The Best Phone Sanitizers

If you are on your phone all day, it's important to keep it clean so you can stay healthy. From public transportation to restaurants and coffee shops to the office kitchen, you're exposing yourself and your phone to more germs than you might realize. So instead of leaving those germs there, pick up a phone sanitizer to eliminate pesky germs and bacteria. Here, we present our list of the best of the best in phone sanitizers.

What to Look For

We wanted to recommend only the best phone sanitizers, so we scoured the market with three questions in mind: Does it effectively kill germs without damaging our phones? Is it compact enough to carry with us during travels? Does it have additional features, like phone charging? Is the price fair? Our favorite came from PhoneSoap. Their sleek designs come in a range of cool colors, and the technology does a good job of both charging and disinfecting. But if you want something a bit more compact to fit in your daypack, we recommend checking out HoMedics space-efficient sanitizer. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s dive into the reviews.

PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer and Charger

Charge and sanitize simultaneously

This multipurpose gadget will quickly become part of your daily routine.
Best Overall

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This ingenious design has germicidal UV-C bulbs that will kill 99.99% of bacteria and germs on your smartphone. The interior also has a USB port and USB-C port where you can charge your phone while it’s being cleaned so that you can multitask better than ever before. Designed to fit any type of phone and even larger models like the iPhone Max, it’s the best way to keep your phone clean and disinfected after frequent use. You can even sanitize anything that will fit into the case, making it a great and effective way to keep small personal items like jewelry, earbuds, and keys clean and safe.

Pros:

  • If you want to keep your phone clean but don’t want another step to keep track of, this option may be for you. It sanitizes your phone and charges it simultaneously, saving you time and hassle.
  • This case is marketed specifically for use with phones, but it can sanitize anything that fits inside the 6.8″ by 3.74″ opening.

Cons:

  • This option needs an outlet to work, which may limit where you can use it.

PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Charger, Pink

Cleans in style

Sanitize anything that fits into this pink device for the ultimate versatility.
Best In Pink

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Sanitize and clean any of your small personal belongings — including your phone. The device has a nearly 4″ by 7″ inch reservoir that can fit even large cell phones. The UV-C bulbs will completely sanitize anything and kill nearly 100% of all germs and bacteria to keep you safe and healthy. Plus, the device also has a universal charger, so you can plug in your phone overnight and charge it simultaneously.

Pros:

  • Not just for phones, this disinfector can clean jewelry, keys, wallets, earbuds, and other small personal belongings.
  • The device has a universal charging port so you can plug in any cell phone, making it a great choice for families.

Cons:

  • The interior light stays on for 10 minutes after you place your phone inside.

HoMedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer

Compact to save space

This small disinfectant device is easy to take with you anywhere.
Most Compact

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Keep your phone clean no matter where you go. This pop-up sanitizer conveniently collapses to lay flat when not in use, so you can stash it in your backpack, purse, or desk easily and use it to kill 99.9% of bacteria with its UV-C germicidal LED lights. You can even use it for your glasses, credit cards, and more to keep all of your belongings germ-free.

Pros:

  • You can get up to 70 uses out of a single full charge, making it even more travel-friendly.
  • This pick is quick as well as convenient — it can sanitize in just 30 seconds per side.

Cons:

  • A charger is not included, so you’ll need to provide your own.

HoMedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer Bag

The luxury look

This fabric sanitizer bag is a stylish and sophisticated way to kill germs.
Best Design

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Keep your phone sanitized in style. This disinfectant bag design is made from soft and elevated fabric, so it looks great even when left out. The interior has UV-C LED lights that kill 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria at the DNA level so you can feel confident and safe. The sanitizing is also free of mercury and chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re exposing yourself to. Plus, you can use the bag for smaller items like keys, combs, or toothbrushes, making it a versatile staple around your home.

Pros:

  • We love the added flexibility that comes from the two interchangeable clips included in this purchase. You’ll receive a phone stand and a platform that you can use to place any items you’d like to sanitize in the bag’s roomy interior.
  • If you need a little more assurance to back up the efficacy claims, you can rest easy knowing that this pick has been third-party validated and lab-tested to ensure it works.

Cons:

  • The sanitizer can be used up to 18 times on a full battery but eventually needs to recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UV phone sanitizers really work?

The UV-C technology in phone sanitizers is proven to kill 99.9% percent of certain viral germs. The lights, however, only sanitize in areas where it reaches directly, so the smaller nooks and crannies of a phone won’t necessarily be sterilized.

How do phone sanitizers kill germs?

The sanitizers use UV-C technology, which is ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 200 and 280 nanometers. This light kills small viruses or bacteria on the surface of the phone to help prevent you from getting sick.

How do you charge a phone sanitizer?

Different sanitizer devices have different charging methods. Some use USB plugs, while others run on batteries or need to be plugged into power outlets. Check your particular model to confirm which type of power it needs.

About the Author

Chelsia has been a gamer for over two decades. She splits her time between her Playstation and PC, though she’s also been known to play board games as well. As a gamer, she knows how important it is to have a setup that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a new gaming monitor or wondering what third-party Playstation controller works the best, Chelsia has you covered.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.