This post will focus on the five best elbow braces available today and include the advantages and drawbacks of each item. I will also outline the things to look for when buying an elbow brace, so if you decide to purchase one that hasn’t been featured here, we hope to have made the purchasing decision more straightforward.
Elbow braces can differ dramatically, depending on the issue and the severity of the pain. Some are relatively simple, whereas others can be more complex. The prices of elbow braces can also vary significantly.
The job of an elbow brace is to relieve pain and aid the mobility of your elbow, which could be down to repetitive strain injury, tennis elbow, or arthritis pain. Whatever your medical issue is, there is sure to be a suitable elbow brace in this guide.
The products I have reviewed are listed just below.
At a Glance: 5 Best Elbow Braces
- Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve – Our #1 Top Pick
- Reamphy Elbow Brace –Our #1 Budget Pick
- COPPER HEAL Elbow Compression Brace
- Orthomen Hinged ROM Elbow Brace
- Senteq Elbow Brace
What is an Elbow Brace?
An elbow brace is a simple device that protects and stabilizes weakened or injured elbow joints to relieve pain and optimize recovery. Often injuries are the biggest reason people will look for an elbow brace due to slips and falls or over-use of the joint over time.
Elbow braces are designed to keep the joint protected so that you can get on with your daily life and enjoy all the day-to-day activities you did before elbow pain or injury. Choosing the right elbow brace will depend on the type of injury you have, as different models offer different levels of support.
Often, people don’t realize how much the elbow is used until it becomes painful to do so. Almost every activity we do will require the movement of this joint, and when that is compromised, life can become pretty challenging. An elbow brace is an affordable solution.
Benefits of an Elbow Brace
People use elbow braces for a variety of reasons. One of the primary uses for an elbow brace is to support the joint while sports are being played, mainly tennis or golf, which rely heavily on the elbow joint.
Elbow braces are not only a preventative measure and can help with the recovery of elbow injuries such as tendonitis, tennis, and golf elbow. They use compression and heat to increase the blood flow and promote faster healing, and at the same time control the elbows movement so no further injury can arise.
Some people who have arthritis or repetitive strain injury find immediate relief when using an elbow brace periodically. These two conditions can often be self-diagnosed due to them having very similar symptoms, but it is essential to seek an official diagnosis from your doctor before looking into any medical aids.
Different Kinds of Elbow Braces
You will find several different kinds of elbow braces on the market today, each with its own specific use, which is why it is essential to know what type of brace you need.
The following are the more popular kinds of elbow braces:
Strap Elbow Braces
A strap elbow brace is positioned just below the elbow joint and is designed to put pressure on the tendons. This is one of the more simple designs and the most affordable. Strap elbow braces are highly effective in helping people who suffer from golfers and tennis elbow or tendonitis.
Elbow Support
An elbow support brace works in a similar way to an elbow strap but has two straps instead of one; above and below the joint. This item also features wrap-around material to connect the straps and provide a greater level of support for the elbow. The material used is primarily neoprene, which omits warmth to increase blood flow.
Compression Sleeve
A compression sleeve covers the entire arm instead of applying localized pressure as the products above do. Equal pressure is placed on the lower arm, elbow, and upper arm, warming all the arm muscles to help with injury recovery and pain reduction.
Protective Elbow Braces
A protective elbow brace will limit the movement of the joint and essentially secure it into a set position. This type of brace is best for post-operative care or for use immediately after an injury.
Protective elbow braces promote healing and reduce swelling; they’re often fairly uncomfortable due to having to be worn consequently for some weeks for them to be the most effective.
ROM Braces
Braces with an adjustable range of motion (ROM) are often used after an operation on the elbow, similar to the protective elbow brace. However, this type of brace allows for limited flexion; controlled movements that won’t damage muscles or tendons. ROM braces are excellent choices for rehabilitating an injury and preventing further damage.
Product Criteria
Here are a few factors I took into consideration before deciding to review and feature an elbow brace.
Positive Consumer Reviews
I have chosen elbow braces that have a high number of positive consumer reviews. This way, our readers have more to go on than just my word.
Affordability
I wanted readers with every budget to be able to find a suitable elbow brace in this guide. So, I shopped around the price points to ensure I found the products that were reasonably priced when all features and aspects were taken into account.
Adjustability
Elbow braces must fit; otherwise, they’re useless. For this reason, I selected a lot of adjustable braces and braces that have different size options.
Materials
Elbow braces must be able to stand up to wear and tear, especially if they’re to be worn for long periods. They must also be comfortable. To achieve these things, the materials used have to be durable and of high quality. You can rest assured that every product in this post meets this requirement.
Variety
As there are so many different types of elbow braces available, for fairness, I have reviewed the most common types. This way, readers with all needs can find an appropriate elbow brace here.
5 Best Elbow Braces
| Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve – Our #1 Top Pick
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Find it Here |
| Reamphy Elbow Brace
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Find it Here |
| COPPER HEAL Elbow Compression Brace
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Find it Here |
| Orthomen Hinged ROM Elbow Brace
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Find it Here |
| Senteq Elbow Brace
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Find it Here |
Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve – Our #1 Top Pick
The Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve comes in at a great price and is perfect for those who don’t want their exercises and activities restricted by elbow pain.
The product is also an excellent preventative measure for more athletic people who partake in vigorous sports. There are five size options and three color choices, so every consumer is sure to find a well-fitting and visually pleasing elbow brace by Kunto.
Even pressure is applied across the elbow joint, and I found it to bring immediate pain relief. The brace isn’t too tight-fitting and very breathable.
I found it to be comfortable to wear for long periods and that there wasn’t the itching you could expect to find with this type of elbow brace. The brand has found the right balance between compression and comfort.
Kunto Fitness offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you aren’t happy with the product, simply send it back for a full refund. I found that the brace remained in place and was anti-slip for me, and with over 17,000 positive reviews, other consumers are in the majority very pleased with this item.
Pros
- Comfortable to Wear all Day
- Immediate Pain Relief
- Lots of Size/Color Options
- Satisfaction Guarantee
Cons
- Colors are Masculine or Unisex; a More Feminine Color Option Would be Good for Some.
- Priced Slightly Above Most in this Category.
Reamphy Elbow Brace – Our #1 Budget Pick
The Reamphy Elbow Brace is regularly rated as an excellent buy across the internet for elbow braces; however, the biggest drawback at present is that it is currently unavailable to buy from Amazon.
The brace is available elsewhere, but prices do vary. This is a one-size item with adjustable velcro to accommodate all users; it is also suitable for left and right elbows.
The Reamphy Elbow Brace features two metal splits for extra support and to limit any joint movements that could escalate an injury or cause pain. I found the material combination of nylon and neoprene to be super breathable and highly comfortable for prolonged use.
This brace is anti-slip, although some consumers found that this wasn’t 100% effective during more vigorous activities. The brace is pretty bulky, so it isn’t the best to wear with tighter-fitting sweaters or under slim-fit tops.
However, for the price, the product offers incredible value for money, and pain relief is instant and for the duration of wear.
Pros
- Excellent Value for Money
- Super Breathable
- Instant Pain Relief
- Comfortable All Day Wear
Cons
- Unavailable Currently from Amazon
- Somewhat Bulky Brace to Wear Under Tighter Fitting Clothes
COPPER HEAL Elbow Compression Brace
There are so many things I like about the COPPER HEAL Elbow Compression Brace. Firstly, it is machine washable, and for anyone who’s had to wear a compression brace, they’ll know just how brilliant this is for keeping the product sanitary and smelling fresh. It is fast drying over a line or medium heat radiator and is good to go again the following day.
Size options range from small to extra large, and there is one color choice – black. The material feels high quality, and the 12% spandex element helps flexibility and tight-fitting support. I found that pain diminishes instantly, and the brace is ultra-thin, so it can’t be seen under clothes at all.
There is a mild warmth that radiates under the brace, which makes it feel as though something is really happening. The high copper content (88%) contributes significantly to pain relief and muscle recovery; it is also odor-free.
This brace is highly comfortable to wear all day long, although I didn’t find it to be the most breathable.
Pros
- Excellent Price
- Discreet Wear Under Clothes
- Machine Washable
- Warming Element
- Comfortable
- Anti-Slip
Cons
- One Color Option
- Not The Most Breathable Brace
Orthomen Hinged ROM Elbow Brace
The most expensive in this guide is the Orthomen Hinged ROM Elbow Brace; it has some incredible features and is designed for conservative treatment of luxation or elbow dislocation. There are adjustable hinges to limit the ROM and to immobilize the elbow to a customized setting.
The Orthomen ROM brace comes with two color options, left or right arm, and with or without a sling. This product is a perfect choice for people who have just had elbow surgery and does an excellent job of keeping internal fractures stable to prevent further injury.
The device looks fairly futuristic and can’t easily be concealed, but it is highly effective and comfortable too.
There is a one push button to remove this elbow brace, which also extends or rotates the brace, making it super easy to operate overall. The material is soft foam, breathable, and moisture resistant. Possibly due to the high price, this is advertised online as a good gift idea with gift wrapping available!
Pros
- Lots of Buying Options
- Soft Foam, Comfortable Material
- Highly Effective for Post Surgery
Cons
- Slightly Large
- Can’t be Worn Under Clothes (Comfortably)
- Expensive
Senteq Elbow Brace
With a no-quibble 1-year warranty, the Senteq Elbow Brace is a risk-free purchase and has made a considerable difference to many users. It is exceptionally comfortable to wear, and you can almost forget that it is there. I love the size of the elbow brace and how simple it is to put on and take off.
The pain relief is instant, and you’re immediately able to use your elbow as if there was no issue at all with it! The brand describes this brace as perfect for those who suffer from tendonitis, although it is also suitable for people who have any form of elbow pain or discomfort.
I struggled to find any negative feedback for this product, with people calling it ‘unbelievably amazing‘ and a ‘life-changing product.’ If I had to be picky, I would say that there could be more color options as it is limited to just one.
Pros
- Immediate Pain Relief
- Non-Restricting
- Extremely Comfortable
- Compact Size
- Fair Price
- Excellent Online Reviews
Cons
- One Color Option
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Try wearing an elbow brace during your regular activities for a few weeks to see if you notice a difference. You could also wear it overnight. If you’re noticing a massive pain reduction, then this may be the only treatment you need.
However, if it isn’t making much of a difference, then you should seek professional medical advice from your doctor.
Answer: We sweat from every pore and even more so when undertaking activities like exercise. This will soon lead to a bacteria build-up and nasty odor, so keeping an elbow brace clean is essential.
Some are machine washable; others are wipe clean only. You should find care and maintenance instructions with every product, which will tell you the best way to keep the brace clean.
Answer: It is unlikely that you’ll have to wear an elbow brace forever. Elbow braces are there to help with certain conditions, such as Tennis Elbow. Tennis Elbow is a self-limiting condition that usually gets better without treatment within a year of diagnosis.
It is essential to limit activities that put a strain on the elbow after receiving a diagnosis, such as Tennis Elbow or to wear an elbow brace during any activity. This, along with rest, should cure the condition.
The Best Elbow Brace – My Verdict
Depending on what the condition is will depend on what the best elbow brace is. For me, I liked something about each product listed and found each one to be comfortable for long-term use.
The COPPER HEAL Elbow Compression Brace wasn’t the most breathable product but is discreet to wear under clothes and has a lovely warming element. I found this comfortable and that the price is reasonable; I also love that it is machine-washable but found the one color option a little dull.
The Senteq Elbow Brace has only one color option but is a fantastic product with a substantial online following. This brace was extremely comfortable to wear, providing immediate pain relief, and it can be worn discreetly under clothes. The price is fair, and the brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, making it a risk-free purchase.
The only ROM brace I reviewed was the Orthomen Hinged ROM Elbow Brace, as this seemed to be the best brace I found in this category. There are many buying options; left or right arm, with or without sling, and two color choices, and gift wrapping is even available.
I found the Orthomen Hinged ROM Elbow Brace to be highly comfortable due to the soft foam material, but it is an expensive buy and quite a bulky product.
Although currently unavailable to buy from Amazon, the Reamphy Elbow Brace is a brace that is rated high everywhere you look. Prices vary elsewhere, however.
This is a one-size product with adjustable velcro straps, so a great buy for a couple who both suffer from elbow pain from time to time. It is super breathable and very comfortable but quite bulky to wear under clothes.
Overall, I found the Kunto Fitness Elbow Brace Compression Support Sleeve to be the best pick. It has a great price, five size options, three color choices, and is highly comfortable to wear all day long, with no itchiness or irritation.
There is a money-back guarantee, and the only drawback I could really find was a lack of feminine color options.