A good armband helps you do that—it holds your phone without pinching, chafing, overheating, shifting, or bouncing—so you can focus on your form, or the road, or the pizza you’re going to destroy at the end of your run. We put a box of running armbands to the test to find which do the best job of staying in place and holding our phones securely—while also being comfortable and easy to ignore. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and designers, and use our own experience running with our phones strapped to our arms (over shirts and jackets and right against our skin) to determine the best.
Best Running Armband of 2021
Phone detaches from armband No case to interfere with touchscreen Magnetic guide for easy, one-handed attachment Lacks weather protection No padding on velcro strap Expensive One thing that may be a dealbreaker for some is that the LifeActiv requires a mounting piece to be permanently attached to the back of your phone using a strong glue. Still, we didn’t mind dealing with the extra bulk in exchange for long blissful runs with little time lost to fidgeting with an armband. This model gives you a convenient way to carry your phone along to track your fitness, and we recommend it for those who don’t intend to utilize apps or switch up playlists during their run. Although this armband keeps your phone safe and secure, it isn’t easy to use apps or make adjustments to your music on the fly. The clear plastic cover allows for tapping, pinching, and swiping, but you’d have to contort yourself to actually see what’s on the screen, and you’ll definitely need to stop running to use your phone. Affordably priced, comfortable, and complete with features like a credit card holder and a headphone clip, we are big fans of the PHONELOV. Padded strap Easily adjusted Multiple access points for headphone cords Too thin for phones in bulky cases Initially, we were skeptical about the thin padded strap on the Tune Belt Sport, but we were pleasantly surprised a few miles in to realize it stayed in place well and was actually quite comfortable. The thin velcro strap is easily adjustable while on the move, allowing you to promptly change the band’s position to get a better view of the screen.
All in all, the Tune Belt Sport occupies a happy medium between a floating mount style armband and a more protective sleeve, while offering comfort for the long haul. 180 degrees of rotation Stretchy silicone mount holds phones of all sizes Elastic strap accommodates arms 8″-16″ Plastic parts can feel uncomfortable Very small key holder
“One size fits all” is a bold claim, but the Newppon 180 delivers with a grippy silicone mount that stretches to accommodate devices as large as an iPad mini securely. The Newppon is pretty nifty, with stretch silicon straps that hold a range of phone sizes, plus it rotates 180 degrees, making it a little easier to see what’s on your screen.
The low-profile Tribe Fitness Water Resistant Armband is a solution for folks who just want a simple, effective way to run with their phone without having it flop around annoyingly in their pocket.
Although the neoprene backing feels soft against the skin, our testers occasionally felt the vinyl front piece poke them in the arm. This armband holds your very snug against your arm, but the thin neoprene sleeve may not fit your phone if it has a bulky case. On this armband, Tribe utilizes a removable and rotatable mount to alleviate the challenges associated with in-stride phone access and usage.
The entire mount slides out to disconnect from the armband, but it requires some effort, and it’s easy to accidentally pull the phone out of the silicone bands if you don’t grab it just right. It can secure smaller phones like the one shown here but stretches to accommodate devices a large as an iPad mini.
No velcro band Comfortable Phone cannot be accessed without stopping activity Hard to put on over a long-sleeved shirt This design has many advantages, such as comfortable straps, no pressure points, a key or card pocket, and a zippered pouch that can fit most phone sizes.
Forget about accessing your phone or messing with your apps while wearing this armband, but if you’re a smartwatch owner who pairs their device with some wireless headphones, this unique sleeve may be the most comfortable choice. Ease of use also greatly affected our choice in armbands, with the LifeActiv coming up on top due to how easy it is to attach and remove our phones while the band is strapped to our arms.
Finally, we looked at stability, paying close attention to the movement of our devices and whether or not the armbands shifted on our arms. Although you can keep your phone in a pocket, fanny pack, or backpack, an armband will give you the most access to your device with the least interference to your workout. Most athletic wear has small pockets (or none at all), and the feeling of a phone jostling around while you move can be distracting or downright uncomfortable.
Anyone running longer distances with a small backpack will need to stop their activity and remove the pack to operate their phones.
The most comfortable armbands we tested feature some type of moisture-wicking padding, highly adjustable straps, and soft, flexible components. The least comfortable models had rigid plastic parts that uncomfortably dug into our arms when we bent or stretched, or unpadded straps that pinched or chafed during a long run. The Tune Belt Sport is a favorite in terms of comfort because it is heavily padded with neoprene and provides good adjustability with its velcro strap. The E-tronic Edge is also a comfy model, distributing pressure evenly over a soft, stretchy sleeve and forgoing any velcro straps. Our testers found this design quite comfortable, but had trouble accessing their phones, since when they tugged on the zipper, it pulled the whole sleeve down instead of unzipping. The less comfortable models were the mount-style with larger plastic components like the Newppon 180 Rotatable and the Tribe Fitness Running Phone Holder. Some runners like to “set it and forget it,” strapping their armband on and enjoying their infinite playlist as the miles fly by. Of the armbands we tested, sleeve-style models with clear plastic front pieces offered the most protection from the elements.
Magnetic guides help you dock the phone with the Lifeactive armband, and a small switch locks it in place. Then you can quickly check Strava, switch to your favorite metal playlist, slap your phone back in place, and run off into the sunset. A clear plastic window in the front allows you to tap and scroll on the screen, but you won’t be able to use buttons on the top or sides of the phone. The advantage of the velcro strap design is that you can adjust the tightness of the band and easily put it on over a jacket or long sleeve shirt. They can hold a phone as small as an iPhone 5 snugly but can expand to accommodate and Galaxy 8 and even an iPad mini. The E-tronic Edge has a pretty stretchy pouch that could hold a small phone, keys, and even a couple of energy gel packets.
With the exceptions of the LifeActiv and the E-tronic Edge, every armband had a small velcro clip to remove slack from your headphone cords and prevent them from flying all over the place. These include the Tune Belt Sport, the Lovphone, the Tribe Water Resistant Armband, and the E-tronic Edge.
The Best iPhone Armbands for Running
But in our tests the Tune Belt Sport Armband was exceedingly straightforward and intuitive to use, felt great on our arms, and barely budged during runs. It’s easy to get iPhones of varying sizes into the open-topped neoprene pocket, and once your phone is in there behind the thin plastic face, it doesn’t bounce around distractingly. We found that model AB91 (what we link to throughout this guide) worked great for several phone sizes, all the way up to an iPhone XR with a Silk Kung Fu Grip case.
The standard-size, original Tribe Comrade armband feels great on the arm, doesn’t pinch or bind, and stays put.
Bonus: It comes in more than a half dozen colors (including pink, blue, purple, and black) and three sizes.
Best phone holder for running: Keep your phone safe and secure with the best armbands, belts and running backpacks
In the age of Strava and the perfectly curated running playlist, leaving your phone at home is simply not an option. Running backpacks, on the other hand, will be able to offer more space for water bottles, snacks and perhaps a change of clothes.
As we mentioned above, a running backpack might be a better option if you want somewhere to carry other essential items such as keys, money or maybe some emergency snacks. The weather is rarely reliable in the UK, so if you don’t want the rain to write off your run you’re going to want a phone holder that’s waterproof and has a decent zip seal.
Some phone armbands are touchscreen compatible, allowing you to operate your smartphone through a clear plastic screen on the holder. In addition to that, all the essentials are covered: it’s got a waterproof zip seal and a headphone port, and it fits well on both small and large arms. The swivel feature, which allows you to access your phone at a comfortable angle, is a very nice touch, and it also comes with a headphone cord slot and a small key pocket. The durability of the elastic bands is also questionable: VUP states in the Amazon product information that it can supply replacements if needed, but how much this costs (if anything) is unclear. Nevertheless, provided you understand and accept these risks, the VUP armband is an inexpensive and innovative phone holder. If you’d rather avoid the potential discomfort of velcro straps, the Ronhill Stretch Pocket might be a good alternative. The elastic pocket stretches over the arm to sit tightly against the skin and is considerably less bulky than some of the other entries on our list. As mentioned in our buying guide, a running belt can be a comfortable alternative to an armband, as it shifts weight evenly towards the core and reduces bouncing when you move.
It’s effectively one large tube-like pocket that can be accessed through a number of openings (these are simple slits in the belt, but if you’re worried about your valuables being secure, a zipper version is available). The belt has a reflective logo to enhance visibility for evening or early morning runs, and comes in a wide range of colours, including neon yellow, bright pink and aqua. Bear in mind that the belt is not waterproof, but you could feasibly wear it underneath a jacket in the event of rain. Despite this, it offers plenty of storage: in addition to the above-mentioned water bladder, there are six front pockets for small items such as snacks and Decathlon’s own 500ml soft flasks, four back pockets for larger gear, and even slots for walking poles (for when it comes to trail running or hikes).
11 Best Running Armbands Reviewed in 2021
We wanted to compare and establish how durable, protective and functional the running armbands were. Based on your personal preferences you may want running armbands that have reflective features to help keep you visible in low light, is easily washable, and don’t pinch your skin when you’re wearing it.
Best running armbands and phone holders 2021
A running armband or phone holder is essential gear for runners. Running has become an even more popular form of exercise for those wanting to get out of the house to keep fit, especially when until recently lockdowns had kept gym doors closed for so long. But unlike the treadmills at the gym, the great outdoors has no handy storage spots, which is why you’ll need the best running armbands or phone holders to keep your valuables secure. In January 2021, we used our daily exercise quota to put 10 popular running armbands from the likes of Nike, Decathlon, Sweaty Betty and more to the test. We pounded the pavement and park over a distance of 57km to find out which of these running armbands and phone holders are the most comfortable, secure, durable and easy to use. Tips for living well – get our free Food & Health newsletter: shop savvy, eat well, stay healthy
If you’re not yet a member, you’ll see an alphabetically ordered list of the running armbands we tested. The Armpocket Racer had the thickest padding of all the running armbands we tested. We put it through our tough durability tests to see if the strap can also be relied on to keep the phone holder on your arm. Headphone ports Six: top-right, top-left, top-centre, bottom-right, bottom-left, bottom-centre Headphone ports Six: top-right, top-left, top-centre, bottom-right, bottom-left, bottom-centre Headphone ports Six: top-right, top-left, top-centre, bottom-right, bottom-left, bottom-centre
At the centre-bottom of the screen window on RevereSport’s armband there’s a spot that works with fingerprint scanners, which is very handy if you need easy access to your phone when running. We took this and other important ease of use factors into account in our tough tests. We were pleased with how responsive our touchscreen was through the screen window of the Ronhill Phone Armband RH-003282.
We also judged it on how easy it was to attach, how securely it stayed on, and how quickly it dried when soaked. There’s a gap at the bottom of the screen window on the Tune Belt AB91 which, although handy for accessing a fingerprint scanner, makes it much easier for water to get inside. Instead of a screen window there’s a large extra zip pocket that you can easily store items, such as keys and cash, inside.
We weighed up the usefulness of this extra pocket as well as other key ease-of-use factors in our tough tests. We only ran in dry, mild conditions to avoid any undue impact from adverse weather.
Comfort and security aren’t the only things that make a good running armband. None of the armbands we tested claim to be waterproof, but all should provide basic splash protection so your phone won’t be at risk if you get caught in the rain. We checked for any tears or loose stitching and tested the durability of the strap by attaching and detaching it 100 times to see if you can expect any deterioration after wearing it for lots of runs. Some armbands lost a significant amount of strength and became fluffy, whereas others weren’t impacted by this test at all.
As running is such a unique experience for each user, deciding which phone holder is best for you can be tricky until you try them out. – as long as the screen window works with your touchscreen, you can easily tap away on your phone without having to fiddle around with taking it out and putting it back in. Make sure to check the screen window dimensions and maximum phone height an armband can take before you buy it. – armbands are often unable to fit phones of every size comfortably in the pockets. Make sure to check the screen window dimensions and maximum phone height an armband can take before you buy it. – your arm can only fit so much, so if you’re keen to take extra items like water bottles or energy gels you’ll find armbands limiting.
However, if it’s hot outside, you sweat a lot, or if you’re just going for a lengthier run carrying water is a very sensible thing to do. Dehydration can give you a headache and ruin your run at best, and can cause some very severe health conditions, such as heatstroke or seizures, at worst.
It’s not a good idea to drink your fluids all at once, though, as over-hydrating is bad for your health and your body will most likely reject most of the liquid instead of using it to hydrate you.
Spacing out your hydration equally over a longer period is a good way to ensure you get the most out of the water you’re drinking.
For example, if you’d lose one litre of fluid during a 60-minute run, you should aim to drink around 250ml every 15 minutes to keep optimally hydrated. The rate you lose fluid during exercise can vary, so if you want to be precise it’s worth reweighing yourself every now and again to see how you should adjust your hydration.
The 10 Best Cellphone Holders for Running of 2021, According to an Expert
Jack Hackett , Head Coach and Founder of Infinity Running Company , explains that it’s important that your cellphone holder feels comfortable and secure on your body. In addition to providing emergency service, cellphones offer fitness tracking apps and motivational music which is why many runners take their devices on their runs. A convenient way to carry both your phone and fluids, the design makes it easy to remove and replace the two BPA-free bottles.
The clear plastic window covers your screen but still allows full touchscreen control so you can access notifications and apps. The clear plastic cover allows you to change your music, check a text, or use a running app without removing your phone. Made from durable, recycled fabric with a memory foam back that’s comfortable against your skin, the armband has a mesh layer behind the phone pocket to allow for sweat ventilation. It features a large, easy-access window compartment to keep your phone protected, as well as a rear pocket to stash gels, money, or anything else you need on the run. The water-resistant Lycra material protects your valuables from sweat and light rain, and the Dura-Comfort technology ensures no bouncing, riding up, or chafing. The design makes it easy to quickly remove and replace the two BPA-free bottles, which feature leakproof push-pull nozzles. This budget-friendly running belt from MoKo Sports is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot for quality products with all the features that runners want. The ultra-lightweight, durable running belt is made to hold even the biggest phones, while still having plenty of room for keys, nutrition , and other essentials. The adjustable length makes it easy to get a comfortable fit, while the reflective stripes add to your visibility when running in low-light conditions .
The belt is made of high-quality, water-resistant material, so your valuables stay protected, even if you run into some unfavorable weather conditions . Distance runners need a secure way to carry their phones, as well as other long-run essentials such as keys, sports nutrition, ID, and money. It’s made of wicking neoprene fabric and has no openings directly on the skin, so your device stays protected from sweat and the elements. The clear plastic cover allows you to change your music, check a text, or use a running app without removing your phone.
“FlipBelt claims a “no bounce” design that has proven true to its word, even during a half marathon with a mobile phone and some snacks in the belt. The FlipBelt is practical for your cell phone and keys, but is also ideal for quick access to energy gel packets and bars, tissues, identification, cash, and any other small items.” — Wendy Bumgardner , Verywell writer and product tester
The versatile FlipBelt is also useful for traveling or attending sporting events and concerts, as a way to securely carry and hide your passport, credit cards, and other valuables under your clothes. With a slim, streamlined design and no uncomfortable, irritating fasteners, it doesn’t move, ride up, bounce, or chafe as you’re running .
Final Verdict For a running belt that can comfortably and securely hold your phone and other essentials, the FlipBelt (view at Amazon) rises to the top for its performance, design, and versatility. “If you are running with your phone so you can listen to music or podcasts, make sure there is a headphone jack,” says Paul Ronto, ultra-runner, gear expert, and chief marketing officer for RunRepeat.com.
“Surprisingly there are a lot of phone holders that do not work with a corded set of earphones, which may mean an expensive upgrade to wireless headphones.”
7 best running armbands: Carry your phone while you jog
Whether you’re just getting started on your jogging journey or are a seasoned marathon runner, a running armband can be an essential accessory that you won’t want to leave home without. Good extras to look out for include somewhere to store a key, while reflective detailing is an easy way to boost safety and visibility when running after dark.
We compared each one for comfort, how easy it was to change a song when our Google Pixel 4A was in position on our arm and how well the armband stayed in place when running. Buy now £ 7.99 , Decathlon.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Lululemon fast and free run armband Best for: Breathability Premium sportswear brand Lululemon’s running armband describes itself as “fast” and “free”, but does it live up to its name? It definitely felt free though – the lightweight fabric ensured it was comfortable throughout testing while its sweat-wicking features helped prevent any hot spots. Its mesh pouch is translucent (rather than fully transparent), meaning it’s not possible to read and reply to messages on the go, but it allowed enough visibility to change songs with the armband in place.
That said, the pouch includes an interior compartment perfect for bank cards, keys and could even fit a face mask too – ideal if you’re planning a well-earned post-run treat from a café. Buy now £ 35.99 , Amazon.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} £{{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Quad Lock sports armband Best for: Multi-sport athletes A fraction less than £30 might sound like a lot of money for an armband with some plastic bits on it, but it all makes sense if you’ve already converted to Quad Lock. It’s yet to release a Google Pixel 4A case (although its range is fairly comprehensive if you have an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy), so we had to attach a universal adaptor to our phone before getting started. The width of the strap helped spread the band’s pressure – even when done up tight – and the Velcro closure system didn’t slip once.
It’s worth noting that you might want to opt for something with a bit more water protection if running in all seasons, but the compatibility of the Quad Lock makes it a good choice for those who want a multi-sport option. Rather than strapping your phone to your arm, the VR Vest features a pouch that is located on the centre of your chest, making for a comfortable, slip-free experience.
Changing a song or checking a message is as simple as unfastening a popper, and unlike other armbands, its smart design means you can type with both hands.
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