13 Best Running Armbands UK (Updated 2024)

Whether you know it yet or not, you need to read this article and find the best running armband for you. 

Sick of having to hold your phone on a run? That was us once, too. Carrying your phone really isn’t ideal and gets pretty annoying after a while.

We know the struggle, it’s pretty much impossible to find decent running clothes with pockets that zip up never mind pockets big enough to fit the ever-growing iPhone.

Leaving your phone at home whilst you go for a sunny morning run is a nice idea, but smartphones have tons of features like route tracking and music apps which means that for most people (ourselves included) leaving it behind isn’t really an option.

Looking for the best way to carry your phone on a run? We’re about to share our reviews of the best running armbands to fit the latest smartphones.

But first, are you a fitness fanatic wanting to make a career out of your passion? Check out our Personal Trainer Diploma or download our course prospectus here for more information.

Why You Need A Running Armband

#1 Comfort

Having your phone move around in your pocket gets pretty annoying. If you’re an avid runner, this definitely isn’t a permanent solution. With an armband, your phone will stay in place strapped to your arm so that you can forget about it and concentrate on your enjoying your jog. 

#2 Protect Your Phone

Nobody needs the stress of seeing their phone flying out of their pocket and ending up face-down on the pavement.  Running armbands are the best way to avoid this, keeping your phone safe and secure.

Some of the armbands on our list are rainproof so they’ll protect your phone from wet weather, too.

#3 Convenience  

If you're looking to become a running coach, having a phone holder for running will make your life that little bit easier. The best running armbands have a few compartments so you can put your phone, bank card and house keys in one place. 

#4 Use it For Other Exercises

Just because it’s called a running armband doesn’t mean you can only wear it on a run. Phone armbands have all of the same benefits for cycling, in the gym, or on a hike. More use = more for your money! Which leads us to our next benefit…

#5 Affordable

Running is one of our favourite hobbies because it’s free! Once you’ve got your running kit sorted, there’s no monthly fees, just grab your shoes and go. So, we’re not about to ruin that by recommending you splash out on a running backpack that will only get in your way.  

Every running armband on this list is completely affordable and the majority won’t set you back more than £20.

All of these benefits considered, we’re assuming that you’re convinced that you need one! So, here are the best running band armbands available in the UK.

13 Best Running Armband

#1 - LifeProof LifeActiv Armband

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars

Price: £24.06

Kick-starting our list of the best running armbands on the market is LifeProof’s LifeActiv Armband. 

The armband features a secure locking system that attaches to the arm snuggly, perfect for those wanting a straightforward one-size-fits-all option. 

The armband comes with a universal phone mount to allow runners access to the touchscreen while exercising. 

Whether you want to change your music, use your GPS, or take a photo, this product’s design allows you to slot your phone in and out of the mount with utmost ease. 

Now, while mounts can often make a phone armband bulky, LifeProof has ensured the design of their range remains compact and comfortable. 

It’s also relatively lightweight compared with some other running armbands on the market which is another great reason to get your hands on one of these. 

To use, simply affix the adhesive adapter to the back of your phone case and wait 24 hours for it to stick. 

Alternatively, if you would prefer not to have your phone case permanently attached to the mount, purchase a cheap case for the sticker. 

We understand that some may be hesitant about purchasing an extra phone case for their running endeavours, but we’re sure that you’ll be pleased with the results. 

After all, there’s a reason we’ve ranked LifeProof’s product so highly on our list of the best phone holders for running in the UK.

2. Karrimor X Lite Reflect Running Armband

Amazon rating: 3.5 stars

Price: £9.99

Made of lightweight and water-resistant material, this product has everything we were looking for in the best running armband at a fraction of the price of the other options we tested.

As well as a phone holder, the armband is fitted with a discreet pocket for your house key and has model precise cut-outs so you can access all of the side buttons and plug your headphones in. It even has reflector details for extra visibility!

We were really impressed by this product, as it's a real bargain considering the quality. The only downside is that there isn't much variety in size, so if you have a newer phone, it's likely you'll have to take a look at some of the other products on this list. 

3. Classic Y-Fumble Reflective Arm Pocket

Amazon rating: 5 stars

Price: £14.99

We loved the sleek design of this product. We give it a 10/10 for design because it was so much less bulky compared to others we tried, plus it comes in 4 great colours: black, blue, pink, and yellow.

For us, this is the best running armband for running when it's dark out because each colour has great reflective qualities that enhance your visibility.

This is definitely among the most comfortable to wear because the sleeve is seamless and really lightweight. We love that there are different sizes to choose from and that the armband itself is stretchy so that it fits securely, but doesn't become tight once your muscles start working.

Unsure how to clean your running armband in between outings? The Provis armband is fully machine washable and therefore really easy to clean!

#4 - Sprigs Banjee Oberarm Armband

Amazon rating: 4.1 stars

Price: £26.75

Next on our list of the best running armbands is a product by Sprigs.

Their Banjee Oberarm range is amongst the most lightweight and basic armbands on the market. 

The design couldn’t be more simple - it’s just a thin, stretchy compartment with a Velcro strap to secure the phone. 

Many reviewers have reported their surprise with how secure the phone feels on their arm, especially once sweat builds which helps to add extra grip. 

Sprig’s offers a variety of sizes with their product allowing runners to obtain a phone armband that fits like a glove. Simply measure around the bicep to discover your size. 

You also needn’t worry about the size of your phone since Sprigs have ensured their range fits any smartphone - even iPhone Plus models. 

Moreover, the brand offers a spectrum of colours and patterns with their armbands, helping to add an element of personalisation to your running attire. 

These include: 

• HiViz, fluorescent yellow
• Black and blue
• Hot pink
• Blue camo… just to name a few

Working out at just under £27, this is a pricier option. However, if you want a lightweight and basic armband, Sprig’s range may be exactly what you’re searching for. 

5. Revere Sport Armband with Fingerprint ID Access 

Amazon rating: 4.7 stars

Price: £9.98

Almost as if Revere Sport tried the armbands above and noticed how much of an inconvenience it is when you can’t use Touch ID through a screen protector, this product comes with fingerprint ID access! 

We love that the material is sweat blocking as it’s important not to overlook the damage that sweat can do to your smartphone. Although, we do question whether this one is completely water-resistant as heavy rain could seep through the gap for the home button – but maybe we’re just being extra critical.

As well as space to hold your phone, the armband is fitted with an earphone hole (an essential feature for us) and a pocket to fit your house key. You may not be that fussed on having a separate key pocket, but think about it, why would you put your phone behind a protective screen for it to be scratched by your key? You wouldn’t, so find an armband that keeps them separate.

The armbands from Revere Sport are super secure because they’re designed to fit exact models. This one is the perfect fit for the iPhone 8 plus. If you have a different model, or you’re an android user, you can find this same armband to fit your phone on their website. 

If you have bigger arms and don’t think the dimensions of normal running armbands will fit you, Revere Sport sells a compatible extension strap to make the armband bigger.

6. Nudic Fitness Running Armband Bag 

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars

Price: £7.99

No pockets? No problem. This option has plenty of room for storage. The armband has two separate pouches so you can store your phone (if its 6.2 inches or less), cash, cards, keys and any other little bits you might need whilst you’re out on a run.   

Our favourite part is that the pouches each have a zip, so you can feel secure knowing your phone is stored safely.

This product is really simple but practical. It’s made of a lightweight material which is more comfortable than alternatives made of rubber. The material is water-resistant with a foam lining that absorbs water, protecting your phone from rain, sweat, and tears! 

Thanks to the reflective strips on the trim of the armband bag, you can increase your visibility when out running in the dark.

One downside of the design of this product is that you can’t use your phone whilst you’re running. There’s space to fit your headphones through the eyelet on the front, but if you want to skip a track or open up an app, you’ll have to stop and take your phone out.

7. ROCK Sport Running Phone Holder

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars

Price: £10.06

This product is pretty similar to the Nudic running armband bag above, it has plenty of storage, 2 zip-up compartments, and a lightweight design. The main difference is that this running armband is bigger so its suitable for phones up to 6.8 inches.

The strap of this armband is the most adjustable in our list, it has a hook and loop fastener which can be adjusted between 5.5 and 15 inches. This is great because you can make the strap small enough for it to sit tightly on your wrist like a watch – we found that this was way more comfortable than having the armband on your upper arm.

Rock Sport has made this armband out of waterproof nylon material – so you can count on it to be rainproof and sweat resistant.

As well as being suitable for rainy weather, the back of this product is designed with breathing holes which keep your skin cool and sweat-free on hot summer days.

#8 - Armpocket MEGA I-40

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars

Price: £30.96

If you’re looking for the best running phone holder brands, you’ve got to check out Armpocket. 

Armpocket has been supplying running enthusiasts with the best quality gear for the past 17 years and has been featured by a range of global magazines such as Runner’s World and GQ.

The Armpocket MEGA I-40 is a compact phone holder that features state of the art technology, promising gear that is:

• Weatherproof
• Sweatproof
• Drop-proof
• Shock-proof

Each of these features ensures that you needn’t worry about your phone when out for a run, it’s safe, secure and dry. 

The I-40 also has a secure zip-lock compartment to store away anything you might need when running such as bank cards, keys and small snacks.

Each phone holder comes with smaller velcro straps around the circumference to secure wired headphones. This ensures that any wires don’t get in the way when exercising. 

Armpocket also offers a range of strap sizes so you’ll be sure to find a fit that works well for you. Refer to their size guide to know which is best.

9. Bone Collection Running Phone Armband

Amazon rating: 3.9 stars

Price: £16.99

The back of this phone holder is fitted with moisture-wicking ventilation to make the product sweat-resistant, keeping your phone dry and your arm cool and comfortable

Our favourite thing about this product is that you can choose from 3 different sizes to get the best fit possible. 

The bone collection running armband is slightly pricier compared to similar products in this list, but, being able to choose the size of the strap makes it worth paying that little extra. We found wearing this armband was so much more comfortable than the options with standardised sizes. Choosing the right fit stopped the armband moving around like it did with some of the cheaper options.

Like the VUP Running Armand, this product is made up of rubber bands and has an open design for easy use of all the controls on your phone.

But, some of the reviews mention that the rubber bands cover the camera on some models of the Samsung Galaxy as well as the front camera of the iPhone X – meaning you can’t actually use face recognition, even though that’s listed in the product description. If this is important to you, check out this next product instead.

10. Revere Sport Waterproof Running Armband

Amazon rating: 4.5 stars

Price: £11.99

Revere Sport has made it onto our list again with another innovative solution to common problems with running armbands! 

This time, they’ve designed a running phone holder so that it allows completely unrestricted access to the front of your phone. Unlike the VUP and Bone Collection armbands, there is nothing stopping you from using face recognition whilst your phone is still in the case.

This running armband has other benefits too. It’s a really sleek and minimalist design with reflective strips around the protective screen for increased visibility.

It’s also really practical as well – we managed to fit a car key into the keyholder. This is a huge advantage for anybody who likes to drive to different running destinations.

#11 - Autkors Running Armband 

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars

Price: £7.59

If you’re on the hunt for a cheap armband for running, this next option might be best for you. 

Made from skin-friendly materials like lycra and neoprene, this is a super-soft yet durable phone holder that’s easy to snuggly fit onto your arm. 

It features a reflective tape design for safety when running at night. The reflective material circles around the screen and straps to prompt drivers and fellow runners of your whereabouts.

Another convenient feature includes a small key cut out so you needn’t take an entire bunch with you. Simply slot your key into the armband and off you go!

As for the screen, the Autkors phone armband offers a highly sensitive screen protector to allow runners to view and operate their phones effortlessly while exercising. 

However, the brand notes that phones with fingerprint locks won’t work over the screen and so this is worth considering before you make a purchase. 

This range is suitable for phone’s within 6.1 inches which accommodates the vast majority of phone models. 

So, if you’re someone who would like to get your hands on a cheap armband for running that boasts a range of appealing features, Autkors range is certainly worth considering.

#12 - Anggo Running Armband 

Amazon rating: 4.3 stars

Price: £12.99

For this next option, we have a super lightweight, universal armband that can be fitted onto an arm, wrist or bike handlebar - it’s a 3-in-1 to accommodate all your cardio workouts. 

When attached, the holder can detach with ease to ensure the functionality of the phone even when exercising. 

With that, the holder is made from a high-quality and breathable material, perfect for even the sweatiest of workouts.

Once finished, simply put the fabric into the washing machine on a low heat wash ready for your next session. It’s as simple as that!

Now, if you’re searching for the best phone holder for running in the UK, reviews are likely to influence which product you purchase. 

Anggo’s product has been awarded a 4.3 out of 5-star rating with reviewers loving the product’s high quality and functionality for such a low price. 

The product’s description truly lives up to customer satisfaction with Anggo’s range which is why we’d suggest giving it a go on your next run. 

13. Quad Lock Sports Armband

Amazon rating: 4.5 stars

Price: £29.95

If you know you’re going to get plenty of use out of your running armband, it’s worth investing in some Quad Lock gear! 

This was the sturdiest armband we tried by far. You can rest (or run) assured that your phone is not going anywhere when it’s attached to this armband.

However, it is a pretty expensive option as you’ll need a Quad Lock phone case or an adapter in order to use it.

You really are paying for a quality piece of kit, though. And seeing as smartphones are expensive themselves, it’s not a ridiculous price to pay to keep it safe!

Before You Go! 

Whether you're looking to get in to running for the first time or you've been running for a while, we hope that our list has helped you to find the found the best running armband to make your life easier.

Are you interested in starting up a career in fitness? If so, check out our CIMSPA accredited personal trainer diploma and see how you can kick-start an exciting new career that you are truly passionate about.

Alternatively, you can download our latest prospectus here to find out more about what you could be learning!