You probably won’t love a running armband—at least not for long. Across seven years of testing, runners have described even their favorite bands as inconvenient, jiggly, and obtrusive. “Wasn’t terrible” counted as high praise.
For bringing a phone, keys, and cards on a run, armbands just can’t compete with running belts, compressive garments with pockets, running vests, or backpacks.
Although we think just about any of these other options will better serve most runners, experts we spoke with emphasized that toting a phone on your arm is still better for your gait and overall safety than holding it in your hand, which might tempt you to scroll mid-stride. And two testers found our armband picks were convenient for holding their phones while they were using a rowing machine or criss-crossing the gym to access different equipment.
Most running armbands are awful, not only because they’re less comfortable and secure than belts, bags, and built-in pockets, but also because they generally soak up sweat and can’t be fully washed. Still, if you’re committed to using one, the Tune Belt Sport Armband AB91 is the best.
Everything we recommend
Top pick
This armband offers the best combination of stability, comfort, and quality of any we tested. It pairs nicely with an extender (sold separately) to fit larger arms or over bulkier layers.
Budget pick
This armband is decently stable, and it’s among the least expensive we tested. We have concerns related to its durability, though.
Best for
This pricey setup is less bulky than pocket-style armbands, and it’s compatible with the company’s phone cases, as well as with its bike and car mounts. This model leaves your phone exposed, though.
-
Running vests
Long-distance and trail runners we interviewed recommended running vests as an alternative to armbands.
-
Pockets
Whether they’re on shorts, leggings, or a sports bra, pockets that hold a phone close to your body will likely have less impact on your gait.
-
Skip it
Consider whether you even need your phone, and opt for a smartwatch or a device-free run instead.
Top pick
This armband offers the best combination of stability, comfort, and quality of any we tested. It pairs nicely with an extender (sold separately) to fit larger arms or over bulkier layers.
The Tune Belt Sport AB armbands were the best window-style armbands we tested. They’re stable, comfortable, and easy to use. They come in several sizes to fit different combinations of phones and cases. The Tune Belt Sport Armband AB91 falls in the middle range, fitting phones like the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24. It also comes in a neon-yellow, reflective version. If you have a larger phone, like an iPhone 15 Pro Max, you’ll want the AB92, which has a deeper and slightly larger pocket. The AB86.1 fits slim phones, like the iPhone 13 mini, with no case, and the AB89 is suited for the iPhone SE and 11 Pro in large cases. The AB88 and AB90 (currently unavailable) cover a couple of older iPhone and case combinations.
Budget pick
This armband is decently stable, and it’s among the least expensive we tested. We have concerns related to its durability, though.
The Tribe Comrade armband fits the same phone and wired headphones sizes as our top pick, but this one feels rougher against bare skin. It has a slimmer profile than our top pick, comes in several colors, and has a small key pocket on one wing. And if you’re not sure whether you’ll like using an armband, this model’s low price makes it a good option for trying out the category.
Best for
This pricey setup is less bulky than pocket-style armbands, and it’s compatible with the company’s phone cases, as well as with its bike and car mounts. This model leaves your phone exposed, though.
The Quad Lock Run Kit pairs a phone case with a nylon-Lycra armband in a straightforward twist-to-lock system. Unlike our other picks, the Quad Lock Run Kit lacks a plastic sleeve to protect your phone from the elements. But it may make sense for people who also use Quad Lock’s compatible phone cases and car and bike phone mounts.
Quad Lock cases come in a host of sizes for different iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Huawei models. This company also offers a Universal Fit sticker mount option, which we do not recommend. The process of attaching the sticker to the back of our phones was onerous, and two testers were unable to get a secure attachment, even when they followed the company’s guidelines on phone materials and application.
