Best Phone Armbands For Running in 2023

Twenty years ago, if you had said, “I can’t go for a run until I grab my phone,” people would have thought you’d gone daft. These days, it’s nearly indispensable. It’s always a good idea to bring your phone with you on a run. If you get hurt, find yourself lost, or can’t finish your run, having your phone is one of the best ways to stay safe.

Plus, you can use it to listen to music, record your time and distance, and help with directions if running somewhere new.

But whatever your reason for wanting to keep your phone close, it’s not always easy to carry your phone around with you when you’re doing something active.

Thankfully, there’s an easy solution: the best phone armbands for running. We’ve reviewed a bunch of awesome options for you, so browse and find the one that’s right for you!

Our number one is the Bone Run Tie, which fits most phones thanks to its universal silicone construction, has an open design to allow for easy access, and even has ventilation to prevent you overheating.

Here are our top ten options.

Top 3 Best and Favorites

Best Overall

1. Bone Run Tie

We love the Bone Run Tie armband. It’s super easy to use, durable, and fits phones of 4” to 6.5”.

The silicone phone holder is high-quality and non-slip, keeping your phone safe and tight. It’s also ventilated at the back, providing great airflow so you don’t overheat with it on your arm.

The neoprene straps are soft and easy on skin, and quick and easy to wash when they get a bit grubby. Choose from one of three sizes, or go for the 3-pack combo to get three different sizes.

Your phone screen is completely open and easy to use without needing to remove it from the armband. If you’re doing something specific and need to remove it, it can be a little tricky to get it back in place without removing the whole armband!

Top Value

2. Tribe Lux Runner AB100

This affordable Lycra armband is the wildcard on the list. It’s our top value choice because of its great features packed into an unassuming little armband.

First, Lycra is comfy on the skin, lightweight, and not too tight. The wide elastic closure wrap is well-ventilated, and you won’t get too hot with this on your arm.

The touch screen protector is waterproof and protects your phone from sweat and splashes while keeping the touchscreen fully accessible.

Some of the other features we love include the handy cash/card pocket behind the phone space, a headphone cord holder to eliminate tangling, and the wide reflective strip that runs around the phone window.

It also fits just about any phone, although you may need to remove yours from its case if you want to use this armband. Considering the features and the price, it’s very worthy of our top value spot.

Best Locking Armband

3. Quad Lock Sports Armband

Those who want a bit more stability and something that’s more conducive to removing and replacing your phone, this locking armband could be the right thing for you.

Before you get too excited, though, it only fits certain phones, including iPhones and the Galaxy S8.

The actual armband is flexible and very adjustable, so it should fit all arms. To attach your phone to the armband, you’d need to use the handy compatible phone case that you’ll get with your purchase.

It’s as simple as lining the two locks up and twisting them together. Do the same to remove the phone from the band.

The beauty of this setup is that you can use it anywhere! Place the strap on your bicycle handlebars to use your phone when cycling, or to your treadmill as a device holder.

Top Water-Proof Armband

4. Armpocket Aqua

Nobody wants to run the risk of going out for a run with their phone and coming home with a dead phone thanks to a bit of a splash.

With this hardcore, heavy-duty armband, you’ll never have to worry about that. It’s fully waterproof and even has an IPX8 rating, which means you can submerge it in water up to 4” for 3 hours without even batting an eyelid.

You’ll still be able to use your touchscreen, which is impressive. You literally never have to go anywhere without your phone again! This is a superb choice for runners who also swim as part of their training.

It makes use of a double layer of protection, with a zip-seal and a snap-lock to keep your phone well and truly sealed in.

Of course, it’s also weather-proof and sweat-proof. Another thing we find very useful is the fact that it floats, which means you won’t ever have to worry about losing it in the water.

Best Color Options

5. J&D Armband

There’s no need to be boring with your running armband – this one comes in four funky colors. It’s not just a pretty face, though.

In addition to the cool housing, you’ll find a useful little sleeve key pocket and a back pocket for cards and cash. The housing is also water-resistant, so your phone will be kept safe from splashes and sweating.

It’s very well-priced, but it may not fit skinny arms very well, as the Velcro isn’t that long.

Top Large Armband with Interior Storage

6. Armpocket Mega i-40

If you’re like me and you’re one of those people who don’t leave the house without keys, cards, and an emergency snack, this armband could become your new best friend.

Some may be surprised at the bulkiness of this band, but when you see how much it can fit you’ll understand. The pocket behind the phone storage carries about four times more than the average armband.

It’s IPX4 rated – resistant to sweat – and has a memory foam backing for extra comfort. As an added bonus, it’s machine washable!

You can choose from three strap lengths to find the best fit for you. Its versatility is also impressive, allowing you to wear it on your bicep, forearm, hand, or put it on your bicycle handlebars.

Best Budget Armband

7. i2 Gear Cell Phone Armband

For an affordable armband, this one does the job well. It’s adjustable so it should fit most arms.

It’s constructed from Lycra and neoprene, so it’s comfy and soft. Adding to the comfort is the 2-inch wide band with two adjustment settings.

If you want to, you can slip a card or cash in behind your phone, although there’s no dedicated spot for them. There is a little key pocket on the strap.

The full-access touch screen and reflective strip are helpful. For the price, we can’t complain! It works perfectly.

Top Reflective Armband

8. Tribe Night Runner NR100X

Safety is the most important part of being out and about on the road, and this stylish little armband will give you a boost in the safety department.

It’s only available in one pattern/color, but it’s highly effective. A bright, nano-sheen, criss-cross pattern is extremely reflective and should make you visible to everyone from quite a distance.

Its silicone design makes it suitable for all phones, which is a huge bonus. What we love most about this band (apart from its obvious safety feature) is that it’s detachable from the band for easy access.

It simply clips out and back in when you’re done, making it unnecessary to remove the armband at any point until you’re done with your workout. The double buckle loops make it stable and durable.

Best Simple Design

9. Sprigs Armband

Sometimes, minimalistic is the way to go. There’s no need to get fancy when it comes to the best phone armbands for running, and this simple design works just as well as any.

Crafted from sports performance fabric, it’s gentle on the skin, lightweight, and breathable. It’s also stretchy, making it easy to slip your phone into it, and the grip dots prevent it from sliding down your arm.

Almost all phones will fit into this band, whether or not they have a case on them. The downside is that you can’t use your phone while it’s in the band. It’s easy to remove it, but getting it back in can be a bit tricky without removing the whole armband.

It comes in a very wide variety of colors, so it won’t be hard to find something that you like.

Top Armband for iPhone

10. Tune Belt Sport Armband AB92

If you’re an iPhone owner, this armband was designed specifically for you. It holds most iPhones even if they’re in an Otterbox or Defender.

If you’re not an iPhone owner, this armband can fit other phones, but it may not be suitable for those that are larger than the average iPhone and in a case.

It’s made from neoprene, which is stretchy and soft and won’t be hard on your skin. It’s also sweat-resistant and wicks away moisture, keeping you cool even while against your arm.

A feature that gets a thumbs-up in the handy cord wrap, which means you won’t have to worry about getting tangled in your own earphones while you’re doing sporty things.

It’s washable, so if it does get a little dirty or sweaty and need a clean-up, simply wash it with warm water and soap.