If you frequently check your phone mid-run to change up music on headphones or look at directions, a run-friendly armband is the best option. Be sure to choose one that fits well and doesn’t rub or bounce while you’re running.
This slim arm band won’t chafe or feel bulky, and it offers options to fit three different phone sizes. Plus, it includes a pocket for tiny essentials like keys or a credit card.
Waterproof phone cases
Whether you want to check out your stats, text a friend or change songs, having easy access to your phone is a must. If you like to run with your phone in hand, look for a holder that’s sweat-resistant and fits securely to your arm so it won’t slip or bounce.
There are several different kinds of waterproof cases that you can buy to hold your smartphone during a run. Most of them are designed to protect your device from moisture, dust and dirt while still giving you easy access to apps and music controls.
Some of the more popular models have adjustable straps that ensure a comfortable, secure fit. The Tune Belt Sport and the Lovphone are some of the best options we’ve tested best cell phone armband for keeping a phone in place without feeling too tight. They both fit phones with a protective case, and the Lovphone even has a small pouch for extra storage. This case is also IP67 rated and can float in water, which could come in handy if you fall into a lake or river while running!
Armbands
Armbands give you the most complete access to your phone while running, allowing you to change your music playlist, answer calls or press your timer stop button without having to unlock and unzip your phone case. They also tend to be the least bulky of all the options.
A good armband will feel comfortable, never rub or chafe your skin, and stay stable on your arm. It should also fit snugly but not so tightly that you feel uncomfortable.
Floating mount-style armbands like the Tune Belt Sport and Lovphone have the most stability, but some of these can get wavy when your phone moves around, making them hard to use. Former Runner’s World photographer Lakota Gambill found that the LifeActiv Armband with QuickMount was the best option for convenience, because once you affix the plastic mounting piece to the back of your phone or case, it stays put.
If you’re willing to spend a little more money on a quality product, the Bone Run Tie armband is our pick for comfort and reliability. It’s made of stretchy elastic silicone and breathable neoprene, so it won’t cause any chaffing while you’re on the go.
Waist belts
If you want to carry a few extra items with you on a run, consider using a waist belt instead of an arm band. A waistband is less bulky and won’t interfere with your stride. This style of holder is also comfortable for longer runs, where you may need to store more than just your phone, such as snacks or a jacket.
A one-of-a-kind design that’s part sling, part belt, the Janji Multipass Sling packs a lot of functionality into a small package. It has one primary pocket that zips open and is a good fit for most phones, as well as a key clip and a small mesh pouch for cards or cash.
The neoprene fabric feels comfortable against your skin and has minimal bounce, while the zipper is surrounded by reflective material to keep you safe on the road. A bungee tab next to the main pocket offers an uncomplicated way to secure headphone cords, while a thin neoprene-and-Velcro strap makes this waistband easy to adjust on the fly. It also fits a full-size soft best cell phone armband supplier flask for hydration, and it has two bungee toggles to attach a bib if you plan to use it in a race.
Gloves
Few accessories keep your hands as warm for running as a pair of gloves. The thin design of this model from Hestra traps just enough heat to prevent frostbite but also allows for plenty of dexterity when tearing open gels or reaching for your postrun coffee mug. And unlike some bulkier gloves, the thumb and index finger tips are touchscreen-friendly for checking your phone without removing the gloves.
The gloves cuff easily over jackets, and their reflective material stands out in low-light conditions. They’re also incredibly soft and comfortable. And while they don’t have the super-warmth of other cold-weather gloves, they still work well for autumn and spring runs.
If your winter running plans involve early mornings or dusk, a pair of reflective winter gloves helps other runners see you in low light. The neoprene (a type of synthetic rubber) in these gloves is soft against the skin, blocks wind and reflects light. And the inner glove is insulated to keep your fingers warm, while a layer of tightly woven fabric on the outer layer provides more than enough flexibility for opening bar and gel wrappers and operating a smartphone.
Pouches
Many runners want to use their phones for music and fitness tracking but don’t want to carry a bulky armband or waist belt. A pouch that fits around your wrist is a great solution for this need. These simple carriers strap around your wrist and hold a phone and possibly a house key or some cash. They also make for a good partner for other accessories like hydration packs, race belts and gimbals.
Most pouches have an open-topped neoprene pocket and a thin plastic face, making it easy to reach the screen to use apps or adjust playlists. A neoprene and Velcro tab next to the pocket provides an uncomplicated way to tuck in headphone cords. During our testing, the best pouches were those that cinched down securely and didn’t move, which kept the phone in place and prevented it from bouncing against your bicep. This included the Tune Belt Sport Armband, Lovphone and Tribe Water Resistant Armband.
Another pouch we liked was the Koala Clip Lux, which hooks onto the back of a sports bra. Although designed for women, this holder can also work for men. The soft exterior is comfortable against the skin, and it’s possible to cinch it tight without discomfort.