10 Best Running Leggings with Pocket for Phone 2024 (Long Run Tested!)

One of the things that makes people laugh is my confession of running around with an empty hydration pack largely because it provides an easy place to hold my phone. But I’ve now compiled a stockpile of running leggings with pockets for phone that I feel good using and recommending!

One of the things I love most is new running gear…I mean it gives me an excuse to go run the second that I open it and of course in this job I have the honor of testing out a lot of things.

When it came to this list, I had some key requirements of my own and from talking with you:

• Pants that don’t fall down once a phone is in the pocket (I’ve had this happen, it’s weird)
• No bouncing around of the phone or a pocket so long that I have dig to pull the phone out
• Also not so tight they give me horrible muffin top just to keep the phone in place
• Still stylish and fit well
• And as always, I’m also checking for that weird crotch sweat look that makes it seem we peed ourselves

If you’re more focused on running shorts with phone pockets <<< go here.

**Gentlemen** I did a post just for you with with best men’s running pants! You’ll find pocket options there.

9 Best Running Leggings with Pockets for Phone

Here I’ve had luck finding a few  more options and a lot of what I’ll be sharing are capri’s, for some reason I’ve found a lot more of them that work well than full length leggings.

And if you’re aren’t sure what’s right for the day, checkout my full guide on what to wear running at every temperature.

#1 Best Overall Running Legging with Phone Pockets – Lululemon Fast and Free Tight ($128)

The Fast and Free has long been a favorite among Lululemon wearers and now with the added pocket it’s getting even more attention. Personally I am very obsessed with the red color, especially because there’s some evidence that seeing red makes us run faster. I’m not above any advantage.

NuLux fabrice feels great against the skin, as is the case with pretty much all the Lulu gear. But you’ll also find it dries fast and doesn’t move around while you’re on the go.

• Available in a full length legging, crop, capri and short
• Wide variety of colors
• Ankle is a raw hem, which leads to less constricting or chafing
• High Rise
• Back pocket is big enough for phone, as are side pockets

#2 Alternative: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets ($128-138)

Made with the Nulu fabric, these pants are designed for yoga but have become extremely popular for everyday wear for lounging and running errands. Like the regular Aligns, they boast that buttery soft feel that makes them super comfortable. An added bonus are the side pockets which does hold a phone, without pulling down your tights!

Folks absolutely wear these running, but I personally would consider them more of my walking pant.

• High rise to help them stay up
• Side pocket for phone, small back pocket for key or card
• Lots of patterns and colors available

#3 Best Sculpting Leggings with Phone Pocket – Sweaty Betty Power Tight ($100)

If you’ve ever wanted a real bum sculpter they do love to promote that as a feature! I’ve found them to have a good fit, and they definitely stay put when I place my phone in them. I’m not sure if they sculpt my bum, but they do feel light weight and a bit like compression.

I’m not a patterns person, but they do hide sweat really well!!! Mine in black are well worn.

The full length tights are actually long enough for me at 5’9″, so that’s another check in the plus column.

• High-Rise
• Comes in numerous colors and patterns from the classic black to bright red to leopard print and geometric designs
• Comes in both ⅞ and full length
• Side pockets and zippered waist pocket
• Supportive polyamide/elastane fabric that is soft, supportive, moisture-wicking and sculpting
• Sizes XXS-XXL

#4 Super Soft from Walk to Day: New Balance Harmony HI-Rise ($89)

If you want an option for kicking about or a power walk day, but maybe not your hardest runs this is a really good option. I admit to be sucked in by the super soft fabric and the olive color. What can I say, I have too many running shoes and too many tights and I apologize for neither.

Honestly I’m always wearing my running tights with pockets now because they make life easy.

• Available in a 25 and 27 inch inseam (for me that’s not quite long enough)
• Side pockets and fold over waist
• 78% recycled polyester, 22% spandex
• Sizes XS-XXL

#5 Best Racing Tights with Pocket – SOAR Running Tights ($200)

Super impressed with these tights, which are super thin, but felt perfect for a 30-40 degree morning. I loved the light compression and that also meant putting my phone in the back pocket didn’t result in the pants dropping or being pulled down!

Part of this is also due to the light rubber grips that are along the inside top portion of the tight. I didn’t notice them while running, but it certain made sure that these didn’t move.

Initially I was tempted to say that I would have sized up in this particular item. Because they look tiny and are harder to get on, but that is simply due to the compression. Once I was out for my runs, I loved the feeling and because they are high-waisted you won’t be getting a muffin top out of the deal.

Bonus – At 5’9″ they were actually long enough!!

• High Waisted
• Zippered large back pocket for pone
• XS – XXL
• Available in women’s and men’s

Race Day Runner Up: 2XU Form Stash Hi Rise Compression ($109)

Personally I LOVE compression for race day. It’s just that added thing to give my leg some support. But most compression tights have no pockets, these buck that trend!!

They have a phone pocket on both sides, plus an additional pocket and a large back pocket. I could easily store all of my gels for 26.2, carry my phone and feel really good in these.

I’ve worn them for runs up to 10 miles and would certainly take them farther.

#6 Best Capri with Phone Pocket – Brooks Spark Capri ($88)

I know many of you ladies prefer to run in capris year round because there’s simply less chance of chafing! And I support this decision because OUCH. These are going to be a light enough fabric to feel good even through those hot humid summer runs.

Brooks always makes quality gear that I’ve found to fit well, so this 3/4 tight should be up your alley.  It also has some cute laser cut outs along the leg to give it more style, don’t expect a huge breeze these are small.

The phone pocket here is along the back, rather than a side pocket. I have found this often works really well, unless you need to pull your phone out a lot (hello photos).

Ok and I have to note that I REALLLLLY Love the red, but if you are a heavy sweater…potential for pee pants look.

• Medium Rise
• 4 color options
• Side and back pockets for phone
• XS – XXL

#7 Warmest Winter Running Tight with Phone Pocket- Crash 2.0 PolarTec Tights from Title Nine ($99)

WINNNING for so warm and an easy to use phone pocket! As a runner who really hates to be cold, these are my go to when winter is throwing down.

This isn’t a chilly morning pair, but really that legging you want when the temps have really started to drop.

The tights come with multiple, well-placed pockets that are super handy. They’re big enough to hold essentials like your phone, keys, or even a small wallet.

And of course I’m a super fan of the fact that Title Nine is all about women’s gear alone!! And has them in both petite and long.

• PolarTec fleece is the warmest, but light and super fast drying so you won’t feel overheated
• The pocket, ehhh not sure you’re getting a phone in there
• Comes in regular, petite and tall — wohoo
• Available in 8 colors
• Goes from XXS to 3X — wohoo

Head over here for my recommendations on more winter running tights!

#8 Cheapest Running Pants with Pockets – Fabletics Leggings

I haven’t had a chance to test these, but I have tried a lot of their gear in the past and honestly love the current styles with the CHEAP prices.

Definitely make sure you look at the size chart, especially if you have small hips like me, to make sure they fit well and stay put while running. For the price Fabletics really does a good job providing a wide variety of styles to find what works best for you.

Click here to get 50% off your membership!

#9 Best Jogger Style with Phone Pocket – On Running Tights ($170)

These are on the higher end of gear, but as someone who runs in their jackets I can attest to the quality and durability of their gear. If you just don’t love the feel of tights these are a great option for your winter runs, with the added bonus of the wind blocker!

David has these and wears them non-stop for all of our winter runs together. I think that speaks highly of their durability and comfort!

• Available in men’s and women’s
• Good for winter running
• The ankle design actually makes them easier to pull on my big calves
• Back pocket for phone is large enough and zippered, it really does stay up
• Increasingly made from recycled materials, which is an extra cool bonus

#10 Best Plus Size Running Pants with Pockets – Nike Universa ($110)

Honestly, my first pick is always to point you to Athleta. However, I’ve already put them in the list once and I try to give you a variety of brands! So this is my second option.

I’ve had really great luck with Nike gear lasting a long time and that’s one reason I recommend them.

The extra wide waist band is designed to prevent rolling down, while the fabric is super thin and breathable. You’ll feel fully supported to go for a run in these and know that they’re going to stay up and feel good on the move.

• Good for cool days, but not super cold
• Side pocket for phone
• 1x to 3X

Thanks to one of our Run To the Finish athletes for this recommendation! Samantha let me know that R Sport Life has some seriously great gear for plus size runners, including ones with pockets. So absolutely go check them out for a wide variety of additional options.

I’ll continue to update the list of legging with pocket for phone with other ideas or as I test new gear!

Why You Need Pockets in Your Running Tights?

The longer you run, the more you realize you need to carry things with you! Most notably is often your phone, but we also want pockets for our energy gels, or even to stash a hydration flask.

Did you know that carrying your phone in your hand while running could be changing your running form? That’s right.

Carrying something whether a phone or handheld water bottle, flips our hand to the side so your thumb is now pointed towards your body. As a result you end up crossing your arms over the center line of your body while running.

It’s slowing you down and causing pain in your hips by twisting your body.

Now that being said, we absolutely want to carry our phone! It’s got apps to track how far did I run, it’s got safety features and of course all our favorite running podcasts.

I’ve covered a ton of options for how to carry a phone while running, but today we’re going to focus on leggings.

Looking for more running gear reviews?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinish

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs