Best Products > Phones & Accessories 113 113 people found this article helpful The 6 Best Phone Sanitizers of 2023 Keep germs off your smartphone By Alan Bradley Alan Bradley Alan Bradley is currently a freelance writer. Formerly, he was the Senior Tech Editor for Dotdash and the head of commerce for Lifewire. He worked for Dotdash from September of 2019 to May 2021, and is an experienced culture and tech writer/editor, with a background in journalism and reporting. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 22, 2023 Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh Fact checked by Stephen Slaybaugh New York University London Metropolitan University Stephen Slaybaugh is a fact checker and music writer with with more than 20 years experience writing about internet retail and consumer tech. He has been featured in Digital Trends, DealNews, and TechRadar. He is a content designer at Bose Corporation and is completing his Master of Arts in Digital Media. lifewire's fact checking process We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Tweet Share Email Phones & Accessories Accessories A phone sanitizer utilizes UV-C lights to sterilize surfaces, claiming that 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. We like the PhoneSoap HomeSoap for larger devices. It's more costly, but it has a bigger interior space and dual UV-C lamps, allowing for thorough cleaning and simultaneous charging. The Rundown Best Overall: PhoneSoap 3 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Large Devices: PhoneSoap HomeSoap at Amazon Jump to Review Most Thorough: HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer at Walmart Jump to Review Best Splurge: Violux Luma Pro at Violux.com Jump to Review Best for Fast Cleaning: HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Handheld: UV Care Pocket Sterilizer at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks What to Look For in a Phone Sanitizer FAQ Best Overall PhoneSoap 3 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Verizon What We Like Kills most bacteria Can charge phone while cleaning Compact, durable design Also fits earbuds, watches, and other devices Provides peace of mind What We Don't Like 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 Best for Large Devices PhoneSoap HomeSoap 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS What We Like Can charge devices while cleaning Holds larger or multiple devices Useful for other household items What We Don't Like No visible proof of sanitization Won't clean off smudges, dirt Large, awkward, angular shape Feels like overkill on price and size Previous version: PhoneSoap XL Review The days of compact cell phones are mostly behind us, and many people also use tablets with their smartphones, so a phone sanitizer needs to be big enough to sterilize these sizeable devices. Enter HomeSoap. As its name suggests, HomeSoap is meant for sanitizing all the electronic devices you might have around the house, from utensils to books and beyond. It can easily house big tablets, including Apple’s iPad Pro. HomeSoap 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 enables you to charge any device while the process is underway. HomeSoap is backed by a one-year warranty and comes in 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 Most Thorough HoMedics UV-Clean Superior Strength Phone Sanitizer Courtesy of HoMedics View On Walmart View On Bloomingdales View On Harmonfacevalues.com What We Like Pop up design for maximum UV coverage Fits virtually any smartphone What We Don't Like 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 Best Splurge Violux Luma Pro 4.5 Courtesy of Best Buy View On Violux.com What We Like Sleek design with self-contained UV-C Lab-tested and verified Comes with companion app Helpful light and sound indicators What We Don't Like Large form factor No child lock on the door Violux Luma Pro Review The Violux Luma Pro is a lab-tested smart UV-C sanitizer, and its maker claims it is verified to kill up to 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria lingering on surfaces. Small and large items fit into the boxy device, weighing 25.5 pounds and measuring 12.5x14.25x13.125 inches internally and 16x15.625x17.5 inches externally. 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 uses 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 Best for Fast Cleaning HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag HoMedics View On Amazon View On Homedics.com What We Like Portable and stylish design Very fast sanitizing Works with many items What We Don't Like 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 Best Handheld UV Care Pocket Sterilizer 4.2 Walmart View On Amazon View On Sharperimage.com What We Like Compact and portable Uses UV-C sterilization Safety switch enables when pointed upward Affordable Comes in several colors What We Don't Like Not rechargeable UV exposure risk Results aren't visible UV Care Pocket Sterilizer Review The UV Care Pocket Sterilizer is a portable UV-C sanitizer for personal devices such as smartphones, keyboards, and purses. This foldable UV sterilizer measures under 5 inches folded and 9 inches unfolded and weighs 2.3 ounces. Our product tester found it fits easily into jacket pockets and small bag compartments—and barely noticed it was there. This sanitizer lacks a built-in battery but operates on four AAA batteries for ultimate portability. You can also use it with the provided micro-USB-to-USB power cable in a pinch or if you're using this mainly in one place. 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 needs 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 carefully using 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 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 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 checking that the one you want works with your phone before making a purchase is essential. Some designs that enclose the phone entirely won’t be able to accommodate larger models. Other options 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 UV radiation can be harmful if it comes into direct contact with your skin or eyes, these risks are avoidable when using a phone sanitizer or UV wand correctly. They are typically safer than most cleaning aerosols or astringents like bleach or isopropyl alcohol. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! 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