What to Look for When Shopping for Phone Holders for Running

• Phone Size: It’s essential to find a holder that fits and properly protects your phone while you run. Measure your phone with the case on and read the product description carefully to ensure your phone will fit inside.
• Accessibility: If you like to text, take calls, or change your music while running, you need a holder that gives you easy access to your phone. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself stopping all the time to unpack and repack your essentials. Look for a holder with a separate phone compartment or one with a plastic cover so you can use your phone without taking it out.
• Additional Features: Depending on your typical running conditions, you may want other features in a phone holder, like waterproofing, reflective elements, or extra pockets. Ultra-runner Paul Ronta advises checking for access to a headphone jack or wireless headphone case storage if you prefer to listen to music or podcasts while running.
• Comfort: A phone holder won’t be useful on long walks or runs if it’s uncomfortable to wear. An armband that’s too small may chafe, while a tight belt may ride up and distract you while you exercise. Look for fabric and materials that are soft, smooth, and moisture-wicking, like Lycra or neoprene, so that they won’t irritate your skin.
• Water Resistance: If you run in warm or rainy weather, choosing a cellphone holder that's made of moisture-wicking materials is essential. You don't want to risk ruining the holder or (even worse) your phone. If this is the case for you, make sure to purchase a phone holder that's water-resistant or water-proof.

How We Tested the Phone Holders for Running

To find the best phone holders for running, we tested 10 top options, wearing them for over 40 hours while running on various terrains in both warm and rainy weather conditions. When testing phone holders for running, we evaluate each option based on the following key criteria.

• Comfort: When assessing for comfort, we pay attention to how the phone holder feels. Does it irritate our skin? Is it breathable? Can it be worn comfortably on our bare skin, or do we need to wear it on top of a layer of clothing?
• Stability: Does the phone holder stay comfortably in place without bouncing around? Does it shift around during higher-intensity runs? Can it be worn while running on various terrains? Does the strap or band ride up or bunch up?
• Fit: Is it adjustable? Is the band stretchy enough to fit various wearers comfortably? Does it come in multiple sizes? We prioritize adjustable options and those available in various sizes to accommodate different wearers.
• Level of Protection: Does the phone holder protect our belongings? Are there features that add to the level of protection, such as waterproofing or foam layers? We prioritize phone holders that protect our belongings and can stand up to long-distance runs.
• Value: At the end of the testing period, we check the price after we've evaluated each phone holder in all other key criteria. We only recommend options that we would purchase at full price and recommend to loved ones.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us understand what key features to look for in high-quality phone holders for runners. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Jack Hackett, head cross country running coach at Marquette and founder/race director at Infinity Running Company
• Paul Ronto, ultra-runner

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best thing to hold your phone while running?

Phone holders, including armbands and running belts, are great options for holding your phone and keeping it protected while running. For long-distance running, opt for one with more storage so you can carry your water bottle and nutrition with you.

Are phone armbands good for running?

Yes, phone armbands are a good option when running short distances. For longer distances, you'll likely want more storage to carry nutrition and hydration. While many armband options don't offer any storage, some, like HAISSKY's Running Armband, have small pockets to store a few essentials.

Is it safe to carry your phone in your hand while running?

Holding your phone in your hand for a long run can cause your arm and shoulder to tighten up and even cause changes in your gait on one side of your body, which can potentially lead to injury, says Ronto. It also may distract you from your run, which can be a safety concern, he adds.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and Verywell Fit fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers.