5 Best Phone Running Armbands

Whether you’re curating a playlist to power through a long run or checking your GPS app to track your progress, an armband is key for holding and accessing your phone. These top-rated running armbands provide comfort, convenience and style.

Most are made with synthetic performance fibers like nylon and spandex, which is cool and comfortable against the skin. They’re also sweat, rain and drop-proof.

1. Tribe Armband

This low-profile armband fits most iPhone and Samsung phones (even with a slim case) while offering a key holder pocket and headphone jack access. Its touchscreen cover and reflective detailing add extra functionality for a budget-friendly price.

We were impressed by how comfortable the soft neoprene and polyester fabric felt on our tester’s skin, as well as how easily it adjusted around her bicep. The double hook system allowed her to cinch it down pretty tightly without pinching or digging in, and she was confident that the soft exterior would hold up during tough workouts.

While other armbands on our list feature a transparent window or open face for your phone, this one’s touch-screen friendly cover keeps moisture and sweat from ruining your screen. It also includes a secure, built-in key holder to help you avoid losing your keys while working out. And as an added bonus, this armband is also water-resistant to ensure it’ll be there when you need it.

2. LOVPHONE Armband

If you need a budget-friendly armband that can reliably hold your iPhone with cases on, this is the one. The soft neoprene material wraps around the phone without touching it, and it is designed to stay snugly in place on your arm while you run. It is also easy to clean and comes with a one-year warranty. Former Runner’s World photographer Lakota Gambill found that this armband was very comfortable, and she cell phone armband holder liked that it didn’t pinch or dig in against her skin while it was tightened. She was able to easily use her home button, volume controls, and touchscreen while it was wrapped around her arm.

While most armbands are designed to cradle your smartphone at the bicep, some designs also provide access to the touchscreen so you can adjust music and apps mid-run. This is especially important if you are running on roads or near motorized vehicles, as being able to see your smartphone screen can help prevent accidents. Some of the models on our list provide convenient pocket space for other items, including earphones, credit cards, and cash.

3. Kalenji Armband

This armband is great for those who use their phone to track their workouts or consult playlists while running. It has a clear plastic window for touchscreen access, and its stable elastic armband is adjustable with Velcro to suit all arm sizes. However, its design makes it difficult to touch your screen or adjust music mid-run without stopping to remove the armband.

Its one-piece lycra sleeve distributes pressure evenly over the bicep, and cell phone armband holder wholesale it fits a range of device sizes without any pinch points or a tight fit. It also has a handy key pocket and reflective elements to make it more visible after dark.

This armband comes in at an affordable price and offers solid performance. Its sturdy strap holds the phone firmly in place and doesn’t chafe. Its small pouch behind the main phone pocket is a convenient spot for stashing keys or earbuds. It also has a locking switch and clicks into place securely, so you can quickly check Strava or switch to your metal playlist, then slap the phone back in and run away into the sunset.

4. Fitletic Armband

The Fitletic Armband is a simple and effective solution for runners or anyone who works out regularly. It is thin, lightweight, and fits comfortably. The touch screen-compatible window lets you easily access your phone for important notifications, while the zipper closure keeps your belongings safe. It also has a handy cord organizer to keep your headphones from getting tangled up, so you can focus on unleashing your inner athlete.

A good workout typically breaks you out in a sweat, and the water-resistant panel on this running armband makes sure your phone remains clean and dry. It’s also extremely touch friendly so you won’t struggle to change songs, make a call, or skip the current track on your playlist.

Former Runner’s World photographer Lakota Gambill gave this product high marks for its comfort, noting that it never chafed against her skin or felt tight and restrictive. She also found it easy to cinch down tightly without feeling discomfort, and she loved the way it fit securely over her long-sleeved shirt. The one drawback is that it lacks storage space, so if you need extra room for your keys or gels you’ll need to find another option.

5. Lifeproof LifeActiv Armband with QuickMount

Keeps your phone at arm’s length, literally. Music, navigation and fitness apps are within reach thanks to a strong strap that snaps into place and detaches with a simple twist. This sleek design is the lowest-profile quick-mount compatible armband in the market. Fits arms 8.5 to 19 in.

Unlike other armbands that zip your phone into a clear pocket, this one holsters it to a mount attached to the armband. That means you can access the touchscreen even while it’s tucked inside, a feature that former Runner’s World photographer Lakota Gambill found to be especially handy.

The soft exterior also feels comfortable against the skin, and the double hook closure system holds tight without pulling or pinching. And though there isn’t any extra storage space for keys or cash, that didn’t bother Director of Editorial Operations Jen Sherry. She said that the only drawback is the lack of a transparent cover, which can make it tricky to see the screen and hit buttons (such as a skip button for music). Otherwise, she praised the design for being “stronger and more durable” than other options she’s tried.