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If you like to run with your phone – whether for safety reasons, to listen to music or to see where you are mid-route, there’s a wide array of options out there that aren’t just ‘grasping your phone in one hand while you run’.
Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network running belts to hydration vests, even some leggings now solve the problem with designated phone pockets.
But bulky packs and belts aren't for everyone. Enter: running chest phone holders. Designed for instant easy access to your phone, the idea is that you wear one of these over your running top or jacket and, voila, you are hands-free while running.
What is the best running chest phone holder?
We've put a number of chest phone holders to the test, to bring you our pick of the best. Shop them here, at a glance, or keep scrolling for the full reviews.
Types of phone holders for running
As mentioned above, there are four main types of running phone holders:
- Arm holders – these strap around your upper arm. It means your phone is not going anywhere, but access is limited – if you need to check anything on your phone removing it from the armband can be difficult and requires you to stop running.
- Running belts – usually elasticated belts that fit around your waist, these have pockets for your phone. Depending on the design and the size of your phone some belts can result in rubbing on your hip. Access to your phone is easy, and you can usually grab it swiftly. Belts can also carry other items like keys/wallet, gels, snacks and even packable jackets.
- Running packs – bigger backpacks or running vests can stash lots of kit for longer runs, as well as your phone, and offer multiple pocket options for choices on where to put your phone (eg front zip, elasticated pocket, back main section) so access can be restricted depending on where you stash it.
- Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network – these are all about minimalism and easy access. Your phone is right there on your chest. Like arm holders, they don’t hold much else though – keys and a gel or two is about the limit.
What is a Freetrain vest?
Freetrain makes running chest phone holders and is at the forefront of the new style of chest phone holders. Its products are shaped like minimal running vests and are designed in a V-shape going across your chest and back. Your phone sits in the middle of the ‘V’, in the centre of your chest so you can access it easily while you run. It features a 'flip-down' system so you can operate your phone while you run. Currently, Freetrain vests are unavailable in the UK, but we've rounded up plenty of substitutes below and will update this page once they're back in stock.
The best running chest phone holders 2024
Runitude
The Runitude claims it’s the lightest on the market at 159g and is available in a black version and a reflective version.
It fits tightly over your chest, can be adjusted via the side straps, and your phone is kept in the front pocket horizontally. The pocket has plenty of space for the biggest of phones, but it fastens via a zip, meaning that to access the phone you will need to stop.
Our tester found that although it fitted well with no bounce while running, the horizontal design meant it felt tighter across their ribs than other chest phone holders.
Lumefit Running Vest Holder
A good budget option, this fits tightly and has minimal bounce. It features a Velcro front pocket for your phone, plus an internal pocket for keys/cards and offers one thing others don't – a water bottle holder on the rear. Additionally, the reflective highlights mean you can wear this day or night.
ZelaFit Running Phone Holder
This running chest phone holder features a special key pocket with key holder on the right shoulder, a waterproof phone and card pocket on the front, and earphone wiring holes (if you don't have a wireless pair). It's made from breathable neoprene material too, and has an adjustable waistband to fit most body types.
Nulala Chest Rig
Not just a chest phone holder, but a chest ‘rig’. This is more like a back-to-front backpack, and as such is not the most minimalistic of phone carriers. Coverage across the chest is wide, so it keeps heat in more than others. As such, it's designed more for gym workouts than running, but would work for shorter run sessions, in particular, treadmill sessions as part of a gym workout.
