Any runner who wants to stay connected and motivated during training needs a running phone holder. With these holders, you can easily access music, the best running applications, and emergency contacts without having to break your stride while running. They also provide a safe and practical method to carry your smartphone.
There are a few things to take into account when looking for the finest jogging phone holder. First and foremost, it need to fit your phone snugly so that it doesn’t bounce or fall out while you’re out for a run.
It should also be easy to wear and lightweight, with straps that can be adjusted to provide a tight fit around your waist or arm. In addition to providing sweat and rain protection, a solid running phone holder will keep your phone dry and safe through rigorous workouts or bad weather.
Our #1 pick for a discreet and lightweight running phone holder is the Sprigs armband, which is renowned for its snug fit and understated style that won’t interfere with your running.
If you’re looking for great value without compromising on quality, check out our best value pick, the Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone armband.
For our full guide to the best running phone holders on the market, read on.
Best lightweight running phone holder
1. Sprigs armband
Best lightweight running phone holder
I wasn’t sure how the Sprig Armband would protect my phone while I was on the run when I first saw it. The Sprig Armband is only a thin strip of flexible silicone with no velcro or plastic to change the band’s size. To make sure you obtain the correct fit, measure your bicep beforehand as it comes in sizes ranging from small to extra-large.
I was surprised by how much the armband stretched, even when I was wearing layers for chilly runs, as I slid my phone into it and pushed it up over my arm. When my phone was in its case, it fit it perfectly, which is convenient because I don’t want to waste time taking it out.
Compared to other armbands on this list, the Sprig Armband fits the tightest, however this results in zero movement when running. There is also less chafing because there are no straps or velcro. I tested the armband looped around my wrist as well, and it functioned flawlessly.
The disadvantage of this wristband is that, although it can store your phone, it’s really more of a pouch, so if you’re training for a marathon, you’ll still need pockets to keep your gels. Additionally, it’s not very convenient to use while running, so if you respond to messages or pause to snap pictures while jogging, you might want to check out some of the other apps on this list.
In summary:
Best value running phone holder
2. Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband
Best value running phone holder
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.
Nevertheless, you kind of get what you pay for, and the Tribe Fitness Armband’s armband strap thickness wasn’t to my taste. Because of the strap’s thickness, I discovered that when I was jogging, the holder shifted on my arm. Furthermore, it smelled after just a few usage, which is excellent because the cloth seemed to absorb sweat more than any other on this list. I was unable to throw the hand-washable phone holder in the laundry with my kit when my run was over.
That being said, I discovered that the Tribe Armband is a decent choice if you’re searching for a phone holder that will allow you to utilize your phone while on the road.
In summary, the Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband Case Running Holder is a less priced but thicker choice that requires more frequent replacement than its competitors.
Best running phone holder for warmer weather
3. Nathan Quicksqueeze View 18oz Insulated Handheld
If you want to carry both water and your phone while running, the Nathan water bottle is fantastic. I carry water with me on every run because it gets over 100 degrees here in the summer, so this all-in-one holder really impressed me.
With regard to the product’s phone holder, it was simple to insert my iPhone 11 into and secure it. It fits my phone perfectly in its case. One of the few portable cases on this list, it fits your hand comfortably so you don’t feel compelled to hold onto it when rushing. Thanks to the clear film phone pocket, you can still see your phone once it’s locked.
The 18-inch insulated water bottle, which was convenient to sip from while on the go, is what sets this jogging phone holder apart from the competition. Nathan claims that the insulation keeps the water 20% colder than it would in regular bottles. The running phone holder’s design has reflective parts as well, which comes in handy in low light.
The bottle and the wristband are both simple to clean. After a run, you can easily place the water bottle on the top rack of your dishwasher and, because the cell phone holder is made of nylon and polyester, it can also be readily placed in the washing machine on a cold cycle.
In summary, if you don’t mind carrying something while running, the Nathan
Best Nike running phone holder
4. Nike Pocket Armband Plus
Best Nike running phone holder
It bothers me because in order to fit my phone into the Nike Armband, I had to take off my normal case. After taking off the case, inserting the phone into it and fastening the wristband around the arm are also simple tasks. It does provide a zippered pocket to keep your phone safe and secure while you run, as well as provide some weather protection.
Compared to some of the other running phone holders on this list, the Nike Armband’s material is more comfortable and slimmer. When wearing layers in colder weather, it may be easily adjusted and doesn’t feel thick or heavy on your arm.
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 Nike’s best armband phone holder and a basic but effective option 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
5. Sporteer Velocity V7 Armband
Best running phone holder for storage
Although it is one of the bigger alternatives on this list, the Sporteer Velocity V7 running armband stores a lot of stuff. I initially thought this would be far too heavy for me, but everything fits within, and I had no trouble using the holder to carry my phone, a gel, and credit card. It even includes a safe place to keep keys.
Naturally, carrying that much with you while running has its advantages, but it also has a disadvantage in that the phone holder feels heavy when you’re running more than a few kilometers.
It took me a while to figure out how to strap my phone into the Sporteer Velocity V7 because it opens up like a binder. There exist
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.