Introduction: Why Dive Case Depth Ratings Matter

Ever dreamed of filming a thresher shark slicing through the deep or snapping a selfie with an octopus on a vibrant reef—all with just your phone? The secret’s in the dive case depth rating. Whether you’re a freediver chasing personal bests or a scuba diver hunting wrecks, how deep your gear can go decides what you can capture. No one wants a flooded phone ruining their dive (trust me, I’ve heard the sob stories). In this post, we’ll explore what’s lurking at different depths, share my own underwater filming tales, and compare the best smartphone dive housings to keep your phone safe. Ready to take the plunge?

What’s Down There? Underwater Wonders by Depth

The ocean’s a layered playground, and every depth has its own vibe. Here’s what you might see—and why your phone’s dive case matters.

0-33 ft (0-10 m): The Shallow Show

This is the snorkeling zone—bright sunlight, warm water, and life everywhere. Think clownfish darting through anemones, stingrays kicking up sand, or a lazy green sea turtle paddling by. It’s perfect for beginners, but don’t be fooled by those cheap waterproof pouches floating around for this range. They leak more often than a sieve—I’ve heard too many tales of drowned phones. A real dive case is the way to go, even here.

Also most whale action takes place at or close to the surface. These giants can dive way deeper than you or me but only when they come to the surface do we get a chance to see them properly. However, do not expect calm waters and easy conditions since and expect to be swimming a lot and fast. You will need a durable case with a wrist strap or otherwise your smartphone follows the whales to the depths of the ocean.

33-100 ft (10-30 m): Reef Central

Now we’re in recreational scuba and freediving territory. Reef sharks patrol the edges, parrotfish crunch coral with their beaky mouths, and schools of jacks swirl like a tornado. Colors start fading as sunlight weakens—without a light, your footage might look like a Smurf convention. This is where most divers hang out, and a solid dive case starts flexing its muscle.

100-196 ft (30-60 m): The Deep Drop

Things get wilder here—technical scuba and advanced freediving depths. You might spot a mola mola (ocean sunfish) drifting like a giant pancake or a thresher shark flashing its whippy tail. Wrecks down here are draped in soft corals, but light’s scarce—everything turns blue unless you’ve got gear to brighten it up. Most dive housings max out around here, but a few push further.

For a long time I underestimated red filters and lights. Check out the video on this site showcasing how color fades the deeper we go underwater.

Beyond 196 ft (60+ m): The Abyss Beckons

This is elite territory—tech divers and record-breaking freedivers only. Think deep-sea squid glowing faintly or eerie white sponges clinging to rocks. Most phone cases wave the white flag here, but one rare beast (hint: it’s coming later) can handle this depth. For now, it’s more about survival than selfies.

Your dive case depth rating decides if you’re filming rays or chasing mola molas—choose wisely!

Scuba Divers vs. Freedivers: Where They Dive

Different divers, different depths—here’s the rundown.

Scuba Divers

Recreational scuba divers stick to 60-130 ft (18-40 m)—PADI’s Open Water limit keeps it chill. You’ll see angelfish, barracuda, or a small wreck if you’re lucky. Technical divers push 196+ ft (60+ m), hunting hammerheads or deeper relics. Tanks give you time to explore, but your phone needs a case that can keep up.

Freedivers

Casual freedivers play in the 33-100 ft (10-30 m) range—breath-hold dives with sea turtles or a quick reef peek. Pros? They’re insane, hitting 328+ ft (100+ m) on a single gulp of air during line training or record attempts. No phone case survives that (yet!), but that is okay, since those depths are not conquered on a single breath to take a selfie anyways.

Whether you’re on tanks or lung power, your dive housing’s depth rating sets the stage.

My Deepest Dives: A Personal Take

I’ve taken my phone on some wild rides. My deepest video was at 148 ft (45 m) during freediving line training—just me and endless blue. No fish, just me and a rope. Usually, I’m filming between the surface and 80 ft (25 m)—vibrant reefs, a curious octopus, or a cheeky triggerfish. On scuba, I’ve shot at 100+ ft (30+ m), but without lights, it’s a blue soup—colors vanish fast down there. Lesson learned: depth’s cool, but lighting’s king for killer footage. Pick a dive case that fits your vibe, and don’t skimp on extras.

How Deep Can Smartphone Dive Housings Go? Dive Case Depth Ratings Compared

Here’s the gear that’ll get your phone down there—rated, ranked, and ready.

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max

• Depth Rating: 196 ft (60 m)
• Why I Love It: Full touchscreen access, fits any phone—my all-rounder favorite. From shallow selfies to deep wrecks, it’s got you.
• Best For: Everyone who wants versatility.

If you are using an ad-blocker, you might have to manually enter the code DIVEUWP6 during checkout.

ProShot Dive Case 2.0

• Depth Rating: 130 ft (40 m)
• Why It’s Great: The cheapest solid pick, iPhone-only, with a 12-month protection guarantee.
• Best For: Budget divers in the recreational zone.

If you are using an ad-blocker, you might have to manually enter the code UWP20 during checkout.

Kraken Universal Smartphone Housing

• Depth Rating: 262 ft (80 m)
• Why It Stands Out: The deepest rating around, built like a tank with aluminum, and an optional depth sensor in the Pro version.
• Best For: Tech divers chasing mola molas or wrecks.
• Unfortunately rarely available and seems to not be developed anymore

Oceanic+ Dive Case

• Depth Rating: 196 ft (60 m)
• Why It’s Slick: Dive computer features plus an editing app—premium vibes.
• Best For: Gearheads who love data with their shots.

Case	Depth	Price	Key Perk
Divevolk SeaTouch 4	196 ft (60 m)	$$	Full Touchscreen Access
ProShot Dive 2.0	130 ft (40 m)	$	Budget-friendly
Kraken Universal	262 ft (80 m)	$$$	Deepest rating
Oceanic+	196 ft (60 m)	$$$$	Dive computer + app

Your dive case depth rating depends on your wallet and your dive goals—pick your player!

Tips for Taking Your Phone Deep

• Check the rating—don’t push your luck past the limit.
• Rinse after saltwater dives—those seals need love.
• Grab a dive light—colors pop at depth (trust me, I’ve learned the blue way).
• If you own a Divevolk housing, check out this handy little shortcut for iPhones!

Conclusion: Pick Your Depth, Pick Your Case

So, how deep can you take your phone underwater? Divevolk’s my go-to at 196 ft (60 m) for all-round awesomeness, ProShot’s the wallet-saver at 130 ft (40 m), and Kraken’s the deep king at 262 ft (80 m) with its unmatched dive case depth rating. Whether you’re filming rays at 33 ft (10 m) or chasing thresher sharks at 196 ft (60 m), there’s a dive housing for you. Ready to capture your next underwater epic? Grab the best smartphone dive housing via our links below and dive in! What’s your deepest underwater shot? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!