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We updated this article in March 2022 to add more information about each featured product. To our original top-rated products, selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute, we added picks from Fitletic, Freetrain, Nike and Tune Belt.
Whether you're a frequent walker or a seasoned marathoner, everyone needs somewhere to stash their phone while running or working out. Unfortunately, your hands and pockets are often not the most convenient way to carry your phone while exercising and can even put your phone at risk. That's where phone armbands and holders for running come into play. Not only are phone holders useful because they free up your hands while working up a sweat, but they also protect your phone from accidentally hitting the pavement or getting soaked in an unexpected rain shower. While some phone holders come in the form of a running belt, others clip onto a strap around your arm or slide into a pouch that protects your phone.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts test and evaluate fitness equipment ranging from award-winning fitness gear to running shoes for women. The picks below have been vetted by our experts and editors who provided feedback on how well each phone armband protected their phone while working out. These are our favorite phone holders for running that you can take out with you on your next jog.
Our top picks:
- Best Overall Phone Armband: Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband Case
- Best Value Phone Armband: LifeProof LifeActiv Armband with QuickMount
- Best Running Belt Phone Holder: FlipBelt Running Workout Belt
- Best Phone Armband for Bulky Cases: Tune Belt AB92 Cell Phone Running Armband
- Best Protective Running Belt Phone Holder: Fitletic Mini Sport Belt
- Best Looking Phone Armband: Nike Lean Armband
- Best Accessible Running Belt Phone Holder: Tune Belt Running Waist Belt Phone
- Best Chest Phone Holder: Freetrain V1 Vest
Best Overall Phone Armband
Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband Case
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Several color options
- Adjustable strap length
- Three sizes
Cons
- Water and sweat-resistance needs improvement
This affordable phone holder is a fan favorite that has nearly 50,000 reviews on Amazon! Our experts love that it comes in three sizes so it's guaranteed to fit your phone, and it even has two adjustable strap sizes to fit most arms. Even though there's a clear screen cover, you can still use your touchscreen to unlock your phone or answer calls. We also love this armband has extra features such as an anti-tangle headphone cord organizer, key pocket and reflective strips. Best of all, it's offered in 11 color options and designs, which is more than many other phone armbands.
Fits: Phones up to 6.5 inches, arms 9-17 inches
Best Value Phone Armband
LifeProof LifeActiv Armband with QuickMount
Now 40% Off
Pros
- Three arm bands sizes
- Easy clip on and off
Cons
- Phone is exposed
This armband makes it easy to check your mileage mid-workout because all you have to do is twist your phone to remove it from your arm. You just attach the included adapter to the back of your phone case, which is also compatible with the brand's other mounting accessories (like for your home or car). The Good Housekeeping Institute's Chief Technologist, Rachel Rothman, says "while it may take a bit of time to get used to the clip, it's super easy once you do and very pragmatic." In general, this case is both durable and well-constructed.
Fits: Any phones with LifeProof or other cases, arms 8.5-19 inches
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Pros
- Machine washable
- Fits large phones
- Zippered pocket for valuables
Cons
- Material could be more durable
If you're worried about your arms feeling unbalanced from one being heavier or want to be able to easily access your phone while running, a belt is your best bet. This FlipBelt is moisture-wicking, machine washable, and has multiple openings to store your belongings — plus, it's a favorite of former Associate Editor Blake Bakkila. "I love how I can fit my phone, keys, and money and then throw it in the wash," she says. It even includes a zippered pocket for valuables as well as a key hook so nothing gets lost.
Fits: Stretches to fit most large phones, comes in sizes XXS through XXL to fit various hip sizes
Best Phone Armband for Bulky Cases
Tune Belt AB92 Cell Phone Running Armband
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Thin arm strap
- Works with large cases and phones
Cons
- Can feel bulky on arm
This phone armband is different from the rest because it fits large phones up to 6.9 inches as well as phones with large cases, like OtterBox and LifeProof for example. You can use your touchscreen through the clear window, and there's even an opening for your lightning connector (meaning you can charge it or use wired headphones with your phone inside).
Fits: Phones up to 6.9 inches, arms 9-16 inches
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Pros
- Pouch with zipper
- Multiple color options
- Adjustable waist
Cons
- Not ideal for larger phones
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Amy Fischer, says that many runners have adopted running belts to avoid some of the inherent bouncing and sliding that can occur with a phone armband. The advantage of a running belt such as this popular Fitletic one is that it has room to hold your phone along with other valuables such as an ID, keys or credit card. We like this pick thanks to its sizeable zippered pouch as well as multiple color options. It's also adjustable so it will fit most waists and phones!
Fits: Waists 24-55 inches
Pros
- Slim, attractive design
- Large clear window
Cons
- Expensive
If you already own a few Nike sports bras and shorts, why not complete the outfit with this slim and lightweight phone armband from Nike? Though we wish it was offered in more colors, we love its large and lean design as well as its clear window so you can still see your texts as you run.
Fits: Most smartphones
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Best Accessible Running Belt Phone Holder
Tune Belt Running Waist Belt Phone
Pros
- Clear window
- Fits large phones
- Extra pocket for valuables
Cons
- Hand wash only
Unlike most running belts, this one from Tune Belt has a clear window so you can still use your touchscreen. It even has an extra pocket behind the phone holder so you can store some extra cash and keys, as well as an opening for headphones and a lightning connector. Though you can wash this belt, you'll have to do it by hand.
Fits: Phones up to 7 inches, waists up to 40 inches
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Includes extra pockets
- Water resistant material
Cons
- Can feel bulky
If you want easy access to your phone as well as even weight distribution while you're running, a chest phone holder is a great option. Our experts love that this vest has extra pockets for keys, credit cards and more, and the waistband is adjustable so you can get a snug fit. We also like that you get little to no bounce with this vest, making it an excellent pick for long trail runs.
Fits: Small to large phones such as the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Pro
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What to look for when shopping for a phone holder for running
✔️ Size: The first factor to consider when shopping for a phone holder is the size of your phone. Over the years, phones have increased in size so double-check that your armband or running belt can support your smartphone as well as its case. You should also measure your arm (or your waist) to make sure the straps offer a secure fit to prevent bouncing, though most armbands and running belts come with adjustable sizes and stretchy fabric.
✔️ Style: While phone armbands strap around one of your arms and typically include a clear window so you can access your phone, running belts strap around your waist and oftentimes allow you to store your phone in a secure pouch. Though there are variations to each style and you'll likely be able to find a combination that works for you, the most important question you should ask yourself is whether or not having immediate access to your phone is a priority. Sometimes while you run you might need to send a text or answer a quick phone call, which is easier with certain phone holders. You should also consider whether you'll feel more comfortable running or working out with some extra weight on your arm or your waist. For the most part, phone armbands can be prone to sliding or feeling itchy, while running belts might bounce if they don't properly fit. It's also worth noting that running belts often have more room for storage so you can fit your ID, keys or other valuables inside, while storage space on a phone armband tends to be limited.
✔️ Material: The material will affect how comfortable you are during your run. According to the Good Housekeeping Institute's Executive Textiles Director, Lexie Sachs, "most armbands will be made with synthetic performance fibers, just like you’ll find in activewear. Most will include polyester or nylon with spandex for stretch. These materials are lightweight yet durable and keep their shape over time." Other adjustable features (like Velcro) are key to making sure you get a good fit on your armband and that it's able to support the weight of your phone.
✔️ Extra features: Don't forget to check out whether your phone holder has any extra features, such as a water resistance rating, clever storage, little pockets for valuables or even an anti-tangle cord organizer for your headphones.
How we test phone holders
The experts and editors at the Good Housekeeping Institute tested how well each phone holder for running protected their phone and considered the holder's size, style, material and extra features. Testers evaluated how well the phone stayed put, how resistant to sweat or water it was, how easy it was to access and adjust your phone while running and how easy it was to slip on and off, among other performance criteria.
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Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Wellness Lab tests everything from fitness equipment to healthy snacks. Amina Lake Abdelrahman was formerly an editorial assistant at the Institute, where she worked with Lab experts who test latest products and wrote original content based on their recommendations.
Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from connected devices to appliances, health, home and fitness. With a B.A. from George Washington University and a master’s in communications from Sciences Po Paris, Olivia has several years of experience writing about tech and trends. She continues to stay on top of the industry’s latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market.
Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and head engineer, has a B.S.E. in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics with a mathematics minor from the University of Pennsylvania and has been at GH for 14 years. She leads efforts for the constant evolution of GH’s technical and testing protocols, responding both to market drivers and growth opportunities.
Amina Lake Abdelrahman
Amina is a product review writer and editor who worked as an editorial assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2018 to 2020, writing original content based on GH Lab experts' product testing and analysis. Amina graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in communication studies and journalism.