Running with Greg
Stop holding your phone. Start running.
Honest, practical advice on running phone holders — chest vests, armbands and belts — from someone who runs with his phone every day.
Hi, I'm Greg
I've run with my phone stuffed in shorts, gripped in a hand, strapped to an arm and clipped round my waist. This site is everything I learned about carrying a phone without it ruining the run. I'm affiliated with Freetrain and recommend their vests where they're the right fit — and I'll tell you when something else is.
More about meWhich running phone holder is right for you?
A quick comparison of the three main types. The full breakdown covers distances and night running.
| Chest vest | Running armband | Running belt / waistband | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone bounce | Very low — sits on the sternum | Low, but adds weight to one arm | Low to medium; rides up or rotates on some bodies |
| Screen access on the move | Best — flip-down or glance-down pocket | Good for glancing, awkward to tap | Poor — must pull the phone out |
| Comfort with big phones | Good | Gets heavy and swings with large phones | Good, but bulk sits at the hips |
| Water / flasks | Yes, on hydration models | No | Some belts take small bottles |
| Night visibility | High on reflective models (big torso area) | Small reflective area | Mostly hidden under a top |
| Hot weather | Some warmth behind the pocket | Sweaty under the band | Sweaty around the waist |
| Best for | Most runners, 5K to marathon, night running | Short runs, gym sessions | Short runs, minimalists who never touch their phone |
Freetrain running vest reviews
Shop all vests5K & 10K
Freetrain V2
The original movement vest with a central flip-down phone pocket.
Read review →
Night & early-morning runs
Freetrain Reflective V2
The V2 design in a high-visibility reflective finish.
Read review →
Half & full marathon training
Freetrain Hydro 2
The hydration movement vest with room for two soft flasks.
Read review →
Winter marathon training
Freetrain Reflective Hydro 2
Dual-flask hydration plus high-visibility reflective finish.
Read review →
Race day
Freetrain Ultra 1 & Pacer
Ultralight, race-day cut for when every gram matters.
Read review →
From the blog
This is why I run (and why my phone comes with me)
Greg on why running became non-negotiable, and the practical reasons he never leaves home without his phone — safety, music, tracking and getting home.
How to hack your running: 9 small changes that make a big difference
Practical, low-effort running improvements: easy pace, cadence, strides, sleep, fuelling and kit set-up that actually make you faster and more consistent.
A balanced runner will do better: strength, mobility and symmetry
Why balance matters for runners — simple strength exercises, mobility work and carrying your kit symmetrically to stay injury-free and run better.
Four things to know about choosing the right running shoes
How to choose running shoes: fit, comfort, the surface you run on and when to replace them — plain advice without the marketing jargon.
Questions runners ask
What is the best way to carry a phone while running?
For most runners a chest vest is the most stable option: the phone sits on the sternum, the part of the body that moves least, so it doesn't bounce or swing. Armbands suit short runs; belts suit runners who never need to look at the screen.
Do running phone holders fit large phones?
Most modern vests and belts are designed for large smartphones. Armbands are the most likely to feel heavy or swing with big phones. Always check the dimensions on the product page against your phone and case.
Is a running vest hot to wear?
A lightweight phone vest is cooler than a backpack-style hydration pack. You may feel a little warmth behind the pocket on hot days, which is true of any chest-mounted carrier.
Is this site run by Freetrain?
No. Running Phone Holders is written by Greg, a runner, and is affiliated with Freetrain. Links to freetrain.com may earn a commission.