The Best Phone Armband for Running [6 Ranked And Reviewed]
Knowing what you need when you go running, especially the best phone armband, helps you with that—it holds your phone in place without pinching, pulling, overheating, or swaying while still tracking your miles and providing music or audiobooks to help keep your mind occupied, all while being able to access your phone quickly.
This article will examine the best armbands for running in 2023 and cover why running phone armbands are such a great tool for runners.
What Features to Look For In A Phone Armband
When shopping for a phone armband for running, several features must be considered to ensure that it meets your needs and preferences for this running gear. While many armbands have similar features, there are a few specifics to look for. Here are some key features to look for in a phone holder:
- Compatibility: Make sure that the running phone holders are compatible with your specific smartphone model, or choose a universal armband that will fit a range of phone sizes.
- Size and fit: The best phone holders for running should be large enough to hold even large phones securely but not so large that it’s bulky or uncomfortable to wear. Look for an adjustable armband in different sizes to ensure a good fit.
- Material: Choose an armband of breathable and moisture-wicking material to keep your skin dry and comfortable during your run.
- Closure: Ensure the armband has a secure closure, such as a Velcro strap or buckle, to keep your phone from falling out.
- Water resistance: If you plan to run in the rain or sweat a lot, look for a water-resistant armband to protect your phone.
- Reflective features: Some other phone holders, such as stripes or logos, can increase your visibility and safety while running in low-light conditions.
- Accessibility: Consider how easily you can access your phone while it’s in the armband. Some armbands have a clear plastic window that allows you to use the phone’s touchscreen, while others have a cutout for the phone’s buttons or headphone jack.
- Comfort: Try to find phone holders for running that are comfortable to wear and don’t rub or chafe against your skin. Look for one with a smooth, padded surface or adjustable strap.
- Durability: Choose the best phone holders for running made of high-quality materials and built to last. Look for one with reinforced stitching or a sturdy closure to ensure that it stays in place during your run.
The Best Phone Armbands For Runners And Athletes
But it's not just the high reviews that make this cell phone holder for running our number one pick. This small running armband has a lot to offer.
Generally, many of these sports armbands have the same general features, but the TRIBE put some thought into their phone arm band that few others did.
First off, the design of the Tribe fitness armband.
TRIBE keeps the phone inside the versatile armband in a water-resistant compartment with a clear, touch-sensitive plastic cover. With this, your phone is protected, and you can still operate the phone as usual with your fingertips.
TRIBE also thought about the smaller details for runners with this phone holder, like adding reflective stripes to the arm band to help keep them safe in lower light conditions.
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While the Tune Belt cell phone holder for running makes several running tools, the running armband is the most popular.
Tune Belt is one of the most popular armband options on Amazon because they have solved a problem that many runners with large phones have; not even the best running armbands will fit.
Tune Belt has solved this problem without sacrificing the slim design of the phone holder.
The Tune Belt neoprene armband phone holder for running can hold even the largest of cell phones, some while still in their cases. It also features a built-in style, exposing the face of the phone through the protective touchscreen window.
The phone holder for running is water-resistant, washable, and a great sports armband for those wanting to take their smartphone on the go.
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They upgraded the material and design, with the new mounting system allowing the user to rotate the phone into any position while running, a big plus for many runners.
VUP has been one of the best running armbands on Amazon for a while, with their previous model designed to strap your phone into the running phone holder for easy and secure access while running.
While other running armbands hold your gadget inside a phone pouch, this new phone holder model unveiled a new phone mount and rotating option, which allows the runner to easily see the phone’s screen with no screen protector and maneuver and rotate the phone when needed for optimal viewing and use without taking the adjustable strap off.
But going even a step further, they included a quick unlock feature on these running belts, which with just the twist of the phone, will easily remove the phone from the velcro armband if it needs to access your phone as normal for a bit. Easily snap the phone back in place on the phone holder when done and return to running.
I also did a video review of this running armband, which you can see HERE.
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Not only are these running belts some of the lowest price points on the list, but it's also a well-designed phone holder.
The MOVOYEE is the first of its kind on this list, a running phone holder that almost works more like a wallet or purse on your arm. With several storage containers, this phone holder can carry things such as a credit card, keys, a charging bank, or even a small snack. This can be very handy on long runs.
The smartphone is actually inside of the band, which almost acts like a carrying case.
But either way, this water-resistant cell phone armband is extremely handy and a good choice to make our list of the best phone armbands.
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This upgraded cell phone armband model increased the size of the built-in phone pouch compartment to carry more with you as needed on those long jogs.
Not just the fancy large zippered pocket size makes this a great armband for runners.
This is another great cell phone holder option where the phone is inside the band, exposing the face to the runner via a touch-sensitive screen on the arm.
This cell phone armband is a great option for runners to protect the phone from the elements since it is protected within the band.
We also see something new on this arm strap that we haven’t caught up to this point: a textured back of the strap with a silicone non-slip material, which will help the pad stay in place when running.
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This phone band can hold some of the most significant cases on the market.
Anyone who has used a running armband knows that often, they do not accommodate phone cases because of their phone size.
Reveresport has solved that problem with its upgraded armbands for runners. These cell phone armbands can hold cell phones in cases such as Otterbox, Lifeproof, and more.
The phone holder is also one of the only cell phone armbands with ports at the bottom of the band, allowing for plugging into your phone things such as a charging cable or headphones (although my preference is always over-ear wireless headphones).
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The Benefits of Wearing A Phone Armband For Running
Wearing a phone armband when running can offer several benefits and is one of my running essentials. Additionally, it keeps your phone readily accessible so you don’t miss any important calls or messages during your run.
For one, a phone holder allows you to easily access your phone while you are on the go, which can be useful for tracking your progress or listening to music. Furthermore, it can also prevent distractions from your phone bouncing or sliding around in your pocket.
A phone holder can also help keep your phone securely attached to your arm, reducing the risk of it falling out of your pocket or getting damaged. This can be particularly important if running on rough terrain or wet conditions. It can also give you peace of mind by keeping your phone safe and secure while you exercise.
Finally, wearing the best phone holders can help free up your hands, allowing you to focus on your run without worrying about carrying your phone. This means no need to take frequent stops to check your phone or adjust it in your pocket.
Here are a few other benefits of wearing a running phone holder for your phone when going for a run or jog:
- Convenience: A phone armband allows you to easily carry your phone while running without holding it in your hand or carrying it in a separate bag or pocket.
- Safety: Wearing the best phone holders can reduce the risk of dropping or stealing your phone while running, as it keeps it secure and close to your body.
- Hands-free access: A phone armband allows you to access your phone easily while running without stopping or taking it out of a bag or pocket.
- Comfort: A phone armband can be more comfortable to wear than carrying a phone in your hand or pocket, as it distributes the weight evenly around your arm.
- Weather protection: Many cell phone armbands are water-resistant or completely waterproof, protecting your phone from rain or sweat during your run.
- Reflective features: Some cell phone armbands have reflective details, increasing your visibility and safety while running in low-light conditions.
- Motivation: Listening to music or an audiobook while running can be a great source of motivation, and a phone armband makes it easy to do so while keeping your phone secure.
What Makes the Best Phone Armbands For Running?
When it comes to running, it’s often helpful to bring your smartphone for emergencies, listening to music, or tracking your workout. However, carrying it in your hand can be inconvenient and risky if you drop it.
That’s where a smartphone armband comes in handy. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, these bands are designed to hold your phone securely while you’re on the move.
If you love running, check out what happened when I ran a 5k every day for 30 days HERE.
When shopping for the top running armband, consider compatibility with your specific phone model, the size and fit, the material, and a secure closure to prevent the phone from falling out.
Considering these factors, you can find the ideal smartphone armband for your runs.
Smartphone Armband Alternatives
If you like to go for a run and have easy access to your phone and listen to music to stay motivated, you don’t necessarily need to buy the best phone holder or running armband to hold your smartphone. There are plenty of other phone holders for running that can help you carry just your phone while out running. Additionally, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the running you’ll be doing when choosing how to carry your phone.
One option is to use a fanny pack or running belt with a small zippered pocket for your phone. This is an excellent alternative to cell phone armbands, as it allows for easy screen access and has room for other essentials like a key holder or a key hook. However, it’s important to ensure that the fanny pack or running belt doesn’t bounce or chafe while you’re running.
You could also put your phone in a sleeve-style phone case and place it in your sports bra if you have one with a pocket. It’s a hands-free option that can be especially comfortable for women but may not be suitable for all activities.
Wanna get more out of your walks and runs? Check out out list of the best ankle and wrist weights!
Some running shorts also have pockets for holding small items like a phone. This can be a good option if you prefer to carry your phone close to your body and have room in your shorts. It’s also a great way to carry smaller phones or large phones without needing a dedicated phone mount.
You could also carry your phone in your hand, although this isn’t an ideal solution since it can be difficult to hold on to it for an extended period. Additionally, holding your phone in your hand can also be tiring and may cause your upper arm to become stiff.
Whatever option you choose, make sure you test it out before going on a long run to know it will stay in place and not be too uncomfortable. Marathon runners carry various phone cases, armbands, and other running essentials to ensure their phone stays secure and accessible during their run. Whether you’re using corded headphones or going wireless, finding the right phone holder can make all the difference when you need to access your phone mid-run.
So, consider your needs and explore the different holders for running, such as running belts with magnetic clips or belt clips, armbands with clear plastic covers, and other phone holding solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Buy A Running Phone Holder?
The easiest way to find a good armband is on Amazon. All of the cell phone armbands listed above are linked to their Amazon listing. Otherwise, any retailer will have them, just most likely with a smaller selection.
How Do I Run With A Phone Without An Armband?
With the right armband, you don’t need to do anything special when running. You can run just as you normally would.
Are Cell Phone Armbands For Smartphones Comfortable?
Most are very comfortable, but this will depend on the type of running phone holder you get and the placement.
How Do I Wear An Armband While Running?
These running phone holders will have a secure fit right over the bicep on either the left or right arm. The most comfortable armbands fasten with velcro straps to keep it in place while running, though some have other running belt fasteners to secure the phone armband.
How Can I Make A Smartphone Armband?
You can try making a homemade armband, but most attempts will fail. Because of all the bouncing during running, it’s hard to make your own phone holder for running that will stay in place.
Do Running Armbands Fit All Smartphones?
Nearly all modern models of smartphones will have an available armband, though, with the cases, some cell phones may not fit.
Final Thoughts On the Best Running Armband
finding the perfect phone holder is essential for a comfortable and hassle-free running experience. The best phone holders for running should be compatible with your device, adjustable in size, made of breathable material, and feature a secure closure, such as a Velcro strap. Running belts and sleeve style holders are great alternatives to armbands, and many offer additional storage for other running essentials, such as keys or credit cards.
Make sure you choose a phone mount that allows easy access to your phone mid-run, whether it’s through a clear screen cover or cutouts for buttons and headphone cords. Reflective details are a bonus for visibility, and a key holder can be a handy feature to have. Wireless headphones are ideal for running, but if you use corded headphones, ensure the holder can accommodate your headphone wires.
Running armbands and running belts can make all the difference for marathon runners, providing a snug and secure fit for both large and smaller phones. With the right holder, you’ll be able to easily skip songs, answer calls, and access your phone without any issues. In the end, your favorite phone holder should cater to your unique needs and preferences, enhancing your running experience by keeping your phone and other essentials safe and accessible.
In the end, many factors can decide your running armband. You have to weigh things such as features, comfort, and price.
Don’t forget your sunglasses! We have ranked our favorite pairs for running HERE.
But we also believe that the top phone armband is the one that you will use.
So whichever cell phone holder for running you choose, put it to good use when running.