Best Rugged Phones

Updated December 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
CAT PHONES Rugged Waterproof Smartphone
CAT PHONES
Rugged Waterproof Smartphone
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Bottom Line

Everything about this phone places it in a class by itself, including its long-lasting battery, cameras, storage ceiling, and even how deep it can be submerged.

Pros

5000 mAh battery. 5" full HD screen with Corning Gorilla glass 5. 3GB RAM with 32GB internal storage (expandable to 2TB). 810G shock and drop proof. IP68 certified waterproof to 2 meters for up to 60 minutes. Dual cameras (13MP rear, 8MP front). Loud, good quality speaker.

Cons

On the expensive side. Button configuration makes it easy to accidentally dial someone.

Samsung Galaxy S6
Samsung
Galaxy S6
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Bottom Line

Has a nice look and a rugged build, but it only works with GSM carriers such as AT&T.

Pros

Compatible with most GSM carriers. Has a 2500 mAh battery, as well as front (5MP) and rear (16MP) cameras. 3GB RAM, 64GB storage. 5.1" screen. Offers a good look, in your choice of colors. 810G compliant. Resists dust, shock, and solar radiation. Waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Cons

Will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon, Sprint, or Boost. Doesn't come with an SD card slot.

Blackview Rugged Smartphone
Blackview
Rugged Smartphone
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Bottom Line

This smartphone runs Android 7.0 and has support for LTE 4G+, but it only works with networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.

Pros

Available in black or black/yellow. Supports LTE 4G+ and runs Android 7.0. 2GB RAM, 16GB memory (supports a 32GB micro SD card, as well). Built-in NFC technology. Resistant to dust and drops. Waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. 4.7" screen. 4500 mAh battery. Works with networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.

Cons

Does not work with CDMA networks like Sprint and Verizon. USB port is too narrow. On the large/heavy side.

TOPSMA GSM Military Smartphone
TOPSMA
GSM Military Smartphone
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Bottom Line

While its look and app limitations may not appeal to everyone, this inexpensive phone offers some nice features such as dual SIM cards and a long battery life.

Pros

Supports 2G GSM networks like T-Mobile and Straight Talk. IP67 water, shock, and dust proof. 2.4" screen. Has good signal strength. Comes with built-in apps like Calendar, FM Radio, and Tasks. Battery is good for 42 hours of talk, or 160 hours standby. Support for dual SIM cards. Comes in gray or black. Decent price.

Cons

Doesn't work with 3G-only providers like AT&T, or with any CDMA carries like Verizon or Sprint. Screen is small. Built-in "smart" capabilities are minimal.

Best Bang for the Buck
Plum Ram 6 Rugged Cell Phone
Plum
Ram 6 Rugged Cell Phone
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Bottom Line

This affordable phone has a lot fewer perks and abilities than most others in this category, but it can be dropped or submerged in water and it will still work.

Pros

64MB memory, with a 32GB SD card slot. Good price. 2.4" display. IP68 certified water, dust, and shockproof. Features a built-in flashlight, as well as apps like a radio, MP3/MP4 player, and a 1.3MP camera. 24 hours talk time, with up to 900 hours standby. Can be submerged in up to 2' of water for 30 minutes.

Cons

Limited network support; will only work with T-Mobile or a provider that uses the T-Mobile network. 2700 mAh battery is smaller than other options.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

23 Models Considered
7 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
149 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

A rugged phone is great for industrial workers and everyday adventurers alike. It is usually waterproof, shockproof, drop-proof, and includes a long-lasting battery. Additionally, a rugged phone works in conjunction with networks from AT&T, T-Mobile, and other leading mobile carriers. A rugged phone may include a built-in flashlight, along with a camera and various apps. Also, a rugged phone typically offers a set amount of internal storage that can be expanded based on your data storage needs. Rugged phones come in a variety of sizes and styles. They tend to be easy to set up and customize to match your individual preferences.

The team that worked on this review
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Rich
    Rich
    Writer
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CAT PHONES

Rugged Waterproof Smartphone

CAT PHONES

Rugged Waterproof Smartphone

Everything about this phone places it in a class by itself, including its long-lasting battery, cameras, storage ceiling, and even how deep it can be submerged.
$419
×

Samsung

Galaxy S6

Samsung

Galaxy S6

Has a nice look and a rugged build, but it only works with GSM carriers such as AT&T.
$469
×

Blackview

Rugged Smartphone

Blackview

Rugged Smartphone

This smartphone runs Android 7.0 and has support for LTE 4G+, but it only works with networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.
$149
×

TOPSMA

GSM Military Smartphone

TOPSMA

GSM Military Smartphone

While its look and app limitations may not appeal to everyone, this inexpensive phone offers some nice features such as dual SIM cards and a long battery life.
$49
×

Plum

Ram 6 Rugged Cell Phone

Plum

Ram 6 Rugged Cell Phone

This affordable phone has a lot fewer perks and abilities than most others in this category, but it can be dropped or submerged in water and it will still work.
$45

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