Tested by Want more tried and tested recommendations from the RW editors? Sign up to our weekly newsletter Kit Bag. Click here to subscribe.
If you like to run with your phone – whether for safety reasons, to listen to music or to see where you are mid-route – there’s a wide array of options out there that aren’t just ‘grasping your phone in one hand while you run’, from arm holders and running belts to hydration vests and even certain leggings.
But bulky packs and belts aren't for everyone. Enter: running chest phone holders. Designed for instant easy access to your phone, the idea is that you wear one of these over your running top or jacket and, voila, you are hands-free while running.
What everyone's reading
We've put a number of chest phone holders to the test, to bring you our pick of the best. Shop them here, at a glance, or keep scrolling for the full reviews.
The best running chest phone holders
| Weight | 159g |
|---|---|
| Material | Neoprene |
| Pouch size | 18cm x 10cm |
At 159g, the Runitude vest is one of the lightest options on the market and is available in a black version and a reflective version.
It fits tightly over your chest, can be adjusted via the side straps, and your phone is kept in the front pocket horizontally. The pocket has plenty of space for the biggest of phones (including the iPhone 16 Pro), but it fastens via a zip, so it's a little fiddly to access on the run.
Our tester found that although it fitted well with no bounce while running, the horizontal design meant it felt tighter across their ribs than other chest phone holders.
| Material | Nylon with Spandex |
|---|---|
| Pocket size | Phones up to 8-inches/20cm. |
| Weight | Not specified |
A good budget option, this fits tightly and has minimal bounce. It features a Velcro front pocket for your phone, plus an internal pocket for keys/cards and offers one thing others don't – a water bottle holder on the rear. Additionally, the reflective highlights mean you can wear this day or night.
| Material | Neoprene, Nylon |
|---|---|
| Weight | 200g |
| Pocket size | 18.5cm (compatible with iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra) |
This running chest phone holder features a special key pocket with key holder on the right shoulder, a waterproof phone and card pocket on the front, and earphone wiring holes (if you don't have a wireless pair). It's made from breathable neoprene material too, and has an adjustable waistband to fit most body types.
