The 5 Best Armbands for Running, Selected by Marathoners and Editors

One of the more unique armbands we’ve seen on the market, LifeActiv is the only mount on our list. Instead of tucking your phone into a sleeve, you’ll attach it to a mount connected to an arm sleeve. As a result, you’ll have easy access to your phone during your runs, and reviewers tend to agree that this armband is less bulky and uncomfortable compared to other options.

To use the mount, you’ll attach it to the back of your phone using adhesive. Let it sit overnight, and then you’ll be ready to clip your phone in and out of the armband mount. The mount is compatible with other Lifeproof cases and has a one-year warranty.

One problem with this armband is that it doesn’t have additional storage for headphones, keys, or credit cards. Also, your phone is exposed to the elements, so this isn’t the best mount for folks who run in the rain or on a trail. We love this band’s functionality and ease of use, but adventurous runners should keep scrolling.

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This is the armband you picture when you think of “armbands for running”. This band features a slim profile, a reflect strip, and a see-through panel that allows you to use your phone through the screen. It’s also water-resistant, with users saying the case holds up fine to sweat and rain. On Amazon, the Tribe armband boasts a 4.2-star rating from over 15,000 reviews.

We also like the built-in storage. Tribe’s armband has a slot for your house key and a cord organizer to prevent tangled headphones (mind you, it’s 2024, so you probably own wireless buds). Thanks to its duel loop design, it also adjusts to large and small arms.

Some potential downsides are the minimal storage and that some users say they have issues accessing their phone through the transparent screen.

This is the armband you want if you’re into hiking, trail running, or routinely running in the rain. The Mega i-40 is certified weatherproof—meaning it protects against rain, mud, and dirt—sweatproof, and drop-tested. Let’s be honest, damaging your phone is a big deal, and if you have any question whether or not you’ll be putting your tech up against the elements, better safe than sorry.

It also has a relatively large storage compartment for your keys and card(s) and a heavily padded back for additional comfort. That said, at $45, this is the most expensive armband on our list by almost double. And even though it’s built for comfort, it’s also one of the bulkier models on our list.

The E Tronic armband is more of a storage sleeve that you can fit your phone into than a sleeve designed for running. We like it for casual runners who don’t need to access their phones during, say, a three(ish) mile run. Slide it onto your arm, stash your cards, cash, wallet, and keys, and then get moving.

Wearing the E Tronic armband is like having an extra pocket on your body. The pros are that you can store your essentials while hiking, biking, rollerblading, or at the beach. However, serious runners may be irritated by the design, as you may feel your items moving inside the sleeve. Or, if you want to quickly check your phone, you’ll have to stop running, take it out, and put it back, which will disrupt your pace.

The band is available in six colors and four sizes. It’s constructed with spandex and nylon to ensure a comfortable fit over various arm shapes and sizes. This may also be one of the most reviewed products on Amazon; it has a four-star rating with over 31,000 reviews.

It’s far from fancy, but for $6, MMOBIEL offers an effective, water-resistant running band that stores your phone and keys, and features a one-size-fits-all design. It holds any phone up to 160mm high, 85mm wide, and 7.1 inches across the entire phone.

The complaint that most customers make on product pages i the durability of the Velcro and the screen. Some reviewers say the MMOBIEL band doesn’t hold up well to consistent use. Also, the rubber strap may be uncomfortable for some runners who have sensitive skin and chafe easily.