The 10 Best Cellphone Holders, According to an Expert

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In addition to providing emergency service, cellphones offer fitness tracking apps and motivational music which is why many runners take their devices on their runs. With the average size of smartphones increasing, some runners struggle to find secure and comfortable ways to carry them. Whether you prefer belts or armbands, cellphone holders keep your phone safe and stable when you’re out and about.

Jack Hackett, Head Coach and Founder of Infinity Running Company, explains that it’s important that your cellphone holder feels comfortable and secure on your body. “Make sure the device is snug to your skin, and that the straps are breathable,” he adds. As long as the cellphone carrier doesn’t move around, you should be good to go.

Here are the best cellphone holders on the market, according to a running coach.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

FlipBelt Running Belt at Amazon

With a slim design and no uncomfortable fasteners, it doesn't move, ride up, bounce, or chafe as you’re running.

Best Armband:

Tribe Water Resistant Armband at Amazon

The clear plastic cover allows you to change your music, check a text, or use a running app without removing your phone.

Best for Large Phones:

Tune Belt AB91 Cell Phone Armband at Amazon

The clear plastic window covers your screen but still allows full touchscreen control so you can access notifications and apps.

Best for Long Runs:

Sport2People Running Pouch Belt at Amazon

The reflective design adds to your visibility, and the belt promises no bouncing or rubbing as you log miles.

Best Belt:

SPIbelt Large Pocket Running Belt at Amazon

Though it may look small, the zippered pocket expands enough to hold your phone and other essentials so you can stay hands-free.

Best Budget Belt:

MoKo Sports Running Belt at Amazon

Made with a breathable, water-resistant material, the belt keeps your valuables dry and your skin chafe-free.

Best with Water Bottle:

AiRunTech Running Belt with Water Bottles at Amazon

A convenient way to carry both your phone and fluids, the design makes it easy to remove and replace the two BPA-free bottles.

Best for Carrying All Your Essentials:

Fitletic Running Belt at Amazon

This pick checks all the boxes, from keeping your phone separate to protecting your valuables from sweat or rain.

Best Waterproof:

RevereSport Waterproof Running Armband at Amazon

The touchscreen plastic cover allows you to listen to music, take calls, and use your apps without taking your phone out.

Best for Storage:

Armpocket Mega i-40 at Amazon

Its unique, patented design allows you to use it four different ways: on your forearm, bicep, hand, or bike.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

FlipBelt - USA Original Patent, USA Designed

Pros

Lots of storage space
Doesn’t bounce or ride up
Many color options
Versatile

Cons

Stretchy, but not adjustable
Not waterproof

The FlipBelt Sport Belt Review

The extremely popular FlipBelt has been a game-changer for runners who want a comfortable, versatile way to carry their phones while running. With four pockets, it has plenty of room for even the biggest phones, as well as keys, credit cards, cash, IDs, and running nutrition. Just tuck in your essentials and then flip the belt inside out so it all stays safe and secure.

The FlipBelt comes in several different sizes and pulls on just like a pair of pants, so you can wear it wherever it feels most comfortable. With a slim, streamlined design and no uncomfortable, irritating fasteners, it doesn't move, ride up, bounce, or chafe as you’re running.

The versatile FlipBelt is also useful for traveling or attending sporting events and concerts, as a way to securely carry and hide your passport, credit cards, and other valuables under your clothes. It comes in several different colors—from basic black or gray to vibrant neon yellow or aqua.

Storage: Four pockets | Fastener: None | Care: Machine washable and tumble dry low

What Our Testers Say

“FlipBelt claims a "no bounce" design that has proven true to its word, even during a half marathon with a mobile phone and some snacks in the belt. The FlipBelt is practical for your cell phone and keys, but is also ideal for quick access to energy gel packets and bars, tissues, identification, cash, and any other small items.” — Wendy Bumgardner, Verywell writer and product tester

Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband

Pros

Affordable
Three different sizes
Low-profile
Reflective border

Cons

Touch screen doesn’t always work
Some users say it’s stiff

If you’re prone to misplacing your armbands, this water-resistant case is a reliable, well-designed holder that won’t break the bank. Made with premium, stretchy material and an extra-plush elastic band, it moves with you, so it feels comfortable and not at all bulky. The clear plastic cover allows you to change your music, check a text, or use a running app without removing your phone.

Runners love that it has a built-in hidden key holder that’s perfect for secure stashing. This band also has a reflective border that’s ideal for low-light conditions. Available in 10 different colors, it’s so affordable that you may want to pick up more than one to coordinate with different outfits.

Storage: Phone pouch and key pocket | Fastener: Velcro | Care: Hand wash and air dry

Pros

Holds large phones
Touch-screen
Sweat-resistant design
Secure grip

Cons

Not much room for other essentials
Might feel bulky when holding large phone in case

While some armbands claim to fit large phones, they’re usually not big enough to accommodate the phone in its case. But this comfortable one from Tune Belt has plenty of room for both, even for the largest phones and cases—such as Otterbox or Lifeproof. Extremely soft and cushioned, it provides a secure grip, so it stays put without feeling too tight.

It’s made of wicking neoprene fabric and has no openings directly on the skin, so your device stays protected from sweat and the elements. The clear plastic window covers your screen but still allows full touch-screen control.

This armband also features a convenient cord wrap flap to prevent tangles and keep the excess cord out of the way.

Storage: Phone pouch | Fastener: Velcro | Care: Hand wash and air dry

Pros

Affordable
Separate pocket for phone
Comfortable fit
Lightweight, breathable material

Cons

May not work for larger waists
Limited color options

Distance runners need a secure way to carry their phones, as well as other long-run essentials such as keys, sports nutrition, ID, and money. With two expandable pouches, this Sport2People running belt has plenty of space for all your stuff and, even better, it doesn’t bounce or rub as you’re running.

You can stash your phone in the larger pocket, so it stays protected from scratches. The belt is made of high-quality, water-resistant material, so your valuables stay protected, even if you run into some unfavorable weather conditions.

The adjustable length makes it easy to get a comfortable fit, while the reflective stripes add to your visibility when running in low-light conditions.

Storage: Two zippered pockets | Fastener: Buckle | Care: Hand wash and air dry

Pros

Doesn’t ride up or bounce
Low-profile
Lots of color options
Expands to fit whatever you’re carrying

Cons

Just one big pocket for everything
Large phones may be a tight fit

SPIBelt running belts may look like they don’t fit a lot, but the zippered pocket on this popular pick expands enough to hold your phone and other running essentials. The low-profile, bounce-free design keeps it flat and in place—no matter how many miles are on the schedule.

Made of a soft, elastic material, it doesn’t rub as you’re running, so you’ll stay comfortable and chafe-free. It’s available in many fun colors and patterns and is adjustable for waist sizes 24- to 47-inches, so you can get the right fit for you.

Storage: Zippered pocket | Fastener: Buckle | Care: Hand wash and air dry

Pros

Reflective strips
Lightweight
Separate pocket for phone
Affordable

Cons

Not waterproof
May not work for plus-size

This budget-friendly running belt from MoKo Sports is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot for quality products with all the features that runners want. The ultra-lightweight, durable running belt is made to hold even the biggest phones, while still having plenty of room for keys, nutrition, and other essentials.

The two-pocket design keeps your phone protected from scratches and sports gel messes. Made with breathable, water-resistant material, the belt keeps your valuables dry and your skin chafe-free. The elastic strap is easy to adjust, so you can get a perfect fit.

Storage: Two zippered pockets | Fastener: Buckle | Care: Machine wash and air dry

AiRunTech Running Belt with Water Bottles

Pros

Holds hydration
Reflective
Ergonomic design
Velcro closure allows for easy adjustments

Cons

May be too bulky for shorter runs
Bottles only hold 6 ounces

If you like your running belt to serve double duty, this AiRun Tech running belt is a convenient way to carry both your phone and fluids. With a roomy, water-resistant pocket, it has plenty of space for your large phone, as well as sports gels, cash, and other essentials.

The design makes it easy to quickly remove and replace the two BPA-free bottles, which feature leakproof push-pull nozzles. The belt’s contoured grips allow for a snug fit, preventing it from bouncing, chafing, or riding up while you’re running.

Storage: One zippered pocket and two bottle holders | Fastener: Velcro | Care: Hand wash

Pros

Water-resistant
Separate pocket for phone
Doesn’t ride up or chafe
Lots of storage space

Cons

May not work for very small or very large waists
Need to take phone out to use

Avid runners need a running belt that can fit their phone and other essentials while staying secure in a comfortable position. This belt from Fitletic checks all those boxes and more. It features two zippered pockets, so you can keep your phone separate and don’t have to worry about your stuff spilling out when you reach for it.

The water-resistant Lycra material protects your valuables from sweat and light rain, and the Dura-Comfort technology ensures no bouncing, riding up, or chafing.

Storage: Two zippered pockets | Fastener: Buckle | Care: Hand wash and air dry

Pros

Fully waterproof
Touchscreen
Lifetime replacement guarantee
Secure fit

Cons

A little bulky
No room for other essentials like sports nutrition

Keep your phone protected from sweat and rainy weather with this completely waterproof armband from RevereSport. Made from soft, chafe-free Lycra material with a waterproof coating, this phone holder features both a zip-seal and snap-lock closure to provide a reliable barrier between your phone and moisture.

The touchscreen plastic cover allows you to listen to music, take calls, and use your apps without taking your phone out, while the adjustable strap keeps the armband securely in place. Plus, it has a key pocket as well as another slot for holding cash, credit cards, and ID.

Storage: Waterproof phone pocket, key pocket, slot for cash, and credit cards | Fastener: Velcro | Care: Machine washable and air dry

Pros

Room for long run essentials, such as gels
Comfortable band
Three different sizes
Versatile

Cons

Expensive
May feel bulky to some

While many armbands only have room for a phone, this one from Armpocket lets you also carry your long run essentials. It features a large, easy-access window compartment to keep your phone protected, as well as a rear pocket to stash gels, money, or anything else you need on the run.

Made from durable, recycled fabric with a memory foam back that’s comfortable against your skin, the armband has a mesh layer behind the phone pocket to allow for sweat ventilation. The Velcro band is easy to adjust and holds the armband securely in place with no movement or chafing.

The armband comes in three different strap lengths, so you can get a more custom fit. Plus, its unique, patented design allows you to use it four different ways: on your forearm, bicep, hand, or bike.

Storage: Phone compartment and additional storage pocket | Fastener: Velcro | Care: Machine washable and air dry

Final Verdict

For a running belt that can comfortably and securely hold your phone and other essentials, the FlipBelt (view at Amazon) rises to the top for its performance, design, and versatility. If you prefer to carry your phone on your arm, the Tribe Water Resistant Cell Phone Armband (view at Amazon) stands out as a budget-friendly, reliable option.

What to Look for in a Cellphone Holder for Running

Phone Size

Smartphones today can be quite sizable, with many newer phones measuring 6.5-inches, so it’s important to find a holder that works for your specific phone. Read the product descriptions carefully to ensure your phone will fit.

Accessibility

Do you like to be able to check your phone while running, allowing you to answer texts or calls and change the music? If so, 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 carrying case.

Features

Depending on when, where, and how far you typically run, you may want special features, such as waterproofing, reflective elements, or ample storage for long run nutrition.

“If you are running with your phone so you can listen to music or podcasts, make sure there is a headphone jack,” says Paul Ronto, ultra-runner, gear expert, and chief marketing officer for RunRepeat.com. “Surprisingly there are a lot of phone holders that do not work with a corded set of earphones, which may mean an expensive upgrade to wireless headphones.”

Comfort

Make sure whatever design you choose is comfortable while you run. If your armband is too tight or your belt rides up as you’re running, it may be distracting and could lead to painful chafing.

FAQs

How to Carry a Phone While Running

If you don’t have pockets, a running belt, armband, or another way to hold your phone while running, you may opt to hold it in your hand. Keep in mind that this method does have its drawbacks, including dropping and breaking your phone or drenching it with sweat.

“Holding your phone in your hand for a long run can cause your arm and shoulder to tighten up, and even lead you to change your gait on one side of your body, which can potentially lead to injury,” says Ronto.

If you insist on running with your phone in your hand, try to keep the run short and put your phone in a case, so there’s some extra protection in case you drop it. Grip it comfortably between your thumb and four other fingers.

Try to keep the charger port (or any screen cracks) away from your hand so that sweat doesn’t seep into the phone. Be sure to alternate hands every five minutes or so.

How to Start Running

Whether you're brand new to running or starting up again after a long break, you should start out easy and build up gradually so you avoid injury and maintain motivation. For many beginner runners, the best way to start running is to combine runs with intervals of walking. Try alternating between one minute of running and one minute of walking, and then try to increase the running intervals.

Focus on maintaining proper running form and practice belly breathing to avoid side stitches. As you build your endurance and fitness, make the switch to all running.

What to Wear Running

Running is a very low-maintenance sport, so you don’t need a lot of fancy or expensive equipment to get started. The most important item is a pair of running shoes that fit properly and are suitable for your foot type and running gait.

You’ll also want to wear running clothes made of technical fabrics that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Avoid wearing clothes or socks that are made of cotton, since it doesn’t dry quickly. Running in socks that are a synthetic blend can help prevent blisters or chafing.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

An avid runner and marathon running coach, Christine Luff loves researching and testing the latest and greatest running gear and gadgets. She knows that the right running gear can make the difference between a mediocre run and a fantastic one.

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