Best running phone holders 2024

Want to know what the best running phone holder is on the market right now? You have landed in the perfect place. After putting various phone holders to the test on our runs, we have created a list of those that performed best for us. Not only does our testing and guide consider the quality of each product but it also considers different needs that individual runners will look for in a phone holder.

Some runners will just want something that wraps comfortably around their arm or waist and securely holds their mobile device so that they can listen to their favorite tunes or podcasts on the move without the need to carry their phone in their hand. Having your phone on you while running is especially important for safety if you don’t own one of the best running watches as many of the top end devices can detect things like falls and alert a loved one even when you aren’t carrying a phone.

Meanwhile, others will be looking for something with space for other essentials such as keys, credit card, gels or even a water bottle. Perhaps you’ve tried the armband styles and don’t like the weight of your phone on one side of your body and would much rather center the weight of your phone in a chest strap style phone holder. Despite phone holders being one of the more affordable running accessories out there, there are various things to look for when finding the right option for you and your running habits.

With that in mind, we have outlined key differences in each of the best phone holder entries below and considered how each fared up as we clocked various miles in them.

Best lightweight running phone holder

a photo of the Sprigs phone armband

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

1. Sprigs armband

Best lightweight running phone holder

Specifications

Sizing: Fits all phones, with or without a case
Material: Silicone
Dimensions: 8.68”L x 0.51”H x 4.92”W

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely lightweight 
+
No velcro or plastic strap 
+
Easy to wash 
+
Reflective details 

Reasons to avoid

-
Difficult to access phone while running 
-
No extra storage 

When I first saw the Sprig Armband, I wasn’t sure how it was going to keep my phone safe on the move. There is no velcro or plastic to adjust the size of the band, instead, Sprig Armband is simply a piece of thin stretch silicone. It comes in sizes from small to extra-large, and it's important to measure your bicep beforehand to ensure you get the right fit.

I slid my phone into the armband and pulled it up over my arm and was impressed by how much the armband stretched, even when I was wearing layers on colder runs. It easily accommodated my phone when it was in it’s case, which is handy, as I don’t want to waste time removing my phone case before heading out the door.

The Sprig Armband fits more tightly than any other armband on this list, but this means there is absolutely no movement on the run. The lack of straps or velcro also meant there is minimal chafing. I also tested the armband looped around my wrist, which also worked well. 

The drawback for this armband is that its case is essentially a pouch and is only big enough to hold your phone, so if you’re marathon training, you’ll still need pockets for your gels. It's also not that easy to access while you are running, so if you're someone who replies to messages, or stops to take photos on the run, you might want to look at some of the others on this list.

Bottom line: If you prefer a lightweight and discreet armband, the Sprig Armband is a great option.

Best value running phone holder

a photo of the Tribe Water resistant running armbandbest value awards badge

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

2. Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband

Best value running phone holder

Specifications

Sizing: Fits most phones
Materials: Lycra, Faux Leather, Nylon, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Neoprene
Dimensions: 11.5”L x 1.1”H x 5.8”W

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive
+
Two armband sizes 
+
Has headphone cord holder 

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky
-
Begins to smell after a few runs 

For a free sport, running sure can get expensive. By the time you’ve purchased a pair of running shoes, a sports bra, and some decent kit, you might be wondering why you ever started. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful running phone holder that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Tribe Fitness Armband. 

This is a no-frills armband — it holds your phone, and that’s about it. I liked that it fit both my cell phone and my phone case, and found that getting the phone in and out of the Tribe Armband was easy and that my phone felt secure in the holder. There are two different armband sizes, nine and 16 inches, to accommodate runners of all sizes. 

That said, you kind of get what you pay for, and I didn't love the thickness of the armband strap on the Tribe Fitness Armband. I found the thickness of the strap meant the holder moved on my arm while I was running. Plus, the material seemed to soak up sweat more than any of the others on this list, meaning it had started to smell after just a few uses (nice). The phone holder is hand-washable, so I couldn’t chuck it in the washing machine with my kit at the end of my run. 

That said, if you’re looking for a phone holder that’ll let you use your phone on the run, this one is a good option, as I found the Tribe Armband to have brilliant touchscreen capabilities. I easily moved between songs, paused, and switched playlists on the move.

Bottom line: While inexpensive, the Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband Case Running Holder is one of the bulkier options, and will need to be replaced more often than its counterparts.

Best running phone holder for warmer weather

A photo of the Nathan QuickSqueeze View 18oz

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

3. Nathan Quicksqueeze View 18oz Insulated Handheld

Best running phone holder for warmer weather

Specifications

Sizing: Fits most smartphones
Material: Neoprene
Bottle Capacity: 18 fluid ounces

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to hold 
+
Both the water bottle and holder are easy to wash
+
Reflective details

Reasons to avoid

-
Have to hold in hand, no armband option
-
Might not be useful in cold weather  

The Nathan water bottle is great if you’re a runner looking to carry your phone and water. It’s over 100 degrees in the summer months where I live, and I carry hydration on every run, so I was seriously impressed by this all-in-one holder.

When focusing on the phone holder part of this product, it easily fits my iPhone 11 in its case, and it was easy to slide the phone inside and secure it. This is one of the only handheld cases on this list, and it fits nicely around your hand, so you don’t feel like you have to grip it on the run. Once the cell phone is secured, you can still view your phone thanks to the clear film phone pocket, but I did find it quite difficult to use my phone while moving, although this wasn’t much of an issue, as I usually ignore my phone on the run.

The thing that makes this running phone holder stand out from the crowd is the 18-inch insulated water bottle, which was easy to sip from on the move. According to Nathan, the insulation helps the water stay 20% cooler than other bottles. There are also reflective elements to the design of the running phone holder, which is handy when running in low light. 

Both the armband and the bottle are easy to clean. You can stick the water bottle in the top rack of your dishwasher at the end of a run, and since the cell phone holder is nylon-polyester, it can go easily into the washing machine on a cold wash.

Bottom Line: If you don't mind holding something on your run, the Nathan is a great choice, especially if you need to carry water with you. That said, in the winter months, or on shorter runs when you don’t need water, you’ll probably prefer having something strapped to your arm, rather than your hand. 

Best no-frills running phone holder

a photo of the Nike Pocket armband plus - one of the best running phone holders

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

4. Nike Pocket Armband Plus

Best no-frills running phone holder

Specifications

Sizing: Fits most larger smartphones
Material: 41% nylon/33% polyester/19% thermoplastic polyurethane/5% spandex/2% zinc alloy

Reasons to buy

+
Fits securely on the arm and doesn't feel bulky 
+
Has zip to protect phone 

Reasons to avoid

-
You'll need to remove your phone case 
-
No extras 

I don't love that I had to remove my regular case to fit my phone into the Nike Armband. Once the case is removed, it's easy to slide the phone into it and the armband itself is easy to secure around the arm. It does feature a zippered pocket, so your phone is held securely in place while you run and has some protection from really bad weather.

The material for the Nike Armband is thinner and more comfortable than that used in some of the other running phone holders on this list. It doesn't feel heavy or bulky on your arm, and can easily be adjusted when you’re wearing layers in colder conditions. 

The clear plastic on the front of the phone holder is thin enough to allow you to control music or pause your running app while moving. Washing the Nike Armband is also simple, and during testing, I found washing it on the cold setting on my washing machine and air drying the phone holder worked well — the phone holder didn’t shrink or bobble in the wash. 

Bottom Line: This is a basic, no-frills armband that fits most phones. Don’t let its simplicity put you off — this is one of the most comfortable armbands on this list.

Best running phone holder for storage

A photo of the Sporteer Velocity E7 running phone holder

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

5. Sporteer Velocity V7 Armband

Best running phone holder for storage

Specifications

Sizing: Compatible with iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 12, 12 Pro, 11, XR, 11 Pro, Xs, 8, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy S21, S20, S10, S9, Pixel 5, LG, Moto and More
Material: Nylon/Neoprene
Dimensions: 6.69”L x 0.79”H x 5.91”W

Reasons to buy

+
Holds more than your phone
+
Two different armband sizes 
+
Easy to access phone 

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky

The Sporteer Velocity V7 running armband is one of the bulkier options on this list, but it holds a lot. At first glance, I thought this would be way too hefty for my liking, but there is room for everything, and I was able to carry my phone, a gel, and credit card in the holder with ease It even has a secure key holder. 

Of course, while there are obvious benefits to being able to carry so much on the run, there’s also an obvious drawback — the phone holder feels heavy when running more than a few miles.

Getting my phone into the Sporteer Velocity V7 was confusing at first — it opens up like a binder, and you strap your phone in. There are spots for a credit card and keys, and there are two different-sized armbands, each with reflective elements to help you stay seen when running in low light. After securing the phone, it's easy to touch the screen through the thick plastic.

While running, the armband is was one of the best in test in terms of staying tight against the arm and minimizing movement. It features a memory foam backing that makes it more comfortable against the skin when wearing a vest, and I found while running I didn’t need to readjust it. I never had any issues with the armband chafing on the run, even when it was full, and I was pleasantly surprised with how little it moved.

Bottom line: This is one of the best armbands available and it holds a lot of extras.

Best weatherproof running phone holder

a photo of the armpocket running armband

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

6. ArmPocket Mega i-40 Armband

Best weatherproof running phone holder

Specifications

Sizing: ompatible with iPhone 13 Pro, 13, 12, 12 Pro, XR, Galaxy S21, Note 10, Pixel 6, Phones with Cases up to 6.5 Inches
Material: Made from recycled plastic bottles
Dimensions: 6.3”L x 3.25”W

Reasons to buy

+
Holds more than a phone 
+
Weatherproof, sweatproof, mudproof, dirtproof
+
Drop Test certified 

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy and bulky 

The ArmPocket Mega i-40 is designed to carry almost everything you need for a run, and more. As well as holding your phone, it comes with a pouch for your ID card, as well as a place to tuck your headphone cords in. It’s also certified weatherproof, sweatproof, mud and dirt-proof, and Drop Test certified.

That said, like the Sporteer Velocity V7 armband, all that storage came at a price, and out of all the cases on this list, this one felt the bulkiest. From the straps to the cell phone holder, every part of the case felt clunky. On the run, when the phone holder was full, it felt like I had an ankle weight strapped to my arm, and I struggled to feel comfortable. I also had to stop and adjust the armband a few times.

On the positive side, the touch screen of my iPhone was easy to activate through the plastic protection, and I could easily skip songs, or pause my running app from my arm. That said, I am much more likely to use the ArmPocket Mega I-40 for a long walk or hike in the future. 

Bottom line: There are lighter cases available for the price.

Best chest running phone holder

a photo of the Freetrain V1 phone holder

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

7. Freetrain V1 Vest

Best chest running phone holder

Specifications

Sizing: Accommodates 99% of modern cell phones
Fits : Fits chests 28-48 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Hands-free design
+
Reflective details 

Reasons to avoid

-
Tight fitting 

Unlike a lot of the other phone holders on this list, the Freetrain V1 vest positions your phone against your chest in a pouch. With reflective details all over the vest, it’s one of the best at helping you stay seen when running in low light.

During testing, I found the Freetrain V1 Vest to be extremely tight-fitting. The product comes in one size, with an adjustable waistband for a snug fit, but I found it was tight when wearing layers, and it did take me a few runs to find a comfortable fit. During these experiments, the Freetrain V1 chafed against my shoulders and neck. 

The Freetrain V1 Vest holds a cell phone, but is not big enough for a case. I didn’t love the idea of running without my case, especially when the phone is in the front of my vest, and was worried the phone might bounce around, or get damaged as I got it in and out. That said, I had no such issues, and my phone stayed securely in the pouch even on several long runs of around 10 miles. The Freetrain V1 Vest has a zipper on the side for keys or a gel, but aside from that, there are no additional storage options.

Because your phone is located in a pouch on your chest, you can't easily glance at it if you are using a running app to track your run. As much as I wanted to like the Free train V1 Vest, it's bulky around the torso and hard to wear with layers. For marathon runners, I also feel like there are a number of hydration vests similar in design that have much more storage. 

Bottom Line: This is a decent hands-free option but is not that comfortable.

Best running phone holder for easy access

a photo of the lifeproof lifeactive armband with quickmount

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

8. Lifeproof LifeActiv Armband with QuickMount

Best running phone holder for easy access

Specifications

Sizing: Fits all smartphones with QuickMount
Material: Polyurethane, Silicone, Polycarbonate
Dimensions:

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive
+
Fits securely 
+
Compatible with other products in this range 

Reasons to avoid

-
Complicated to install 
-
Requires a permanent attachment to your phone or phone case 

The Lifeproof LifeActiv armband with QuickMount is unlike any of the other armbands on this list, as it requires some installation time. Unlike the other running phone armbands, with this one, you stick the QuickMount to your phone or case, which you then clip in and out of the band on your arm. Once the adhesive is on your case, it’s not easy to remove, so if you don’t want a permanent mount on your phone, you’ll need to purchase a separate running phone case. 

Once you’re set-up, the running phone holder is extremely straightforward. It's just an armband that you can clip your phone onto. It’s super lightweight and easy to run with. As the armband attaches to your phone case, there is no plastic covering over your phone, making it the best phone holder for using your phone while running. Of course, your phone isn’t protected from the weather, but if your smartphone is water-resistant, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

It also has one of the lowest profiles of phone holders on test, and while out running, I barely even noticed it.

The Lifeproof range includes a car mount, a bike mount, and a belt clip, making this super handy if you’ve already got, or you’re shopping for, one of the other products in the range. 

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a low-profile running armband that allows you to use your phone on the run, the Lifeproof LifeActiv armband with QuickMount is a great choice.

Best sports bra running phone holder

a photo of the Koala Clip Lux running phone holder

(Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

9. Koala Clip Lux

Best running phone holder bra

Specifications

Sizes : Three sizes to fit all phones.
Materials: Outside Fabric: Econyl Recycled Nylon & Spandex(78/22) Inside Fabric: proprietary blend of polyester & polyurethan
Dimensions: Medium measures: 4.25"W x 6" H Large measures: 4.5"W x 6.5"H Extra Large measures: 4.75"Wx 7" H

Reasons to buy

+
Hands-free
+
Discreet and lies flat 
+
Sweat and water resistant inner layer 
+
Internal pocket to hold a credit card, keys, cash, or small items 
+
Machine washable 

Reasons to avoid

-
Hard to access phone while running 

The Koala Clip Lux is an innovative running phone holder, designed to allow you to run hands-free. Unlike other cell phone holders, the Koala Clip Lux hooks into the back of your sports bra. While its design definitely caters more towards women, there’s no reason why guys couldn’t hook the Koala Clip onto the side of their shorts. 

There’s a fabric, lined pouch for your phone, and an internal pocket designed to hold keys, cash, or a credit card. There are three different sizes available for a snug and secure fit, depending on the size of your cell phone. 

Putting my phone into the Koala Case Lux was easy, but attaching it to the back of the sports bra takes a little practice. That said, once you've clipped it into place using the magnetic clip, it lies flat against your back, and you don't have to worry about it at all when running. I've used it on various sports bra backs, from the classic racerback to the more strappy styles, and haven't had an issue with my phone bouncing on the run. I've also attached it on shorts with no problem and was shocked by how discreet it becomes.

The pouch is made from recycled water bottles and has an inner layer that is resistant to sweat, water, and rain, and insulated to protect the phone from battery drainage in cold weather. I had no issue with my phone getting damp on the run, and the pouch is machine washable, which is handy.

The only drawback with the Koala Clip Lux was accessing my phone on the run. When the pouch was attached to my sports bra, I had to stop if I wanted to reach it mid-run. This wasn’t too much of an issue, as I’d run with it attached to my shorts if I need to reach for a gel in the pouch or start a new podcast.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a hands-free phone holder, the Koala Clip Lux is one of the most discreet options available.

How to choose the best running phone holder

Before choosing your phone holder, ask yourself whether you want access to your phone during your run. If you’re happy to set it and forget it for most of the run, using your headphones to skip tracks or stop and pause your music, you’re more likely to prefer a running phone holder that isn’t on your arm or chest. Alternatively, if you’re likely to want to check your stats, you might want to be able to quickly check your phone’s screen on the move. 

You’ll also want to think about how sweaty a runner you are, and the types of weather you’ll be running in, as this might affect whether you prefer to buy something that’s machine washable. 

You also want to consider whether you want room to carry any extras on the run with you, such as a lip balm, credit card, or house keys. If you do, you might need a little more space. 

Finally, have a think about how much you want to carry on your run, especially if you’re heading out for long runs or training for a marathon. Most phone holders cost between $20 and $40, with the more expensive options having more features or the ability to carry more. You get what you pay for, and some of the less expensive options are thicker, bulkier, and even uncomfortable.

How we tested the best running phone holders

To gain an understanding of the capabilities of each running phone holder on this list, we went on several different runs wearing them. We tried phone holders that could accommodate phones, with and without a protective case. We looked for little things, such as how easy it was to get the phone in and out of the holder on the run, the size of the armband, the price, and the extras. Many armbands have a holder to keep headphone wires out of the way, but we tested all of the phone holders using wireless running headphones. 

FAQs

How should you carry your phone during a marathon?

If you're running for 26.2 miles, you might want to carry your phone with you to listen to music or a podcast for motivation. You won't want your phone in your hand for that long, however, so look for a comfortable running phone holder, or running belt to stow your tech in. 

Remember the rule: nothing new on race day. Make sure you have your phone holder or belt long before the race, and do plenty of training miles wearing it to ensure it doesn't rub, or bounce against you when you run. 

How do I comfortably hold my phone while running?

There are a number of different options for runners to comfortably run with their phone - putting it in one of the best running phone holders, tucking it into a waistband, belt, or sports bra, or putting it in a pocket on the move. The best way will be most comfy for you, and stop your phone from bouncing against you on the move. 

Do phone armbands work for running?

Yes! A phone armband is designed to hold your phone against your arm comfortably, allowing you to glance at your stats if you're using one of the best running apps. As long as you get the right fit, the armband shouldn't bounce around, or chafe on the run.  

Jane McGuire
Fitness editor

Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy. 

With contributions from