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One of the most democratic things about running is that you don’t need a bag full of expensive gear to do it. No balls that require proper inflation, no bulky padding, no dorky helmet that’ll earn you a ticket if you forget it. Throw on a pair of decent running sneakers and some non-denim pants, and you’re basically good to go.
I, however, can’t stand to go running without my phone (I envy the runners who can get up and go without any additional equipment). There are two reasons I can’t part with it. One, because I desperately need Carly Rae Jepsen to distract me from the panting and the cramping and all the joys that come with running, and two, because, you know, safety. Plus, because it’s 2019 and phone companies keep convincing us we need to carry increasingly larger small laptops in our back pockets, my iPhone 8 Plus is the size and weight of a thin lead brick, and I absolutely refuse to spend actual money on an Apple watch, even though, admittedly, this is perhaps the one instance where it might be useful. So for now, I’m an armband loyalist.
What makes for a good running armband? It’s easy to take on and off, it’s sweat-resistant, and it’s secure enough to both protect your too-expensive phone and prevent it from bouncing constantly during your run. Below, the best versions for every kind of runner.
The Best All-Around Armband
Grantwood Technology Tuneband
The Tuneband by Grantwood Technology comes with a silicone case for your phone, two screen protectors, and two different size straps for your arm. If you’re the kind of person who runs almost every day and manages to not drop your phone a lot, you could potentially just use the silicone case with the screen protector as your everyday phone case; it would definitely prevent scratching and other minor damage but probably wouldn’t save the day after a straight-onto-concrete drop. Otherwise, you’ll have to remove your daily case to use this one. Once it’s on, the heavy-duty Velcro strap fits snugly and holds your phone firmly in place, while also allowing for fairly easy use during your run. The silicone case is easy to clean with a damp paper towel. You do need to buy a specific model for it to be compatible with your particular device, but it’s available for most Apple and Samsung phones (just make sure you’re buying the right one).
Amazon
$15
The Best Armband for Runners Who Have Their Playlist Locked and Loaded
Sprigs armband
I love the Sprigs armband because it’s extremely low-maintenance. It’s essentially just a sleeve with a pocket for your phone and a skinny Velcro strap to keep it in place. You don’t have to take your daily case off, just slide the whole thing right in. This also means it works for pretty much any phone model (even my gigantic iPhone 8 Plus), and you could easily slide some cash, a card, or a key in there. Its fit is super snug, and the grippy dots hold it in place on your arm. The only downside is that it’s basically unusable during your run—you can’t be skipping songs until Ariana Grande comes on. Sprigs comes in four sizes (S, M, L, and XL) and several colors and patterns. Bonus: It’s machine washable, so you can throw it in with all your other smelly running gear.
Amazon
$23
The Best Armband for Non–iPhone Users
Tune Belt armband
For you green text-bubblers out there, the Tune Belt is a great choice because it doesn’t require a device-specific fit. Plus, it easily accommodated my bulky case. The sweat-wicking neoprene means it stays pretty clean, and the touchscreen is easily accessible, so you can skip all the songs you want.
Amazon
$18
The Best Cheap Armband
Tribe armband
No frills here. The Tribe reminds me of the armband I had for my iPod Touch, back when those were still a thing. It fit my phone with the case on and has a handy little spot for a key.
Amazon
$10
The Best Armband for Long-Distance Runners
Armpocket armband
This is the cross-body bag of armbands. It’s definitely a little bulky, but there’s lots of room for several cards, cash, a key, and even some energy gels, so you don’t have to carry any essentials in your pockets.
