Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › fitness accessories

Best Alternatives to a Running Armband for Carrying a Galaxy S6 While Exercising

By Freedom251 Team · · 5 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A snug running belt or waist pack is the most direct hands-free alternative to an armband: it keeps a Galaxy S6 close to your body without strapping it to your upper arm. If you would rather not wear a separate accessory, try running shorts or tights with a secure pocket. Choose a hydration vest when you also need water or extra storage, not just a place for your phone. The right option depends on your fit, phone case, workout, access needs, and what else you carry.

Check the Galaxy S6 and case before choosing a holder

Samsung lists the standard Galaxy S6 at 143.4 × 70.5 × 6.8 mm and 138 g in its Galaxy S6 specifications. These are a useful starting point, not a guarantee that a pocket or belt will fit your device. The phone’s case adds to its dimensions, and Samsung’s carrier-specific support pages may show variant figures; confirm your exact model if using those measurements. Samsung’s US Cellular Galaxy S6 support page, for example, identifies a carrier-specific model.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Compare your fully cased phone—not just the bare handset—with the holder’s usable interior dimensions and opening. Check that its closure can secure the phone and that it cannot slide or bounce out as you move. If the seller does not give usable dimensions, ask or measure before buying rather than assuming a generic phone holder will work.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Which alternative suits your workout?

Option Fit and security Access and capacity Best suited to
Running belt or waist pack Check pocket dimensions, closure, and fit with your cased phone; a loose fit can allow movement. Hands-free; can also carry keys, cards, and other small items. Waistbands may feel heavier and can bounce. Runners who want a close-to-body carry without an arm strap.
Secure-pocket shorts or tights Depends on pocket shape, depth, stretch, and placement; check the garment’s measurements. No separate holder to wear; access depends on pocket position. People who already own running clothes with a suitably secure pocket.
Hydration vest Check the front pocket’s dimensions and closure with the cased phone. Offers space for water, food, and other gear; phone access depends on pocket placement. Longer or trail runs where you need water or more storage as well as your phone.
Handheld phone holder Check the holder’s fit and retention with your phone and case. Keeps the phone accessible but occupies a hand. Runners who value access, including checking phone data, and do not mind carrying it.

These are qualitative trade-offs, not results from a controlled comparison of Galaxy S6 accessories. Runner’s World describes the general aim as keeping a phone on you but out of the way when using it to track a run, play music, or for safety. Its guide discusses waistbands and handheld holders; ASICS also describes secure-pocket clothing and hydration vests as carry options.

#1 Best Overall
USHAKE Running Belt with Bounce-Free Pouch for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy - Ideal for Running, Walking, Cycling, and Gym Workouts Black
  • Superior Quality & Comfortable Wear - Not only durable, but also light and compact for your comfortable wear. With adjustable stretchy straps, Nylon Lycra fabrics for breathable material can keep your body cool. No bouncing, no chafing and no clutter. NOT FOR WALLET!
  • Weather Resistant - Water resistant material and zipper keeps your valuables safety, protecting them from sweat, rain, and dirt. Stay dry and safe. This is a great product used for a hiking trip because most of backpacks do not have a zipper compartment close by.
  • Fashionable & Jog Safely - Reflective material will form a visible strip on the front pocket for better activity at day or night; zipper in the front design to enable easy reach to the phone during running.
  • Ample Storage Space – Main pouch size: 3.8" x 7.8" (HxW). Provides independent protection for your phones from screen scratches, cash, key and watch from Water, Sand, Dust and Dirt. It is easily for running, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports with no worries.
  • Customer service: If there is any issues about USHAKE running belt product, please inform us at any time for after-sales service and we will follow up closely.

Running belt or waist pack: the closest substitute for an armband

For a hands-free running phone holder that does not go on your arm, start with a snug belt or waist pack. It can keep the phone close to your body while leaving your arms free, and some designs have room for small essentials such as keys and cards. The trade-off is that extra contents add weight, and a poorly fitted waistband may bounce.

Try it with your actual Galaxy S6 and case. The phone should fit through the opening, sit fully inside, and remain secure when you move. Check how the closure works and whether you can reach the phone comfortably during your workout. A belt that fits the bare Galaxy S6 may not fit the cased phone; no specific belt’s compatibility is established here. Runner’s World discusses waistbands for carrying a phone and small items in its phone-holder guide, while ASICS includes a belt or waist pack among ways to carry a phone.

Rank #2
USHAKE Slim Running Belt Women Men, Bounce Free Fanny Pack Phone Holder
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & BOUNCE FREE: USHAKE runners belt is made of soft material, light weight & fits comfortable to your body, no bounce or shake even with strenuous exercise.
  • LARGE POCKET: The pocket lies completely flat with size 9" x 4" x 2" inches is the perfect hands-free solution for a multitude of uses. Carry your phone, keys, cash, cards, earphone and small valuables securely while running.
  • PHONE HOLDER: Running belt for women and men compatible with many popular phone models including iPhone 11, 12,13,14 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy A14 S23, 24,25 ultra, SONY, LG, Google Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9.
  • ADJUSTABLE WAIST STRAP: Running waist pack fits waist sizes from 26" to 42" with adjustable elastic strap and strong clip, suitable for men and women.
  • WATER RESISTANT: The lining of the fanny pack is made of high quality water-resistant material protect the valuables from sweat and sudden rain. This running cell phone holder can only be used for water splashing, can't soak in the water. However, it can be safely washed in water.

Running shorts or tights: use a pocket you already have

If you do not want a separate accessory, running shorts or tights with a secure pocket can be the simplest option. ASICS lists pocketed running clothing as an alternative for carrying a phone. But apparel pockets vary: a deep, close-fitting pocket may hold a phone differently from a shallow or loose one, and the phone’s position can affect comfort as you run.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check the pocket’s depth, opening, stretch, and placement against the full cased phone. Make sure the phone is retained during movement and does not press uncomfortably against you. Without measurements for a particular garment, there is no basis to claim that its pocket will fit a Galaxy S6.

Rank #3
Slim Running Belt Fanny Pack for Men Women, Running Phone Holder Runners Pouch Waist Pack for Workout, Money Belt, Running Gear Accessories [Fits ALL Phones]
  • [FITS All CELL PHONE] The expandable pocket suitable all kinds of phone, carry your everyday essentials. Slim, comfortable workout fanny pack keeps a low profile on your waist. Runners Belt fits all smartphones with case.
  • 【NO BOUNCING】Our Running phone holder never bounces or slips while you exercise, fits comfortably to your body, so you can focus on activity you love. Wear the running waist pack below the waistband, you can cover it with a shirt or jacket.
  • 【Adjustable Waist Strap】Running waist belt fits waist sizes from 27" to 46" with adjustable elastic strap, Prevents bouncing around while you running, jogging, walking etc
  • 【WATER RESISTANT】 Reinforced inner layer of TPU and Water resistant zipper to keep your items dry from sweat or in any weather condition.
  • 【REFLECTIVE 】Reflective Running fanny pack with two highly reflective strips ,makes sure that you are safe even when running at night or in low-light conditions!

Hydration vest: choose it for water and extra gear

A hydration vest makes sense on a longer or trail run when you also need water, food, or more storage. ASICS describes vests with front pockets for longer sessions, which can keep a phone accessible while you carry other essentials. Check that the particular pocket fits the phone and case and that its closure holds the phone securely.

For an ordinary short run when the Galaxy S6 is the only item you need to carry, a vest adds gear without solving a need for water or storage. A belt or secure clothing pocket is the more direct option.

Rank #4
USHAKE Ultra Light Running Belt Men Women Bounce Free Waist Pack for Phone
  • 【 PRODUCT MATERIALS】: Nylon/Polyester fabric running iphone holder for moisture wicking, quick drying, stretchable, and great softness against your skin. The material is lightweight so you almost cannot feel it when you put it on.
  • 【FIT FOR DIFFERENT WAIST SIZES】: Fits 25.9 - 42 inches waists with fully adjustable elastic strap phone workout holder. Strong adjustable elastic waistband ensures it bounce free. Dimension size: 4.90"x 10.00" (HxL)
  • 【SMART PHONES FIT】: iphone workout holder for most of smartphones including Apple iPhone X XS 8 7 SE 6 6+; Samsung Galaxy Note Series & Samsung Galaxy Series; SONY, LG, or any other smart phone compatible.
  • 【HOLD MORE BELONGINGS】: Any sizes of smartphones, passport, keys, credit cards, money, energy gels. Ear bud hole is for pleasant music in running. It can also be used as fanny pack greatly for all forms of exercise including walking, running, hiking, riding bikes, working out at the gym and more.
  • 【WATER RESISTANT】(sweat-proof and rain-proof): Keep your valuables dry while you are doing exercise (not fully waterproof), not exposure to a lot of water or rain for long time. Great value for triathlons, marathons
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Handheld holder: easier access, one hand occupied

A handheld phone holder keeps the device readily accessible, which can help if you expect to check its screen or run data. The compromise is straightforward: you carry it in a hand rather than wearing it around your waist or in clothing. Runner’s World includes handheld holders among the styles runners may consider. Whether that works for you depends on the workout and how much you want your hands free.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Make the choice based on what matters most

  • For hands-free carry without an arm strap: look first at a snug running belt or waist pack.
  • To avoid a separate accessory: use shorts or tights only if their pocket fits and securely retains the cased phone.
  • For longer runs with water or other supplies: consider a hydration vest with a suitable phone pocket.
  • For quick screen access: a handheld holder may be preferable if using one hand is acceptable.
  • For any option: verify dimensions and retention with your actual phone and case before relying on it during a workout.

If you still prefer an arm carry, Armpocket’s Racer Plus product page explicitly lists Galaxy S6 compatibility, but specifies that the phone must be used without a case. It is an armband, not an alternative; treat it only as a reference if reconsidering that style.

Best Value
Fitgriff® Running Belt for Men & Women - Secure Jogging Pouch for Phone, Keys & Essentials - For All Cell Phones (Black, 24.5" - 35.5" Waist Size)
  • CARRY YOUR MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WITH YOU: With our running bag, you can take your most important accessories with you almost anywhere. Whether running, training, jogging, hiking, cycling, fitness or for travel.
  • FOR ALMOST ALL PHONE SIZES: Almost all smartphones can be conveniently stowed in the main compartment. The small compartment is ideal for keys, cash, money and credit cards. Everything can be cleanly separated from each other so scratches on the display of your phone can be avoided.
  • Ultimate Sweat and Splash Protection: Safeguard your valuables from sweat and light rain, making it perfect for your everyday adventures. Please keep in mind: This product offers strong protection, but it's not 100% waterproof. In heavy rain or prolonged water exposure, some moisture may seep through the seams.
  • SELECT YOUR SIZE: Measure your waist and find the perfect fit using our size chart in the photos. The belt straps are infinitely adjustable, elastic, yet sturdy enough to stay securely in place while running.
  • WITH REFLECTORS: The two reflector strips along the zip ensure greater visibility and safety at dusk and at night.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

fitness accessoriesGalaxy S6running beltrunning phone holdersmartphone accessories

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.