​Our phones have become increasingly important to us in today’s mobile and high-tech world. We can’t imagine being without them, even sometimes when we’re on a run.

In order to have your phone with you while you run, you’ll need a place to store it. That’s where you can benefit from the best armbands for Runners.

Why Should I Carry a Phone With Me When I Run?

Runners have a multitude of reasons for bringing a phone along on a run with them. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons.

• Safety: No one likes to imagine the unthinkable happening during a run, but accidents and emergencies don’t wait just because you’re in the middle of something. You might fall and twist an ankle, have to report an accident, the weather might turn threatening, or you may find yourself in danger with a stranger who approaches you during your run. Having a phone with you could be a real lifesaver in those situations.
• Emergencies at home: If you’re running in the middle of the day while your kids are in school, it can be reassuring to have your phone with you. That way if your child has an accident or becomes ill, the school can reach you immediately.
• Music or podcasts: Many of us have a love-hate relationship with running. We love the way it makes us feel, but we also hate the way it sometimes makes us feel while we’re doing it. Listening to music or podcasts during our runs can be just the kick in the butt we need to get ourselves out the door and run longer than we’d ever imagined we could.
• Running apps: Some people don’t have the money to buy a GPS watch, and they don’t need to as long as they have some great running apps on their phone. Running apps can keep track of your mileage, how many calories you’re burning and help you out with your course when you get lost.

Why Do I Need a Special Place to Put My Phone?

Some runners hate the idea of spending money on any gear they don’t consider a necessary expense. After all, we’d rather be spending those hard-earned dollars on our number one love -- running shoes.

But you really do need a special place to put that phone during a run -- and you shouldn’t try to cram it in your shoe, sports bra, in your hand or in your compression sock. Keeping it in your hand or bra will allow a lot of moisture to get on your phone when you start to sweat from your workout.

Good hands-free options that help keep your phone dry include an armband or a running belt. Both those kinds of gear will help keep your phone dry and accessible when you need it.

But if all you need to bring with you is your phone, it seems like a waste to wear a running belt. It will have more storage than you need and you’d have to take your phone out of the belt if you’re listening to music and want to change songs.

What Should I Look For in an Armband?

A lot of armbands can look similar when you’re briefly glancing at them. But if you really start to dig into their features, you’ll find some are head and shoulders above the others.

• Size of your phone: If you have a large, oversized phone, you have to make sure it will fit in the armband you select. Some phones are too big and you’ll have a hard time shoehorning them in, if they can even fit at all.
• Reflective stripe: If you want to add some extra visibility onto your run, you should consider getting an armband with a reflective stripe. It may be just enough visibility to keep you safer on your runs when you’re going before dawn or after dusk.
• If you’re able to swipe the screen without taking it out of the case: If you can’t swipe the screen easily, you should reconsider your purchase. It can be a pain trying to take important calls or change songs during your run if you have to stop and take your phone out of the armband to do so.
• Extra storage: Some armbands will have a little extra space for small things like cash, identification card and a key. It’s always good to have extra room in case you need those things.
• If it’s water resistant: You’ll want water resistant material for your armband. Something like neoprene is a good option. That will help guard against all the sweat you’ll be working up.
• Comfort: If it feels like you have a tight blood pressure cuff on, don’t buy it. You have to be comfortable on your run. You’re trying to find a workable solution for bringing your phone with you, not create a tourniquet on your arm.

5 Best Armbands for Runners

Portholic Armband

Pros

• It’s made out of neoprene and lycra so your sweat won’t be a problem for this armband.
• It’s stretchable so it won’t feel too tight on your arm -- it will fit arms from 9 to 14.5 inches.
• This material is soft enough that it won’t feel scratchy on your arm even when you’re wearing short sleeves or a tank top.
• The transparent cover will let your screen function without interference so you’ll be able to use your phone as you normally would.
• It has a reflective strap to help with visibility.
• It has a built-in key and card holder on the back.
• There is a hole for the earbuds to run through.

Cons

• Some runners had issues with the transparent screen not allowing them touch access to their phones.
• Some runners had problems with the stitching not holding up as well as they would have liked.

​E Tronic Edge Armband

Pros

• It has a zippered pocket that is big enough to hold keys and a wallet so you’ll have all your essentials with you on your run.
• This armband has a strip of reflective material on it to make you more visible at night.
• Made out of neoprene, the material is soft and breathable so it will be comfortable on your arm.
• The fabric is sweat proof and resistant to water.
• You can use your phone right through the clear cover screen of this armband.
• The armband is light enough that you won’t feel like you’re lifting weights with one arm while wearing this.
• The port on the armband lets you weave your earbuds through.

Cons

• It only fits phones that are up to 5 inches, which means bigger phones won’t fit.
• Some runners said the strap is too big for smaller arms.

Bondi Band Armband

Pros

• It wicks sweat away so your arm will feel cool and comfortable.
• It has a pocket that can stash small items like money, running gels, and keys, in addition to your phone.
• There aren’t any straps, snaps, or velcro to fuss with.
• The fabric is breathable and lightweight.
• Because the fabric has a little bit of give, it’s easy to put on and take off.
• It has an hole for earbuds to weave through.
• Which size to order is easy to figure out––it usually corresponds with your shirt size.

Cons

• It’s pricier than some other armbands.
• It won’t fit larger runners––the biggest size offered is a large with a 12-inch circumference.

Tribe Armband

Pros

• This armband is made out of neoprene, so it won’t slide around your arm.
• At 1.5 ounces, without your phone, it’s light enough that you might even forget you’re wearing it.
• This armband will fit bigger arms, up to 16 inches, so it’s good for larger runners.
• It will fit phones that have up to 5.5-inch screens.
• It features a reflective strip so you’ll feel safer running in the dark.
• This armband has a built-in pocket so you’ll be able to have a key with you and you won’t have to worry about losing it.

Cons

• This armband shouldn’t be machine washed.
• Because it does work for larger runners, smaller-armed people won’t have the option of wearing this on their forearm instead on their bicep––the strap is too long.

​Revere Sport Armband

Pros 

• It uses super-grip neoprene to make sure you have a tight fit so your armband won’t slide around on your arm.
• One size should fit almost all arms because it comes with an extender strap that will fit arms that are up to 20 inches.
• It has a reflective strip on it.
• It has earbud slots and a key pocket.
• The armband uses touch screen access.
• It’s sweat and water resistant.

Cons 

• This might not be the best choice for hot summer runs because it does get pretty warm on the arm.
• Some runners complained about the stitching giving out after several uses.

And the Winner Is …

The Tribe armband is one of the best armbands for runners because it has everything a runner needs. It’ll fit bigger arms so heavier runners will be able to use it comfortably.

It doesn’t slide around and it’s lightweight. It’ll fit larger phones and even offers a reflective strip of material so you’ll be safer during your night or early morning runs.

You’ll be able to slide a key in the built-in pocket so you may not have to carry any other gear with you.