The 10 Best Phone Holders for Running

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.