17 accessories for running with the iPhone (Updated)

Updated Feb. 2019: revised file with additions of accessories, for Apple Watch, AirPods, but also iPhone

After a dedicated fileaccessories allowing you to enjoy the iPhone by bike,and carorfor home automation, what would you say about continuing in sport and going for a run with the smartphone? Here again, the iPhone can support and provide many services!

Whether it's listening to music or measuring your activity, with the right accessories, the iPhone will prove to be a great running companion, with dedicated accessories, in this article updated today today:

The essential armband

Why carry the iPhone in your hand or pocket when it can be securely attached to your arm? Here is a model of armband which has the advantage of being particularly inexpensive and is compatible with different iPhone models, from the 7 to the XS Max, including the 7 Plus and 8 Plus. We haven't tested it, but it gets good marks with 4.5 stars out of 5.

The armband is on sale here for around 9 euros

Other Belkin models may offeran alternative in different sizes here.

Wireless headphones

When you go running, it's always nicer to take some music with you. But what's more annoying than this thread that winds up everywhere? The solution: wireless headsets connected via Bluetooth to the iPhone and designed specifically for sports. Better still, they allow you to only take the Apple Watch with you for those who want to run light!

Here are several models, for all budgets:

The entry-level Mpow brand – around 20 euros: lightweight, waterproof in-ear headphones, at a very low price and very well rated.

The Plantronics Backbeat FIT headset – around 80 euros: a good solution for athletes who cannot tolerate in-ear headphones. This headset is rightly renowned for fitting very well in the ears.

Jaybird Freedom 2 wireless headphones with cord – around 100 euros: here is a nice pair of sweat-resistant Bluetooth earbuds with reinforced support.

Jabra Sport Pulse headphones with heart rate tracking – around 160 euros: for those who would like to opt for a more high-end model, Jabra offers wireless headphones with in-ear heart rate monitor. This can be quite practical for those who don't have an activity tracker with a heart sensor, like an Apple Watch.

Apple AirPods headphones

Apple AirPods are good wireless headphones. But they are not suitable for running. Fortunately, accessories manufacturers have thought of this and offer clips to keep the AirPods in the ear. These two examples can be found in our special file dedicated toaccessories for AirPods:

Ear hooks for AirPods by Elago – around 10 euros
Holder loops with i-Blason cable for AirPods – around 20 euros: clips and safety cord connecting the two earbuds together provide maximum support so as not to lose the AirPods while running

And find themApple AirPods on sale here at Dartyorthere at Boulangerpour179 euros

An activity tracker

Apple Watch Series 4 connected watch – from 429 euros: much more than a luxury accessory and a watch, the Apple Watch, especially in its latest version, is the ideal ally for athletes equipped with an iPhone. Heart sensor, GPS, altimeter and water resistance are some of its interesting features for the cyclist or runner. Seeour photo presentation here.

As far as the Apple Watch is concerned, it is possible to equip it in advance before a sports session. Its bracelet can be changed for a more flexible and pleasant model, but also can be more adapted to the skin when sweating:

See these silicone bracelets for Apple Watch, dedicated to sporting activity – from 10 euros

But during a sporting activity such as running, particularly in the forest, the watch may also be subject to contact with branches, stones, and other obstacles. This is why a protective case can be welcome, so as not to see your watch covered in scratches after the session:

See these cases for Apple Watch, including the highly recognized Spigen models – from 10 euros

Finally, it may be even more prudent to detach the Watch from its bracelet for the watch on your arm, thanks to an armband for wearing it more suitable for running:

Twelve South armband for Apple Wach, in neoprene – around 33 euros

Here are other sports activity tracking bracelets:

Fitbit Alta HR Health and Activity Tracker: ideal companion for any athlete wanting to measure their physical activity (heartbeat, calories, etc.), with 7 days of battery life. Don't missour article here. See alsole bracelet Fitbit Charge 3, more advanced, but also more expensive.

Withings Pulse HR connected bracelet – around 130 euros: monitoring of heart rate, different activities (walking, running, swimming and several others), but also sleep, this bracelet has many advantages for connected athletes. Its long-lasting battery life of 20 days should also appeal to many.More information here.

Withings Steel HR Sport connected watch – around 200 euros: an interesting alternative to the Apple Watch, with long battery life and a design similar to a mechanical watch.See our test here.

The heart rate monitor belt

The most athletic people will be keen to follow their heart rate during exercise. For this, besides the Apple Watch, there is nothing like a heart rate monitor belt. We havetested here the Runalyzer Bluetooth solution.

It is for sale herefor less than 70 euros

A backup battery… just in case

And for those who are upbeat, or those who run for a long time, it is better to invest in a backup battery to avoid seeing the iPhone almost flat every time you want to go for a run or even during the race. In particular, we sawin this file a selection of batteries with integrated cable and compact format. But here are two particularly practical models: