Phone sanitizers come in different form factors. Many have an internal compartment where you place the device to sanitize. You can also get larger models that can handle tablets, baby bottles, and even dishes. There are also compact and portable versions that are no bigger than sunglasses cases, and keychains and rollers that are easy to tote around. For most people, we think you should just buy the PhoneSoap 3. If you’re looking for ways to keep your phone protected, not just clean, take a look at our roundups of the best Android phone cases and the best iPhone cases. PhoneSoap 3 uses Ultraviolet (UV) rays, and it’s claimed 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 being placed on a transparent quartz plate between the two light bulbs. The entire interior of PhoneSoap 3 is coated with reflective paint, which ensures full 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 As its name suggests, HomeSoap is meant for sanitizing all the electronic devices and other random detritus you might have kicking around the house, from utensils to books and beyond. It can easily house big tablets, including Apple’s iPad Pro. HomeSoap says it uses Ultraviolet (UV) rays to eliminate 99.99 percent of disease-causing bacteria on smartphones. With two big lamps, it can sanitize any device in about fifteen minutes. The device features a blue indicator light that lets you know when the sterilization is done. A universal USB port at the back of the sanitizer lets you charge any device while the process is underway. HomeSoap is backed by a one-year warranty and comes in two colors, white and black. Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 13.2 L x 3.7 W x 9.2 H | Charging/Power Type: Power cable | Sanitizing Time: 10 minutes This sleek, zip-up case uses 2 UV-C germicidal LEDs to eradicate germs in just under a minute, and with its awesome 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 with you 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 Suitable for everything from your phone to jewelry, silverware, or earbuds, the sanitizer is the perfect gift for someone who seemingly has it all, and comes in a handsome gift box. Its size means you can easily fit your phone and a number of other small items into the sanitizer all at the same time, and it’s great for keys, glasses, toys, toothbrushes, and more. Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 8.30 L x 4.50 W x 1.60 H | Charging/Power Type: USB-A | Sanitizing Time: 5 minutes In addition to interior stainless steel grates that protect the bulbs and objects placed inside and a sturdy stainless steel and plastic build, the Luma Pro has a glass door constructed with UV-C resistant glass to protect users. The Luma Pro uses four UV lamps to provide 360-degree disinfection. This sanitizer offers ultra-fast 1-minute and 2-minute cleaning cycles, controlled by one sole button placed on the inside edge of the device. The Luma Pro works with the companion Violux app to set up the device, monitor the lamps, and schedule cleaning reminders. Claimed Effectiveness: 99.9 percent | Size: 16x15.625x17.5 inches | Charging Type: AC power | Sanitizing Time: 1 to 2 minutes Smaller size doesn’t mean less disinfectant power for the Casetify: it still knocks out 99.9 percent of the germs infesting your phone according to its maker. It works in a full 360-degree arc as well, so there’s no need to take your phone out and flip it to make sure the entire device is bathed in cleansing UV light. Plus, for the style-conscious, it’s now available in three attractive colors: white, black, or light pink. Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 7.9 L x 5.1 W x 1.8 H | Charging/Power Type: USB-C | Sanitizing Time: 6 minutes Despite the modest size, it’s 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 a variety of items, including phones, keys, jewelry, glasses, remote controls, smartwatches, earbuds, and just about 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 As with all portable wand-style UV-C sanitizers, the results and risks are invisible. When it’s time to use this pocket sanitizer, the process is uncomplicated but requires some caution. The sole button requires a 3-second push to turn on the device, and the LED indicator lets you know when it’s on or off. UV Care recommends careful use of this product 0.25 inches away from the intended surface for at least 10 seconds. While it’s imperative to avoid contact with your skin or eyes, the manufacturer also took care to outfit this wand with a safety switch that engages if the lamp turns upward. Our tester found this feature reliable and general operation as easy as claimed, but she also noted that this device doesn’t come with any detailed lab data or safety certification. Claimed Effectiveness: 99.99% | Size: 4.92 L x 1.38 W x 0.98 inches H | Charging/Power Type: USB-C | Sanitizing Time: 2 seconds-3 minutes Primarily meant for cleaning touchscreens, iROLLER, as its name suggests, is shaped like a small roller. Simply roll it over your cell phone or tablet’s touchscreen a few times to instantly clean all those oily fingerprints, smudges, germs, and smears from the display. Having a patented liquid-free design, Mini iROLLER is compact enough to be kept in your pocket and carried around anywhere. This one of a kind sanitizer is reusable and doesn’t need to be washed after each use. Claimed Effectiveness: Non-sanitizing | Size: 3.5 L x 1 W x 1 H | Charging/Power Type: Uncharged | Sanitizing Time: ~1 minute
Charging Capability
Why just sanitize when you can charge and sanitize at the same time? If you’ve got some extra cash to spare, 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 have broad compatibility, 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. Other options are built specifically for larger devices, even tablets.
About Our Trusted Experts
Alan Bradley previously served as the senior tech editor for Dotdash and is an experienced culture and tech writer/editor. Andrew Hayward is a Chicago-based writer and tech journalist with more than 14 years of experience covering the industry. His areas of expertise include smartphones, and he reviewed several of the phone sanitizers on this list. Yoona Wagener has been testing products for Lifewire since 2019, specializing in smart home, lifestyle, and accessories. She tested many of the phone sanitizers on this roundup.
