These Phone Holders Will Keep Essentials Close During Long Runs

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Our phones go wherever we do, and that goes for runs, too. Who doesn’t want to bring along a good soundtrack? And it’s always nice to track your training progress or snap the occasional photo when you spot something pic-worthy along the trail—that’s where phone holders for running come in.

A phone bouncing along in your pocket is less than ideal, to say the least, and subpar phone holders can make the situation worse rather than better. Phone holders for running come in many different forms, from armbands to waistbands to clip-ons, and there are merits and drawbacks to each style.

To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up our favorite phone holders for runners, as well as buying advice on how to choose the right model for you, and key information on each product we recommend.

For more great tech accessories for runners, check out our coverage of the best wireless headphones, best earbuds, and best AirPods cases!

Best Phone Holders for Running

What to Consider

When it comes to choosing the right phone holder for you, your primary consideration is where on your body you want it to go. While armbands are the most common, there are also benefits to attaching your phone to your wrist, waist, or bra. Here are your options.

Armbands

Armband phone holders are generally the most lightweight options of the bunch, and can hold your phone and sometimes essentials like credit cards, keys, and possibly an energy gel.

Armbands are usually pretty comfortable, but you may experience some chafing if your arm tends to rub against the side of your body while you run. Many armbands also make it difficult to access your phone on the fly.

Check out our editor-tested armband holders here.

Wristbands

If you use your phone semi-regularly during your runs—whether to change the music, respond to messages, or take photos of your favorite scenic running route—wristbands often provide easier access than armbands. The downside is that they can feel fairly lopsided, and it might take some getting used to. They also tend to slip and bounce on narrow wrists.

Waistbands

Waistband phone holders may be your best option if you’re planning on carrying more than just your phone. They often have ample room for keys, cards, nutrition, and other small items. Some styles also have dedicated spots for water bottles, which are great for long, hot runs.

While you won’t experience the asymmetrical feeling you can get with an armband, these do tend to be heavier, more expensive, and some can have a bit of a bounce when running. The key is to find one that fits as snugly as possible against your torso.

Bra Clips

If you wear a sports bra while running, bra clips are a great way to hold your phone without the movement and potential chafing associated with armbands and waistbands.

However, bra clips aren’t ideal if you like to check your phone periodically throughout your run as they typically sit on the back of your bra. They also tend to hold less than armbands and waistbands, but they typically still have room for a card or key.

How We Selected

To find the best options among the many phone holders for running out there, we leveraged a combination of firsthand testing, input from outside experts, and reviews from customers. We researched a combination of the most popular models along with some lesser known options, taking into account factors like price, design, capacity, comfort, and practicality.

Lifeactiv Armband With Quickmount

When our Runner’s World photographer, Lakota Gambill, tried out this armband, she knew it’d clock in as one of the best armbands we’ve ever tried. We recommend it as our best overall phone armband, and it wins out here, too.

To use it, just affix the sticker mount to the back of your phone—some runners prefer to set aside a cheap phone case for this reason, since they don’t need the mount all the time—and lock it in safely to the bracket on the armband.

Gambill says the band itself is light, slimmer than similar products, and efficient for checking phones mid-run. “The sticker is worth the commitment,” she says.

It also comes with multiple armbands for folks with especially thin or wide arms, and you can buy car phone mounts, belt clips, and bike mounts that are compatible with the sticker.

Water Resistant Cell Phone Running Armband

Not only is this armband super affordable, but it also feels great. It has a slim band that sits flush against your arm and won't rub up against your body when running.

In addition to having an adjustable band that fits individuals of most sizes, you can also purchase this style in three different phone pocket sizes that can accommodate devices up to 6.5 inches. This customer favorite is also water-resistant and has a touchscreen-friendly clear shield.

Running & Fitness Workout Phone Holder Belt

Some running bands bounce around as you jog, becoming more of a hindrance than a help. This one, however, hugs close to your body like the waistband on a pair of pants, and won’t ride up or bounce.

It has both zippered and fold-over pockets, and is super stretchy, allowing it to comfortably fit most phones, as well as snacks and other essentials.

AB92 Cell Phone Holder Running Armband

If you’re concerned about purchasing a running phone holder only to discover it has scratchy edges or its material chafes, this armband can put your worries at ease.

It is made from super plush, cushioned material that will hug your arm without feeling uncomfortable. It is also moisture-wicking, so it won’t chafe or scrape your skin once you start to sweat.

Running Waist Belt Phone Holder

Most waist belts force you to remove your phone when you want to use it. This one, on the other hand, has a clear, touchscreen-compatible window on the front, which allows you to see and use your phone without having to remove it from the belt.

It fits even the largest phones (and their bulky, protective cases), and has a small extra pocket on back for other necessities.

Running Belt Phone Holder

For long, hot runs where you need to carry water, a tech-friendly running belt like this one will certainly come in handy. You can purchase this belt in two styles: one that carries two 6-ounce bottles, and one that carries two 10-ounce bottles.

The large pouch in the front is big enough to hold your phone and a handful of other essentials, like nutrition gels or keys. It also has bib toggles to which you can easily attach your number for races.

Phone Holder Armband for Runners

This armband is washable, lightweight, and super easy to put on. While it isn’t adjustable, it does come in multiple sizes, and has grippy dots on the inside that prevent it from slipping or moving around.

Since this one slips on the arm like a sleeve, it is less likely to chafe than models that secure with Velcro, making it a great option when you’re running longer distances.

Original Clip Phone Holder for Running

If you don't need to access your phone often during a run, you may love this Koala Clip phone holder, which clips securely onto the back of a sports bra. It comes in three different sizes based on phone size, and there are three color options available.

The Koala Clip's fabric is made from recycled water bottles, which makes it a sustainable choice, and also helps keep sweat and water from reaching your phone.

Wrist Phone Holder for Running with Airpods Pouch

For those who prefer easier access than what’s afforded by an armband, this wristband provides easy access via a snug fit that won’t slide around. It also has a tiny pocket that’s big enough to hold earbuds, keys, or other small items. This is an ideal option if you need frequent access to your phone.

Wristband Phone Holder for Running

If you’re like me and you frequently find yourself running through gorgeous scenery, you sometimes want to stop and snap a photo. But most phone holders make this a tedious chore.

With this rotating holder, however, all you need to do is turn the phone, snap the pic, then be on your way. It’s also great if you expect to use your screen with any frequency.

Chest Pack Phone Holder for Running

If you’re looking for a way to achieve more storage without going full backpack—say to bring along your phone, snacks, keys, wallet, and nothing else—this minimalist chest pack is a great option. While it takes some getting used to, the straps are fully adjustable and it’s not hard to achieve a secure fit.

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