The Best Phone Lanyards

If you're like most people today, you probably want to keep your phone within reach at all times. A lanyard ensures easy access to your phone when you don't have adequately sized pockets. It's also a super handy way to avoid those moments where you have to quickly wrestle it out of your pocket. It also provides peace of mind if you're prone to dropping your phone or misplacing it. We've gathered the best lanyards to keep your smartphone right at your fingertips.

Syncwire Waterproof Phone Pouch, 2 Pack

Simple and safe

For the minimalists, this phone lanyard doubles as a dry bag to keep your cell phone visible and dry at the same time.
Best Overall

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From puddles to oceans, the world has quite a lot of water. That’s why we were thrilled to discover this waterproof phone pouch from Syncwire. It keeps your phone on a handy lanyard while protecting it from the wet and the wild. Best of all, the transparent pouch is actually touch-screen friendly, which means you can still text and tap away while it’s in the case. If that’s not enough, Syncwire throws in an extra phone pouch, making this 2-pack a bargain buy.

Pros:

  • The waterproof seal is rated to provide protection in up to 100 feet of water
  • Compatible with a wide range of phone models
  • Available in a variety of color options

Cons:

  • Very tight fit for the larger phone models, so make sure you check the dimensions to see if yours will fit

Gear Beast Universal Cell Phone Lanyard With Card Pocket

For the card-carrying folks

This colorful lanyard can carry all your essentials, including your ID, credit cards, and cash.
Best Color Selection

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If you don’t have a suitable pocket or purse nearby to hold your phone, chances are you’ll also need a solution to hold your credit cards, ID, and access cards, too. The phone holder on this lanyard includes a slot that can fit several cards or even some cash. With any universal case, there is a chance that the camera will be blocked for some types of phones, but this design leaves ample room at the corners on the rear side of the phone. The drawback of this design is that it obscures more of the screen (and, potentially, the front-facing camera). As a result, this model may be better suited for uses where you don’t need to use the phone’s screen much.

Pros:

  • Plenty of color and design options
  • Includes pocket to hold cards, ID, or cash

Cons:

  • Obscures the phone’s screen
  • Lanyard length is not adjustable

Gear Beast Universal Phone Lanyard and Ring Grip

It has a nice ring to it

This universal lanyard case offers an adjustable ring to use as a finger grip or phone stand.
Best With Ring Grip

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Various lanyard designs can do the job of holding your phone, but this design also incorporates a useful multi-function ring for when you are. The ring helps you keep a steady grip and eliminates some fatigue for your fingers. If you want to set up the phone on a flat surface, the ring can also be angled down to prop up the phone at a good viewing angle. The stretchy silicone bridle will fit most smartphones, and the swivel attachment helps prevent the lanyard from getting twisted.

Pros:

  • Includes a built-in ring for better grip in the hand or support on a flat surface
  • Works with a phone case or just a phone on its own
  • Inexpensive price

Cons:

  • Could block the rear camera of some phones, depending on the model and case
  • The lanyard length is not adjustable

Gear Beast Universal Web Cell Phone Lanyard

Fits just about any phone

Even those with bulky phone cases can enjoy the security of this "universal" phone lanyard.
Most Compatible

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Gear Beast offers tons of clever designs, but we’re especially partial to this one. The universal design fits a super wide range of phone models, and you can even fit it around many common phone cases. The stretchy silicone material keeps a tight grip on your phone, so it’s a great choice for those that like to strike out on adventures while keeping their phone handy. Best of all, the web-like shape offers space behind the phone for keeping cards and cash.

Pros:

  • Lightweight at less than 1 ounce
  • The lanyard attaches via a quick-release carabiner
  • Fits phone cases with grips or clips on the back

Cons:

  • The camera on certain phone models may be blocked by the holder

Shanshui Phone Lanyard and Wrist Tether

The best case scenario

After securing the tether pad to your phone's case, you can use this lanyard without obscuring any useful parts of your phone, which is especially helpful for iPhones.
Best For iPhone

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While a neck lanyard is ideal for many situations, it sometimes can be more useful to have a wrist strap. For example, when jogging or walking, you may not want your phone to be repeatedly bouncing off your chest. This kit includes straps for your neck and wrist, and the quick-release clips make it easy to switch between them. It attaches to the inside of a phone case and fits through the hole for the charging port without obstructing it. Thus, it won’t get in the way of any ports, buttons, cameras, or screens. This is especially helpful for newer iPhones, which have several cameras and a screen that goes right to the edge.

Pros:

  • Will not obscure the phone’s cameras, buttons, or ports
  • Includes neck lanyard and wrist tether with quick-release clips
  • Doesn’t obstruct most charging ports

Cons:

  • Requires a separate cover case to attach
  • Lanyard length is not adjustable

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use a phone lanyard?

Some lanyards are designed to fit any smartphone. A silicone bridle stretches around the corners of your phone and attaches to the lanyard strap. Other lanyards attach to a protective phone case or phone grip that you’ve already added. There are several options for wearing any lanyard. You may wear it around your neck or wrist, or you might want to attach it to your belt, purse, or even your bicycle.

What’s the best material for a phone lanyard?

Silicone is popular because it’s stretchy, which makes the lanyard shock-absorbent and allows for a single-holder design to fit most phones. Polyester may be stronger for lanyards that attach to a case. Finally, a retractable string may not be as strong, but it is the least bulky option.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.