These Running Phone Holders Start at Just $15

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Whether using your phone to track your runs, listen to music, or for safety reasons, you want to keep it on you, but out of the way. It should be convenient enough to grab at a moment’s notice to snap a picture of the sunrise you’re chasing or to check in on your pace, but not bouncing around in your pocket—which is where a phone holder comes into play.

These running essentials can take many forms, from armbands to waistbands to clip-ons. Each style has pros and cons, but remember that a subpar phone holder can be a disadvantage. To make your search easier, we rounded up our favorites based on our editors’ hands-on experience.

The Best Phone Holders for Running

• Best Overall: LifeProof Lifeactiv Armband With Quickmount

• Best No-Bounce Waistband: FlipBelt Running and Fitness Workout Phone Holder Belt

• Best In-Hand Holder: Noxgear Hand-Held Phone Holder

• Best Fanny Pack Phone Holder: Janji Multipass Mini

• Best for Short Runs: SPIbelt Original Pocket Waist Bag

What to Consider

The biggest thing to consider when shopping for a phone holder is where exactly you want to keep your phone on your body. If on your arm, an armband will do the job. But if you’re carrying more than just your phone, a belt or fanny pack will work best. Here’s what you need to know about each style:

Armbands

Armband phone holders are generally the most lightweight option and can hold your phone, as well as essentials like credit cards, keys, and an energy gel. They’re also usually comfortable, but you may experience some chafing if your arm rubs against the side of your body when you run. Many armbands also make it difficult to access your phone on the fly.

Wristbands

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

Waistbands

Waistband phone holders are best for carrying more than just your phone, as most have ample room for keys, cards, and other small items. Some styles also have dedicated spots for water bottles (ideal for long, hot runs). You won’t experience the asymmetrical feeling you can get with an armband, but these tend to be heavier and more expensive, and some can have a bit of a bounce when running.

How We Selected

Our editors got hands-on with various phone holders and hit the track, road, and trails to determine functionality, sizing, comfort, and style. I polled the Runner's World team for their top picks and got hands-on with brands I’ve had my eye on, like a fanny pack from Janji. I just wrapped up training for a half marathon, and am taking it easy before heading into a marathon training block, so the running belt saw both short and long runs.

There are picks beyond editor-tested options on this list that were ranked based on general testing by our team, as well as online reviews. They’re in a separate section alongside an extensive list of features, just in case what our team tested isn’t the right fit for your needs.

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, affix the sticker mount to the back of your phone—some runners prefer a cheap phone case with this holder since they don’t want the mount on their device all the time—and lock it in safely to the bracket on the armband.

Gambill says the band 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. You can also buy car phone mounts, belt clips, and bike mounts compatible with the sticker.

Running and 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.

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

This is Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate’s pick, thanks to the functional design. “I prefer the zippered pocket because its opening is big enough for an iPhone and it keeps the phone secure. I wear the belt with the phone at the front and it doesn't bounce at all. I even wore it when I raced the Osaka Marathon in February—didn’t even feel the phone as I ticked off 6:40 miles for a long stretch.”

Of course, it's great for long runs, but for your quick runs after a long day of work, it’s still a solid pick. “I like this thing so much that I’ve purchased three of them; I keep one at the office so I'm never without for a lunch run.”

Hand-Held Phone Holder

This option quite literally keeps your phone in your hand but with a much more secure grip than if you were running barehanded. It’s small to store and easy to grab when heading out for a quick run. Plus, there are options for both left-handed and right-handed people.

Adam Schram, Assistant Editor of Commerce for Runner’s World, keeps this on his desk for lunchtime runs. “This holder is surprisingly comfortable and adjustable to various hand sizes. Additionally, it doesn’t throw your balance off as much as running with a water bottle in your hand can, so you likely won’t need to adjust when you start with it if you normally hold your hydration.”

Your phone stays centered in your hand throughout use, too. “Noxgear’s handheld phone holder is an ideal alternative to arm-mounted options if you want to check data on your phone with an app like Strava.”

The silicone straps hold just about any size smartphone. Place them on the top and bottom of your device and they’ll securely hold your device in place.

Multipass Mini

A versatile bag that doubles as a fanny pack on the days you’re not using it for runs, this pick from Janji fits more than just your phone. Still, the belt isn’t bulky: It’s nice for long runs when you need to pack a few gels, your phone, keys, and cards.

The strap is extendable so you can adjust the sizing, and it won’t bounce around while you’re running, so long as you’ve fitted it comfortably. You can even keep a towel or your shirt in the front bungee system.

I like this bag because I opt for energy chews over true gels, which can be a struggle to fit in a smaller pack. In an apartment with limited storage, I like having a belt like this that I can also use while running errands and meeting up with friends.

I carry an iPhone Pro 15 Max which is both heavy and wide when it comes to phone sizes. The Multipass Mini fits my phone with no problem—plus my keys, earbuds case, and cardholder. Anything more than that and it gets a bit too bulky and heavy for me, but I never need more than that on my runs anyway.

Original Pocket Waist Bag

There’s a wide range of color options for this running belt, so you can coordinate it with your running outfits if that’s what you're into. The pocket stretches to fit your phone, cards, cash, and a key or two.

Our editors tested this pick while on the hunt for the best running belts, and, of course, running belts are going to double as phone holders. Overall, testers felt that the belt provided both form and function, without sacrificing one for the other.

While there isn’t a ton of storage, the thin adjustable band will be more comfortable for shorter runs versus longer ones. If you're smart about packing, you'll even be able to fit a gel or two in there.

The belt won us over because there were so many colors to choose from. Your running accessories should be fun, plus at just under $25, you could snag two or three colors to swap out based on your gear.

Fast and Free Running Belt

The stretchy pocket of this belt from Lululemon is good for smaller phones (apologies to the iPhone Pro Max and Samsung Z Flip owners). It comes in three different sizes for the adjustable strap so you can find the one that fits properly.

The pocket has a bit of storage for your cards and a key as well. It shouldn't bounce around while you're running and the lightweight fabric is sweat-wicking and quick-drying, so you can wear it run after run.

This is Senior Commerce Editor Heath Owens’ go-to pick. “I don't like phone holders that wrap around my arm because it feels constricting (especially on long runs) and is hard to access your phone when you need it. This belt pouch is great for grabbing your phone mid-run when you want to change music or take a picture.”

If you’ve got a larger phone though, this isn’t the right fit for you. “It runs a little small for some larger phones. It fits my iPhone 13 Pro Max, but it’s a tight squeeze.”

More Phone Holders for Running

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

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