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Best Cell Phone Lanyards

Updated May 2022
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Gear Beast Universal Cell Phone Lanyard
Gear Beast
Universal Cell Phone Lanyard
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

Securely wear your phone and ID cards around your neck without compromising on comfort.

Pros

Durable rubber material is strong and provides a quality grip. Lanyard can stretch to fit most smartphones. Lanyard includes added slot for ID or credit cards. Material is comfortable around the neck. Easily detach phone with secure clip.

Cons

May obstruct view of center placed cameras.

Best Bang for the Buck
MoKo Waterproof Phone Pouch and Lanyard
MoKo
Waterproof Phone Pouch and Lanyard
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Best for Vacations
Bottom Line

With the added waterproof protection, the Moko lanyards are an essential vacation tool.

Pros

Lanyard is made from strong materials with a convenient clip to quickly detach phone. Safely take photos near and under the water without damaging your phone. Spacious pouch has plenty of additional room for credit cards and ID.

Cons

Lanyard is on the shorter side.

foneleash 3 in 1 Universal Cell Phone Lanyard
foneleash
3 in 1 Universal Cell Phone Lanyard
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A versatile lanyard that offers a neck, wrist, or hand strap for a secure and reliable way to hold your phone.

Pros

Allows you to choose between a neck, wrist, or hand strap. Made from strong and reliable material. Attaches securely behind phone case on most smartphones. Strong clip allows you to quickly detach phone to answer calls. Neck lanyard is a comfortable length.

Cons

Lanyard requires a phone case for attachment.

E-Tech Detachable Cell Phone Lanyard
E-Tech
Detachable Cell Phone Lanyard
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Simple in design, but a secure hands-free way to hold your phone without obstructing use of buttons or camera.

Pros

Minimal design doesn't obstruct your view of camera or access to buttons. Adhesive metal button stays securely in place and allows you to rotate and pivot phone in any directions without removing from the lanyard.

Cons

Metal button is extremely difficult to remove should you change your mind.

Rancco Phone Neck Strap
Rancco
Phone Neck Strap
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Best for Families
Bottom Line

The whole family will enjoy these affordable and colorful cell phone lanyards.

Pros

Lanyard sits at a low price point. Braided rope design is strong and reliable. Comes with 5 differently-colored lanyards, perfect to share with the whole family. Attaches easily to most smartphones, USB drives, and cameras.

Cons

Touch screen does not work well when fully submerged in water.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
211
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best cell phone lanyards

A misplaced or dropped cell phone presents all kinds of problems. It’s likely your only line out into the world and the main one that connects you through social media, email, and actual phone calls. What’s more, your cell is likely to house private information, such as data, pictures, and contacts, while often cell phone cases are used to hold ID, credit cards, or money.

That’s why keeping your phone tethered to you can be vital. A cell phone lanyard attaches to you (usually around your neck), and your phone hangs on your chest, not only providing safety and peace of mind but also ease of access. A cell phone lanyard allows you to quickly grab your phone when you need to take a picture of an indelible moment or respond to someone contacting you.

Cell phone lanyards are useful at large events or when exploring nature, providing both convenient access and some protection against the elements and potential loss or theft. 

Content Image
Cell phone lanyards are meant to create more convenience and comfort in life, but it depends on your lifestyle. They’re inexpensive, so they’re worth a try, but they may not be for everyone.

Key considerations

Types of lanyards

Simple string: The most basic lanyard is simply a retractable string that wraps around your neck and connects to the end of your phone, much like an office ID badge. This offers convenience due to the variable length but may not be the most secure or durable. Heavier phones may be uncomfortable to carry for long periods.

Silicone meshing: This flexible design features stretchy silicone that wraps around your cell phone like a web meshing, holding it in place. As the material can stretch and retract, it fits most devices. However, the design may interfere with some cameras or buttons. The meshing features a clip or a hook on one end where the tether connects and sometimes another hook or clip on the back of the phone.

Pouch: This design protects your phone from dirt, dust, and water while still allowing you to use it. Your phone is placed in a clear tight pouch which gives you access to the screen. The outer edge of the pouch has a sturdy frame where a tether is attached. Ideally, this design offers both protection and convenience, but the material may not be the most durable, wearing down over time.

Leash: Some lanyards attach to your phone with a tether that takes more time and effort to both connect and remove. Some designs may require you to affix a button to the back of the phone which connects to the leash. Others have you weave the tether through your phone case. Either way, these leash options are more involved and depend on the user, not necessarily the design, to keep the phone tethered.

Connection

The way your phone connects to the lanyard varies. Some are attached with metal hooks while others use buckles, both of which are among the more secure options. Some simpler lanyards require the user to tie a string around a case, which is less stable. If you don’t have a case, some options may not be available.

Usage

It’s important to think about the potential situations you may be in where you can use a cell phone lanyard. Because there is no one specific function of the lanyard, the user can make it work for their lifestyle. If you’re outdoors, you may want something to protect you from the elements. If you’re in a crowd, you may want a lanyard that has a durable and strong strap. If you’re moving around a lot, you want a retractable length for your lanyard.

Camera

The quality and placement of your camera may dictate the lanyard you buy, as some may cover the lens or distort the picture. Most lanyards are designed with different styles of phones in mind, but that doesn’t mean yours won’t be an outlier. What’s more, while a pouch allows you to use your phone seamlessly while it’s inside, the picture quality is inevitably lower quality because of the clear coating over it. The extent to which the picture is distorted varies. If your phone has a terrific camera, you may not want to cover it up.

Side buttons

Most phones have their lock button and volume controls on the side. Some lanyards may block these and prevent their use. Similar to the previous consideration, if you can’t use your phone how you normally use it, then the lanyard is making life less convenient. Even those frames or cases that claim you can still use buttons may not be as easy to use as advertised.

Features

Retractable length

Some lanyards have a fixed length, which may be useful in some situations but can often be inconvenient if you’re regularly using your cell phone while it’s attached to you. A retractable lanyard allows you to change the length to make it work for you. It can be tighter if you’re in large crowds or longer if you want to take selfies while still keeping the phone attached to your body. What’s more, a variable-length lanyard allows you to hook it to different parts of your body like your wrist or arm and use it with ease.

Colors

Just like phone cases, cell phone lanyards are made in a variety of colors. Because of how easy and inexpensive lanyards are to make, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a color that matches your mood and style. You may be able to find a pack of several lanyards in different colors.

Designs and themes

While most lanyards come in various solid colors, others feature patterns, designs, and specific themes. Some silicone mesh lanyards feature a solid patch on the back of your phone, which is an opportunity to get creative. Some feature cute and clever phrases; others are patriotic and proud.

Cell phone lanyard prices

Inexpensive

For up to $8, you can find simple string or silicone mesh lanyards. These may come in packs and various colors but focus more on convenience than protection or durability.

Mid-range

Between $8 and $12, you can find lanyards and pouches that offer a bit more protection for your device. These likely fit most phone sizes and may feature more durable straps.

Expensive

For between $12 and $20, a cell phone lanyard should come with metal hooks or buckles for the most protection and feature maximum durability, as well as pouches that are waterproof and dustproof.

Tips

  • Double-check waterproof claims. It’s always recommended to test out any claims of waterproofing before you use a pouch on your phone.
  • Consider your phone case. Because the lanyard is not a substitute for a case, you can still use your phone in its case alongside a lanyard. Just make sure you consider that size.
  • Shorter lanyards are better when active. It seems convenient to have your phone around your neck or chest when working out but remember that it jostles around when you’re moving. Shorten your lanyard or attach the phone to your wrist or arm to avoid this annoyance.
  • Cover your phone in crowds. The lanyard offers some security, but when possible, it’s worth putting your phone under jackets or clothes. Advertising your phone in the open may attract unwanted attention.
Content Image
Some people worry a lot about dropping their phone — it may take time to trust a lanyard when your prized possession is suspended in the air.

FAQ

Q. Are lanyards theft-proof?

A. Cell phone lanyards provide more safety than if your phone was in your pocket, especially among crowds, but you should always exercise caution. Some lanyards may be ripped or untethered with a swift yank.

Q. Will it fit my phone?

A. Makers usually list the types of phones that fit on the lanyard, but the user may have to do some legwork. Older products may not be up to date on the sizes of newer phone models. If your phone isn’t listed, check the sizes of phones that are approved against the size of your phone, and make a judgment call. Those lanyards that stretch should accommodate most phones.

Q. How long is the lanyard?

A. Many consumers wonder how far down the phone will hang when strung around their neck. If the lanyard is a fixed length, this varies from person to person, depending on their height and neck size. Some lanyards may hang much higher or lower than others. If you’re unsure of the length, find a lanyard that has an adjustable strap.

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