We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Workout Recovery The 10 Best Tennis Elbow Braces of 2024 for Optimal Support and Pain Relief Whether you need elbow joint support on the court or in the gym, our top picks have you covered By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 01, 2024 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / David Hattan. Tennis elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury that results from continuously overusing your elbow. In addition to playing tennis, the cumulative motions of painting, cooking, weightlifting, golfing, and yoga can also strain the muscles and tendons in your elbow area, causing tension, discomfort, and pain. Jerry Yoo, DPT, founder and CEO of Next Level Physio, says that if you're struggling to carry objects or have persistent elbow pain, wearing a tennis elbow brace could relieve some discomfort and pain by moving the point of tension closer to the wrist. The best tennis elbow brace is one that targets the specific tendons or muscles causing you pain. You'll also want to opt for a style (band or sleeve, soft or hard) that is lightweight but supportive while you're resting and in motion. Depending on the brand and type, you can expect to spend $7 to $40 on a tennis elbow brace. There are so many options on the market, but we made it easy to find the best ones by researching dozens of tennis elbow braces and evaluating them based on material, support, adjustability, and price to find the most supportive models out there. Types of Elbow Braces There are a few different types of elbow braces to choose from, each designed for different levels of support and various activities. Counterforce strap: This simple and common type of brace wraps around the upper part of the forearm and applies pressure to the tendons. These braces are typically lightweight, affordable, and easy to adjust for comfort.Compression sleeve: This type of brace provides compression and support without the need for straps. They typically cover a larger part of the arm and place equal pressure across the muscles and tendons rather than focusing on one specific area.Armband: Similar to a counterforce strap, an armband applies targeted pressure to the muscles and tendons around the elbow. However, it's often smaller and worn higher up on the forearm, closer to the elbow joint. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Simien Tennis Elbow Brace at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Tendonitis: OTC Band-It at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Sleeping: Reamphy Elbow Brace with Splints at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Weightlifting: TUFF Elbow Sleeves at Tuffwraps.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Ice Pack Wrap: TheraICE Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Elbow Band: Sleeve Stars Tennis Elbow Brace at Amazon ($15) Jump to Review Best Compression Sleeve: PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best for Golf: Push Sports Elbow Brace at Amazon ($37) Jump to Review Best Budget: Rakiie Elbow Brace 2 Pack at Amazon ($9) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Kunto Fitness Compression Sleeve at Amazon ($21) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Types of Elbow Braces Our Picks What to Look For How Tennis Elbow Braces Work Tips for Wearing How We Selected Our Experts Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Simien Tennis Elbow Brace Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $35 Pros Doesn’t irritate skin Two size options Includes an e-book with exercises Cons Chemical smell Must be placed in the right position to work Key Specs Type: Armband | Adjustable: Yes Who It’s For Best for all-day wear and those looking for additional support in recovery and pain management. Why We Love It Finding an elbow brace you'll actually wear boils down to comfort—something the Simien Tennis Elbow Brace delivers in spades. Between its compact size and the plush neoprene and nylon material that won't chafe or itch, you might even forget you're wearing it. Unlike many other similar braces, the Simien comes in two sizes (small/medium and large/extra large), ensuring you have a snug fit that won't slip down your arm or cut off circulation. The icing on the cake? Each purchase includes an e-book with exercises specifically designed to help alleviate tennis elbow symptoms. Combine this with the fact that each pack comes with two braces, and you have one of the best overall options on the market. Potential Flaws Neoprene tends to give off a slightly chemical smell, so we recommend giving these braces a wash before wearing them.For the brace to work effectively, it's important to position it correctly on your arm, so be sure to consult the e-book or instructions for proper placement. Best for Tendonitis OTC Band-It Amazon View On Amazon $28 View On Walmart $28 View On Halohealthcare.com Pros All-day wear May also help with pain relief for other injuries Compact design Cons Pricier than other options Velcro strap may feel irritating to some Key Specs Type: Armband | Adjustable: Yes Who It’s For Best for post-injury support that requires some stabilization. Why We Love It Pain doesn't take a day off, and neither does the OTC Band-It. Its small, low-profile design and high-density foam padding make it perfect for all-day wear that doesn't get in the way of daily tasks. After you adjust the easy-to-use hook-and-loop closure to your liking, the brace's padding molds to your soft tissue and stabilizes the muscles, providing relief both at rest and during movement. While it's designed to treat and prevent tendonitis, people have also found relief using the OTC Band-It for other injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome, golfer's elbow, and cumulative trauma disorders are just a few conditions that can be alleviated with this brace's compressive benefits. Any injury that requires stabilization and targeted pressure may benefit from this recovery tool. Potential Flaws The OTC Band-It is pricier than other options, but if you're looking for quality over quantity (and something that actually works), this may be worth the investment.The adjustable Velcro straps may be irritating to those with sensitive skin. Best for Sleeping Reamphy Elbow Brace with Splints Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Moderndme.com Pros Breathable fabric Removable splint May also help with pain relief for other injuries Cons Chemical smell Velcro strap may feel irritating to some Key Specs Type: Counterforce strap | Adjustable: Yes Who It’s For Best for moderate-to-severe elbow pain that disrupts sleep. Why We Love It It's one thing for elbow pain to flare up during an intense match, but it's a whole other issue when it interferes with your ability to get proper sleep. If you can't get comfortable in bed, the Reamphy Elbow Brace may help alleviate pain throughout the night. It's designed with two removable splints that keep the joint in place and soft, breathable nylon and neoprene fabric that prevents sweat build-up on your arm. Bonus: Like the OTC Band-It, this brace isn't just for tennis elbow. It can also be used to treat elbow arthritis, ulnar nerve pain, tendonitis, and general sprains and strains. While it shines as a nighttime aid for pain, you can also wear it during the day for additional support. Potential Flaws Neoprene tends to give off a chemical smell, though this should dissipate with time.People with sensitive skin may find the Velcro straps irritating. Best for Weightlifting TUFF Elbow Sleeves TUFF Wraps View On Tuffwraps.com Pros Increases elbow strength Joint compression Multiple size options Cons Pricier than other options No targeted support Key Specs Type: Compression sleeve | Adjustable: No Who It’s For Best for mild to moderate pain relief during movement and preventing future elbow injuries. Why We Love It Strength training can improve your tennis skills, but it also puts an intense strain on your joints. The TUFF Elbow Sleeves can help ease some of that pressure and prevent injury during exercise. Made with 5-millimeter-thick neoprene, these compression sleeves retain heat in your elbow joint, increasing blood flow and promoting stability during heavy lifts. Unlike braces or bands, these sleeves won't slip or get in the way of your workout. While they don't offer the same level of adjustability as an armband or counterforce strap, the TUFF Elbow Sleeves do come in multiple sizes (ranging from XS to 4XL). You can also choose between a tight and comfortable fit, depending on what kind of compression your elbow needs. Potential Flaws These sleeves are on the pricier side compared to other options, but they may be worth it for serious athletes looking to improve their performance and protect their elbows.The sleeves only provide general compression, not targeted support for specific areas of the elbow. Best Ice Pack Wrap TheraICE Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $30 View On Theraice.com Pros Can be used on other joints, too Hot and cold therapy Full coverage Cons Not adjustable No targeted support Key Specs Type: Compression sleeve | Adjustable: No Who It’s For Best for the athlete who’s always nursing an injury. Why We Love It Tired of treating your sore elbows with a bag of frozen peas? TheraICE’s Hot and Cold Compression Sleeve can help. The sleeve design stabilizes your joints while simultaneously providing either hot or cold therapy to your strained muscles. Simply place it in the freezer for a cold compress or microwave it for warm relief to instantly soothe your elbow pain. Because of its versatile design, athletes of all skill levels should keep this multi-functional recovery tool on hand. It works for elbows and other areas like knees, ankles, quads, or shins. And thanks to the sleeve's 360-degree wrap and multiple size options, you'll enjoy full coverage of the affected area without worrying about it slipping off. Potential Flaws The TheraICE sleeve is not adjustable, so be sure to consult the sizing chart before buying.While the sleeve is compressive, it doesn't offer targeted support for specific areas of the elbow. Best Elbow Band Sleeve Stars Tennis Elbow Brace Amazon View On Amazon $15 View On Sleevestars.com Pros Latex-free Three compression levels Multiple color options Cons Tight fit Difficult to adjust Key Specs Type: Armband | Adjustable: Yes Who It’s For Best for people with sensitive skin who love to color-coordinate every aspect of their court fit. Why We Love It Elbow braces are not the most stylish accessories, but the Sleeve Stars Tennis Elbow Brace offers some semblance of an aesthetic with eight color options and a sleek design. However, the real selling point of this band is its adjustable compression levels. It has three straps in three different lengths, so you can choose between minimal, moderate, and maximum targeted compression. People with sensitive skin will appreciate that this brace is made with latex-free material, which reduces the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. It's also sweat-absorbent, so you can wear it during a hot match or a rigorous workout without feeling uncomfortable. Plus, it's way more affordable than other elbow bands on the market. Potential Flaws The Sleeve Stars brace has a tight fit, which may not be comfortable for some users.Learning how to switch out the straps can be difficult and time-consuming, so finding the perfect level of compression may take some practice. Best Compression Sleeve PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support Amazon View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $14 View On Power-lix.com Pros Breathable fabric Full coverage Multiple color options Cons May be itchy Not adjustable Key Specs Type: Compression sleeve | Adjustable: No Who It’s For Best for layering under shirts and preventing sweat buildup during all-day wear. Why We Love It If your 9-to-5 is to blame for your elbow pain, you might want to try PowerLix’s Elbow Orthopedic Brace. Its knitted, technical design lines up with your joints to provide targeted support to help you power through your workday with minimal discomfort. And thanks to the fabric's four-way stretch, your elbow gets full-coverage compression without sacrificing mobility or flexibility. While other sleeves seem to attract sweat, PowerLix's moisture-wicking fabric keeps your arm cool and dry no matter how long you wear it. It also limits bad odors that may develop from sweat buildup. Four sizes and three color options are available, including a beige shade that's perfect for blending in under work clothes. Potential Flaws Some users have reported the material being itchy, so be sure to test it out before committing to all-day wear.Sleeves are not adjustable, so make sure you measure your elbow correctly before purchasing. Best for Golf Push Sports Elbow Brace Amazon View On Amazon $37 View On Bracelab.com Pros May also help with pain relief for other injuries Machine-washable Localized pressure Cons Pricier than other options Limited sizing Key Specs Type: Armband | Adjustable: Yes Who It’s For Best for tennis players and golfers who need pain relief during play. Why We Love It Trying to swing a club or racket with a strained elbow is no fun, which is why Push Sports’ Elbow Brace was designed with athletes in mind. Its soft pad applies localized pressure to specific forearm muscles to relieve those overworked areas. While it's a great treatment for tennis elbow, it also works for golfer's elbow, which is clinically known as medial epicondylitis. Another major win for this brace is its stable fit. The Velcro strap keeps it in place no matter how much you move, so you won't have to pause your game to adjust it. And for added convenience, this brace is machine-washable, making it easy to clean after a sweaty match. Potential Flaws This brace comes at a higher price point compared to other options.Limited sizing means it may not fit all users comfortably. Best Budget Rakiie Elbow Brace 2 Pack Amazon View On Amazon $9 Pros Free replacements Breathable fabric Multiple color options Cons Limited sizing May be itchy Key Specs Type: Armband | Adjustable: Yes Who It’s For Best for color-conscious shoppers who want cushioned support. Why We Love It Why settle for one elbow brace when you can get two for the same price? Rakiie’s Elbow Brace comes with not one but two adjustable armbands with built-in EVA cushion pads to alleviate pain and discomfort. Whether you're dealing with tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, or general overuse injuries, this brace provides targeted compression to help you keep going. The cushion is absorbent, and the fabric is soft and breathable, making it comfortable to wear during long matches or workouts. Plus, with seven color options to choose from, you can match your elbow brace to your favorite tennis outfit. If something happens to your armbands within 30 days of purchase, Rakiie offers free replacements. Potential Flaws Even though it's adjustable, there's only one size option.Some people may find the Velcro strap to be itchy against their skin. Most Comfortable Kunto Fitness Compression Sleeve Amazon View On Amazon $21 View On Kuntofitness.com Pros Breathable fabric Full coverage Multiple color and size options Cons No targeted support Not adjustable Key Specs Type: Compression sleeve | Adjustable: No Who It’s For Best for a snug fit you don’t mind wearing all day. Why We Love It Most people can only stand the tight fit of a compression sleeve for a few hours. But that's because they haven't felt Kunto Fitness’ Elbow Brace's four-way stretch fabric. A blend of nylon, spandex, and rubber, it lightly conforms to the shape of your arm and keeps the elbow stabilized without suffocating your skin. The fabric is ventilated to allow for breathability and airflow—a godsend for people who need to wear it all day. Its full-coverage design (and beige color option) means you can wear this brace underneath clothes without worrying about it being too noticeable. With five sizes to choose from, you can find the perfect fit for your arm. However, the brand recommends opting for smaller if you're between sizes to get the maximum support. Potential Flaws The fabric doesn't provide targeted support, just overall compression.Because it's a sleeve, it's not adjustable. What to Look for in a Tennis Elbow Brace Targeted Compression: Depending on where the pain is localized, you may want a brace that offers targeted compression to specific forearm muscles. According to orthopedic physician John Hinson, MD, you want that targeted pressure to hit just below or slightly away from the damaged area. This placement relieves stress and allows for decreased inflammation and healing. Support Without Restriction: While elbow support is important, it shouldn't restrict your movement. Ensure that the brace you choose allows for a full range of motion so you don't feel restricted when playing or working out. Fit and Adjustability: How well a brace fits can make or break the effectiveness of its support. Amanda Gautreaux, PT, DPT, a physical therapist who played college tennis, says a brace that's too tight can limit movement, while a brace that's too loose may not provide proper support. Adjustable options offer the most personalized fit. Breathable and Durable Materials: Because so many people wear braces while working out or playing a sport, the material should, at the very least, be breathable. Nylon, polyester, and spandex blends are a good option. Durability is also important, so look for braces that are double-stitched or reinforced in high-stress areas. How Tennis Elbow Braces Work Studies have shown that tennis elbow braces, also called counterforce braces, can reduce pain and increase grip strength by applying pressure to the muscles and tendons around the elbow. Most models are designed with a hook and loop closure system, allowing for adjustable pressure and support, while others slip on like a sleeve. All braces aim to provide targeted compression to the affected area through gel pads, straps, or other mechanisms. Tips for Wearing a Tennis Elbow Brace If you want to find relief from an elbow brace, you have to wear one that fits. Hinson says to look for one that applies the right amount of directed compression and doesn't limit your ability to move. As for how to wear it, Gautreaux says that many people place the brace too low on the forearm. Position it right below the elbow joint with the compression pad directly over the muscle rather than the tendon. This will reduce the strain on the tendon and help alleviate pain. How We Selected the Best Tennis Elbow Braces After researching dozens of tennis elbow braces, we selected the top 10 based on their compression, materials, comfort, sizing options, and adjustability. We spent several hours looking at customer reviews, consulting with orthopedic physicians and physical therapists, and examining product details to find the most effective options on the market for relieving tennis elbow pain. When assessing each elbow brace, we paid close attention to the following key criteria: Compression: The main purpose of an elbow brace is to compress the affected area. We looked for braces that offer both full-coverage compression for overall support and targeted compression for specific muscles.Materials: The materials used in a brace can greatly impact its comfort and effectiveness. We focused on braces made of breathable and durable fabrics such as nylon and neoprene.Comfort: Wearing a brace for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. So, we looked for options with features like moisture-wicking fabrics and adjustable straps to ensure maximum comfort.Sizing Options: Everyone's arm size and shape are different, so we included braces in a wide range of sizes. We also considered brands that provide clear sizing guides for the best fit.Adjustability: Having an adjustable brace allows for a more personalized fit, which can make a big difference in how effective it is. We looked for options with adjustable straps or designs that allow for customizable compression levels. Our Experts We consulted with both orthopedic physicians and physical therapists to get their expert opinions on what makes a quality tennis elbow brace. Their insights helped us determine the key factors to consider when selecting the best braces for tennis elbow pain relief. More on our experts: John Hinson, MD, an orthopedic physician with the Palm Beach Orthopedic InstituteAmanda Gautreaux, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with FYZICAL and former college tennis playerJerry Yoo, DPT, a physical therapist and founder and CEO of Next Level Physio Why Trust Verywell Fit Shannon Ullman is a writer who focuses on fitness, health, and wellness. She’s been playing tennis for 10 years and writing about the sport (as well as pickleball) for three years. After a knee injury, she never hits the court without a knee brace and has started testing out elbow braces, too, to avoid future injuries. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Buchanan BK, Varacallo M. Lateral epicondylitis(Tennis elbow). In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Saremi H, Chamani V, Vahab-Kashani R. A newly designed tennis elbow orthosis with a traditional tennis elbow strap in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Trauma Mon. 2016;21(3):e35993. doi:10.5812/traumamon.35993 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit