the cases are with sun glare?
You should give one away to someone that uploaded wallpaper to that contest.
http://forum.tipb.com/showthread.php?p=1597903
Overboard is nicer looking in my opinion
I would like the Overboard. They both seem nice. I would find it useful next time I'm on a Carribean cruise or on a 3 day backpacking trip. It'd be nice not to worry about my phone getting wet and not having to resort to a ziplock snack bag, like I usually do (although those are a nice solution if you have no other alternative).
Your video is pretty awesome. I could have used the Aquapac at Canada's wonderland this summer.
I would choose the Aquapack since they have a three year warranty. I run offshore power boats, and a phone could be the posible lifeline in the unlikely event of a rollover. Currently I double bag in Ziplock bags. I have lost phones to the water, by either me falling in or the phone falling out of it's pouch. I was the first to loose a Motorola 8000s in 1986 according to the Motorola sales rep. That phone cost me $2972 back then.
John
..... Im sorry what is the product your reviewing again..... Gorgia Gorgia Gorgia
I'd Like the Aquapack to use because I go boating a lot and I have lost my iphone overboard
I like the Aquapac. I could use it to safely take pictures of my catches on a fly fishing trip to New Mexico with my iPhone 4.
Definately would take it with me when Seaweed fishing.
Not sure if the contest has ended, but if not, I'd take the Aquapac. It seems it would be more conducive to underwater pictures, which is most important for me when it comes to a waterproof case.
I would like the overboard and i would like to take it underwater in a lake i go to.
Being an avid kayaker, Waterproofing for almost anything taken along is a must. If I were to have an AquaPac, it would make life so much easier, not having to worry about losing all control of my precious iPhone 4 on the rolling waves of Lake Superior, would be a asigne lifted from a mans shoulders! Cheers!
Overboard, definitely, I'd take my iPhone to Captiva Island, off the coast of West Florida, I'd love to be able to take my iPhone to the beach with me.
I really like both of them but I prefer the overboard! I have in-ceiling speakers in my bathroom and the sound with my Iphone. I need the overboard case so I can switch tracks when I am in my baththub or even my shower!
The Aquapac would be my choice. The fact that it has a 3 year warranty and that the case is clear all the way around makes it top the Overboard. Would be great to have for any water scenario. I don't like taking my iphone 4 anywhere where there is a body of water. A must have for when I'm at the pool, beach, or lake. It would be nice not worrying about my phone going overboard.
these cases are dum why would u want then in a bag?
Wohoo I like the overboard.
Love the Aquapac! Used on my minivacation in August to South Padre Island! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L8ogPxw-U&feature=youtubegdata_player
since both Aquapack and Overboard performed well on the pool and carwash test, I would go by looks..and I prefer the look of the overboard case. I would put my iphone in it to protect it from water when I am kayaking on the bay...and good to know if I tip over my phone will still be protected.
I'd have to go with the Aquapac so I can take pictures of my splash-happy daughter by the pool with much less stress!!
I like the overboard, more my style. Thanks again Tipb for your great giveaways.
I'd like the Aquapac please. I would really like to to try it out at the beach with a wetsuit and a pair of waterproof Bluetooth headphones! ;^)
I prefer the aquapak...I am out on the boat every weekend here in beautiful Key Largo FL...want to be able to safely snap all of the lobsters we bring up, all of the fish that we catch, my hunky honey as he gets back in the boat...all without worry of hurting my phone.
I would have to go with the Aquapac since it is clear all around. I would use it when I am surfing so when i get surrounded by sharks i can call someone to help me. I surf in trestles right where there where two great white sharks spotted. here a video f the sharks in the area http://vimeo.com/14054518
This would be nice for my rafting trips.
Oh the overboard for me pwease!
Although I like the looks of the overboard my vote is for the Aquapac. I like the fact that you could use both cameras with it and the warranty sounded like the best of the two.
I an real inpress with the AQUAPAC, I do alot of fishing and I all most had my Iphone 4 in the drink
I want one!!!!
I want the aquapack!!!! It would be great for the pool and the bathtub, that I use regularly.
Overboard for me. Aside from it's functionality, it wouldnt be too hard to find when you accidentally drop in it in lets say a vast pool or something because its black.