Why get a phone sanitizer?

Like any other tangible surface, your phone plays host to many bacteria. Some studies have shown that your phone can be home to over 25,000 bacteria per square inch, roughly triple the amount you'd find on a doorknob. When you consider how often you touch your phone, the benefits of regular disinfecting become clear.

How effective is a phone sanitizer?

Phone sanitizers use ultraviolet radiation to destabilize nucleic material, killing most surface bacteria and severely limiting their ability to spread. While ultraviolet radiation has been a proven method to reduce the spread of bacteria and disinfect air, water, and nonporous surfaces, the FDA currently does not have conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of UV light against COVID-19.

Can you use a phone sanitizer with other stuff?

This depends on what you're trying to disinfect. UV light can have trouble getting into nooks, crannies, or other porous surfaces, so stick with things that have smooth surfaces for maximum effectiveness. And while UV light can degrade certain materials over time, like paper, this would require constant exposure over long periods.

The Best Phone Sanitizers of 2024

Keep germs off your smartphone

Alan Bradley

Updated on February 16, 2024

Fact checked by

Stephen Slaybaugh

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

A phone sanitizer utilizes UV-C lights to sterilize surfaces, claiming they can kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses.

The best phone sanitizer on the market is the PhoneSoap v3. It comes from a reputable brand and has dual UV-C lights and charging options to juice your phone while you sanitize.

Our Top Picks

Just Buy This (All Around Best):

PhoneSoap 3 at Amazon $80

Jump to Review

Also Great:

HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer at Walmart $25

Jump to Review

Easiest on the Budget:

SALE

HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag at Amazon ~~$20~~ $17

Jump to Review

Handheld:

VamsLuna Portable UV Sanitizing Wand at Amazon $19

Jump to Review

Just Buy This (All Around Best)

PhoneSoap 3

PHOTO: Amazon

$80 at Amazon $106 at Walmart $80 at CVS

Pros

Kills most bacteria
Can charge phone while cleaning
Compact, durable design
Also fits earbuds, watches, and other devices

Cons

You can't see the results
Doesn't clean smudges, dirt, etc.

PhoneSoap 3 Review

Simple and easy to use, PhoneSoap 3 is regarded as the best phone sanitizer out there. It has even been featured on Shark Tank, ABC's popular TV series, and tested by Discovery Channel.

PhoneSoap 3 uses Ultraviolet (UV) rays, claiming it can kill 99.99 percent of all the bacteria and other germs on smartphones. Its patented design features two medical-grade UV-C lights (one at the base and the other on the lid), with the phone placed on a transparent quartz plate between the two light bulbs.

The entire interior of PhoneSoap 3 is coated with reflective paint, which ensures complete sanitization of the phone (or any other item placed on the plate) in just ten minutes. The sanitizer comes with two USB (one Type-A and one Type-C) ports, which let you conveniently charge your cell phone while it's being sanitized. PhoneSoap 3's acoustic outlets amplify sounds from the cell phone, allowing you to easily hear alarms and notification alerts even when the device is in the sanitizer.

Compatible with almost all cell phones, PhoneSoap 3 is available in multiple colors, such as black, orchid, and silver.

_{Percent Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 6.8 L x 3.74 W x .78 H | Charging/Power Type: Power cable | Sanitizing Time: 5 minutes}

Also Great

HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer

PHOTO: Courtesy of HoMedics

$25 at Walmart $60 at Bloomingdales $30 at Kohls.com

Pros

Pop up design for maximum UV coverage
Fits virtually any smartphone

Cons

Phone has to be flipped over

The UV-Clean phone sanitizer from Homedics is effective, compact, and very fast (and compatible with virtually any smartphone currently being sold), with a pop-up design that allows cleansing UV light to reach every square centimeter of any device (as well as keys, credit cards, jewelry, and more) that you pop inside. It's hands-down your best option for keeping your phone free of unwanted germs and other harmful bacteria, yet it's significantly cheaper than most full-size UV phone sanitizers.

This sleek, zip-up case uses 2 UV-C germicidal LEDs to eradicate germs in just under a minute, and with its excellent battery life, you can use this case up to 70 times on a single charge. The UV-Clean is large enough to fit just about any phone size, regardless of the model, but compact and light enough to take anywhere.

_{Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 9.38 L x 1.25 W x 4.75 H | Charging/Power Type: Power cable | Sanitizing Time: 1 minute}

Easiest on the Budget

HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag

PHOTO: HoMedics

$17 at Amazon View on Homedics.com

Pros

Portable and stylish design
Very fast sanitizing
Works with many items

Cons

Interior capacity could be a bit bigger

The HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Storage Bag differs slightly from the other phone sanitizers on this list. This model from HomMedics is designed to fit into your everyday bag so you can sterilize various items on the go. It comes in black, red, and gray and has a fabric texture, adding some style.

Despite the modest size, its maker claims it can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses using four UV-C LED lights on the interior. The sanitization process takes just one minute, making it one of the fast phone sanitizers on the market. It can handle many items, including phones, keys, jewelry, glasses, remote controls, smartwatches, earbuds, and anything else that can fit into the interior. The battery is rechargeable.

_{Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 6.8 L x 3.74 W x .78 H | Charging/Power Type: Micro-USB to USB-A | Sanitizing Time: 1 minute}

Handheld

VamsLuna Portable UV Sanitizing Wand

PHOTO: Courtesy of VamsLuna

$19 at Amazon

Pros

Effective against 99.9% of harmful bacteria
Super portable
Versatile and easy to use

Cons

Requires four AAA batteries

While a lot of UV sanitizers require you to deposit your phone inside of them for some time, this handy wand lets you just quickly wave it across the surface of a device and, presto, no more ugly germs. It kills up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria, including salmonella, e-coli, h1n1, and swine flu, all through the environmentally-friendly power of UV-C rays.

This little wand is ideal for traveling and will fit easily into a purse, carry on, or even your pocket. Even if you've got a full-sized UV sanitizing bank at home, you may want to consider grabbing this as an add on for travel or the office. It takes four AAA batteries (not included), and is a breeze to use, fully sanitizing even larger devices in a minute or less.

_{Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 14.25 L x 1.5 W x 1.25 H | Charging/Power Type: Two AA batteries | Sanitizing Time: 5 seconds}

What to Look For in a Phone Sanitizer

Portability

Do you plan to take your phone sanitizer on the go? After all, germs are everywhere! In that case, you’re better off with a battery-powered handheld sanitizer—most work like wands you brush over your device. Some sanitizers don’t even require power. These won’t defend against germs as effectively but will clean off greasy fingerprints in a snap.

Charging Capability

Why sanitize when you can charge and sanitize at the same time? If you have extra cash, you can level up for charging capabilities. Some feature USB ports that enable charging while sanitizing, and some even have Qi wireless charging for added convenience.

Compatibility

Most phone sanitizers on the market are broadly compatible, but it's essential to check that the one you want works with your phone before making a purchase. Some designs that enclose the phone entirely won’t be able to accommodate larger models, while others are explicitly built for larger devices, even tablets.

FAQ

Why get a phone sanitizer?

Like any other tangible surface, your phone plays host to many bacteria. Some studies have shown that your phone can be home to over 25,000 bacteria per square inch, roughly triple the amount you'd find on a doorknob. When you consider how often you touch your phone, the benefits of regular disinfecting become clear.
How effective is a phone sanitizer?

Phone sanitizers use ultraviolet radiation to destabilize nucleic material, killing most surface bacteria and severely limiting their ability to spread. While ultraviolet radiation has been a proven method to reduce the spread of bacteria and disinfect air, water, and nonporous surfaces, the FDA currently does not have conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of UV light against COVID-19.
Can you use a phone sanitizer with other stuff?

This depends on what you're trying to disinfect. UV light can have trouble getting into nooks, crannies, or other porous surfaces, so stick with things that have smooth surfaces for maximum effectiveness. And while UV light can degrade certain materials over time, like paper, this would require constant exposure over long periods.

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