Best waterproof cases for iPhone SE

Your iPhone SE is one awesome phone, but it's not waterproof. With summer comes beach-based road trips, lazy days poolside, beaches and baths, and plenty of opportunities for your iPhone to accidentally find itself submerged. Or maybe you're looking to capture some of your watery adventures right in the middle of the waves? You need 'em, we've got 'em: the best waterproof cases for your iPhone SE.

Catalyst waterproof case

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Hands down, the best reviewed waterproof case for the iPhone SE comes from Catalyst. It's been tested for up to 16.4 feet of submersion, as well as 6.6 foot drop impacts. The clear front and back of the case show off your chosen iPhone SE color, and it's built with a polycarbonate shell and integrated touch screen film. The hard coated optical camera lens protects yet allows for crystal clear photos and videos.

The air and watertight acoustic membranes allow for great music output. The Catalyst case comes with a durable, slim lanyard for your neck or wrist, and a great add-on accessory is the floating lanyard, which attaches easily to the case and keeps your phone bobbing just under the surface of the water while the flotation device stays in sight.

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LifeProof NÜÜD waterproof case

The great thing about the iPhone SE is that it's the same dimensions as the iPhone 5s, so the LifeProof case made for the 5s is a perfect fit. The screenless waterproof seal allows you to use your screen functions without interference, but the case ships with a plastic screen cover in case you want a little extra assurance.

The LifeProof NÜÜD is rated for up to 6.6 feet of submersion for up to two hours. It's thin, lightweight, and absolutely nice enough to use as your everyday case. It doubles as accidental drop protection, and you can use the headphone adapter to listen to music without having to remove the case to access the headphone jack.

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Submariner waterproof case by Kona

Kona waterproof phone case (Image credit: Kona)

The Submariner case by Kona has easy open and close levers that keep everything out and your iPhone SE safely in. It stays effective for up to an impressive 100 feet of submersion, so snorkel and frolic to your heart's delight.

The case fits your iPhone SE and extra items, too, like a little cash, credit card, or key. Its touch- and talk-through design lets you answer the phone without rushing to remove your phone to take that important call. The five year replacement guarantee is some nice added security, too. Bonus feature: if you squeeze the bag lightly before locking the top, it will give the bag buoyancy so your phone will float rather than drag through the water.

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Goton waterproof case

Goton waterproof case

If you love the look of LifeProof cases but you'd like to pay much less, the case from Goton will do the trick. It's been tested for up to two hours beneath 20 feet of water, and it also protects against drops of up to nine feet.

The Goton case allows you to use the multitouch screen, since the case seals around your phone screen completely. You'll have access to all the necessary buttons and functions, and the case comes with a headphone adapter that won't compromise waterproofing or require you to remove your phone from the case. It comes in four color varieties so you're bound to find one that's just the right look for you.

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YOSH universal waterproof dry bag

The universal waterproof bag from YOSH is incredibly popular and is consistently well-reviewed. Since it fits phones up to six inches, you'll have room for your iPhone SE as well as credit cards and a little more, or just your phone with a heavy duty case.

There are six different colors available, like the vibrant orange pictured here. YOSH offers a worry-free lifetime guarantee, so go ahead and put it through the paces. It's effective for up to two hours of shallow submersion, and the swivel lock secures your phone inside. It comes with a tough lanyard that won't come apart from the case while you're active.

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Ace Teah waterproof bag

Road tripping or flying to a beach destination with friends? The waterproof bags from Ace Teah can be purchased in twos (or more) so you can be the hero who treats everyone to iPhone waterproofing for the week.

The bag will leave you with enough room to fit a hotel room key, credit card, or ID with your phone as long as you remove any bulkier casing. The easy locking system secures your phone but grants quick access when you need it. It's available in several color combinations so no one will get their phone mixed up with yours. The non-toxic PVC material is touch sensitive even in the water, and will remain waterproof in up to 50 feet of water. The cases also include lanyards, which are removable.

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Take the plunge

Did your favorite waterproof case for your iPhone SE make our list? Tell us why you love it, or if you've come across another great case, tell us all about it in the comments below!

Christine Lachance