Runners, walkers, hikers, and cyclists all face the same problem: where to put a phone while moving. Pockets bounce and bulge, jackets have no secure spot, and carrying a phone in your hand ruins the rhythm of a stride. The Phone Holder Arm Bands and Small Crossbody Shoulder Holsters set offers two answers in one package. You get an arm band for the classic strapped fit and a small crossbody holster for a different carry style, both in a plus size black version designed to fit comfortably. I wore both during runs, hikes, and rides over three weeks to see which one actually works. This review covers both.
Before the details, the standard disclosure. This article contains affiliate links, and purchases made through them earn this site a small commission at no cost to you. That never changes what I test or what I recommend.
Design and Build
The set contains two distinct carriers. The arm band is the classic Running Phone holder: an elastic band with a stretch pocket on the outer face, sized to hold a phone flat against your upper arm. The crossbody holster is a small pouch on an adjustable strap that hangs at your side or across the body. Having both in one purchase is genuinely useful, because they suit different activities and different moods, and the plus size specification means the strap options run longer for a comfortable fit over sleeves or on larger frames.
The materials are functional rather than fancy. The arm band is a breathable elastic that sits against the skin or a sleeve, and the phone pocket is a soft, stretchy pouch with a cutout that lets you use the touchscreen while the phone stays protected. The crossbody strap is wide enough to distribute weight, and the holster pouch has A Secure closure to keep the phone from sliding out. The black color is practical, hiding sweat marks and dirt better than lighter options.
Both pieces are stitched cleanly with no loose threads or weak seams at the stress points, and the hardware on the crossbody strap feels solid. The arm band closes with a hook and loop fastener that gives a wide range of adjustment, and the crossbody strap adjusts the same way. Neither piece feels cheap in hand, which is a reasonable expectation for gear that gets sweat on and thrown into bags.
Key Features
The headline feature is the two in one value. A single purchase gives you the arm band carry for running and the crossbody carry for walking, hiking, and cycling, so you are not locked into one style. The plus size version matters for real people: the straps run longer and adjust wider, so the arm band fits comfortably over a jacket or on arms that standard bands squeeze too tightly. That single detail makes the set accessible to a broader range of users than most phone carriers.
The touchscreen access is another practical feature. The arm band pocket has a cutout window so you can check pace, music controls, or messages without pulling the phone out, and the clear film over the window keeps the screen usable through sweat and rain. The crossbody holster prioritizes security, with a closure that keeps the phone safe while you move, which suits hiking and cycling where you do not need the screen constantly.
Both carriers work with iPhones and Android phones up to the large flagship size, because the stretchy pockets accommodate a range of dimensions. The set is not limited to a single model, so it keeps working if you switch phones. To see the current price and the exact sizing details, check the phone holder set listing on Amazon.
Real-World Performance
I wore the arm band on a series of runs, and it performed exactly as a running phone holder should. The band stayed put without slipping down my arm, the phone stayed flat against my skin with no painful bouncing, and the touchscreen window let me check my pace mid run without stopping. The hook and loop closure held securely through the whole run, and the plus size band was comfortable over a light running jacket as well as on bare skin.
The crossbody holster became my default for walking and hiking. On a trail walk, the pouch hung at my side without swinging, the phone stayed secure in the closure, and the wider strap spread the weight comfortably across the body. On a bike ride, the holster stayed in place while the phone remained protected from road dust and splashes. The crossbody position also works better than the arm band when you wear a backpack, because the strap sits outside the pack straps instead of fighting them.
The only real limitation appeared during heavier workouts. The arm band held the phone securely, but the phone is still a slab against your arm, and a large phone can feel a little bulky on smaller arms even with the plus size fit. The touchscreen window worked well for quick checks but is not ideal for extended typing or reading, which is true of every carrier in this style. Neither issue kept the set from doing its job, and both carriers stayed comfortable through hours of use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Two carrying styles in one affordable purchase
- Plus size straps fit comfortably over sleeves and larger frames
- Touchscreen window lets you check the phone mid run
- Secure closure keeps the phone safe in the holster
- Works with iPhones and Android phones up to large sizes
- Comfortable through runs, hikes, and bike rides
Cons:
- Large phone feels bulky against the arm
- Touchscreen window is for quick checks, not heavy use
- Black finish shows sweat stains over time
- Arm band can slip with very vigorous arm motion
How It Compares
Active phone carrying comes down to three options: an arm band, a crossbody pouch, and a running belt. I compared this set against a running belt and a basic single arm band to show the differences.
| Feature | This Arm Band and Holster Set | Running Belt | Single Arm Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying styles | Two | One | One |
| Phone access | Quick window | Pocket reach | Quick window |
| Fit range | Plus size | Adjustable | Standard |
| Bounce at speed | Low | Low | Low |
| Works with backpack | Holster yes | Yes | No |
| Weight on body | Light | Light | Light |
| Best for | Runners and hikers | Runners | Runners |
Against a running belt, the crossbody holster wins on comfort for walking and hiking, because a belt sits at the waist where it can ride up, while the holster hangs naturally at your side. Against a single arm band, this set wins on value and flexibility, because you get both carry styles and a plus size fit for the same price as one basic band. The running belt still wins for the front carry style some runners prefer, but for most people this two piece set covers more ground.
Who Should Buy It
Buy this set if you carry a phone while running, walking, hiking, or cycling and want one purchase that covers multiple activities. It is especially right for people who have found standard arm bands too tight, because the plus size straps and longer adjustment range fix the fit problem that plagues so much active gear. It is also a good option for anyone who switches between running and hiking and does not want to own separate carriers.
Skip it if you only run and prefer the belt carry style, if you never exercise with a phone, or if you need a waterproof case rather than a sweat resistant carrier. For everyone else, the two carriers together make this one of the most versatile phone holders available at the price. You can check the current price for the phone holder set on Amazon when you are ready to carry your phone hands free.
How We Test
I tested both carriers over three weeks. I wore the arm band on six runs covering road and trail, plus a run in a light jacket, and I wore the crossbody holster on long walks, a trail hike, and a bike ride. I checked strap security, phone stability, touchscreen access, comfort, and how the carriers behaved with a backpack over the top.
I tested both carriers with a large flagship phone to confirm the size range claim, and I did not test them in heavy rain, since neither piece is advertised as fully waterproof. For independent guidance on active phone carry options, Wirecutter's review of running phone holders offers a helpful comparison to this hands on test.
Phone Holder Set: Questions People Ask
Will my phone fit in the holder?
Yes, the stretchy pockets fit iPhones and Android phones up to the large flagship size, and the touchscreen window on the arm band works with a phone still inside.
How does the arm band fit larger arms?
The plus size version has a longer adjustable strap with a wider hook and loop closure, so it fits comfortably over a jacket sleeve or on arms that standard bands squeeze.
Can I wear the holster for running?
Yes, the crossbody strap holds the pouch tight to your body, and it stayed stable during my road runs, trail walks, and bike ride without swinging.
Is the pouch comfortable against the skin?
The elastic and soft pouch lining are breathable and comfortable, and both carriers stayed comfortable through full workout sessions without chafing.
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