Tennis elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the elbow. And although its name might suggest otherwise, it doesn’t just happen to tennis players.
Many common tennis injuries, such as tennis elbow, result from continuous elbow overuse over time. These cumulative injuries can occur from various activities like painting, cooking, weightlifting, golfing, and yoga.
“This causes discomfort, pain, or tension, and these symptoms can be alleviated by wearing an elbow brace,” says Jerry Yoo, DPT, Founder, and CEO of Next Level Physio.
If you’re struggling to carry objects or have persistent elbow pain, wearing a tennis elbow brace could relieve some discomfort and “provide pain relief by moving the point of tension closer to the wrist,” Yoo adds.
Reviewed & Approved
The SENTEQ’s Tennis Elbow Brace is our top pick for its breathable material and plush gel pad that stabilizes, soothes and compresses while you move. The AVIDDA’s Tennis Elbow Brace is a great option because it’s comfortable, lightweight, and has an excellent price tag.
Choose a tennis elbow brace that targets the tendons or muscles where you are experiencing pain and a style (band or sleeve, soft or hard) that is lightweight but supportive while resting and in motion. Depending on the brand and type, you can expect to spend $7 to $40 on a tennis elbow brace.
We researched dozens of tennis elbow braces and evaluated them based on material, support, adjustability, and price to find the best tennis elbow braces on the market.
Comfortable, supportive, and lightweight, Senteq’s Tennis Elbow Brace is crafted from a stretchy, breathable fabric that promises to move with you as you exercise, which is why we chose it as our top pick. And a plush gel pad is tucked inside this fabric, offering comfort and compression in equal measure.
Best Overall
SENTEQ Tennis Elbow Brace
Breathable fabric
Wide adjustable band
Inner gel pad for added comfort
May be hard to wear under clothing
The elbow brace comes with a Neoprene strap to ensure a snug fit. And since the strap secures with Velcro, you can rest assured knowing the elbow brace will be easy to fasten and adjust.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:Strap Length: 15.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
AVIDDA sells its elbow braces in two-packs—giving you the chance to score two solid elbow braces for the price of one. The elbow braces are crafted from Neoprene, so they promise to be comfortable and breathable. And each one comes padded with plush EVA foam.
Best Budget
AVIDDA Tennis Elbow Brace with Compression Pad
Two elbow braces for the price of one
Nonirritating material
May lose its elasticity over time
This padding promises to contour to your arm, keeping you comfortable while giving you that compressive pressure you’re looking for. Each elbow brace is made up of two parts: a padded brace and an adjustable strap. We like that this two-piece design makes it easy to customize the fit of your elbow brace. Simply place the brace where you want it, and use the strap to lock it in place.
Price at time of publication: $11
Key Specs:Strap Length: 15.35 inches (up to 14.17 inches in circumference) | Weight: 1.76 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Can’t figure out whether you want an elbow sleeve or an elbow strap? We love that Abyon’s elbow sleeve and brace set offers a budget-friendly way to try both, so you don’t have to make an uninformed commitment to one right off the bat. The set ships with three pieces: an elbow sleeve and two elbow straps.
Best Set
Abyon Elbow Compression Sleeve Support Gear
Breathable, sweat-wicking material
Fabric won’t slip off or roll up
The straps offer an adjustable fit
The sleeve may unravel and/or lose its elasticity over time
The sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric that promises to stay firmly in place as you move around. The straps are crafted from a combination of stretchy Neoprene and skin-friendly Nylon and comes in multiple sizes ranging from small to extra-large or an eight to 15 inch arm circumference.
Each one comes lined with plush EVA foam padding, and each fastens with an adjustable Velcro strap. Combined, these pieces should give you plenty of options to experiment with as you determine which style of elbow brace works best for you.
Price at time of publication: $17
Key Specs:Strap Length: Not listed | Sleeve Size: S - XL (8 to 15 inches in circumference) | Weight: Not listed | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Elbow straps aren’t the only options on offer. If you’d prefer something longer and lower-profile, a compression sleeve like this one from PowerLix may be a better choice for you. The sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric. And we like its four-way stretch design, which stays firmly in place as you exercise—moving with you instead of slipping down your arm.
Best Sleeve
PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support
Low-profile enough to wear under clothing
Great for weightlifting
Available in three colors
Not technically adjustable
May lose its elasticity over time
Even better: The lightweight sleeve promises to be low-profile enough to wear under clothing. And since it comes in four different sizes, you can easily find an option that works for you.
Price at time of publication: $28
Key Specs:Strap Length: Up to 13 inches in circumference| Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable Fit: No
Many elbow straps are adjustable. They come lined with Velcro you can use to tighten or loosen them as you see fit. ACE’s Custom Dial Elbow Strap boasts a similar design, but we like that it also comes with a built-in adjustable dial you can use to get an even more precise and secure fit.
Best Adjustable Strap
ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap
Discreetly fits under clothing
Includes soothing gel pad
Built-in dial to adjust the pressure
Velcro may lose its adhesive over time
The dial may not be very durable
Start by sliding your arm into the strap and fastening it the way you normally would. Then, once it’s securely on your arm, turn the dial to tighten or loosen the strap until it feels just right. This added feature will give you access to an even more precise range of tightness and pressure, making it even easier to find your perfect fit.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key Specs:Strap Length: Up to 14 inches in circumference | Weight: 2.08 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Bodyprox’s Adjustable Elbow Brace offers a unique twist on the classic elbow sleeve. Unlike some other elbow sleeves, we like that this brace comes complete with an adjustable strap that makes it easy to get a snug, secure fit. This elbow brace is our top pick for tendonitis, but it was also tied for the best adjustable brace elbow strap.
Best for Tendonitis
Bodyprox Elbow Brace with Strap
Breathable and moisture-wicking
Highly elastic and lightweight
Durable and flexible non-slip support band
Size measurements can be inconsistent
Fabric may cause skin irritation
This means you can rest assured that your elbow sleeve will stay securely in place as you move around—and it offers some of the compressive support you’d expect from an elbow strap or elbow brace.
It fits arms with a nine to 15 inches circumference, and comes in small to extra-large.
Price at time of publication: $15
Key Specs:Strap Length: Up to 15 inches in circumference | Weight: Not listed | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Vive’s Elbow Ice Pack Wrap is an elbow brace that doubles as an ice pack. The wrap is crafted from soft, machine-washable Neoprene, and it comes lined with four removable gel packs. These gel packs can be popped in your freezer for a little cold therapy. We like that you can also warm them up to use them for heat therapy.
Best Ice Pack Wrap
Vive Elbow Ice Pack Gel Wrap
Great for heat and cold therapy
Adjustable and reversible
Includes four reusable gel packs
May be hard to wear under clothing
Heavy and not very flexible
Since each gel pack fits snugly inside a pocket in the elbow wrap, you can get targeted temperature therapy in a comfortable and convenient way. And the brace comes equipped with two adjustable straps, so you can rest assured knowing you’ll get the secure fit you’re looking for.
Price at time of publication: $33
Key Specs:Strap Length: Up to 19.5 inches in circumference | Weight: 51 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
If you’re looking for a more supportive elbow brace that was also our top pick for the best wrap sleeve, Vive’s Elbow Brace is a solid option. A compression sleeve and a wrap in one, we love that the brace offers the lightweight pressure of an elbow sleeve with the adjustable fit of a wrap. And since it’s lined with padding, you can expect the comfort and support of a more classic elbow brace, too.
Best Compression Sleeve
Vive Elbow Brace
Easily adjustable wrap sleeve
Lightly padded for extra comfort
Machine washable
Heavier than some other options
Not particularly low-profile
This combination makes the brace flexible enough to move around in, but still sturdy enough to provide support. And since its adjustable straps make it easy to get a snug, secure fit, you won’t have to worry about your brace sliding out of place the moment you start moving around.
Key Specs:Strap Length: Up to 17.5 inches in circumference | Weight: 4.6 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
The Simien Tennis Elbow Brace is a one-size-fit all compression styled arm band style brace that comes in a set of two. The compression pad uses a gel base versus air to target irritated muscles and joint pain. Due to the style of the arm band, you can wear it on top of other braces, especially a compression sleeve for tennis and golfer’s elbow. Made with a blend of Neoprene and Nylon, it’s built to be durable and lasting.
Best Compression Wrist Brace
Simien Tennis Elbow Brace
Comes in a set
Can complement a compression sleeve
Pad may feel too small for larger arms
Some have reported difficulty with sizing
Thanks to its adjustable strap, it can fit snuggly while you’re exercising to assist with lateral epicondylitis, elbow tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis pain.
Key Specs:Strap Length: 7.87 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Designed for a comfortable and supportive night’s sleep, the Reamphy elbow brace is a top-rated elbow brace for sleeping due to how highly adjustable, secure, and breathable the elbow brace is. Made for tendinitis, tennis elbow, cubital tunnel, and arthritis, this elbow brace is an elbow stabilizer with two metal splints and three adjustable velcro strips so you can ensure you’re getting custom support for your tennis elbow while you’re sleeping at night.
Best for Sleeping
Reamphy Elbow Brace with Splints
Extremely adjustable
Breathable
Nonslip
Tight
Can run small
It’s made with Nylon and Neoprene, and fits both the left and right arms. It stays securely in place due to its elastic support and knitted fabric. It’s also great to wear during activities such as weight lifting, tennis, football, basketball, and regular gym use.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:Strap Length: Up to 17 inches in circumference | Weight: 5.61 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes
Composed of a Nylon, rubber, and spandex blend for a dynamic four-way compression stretch, the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace is a compression sleeve styled elbow brace that’s perfect if you’re looking for an elbow brace to wear when you’re participating in sports and fitness. This elbow brace is best for weightlifting, golf, powerlifting, volleyball, and more. It’s constructed with mobility in mind providing you relief, comfort, and support, that way you don’t need to slow down when living an active lifestyle. It squeezes your arm to promote circulation while keeping you dry due to its well-ventilated and breathable fabric. It’s available in different sizes and colors for a fit and looks custom to your needs and personal taste. You can order this brace in an extra-small, all the way up to an extra-large.
Best For Fitness
Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve
Breathable
Created for active use
Secure
Could run small
May roll if your upper arm is larger than your foreman
Price at time of publication: $22
Key Specs:Strap Length: Not listed | Weight: 2.47 ounces | Adjustable Fit: No
How We Selected the Best Tennis Elbow Braces
To determine which tennis elbow braces to feature in our roundup, we consulted with physical therapy experts Jerry Yoo, DPT, and Dr. Christine M. Scarano Ward, DPT, about the features they recommend when choosing a tennis elbow brace. Then, we researched dozens of tennis elbow braces from the most popular and trusted retailers.
We ultimately chose the best braces based on weight, adjustability, strap length, and sleeve size. We also considered price, durability, and whether or not the tennis elbow braces were machine-washable.
What to Look for in a Tennis Elbow Brace
Material
Since elbow braces are wearable, you’ll want to consider size as you shop. If you’re looking at an adjustable strap, pay attention to total strap length. The ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap is a great adjustable option. And if you’re shopping for a sleeve, pay attention to sleeve size. Some braces also list a “maximum circumference,” which you can use to determine size. (This describes the maximum circumference of an arm that the brace can accommodate.)
Elbow braces tend to be pretty lightweight, but some are heavier than others. So it’s worth double-checking a brace’s weight before buying, just to ensure you know what to expect.
Adjustability
Many elbow braces come with straps you can use to adjust your fit that way the fit isn’t just supportive, but also comfortable. This can help you ensure that your brace is exactly as tight or as loose as you want it to be—giving you a specific way to size your brace. The best adjustable strap on our list is the ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap, and the best adjustable sleeve on our list is the Bodyprox Elbow Brace with Strap.
Style
There are many braces available to treat tennis elbow injuries, including bands, straps, sleeves, and wraps. Each style has its own purpose, so picking the right tennis elbow brace for your injury and lifestyle needs is key.For elbow support during activities such as daily workouts or sports, you’ll want to choose a brace that is flexible and not bulky, like the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace.However, a stiffer brace such as the Reamphy Elbow Brace can be a better option if you’re looking for elbow protection while sleeping or stability during everyday life.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tennis elbow brace may sound like it should be worn on your elbow. But it should actually be worn on your forearm, just below your elbow. (As a reminder, this creates another point of tension in your arm—keeping the pain and tension from being focused in just one spot.) Try to locate the big muscle in your forearm, and place the padded part of the brace over that muscle. Then, tighten the brace until it’s comfortably snug—that means tight, but not too tight.
Dr. Yoo recommends wearing an elbow brace “only during activities that create pain or require repetitive motions to the hand, wrist, and forearm.” And if these activities last a while—for example, typing during the course of an eight-hour workday—he recommends consistent breaks from the brace. You can also try some of these pain-relieving techniques.
You can wear an elbow brace at any time of day, but you should only wear one during painful, uncomfortable, or repetitive activities. “An elbow brace may temporarily improve grip strength and provide pain relief during everyday tasks and household chores, or during the workday,” Dr. Yoo says. “Elbow braces should not be worn to sleep or while resting, walking, or sitting at home.”
Tennis elbow braces should be tight—but not too tight. “It should be applied with the appropriate amount of tension to allow the pressure to dissipate any soreness, but not so tight that it affects circulation or gripping strength,” Dr. Christine M. Scarano Ward, DPT, certified Kinesio taping instructor at Sports Performance Lab, says.
Tennis elbow can typically cure itself over time, with it healing naturally on its own with little medical interference. You can help heal your tennis elbow faster by making sure you get adequate sleep, do exercises and stretches that target the affected area, and wearing a tennis elbow brace, compression sleeve, or elbow strap.
No, wearing an elbow brace will not cure tennis elbow, however, it can relieve pain and tension as it naturally heals. Should the pain become too much, contact your medical team as there are other remedies available, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.
