7 best running armbands: Carry your phone while you jog

Best: Overall

Proviz is renowned for its innovative hi-visibility running jackets and bags, but it also makes a test-topping running armband too. It was easily the best on test for comfort thanks to its construction from a soft, stretchy material. The design’s four-way elasticated fabric also means that, unlike some of the other running armbands tested, the Proviz offering adapts and fits to you – meaning there’s no way it can slip down your arm, regardless of how hard you’re pumping them.

Your smartphone is carried within a pouch and felt secure throughout testing. It also features Proviz’s signature reflective detailing, which is subtle in daylight but eye-catching after dark. Its only downside is that you have to remove your phone from its pouch to operate it, but it’s tough to beat if you’re someone who goes running for a screen break.

Best: Budget buy

Decathlon’s in-house brand Kalenji offers up great kit for pocket-friendly prices. At a penny under £8, its running armband is almost half the price of the next cheapest product on test, but you’re not left with a piece of kit that’s half as good.

Your phone is secured in a sealable pouch, making the design slightly more water-tight than the fabric-constructed alternatives on test, but we wouldn’t trust it to keep our phone moisture-free during a downpour. The strap is held in place with a Velcro harness that’s soft on the skin, but we found it to be tricky to find the sweet spot between being so tight it was uncomfortable-yet-tight enough that it stayed in place on longer runs. Also, the smaller size required us to remove the case from our phone to use it. Still, for the money, it’s tough to beat.

Best for: Breathability

Premium sportswear brand Lululemon’s running armband describes itself as “fast” and “free”, but does it live up to its name? Fitting the armband is anything but fast. The hook closure system (instead of the standard Velcro) certainly gives it a high-end look and feel, but in practice was quite fiddly to get on. It definitely felt free though – the lightweight fabric ensured it was comfortable throughout testing while its sweat-wicking features helped prevent any hot spots.

Its mesh pouch is translucent (rather than fully transparent), meaning it’s not possible to read and reply to messages on the go, but it allowed enough visibility to change songs with the armband in place. At £35, it was the second most expensive on test but is a solid buy if you’re after an armband that you can forget you’re wearing once it’s on.

Best for: Users of plus-sized phones

When comparing the 2XU run armband with the Kalenji band (£7.99, Decathlon.co.uk), we were struck by their similarities. Both had a Velcro strap, a grip-seal closure on the pouch and even the same reflective detailing. This is when we realised they are near-identical armbands, albeit with different branding. The only subtle difference was the lack of porthole in the centre of the case, but otherwise, we couldn’t tell them apart. Its size swamped our Google Pixel 4A but would be ideal for bigger smartphones such as the iPhone 12 Pro or Galaxy S21 Plus.

Best: Protection from the elements

Your smartphone is worth a lot of money so it’s a good idea to try and protect it from both rain and sweat when running. The Armpocket X does this and more and is even IPX4 certified – meaning it is protected from water splashes from every angle. Although it only encountered a light spring shower during testing, the armband had kept our phone dry (even if we hadn’t managed it).

It’s quite a bit bulkier than the other armbands tested, which means you do notice its presence on your arm. That said, the pouch includes an interior compartment perfect for bank cards, keys and could even fit a face mask too – ideal if you’re planning a well-earned post-run treat from a café.

Best for: Multi-sport athletes

A fraction less than £30 might sound like a lot of money for an armband with some plastic bits on it, but it all makes sense if you’ve already converted to Quad Lock.

If you’re not familiar with the Australian brand, it makes phone cases that allow your smartphone to be mounted to corresponding locking points – whether that’s on your bike, car or, in this case, running armband. It’s yet to release a Google Pixel 4A case (although its range is fairly comprehensive if you have an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy), so we had to attach a universal adaptor to our phone before getting started.

The width of the strap helped spread the band’s pressure – even when done up tight – and the Velcro closure system didn’t slip once. Our phone felt secure in its mount and the removal of a pouch meant it was completely usable throughout. It’s worth noting that you might want to opt for something with a bit more water protection if running in all seasons, but the compatibility of the Quad Lock makes it a good choice for those who want a multi-sport option.

Best for: Night running

Although it’s not an out-and-out armband, this product from Freetrain was well worth including because of its unique design. Rather than strapping your phone to your arm, the VR Vest features a pouch that is located on the centre of your chest, making for a comfortable, slip-free experience. Changing a song or checking a message is as simple as unfastening a popper, and unlike other armbands, its smart design means you can type with both hands.

The fabric is perforated to keep it breathable and the adjustable straps hold the vest in place without restricting movement. What’s more, the VR vest is fully reflective, adding visibility to night runs. There is also a zipped pocket perfect for keys.