Divevolk SeaTouch vs SeaLife SportDiver: Which Underwater Smartphone Housing is Right for You?

Divevolk SeaTouch Max Plus and SeaLife SportDiver underwater housings for smartphone diving

''Which one should I get… the Divevolk or the SeaLife SportDiver?” The short answer does not exist. Both housings are good, reliable, and popular, but underwater they feel completely different. The difference is not in quality, but in how you work as a diver. This is the story from a diver’s perspective, showing how it feels in practice.

SeaLife SportDiver – for divers who want calm and certainty

The SeaLife SportDiver Ultra feels familiar as soon as you go underwater. It works more like a compact camera with physical buttons than a smartphone accessory. Everything is controlled by buttons. That means: no fuss with touchscreens, no doubt whether it will respond press and it works.

For many divers, that is exactly what they want. Especially with gloves on or in colder water, this system works smoothly and reliably.

A key feature is the vacuum system. Before the dive, the housing is checked to ensure it is completely sealed. This gives peace of mind. If the idea of using a smartphone underwater still feels a little risky, this is a big plus. Less doubt, more focus on the dive itself.

The SportDiver connects via an app and Bluetooth. This may sound like a disadvantage, but in practice it hardly matters. Once underwater, everything works logically and reliably. You follow the structure of the app and always know what to expect.

In short: this system is for divers who mainly want to dive, occasionally take a photo or video, and move on. No frills, no experiments.

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max PLUS – for divers who want full control

The Divevolk approaches it completely differently. This is not a camera-like system; it is literally a smartphone underwater. No app, no Bluetooth, no middle layer. The touchscreen continues to work normally.

At first, it may feel strange: swiping, tapping, adjusting settings – all underwater. But once it clicks, it becomes clear why so many people are enthusiastic about it.

Everything your phone can do above water, it can do below. Want a different camera app? No problem. Adjust focus points or white balance? Easy. Start a video, switch to photo mode, review your shots – it all works as expected.

Important note: each smartphone model requires a specific adapter. This requires a bit more attention when purchasing, especially if you have multiple phones. The advantage is maximum freedom underwater.

Buttons versus touchscreen

This is the real difference.

The SeaLife SportDiver Ultra basically says: “Let me do the work; you just press the buttons.”

The Divevolk SeaTouch says: “Here is your phone. Go ahead. Everything is possible.”

Neither is better; it is purely a matter of personal preference.

And what about red filters?

This question always comes up – and rightly so. Once you go deeper than about 5 meters (in tropical blue water), red colors disappear. Everything turns blue or green. This is not a camera issue; it’s simply physics.

A red filter is therefore not a gadget, but simply logical when filming or photographing with natural light.

With the SeaLife SportDiver, the red filter is included.
With the Divevolk, it is part of the filter kit (highly recommended).

Which system suits which type of diver?

SeaLife SportDiver

Physical buttons
Extra security through vacuum control
Ideal with gloves
Calm, simple, predictable

Divevolk SeaTouch

Full touchscreen
No app required
Maximum control over settings
More flexibility for expansion

Expansion options – how far do you want to go?

Where both systems also differ is in how far they can be expanded. Let’s be honest: almost no one stops at just the housing. After a few dives, the need arises for better lighting, more stable shots, or richer colors.

SeaLife SportDiver – modular and straightforward

Fits perfectly within the SeaLife system
Everything is well thought out, logical, and ready to use
Easy combination with SeaLife lights and accessories
Standard mounting points for trays and arms
Red filter included
Everything is plug-and-play, minimal setup required

This is ideal for divers who want to expand step by step, without dealing with various brands, arms, mounts, or adapters. The system remains clear and reliable, even with added accessories.

Divevolk SeaTouch – open system, endless options

Much less “defined” system – basically a blank canvas
Compatible with almost all brands of video lights
Suitable for advanced tray and arm setups
Extra filters (red, magenta) easy to add
Perfect for photo and video setups
Touchscreen fully functional, so external camera apps also usable

This makes the Divevolk attractive for divers who want to grow into more creative setups, with multiple lights or adjustable options.

Practical difference underwater

SeaLife focuses on consistency: everything works the same, no matter how many accessories are added.

Divevolk focuses on freedom: expansion can be limitless, but requires more knowledge and setup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which smartphone underwater housing is best for beginners?
Both are suitable. SeaLife SportDiver is often easier due to physical buttons and vacuum system. Divevolk SeaTouch Max Plus offers more possibilities.
Do you always need an app?
Only with the SeaLife SportDiver. Divevolk SeaTouch Max Plus works fully without an app and uses the smartphone touchscreen directly.
Does the Divevolk touchscreen work reliably underwater?
Yes. Special membrane technology ensures reliable operation even during dives. For drysuit gloves, a Divevolk touchscreen finger is recommended.
Is a red filter necessary?
Strongly recommended when using natural light. From about 5 meters depth, red disappears. With strong video lights, a red filter is usually not needed.
Can you dive with gloves?
Yes, both systems work with gloves. SeaLife SportDiver has an advantage with physical buttons. Divevolk works best without thick (drysuit) gloves.
Are both housings suitable for snorkeling and diving?
Yes, both are suitable for snorkeling and recreational diving. Divevolk is often chosen by snorkelers due to touchscreen convenience.
What happens if the Bluetooth connection fails with Sealife?
Rarely happens in practice. The connection is set before the dive and remains stable underwater.
Can one housing work with multiple phones?
SeaLife depends on size and compatibility. Divevolk requires a specific adapter per smartphone model, but multiple adapters can be used.
Can both systems be expanded with lights and trays?
Yes. Both housings can be fully expanded with trays, arms, video lights, and other accessories.
Which choice is most future-proof?
Depends on your usage. For simplicity and reliability, choose SeaLife. For maximum freedom and creative possibilities, choose Divevolk.