A phone sanitizer incorporates UV-C lights to sterilize surfaces, with claims 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 and allows for thorough cleaning and simultaneous charging.
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.
Best Overall
PhoneSoap v3
Kills most bacteria
Can charge phone while cleaning
Compact, durable design
Also fits earbuds, watches, and other devices
Provides peace of mind
You can’t see the results
Doesn’t clean smudges, dirt, etc.
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
The days of compact cell phones are mostly behind us, and many people also use tablets with their smartphones, which is why a phone sanitizer needs to be big enough to sterilize these sizeable devices. Enter HomeSoap.
Best for Large Devices
PhoneSoap HomeSoap
Can charge devices while cleaning
Holds larger and/or multiple devices
Useful for other household items
No visible proof of sanitization
Won’t clean off smudges, dirt
Large, awkward, angular shape
Feels like overkill on price and size
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 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
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.
Best Thorough
HoMedics UV-Clean Superior Strength Phone Sanitizer
Pop up design for maximum UV coverage
Fits virtually any smartphone
Phone has to be flipped over
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 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
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.
Best Splurge
Violux Luma Pro
Sleek design with self-contained UV-C
Lab-tested and verified
Comes with companion app
Helpful light and sound indicators
Large form factor
No child lock on the door
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
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 carry so you can sterilize various items on the go. It comes in black, red, and gray, adding a bit of style to your carry, and has a fabric texture so it won’t look out of place next to your sunglasses cases.
Best for Fast Cleaning
HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag
Portable and stylish design
Very fast sanitizing
Works with many items
Interior capacity could be a bit bigger
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
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 a light 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.
Best Handheld
UV Care Pocket Sterilizer
Compact and portable
Uses UV-C sterilization
Safety switch enables when pointed upward
Affordable
Comes in several colors
Not rechargeable
UV exposure risk
Results aren’t visible
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 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
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 that 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.
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 expertise includes smartphones, and he reviewed several phone sanitizers on this list.
Yoona Wagener specializes in smart homes, lifestyle, and accessories. She tested many of the phone sanitizers on this roundup.
- 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 regularly disinfecting it 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.
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 regularly disinfecting it become clear.
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.
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.
