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Free up your hands with these cute and functional workout leggings.

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

If you’ve ever carried your phone and cash on a run or lugged around a whole gym bag just to keep your keys and wallet on hand, you know the struggle of pocketless workout pants. Thankfully, though, there’s a solution to that annoyance: leggings with pockets!

It may seem silly to have storage in such snug bottoms, but once you experience the convenience of them, you won’t want to go back to your old tights. In fact, we’d even dub them a wardrobe essential. Gone are the days of wandering the gym after leaving your phone at the last machine. And you can say goodbye to searching for your ID in the depths of your bag. Leggings with pockets fit exactly what you need and only that, making life—and staying active—that much easier.

Some styles have discreet storage compartments built into the waistband to avoid bulkiness, while others feature roomy thigh pockets. Some have just one pocket, and some have multiple, but none of them sacrifice what you love about your favorite leggings: compression, high-waisted waistbands, fun patterns, and moisture-wicking, sweat-proof fabric are all still present in these pairs.

With input from fitness coach Blake Shutterly, creator of Base at NEOU and customer testimonials, we’ve compiled the best of the best leggings with pockets.

Whether you need some for yoga, jogging, or running errands, there’s a pair for you. And we have no doubt that the ones you choose will become your new go-tos.

These best-selling leggings boast more than 34,000 Amazon reviews and cost less than $20. They’re made with moisture-wicking fabric that has a four-way stretch, pockets to boot, and a high, thick waistband for extra tummy control. One Amazon reviewer says: “As an avid runner, I’m always looking for a comfortable, breathable lightweight capri. The side pockets carry my iPhone well without pulling down for my longer-distance runs.”

Made with ultra-soft polyester and Spandex, these leggings sop up sweat and provide maximum comfort. They’re also designed with a high-rise waist to give you a flattering shape and help with tummy control. Both sides have pockets (and there’s a secret inner one for your I.D.!), so you can carry more than just your phone on your workout. With over 23,000 Amazon reviews, they maintain a 4.6-star rating.

One reviewer says: “They are very figure flattering. They do not ride down or press into my belly. No matter how much I move around, these leggings stay put without having to adjust them every time I sit down or stand up.”

The super wide waistband on these stretchy leggings feels snug yet comfy enough to wear them from morning to night. Choose your favorite color (red, purple, green, or blue to name a few) and carry your must-have gear in the pockets, from your phone to your keys to a little snack. “Fits great!’”says one customer. “Squat proof, don’t slip, for a great price.” The black pair feature reflective stripes on the back, ideal for keeping you safe on after-dark runs.

These top-rated leggings are made with Spandex and polyester to give you freedom of movement and stretch. The high-waist design accentuates your curves, while the flatlock seams help minimize chafing. They also feature side pockets at the waist for storing workout essentials, like your smartphone and a pair of headphones.

One Amazon customer writes: “The compression is perfect—not too tight. And it literally makes you feel like you’re walking around naked just from how comfortable and sleek fitting they are.”

You’ll actually want to live in these leggings. They’re built with moisture-wicking material to keep you cool and have a figure-flattering construction that hugs your body in all the right places (plus, yes, a hidden pocket at the waistband). “I wait every year for these to go on sale,” a Nordstrom customer says. “They are super comfortable and not sheer at all. They’re great for lounging or working out.”

As your workout intensifies, you’ll be glad these high-waist leggings have built-in mesh panels to keep air flowing. They come with two side pockets that are large enough to carry your phone, keys, and wallet. Not to mention, they hug your body perfectly and have a comfortable fit. “The material is very stretchy but totally not see-through, which is really rare,” says one reviewer. “They stay in place well and I don’t need to pull them up every five minutes!”

Built with a light compression around the midsection (no pants dance needed to put these on!), these leggings provide a slimming effect and come in 34 different shades. They also have a side pocket for keeping your go-tos at the ready. Whether you’re working out or running to the grocery store, these leggings provide comfort and support. And if you’re not happy with the product, 90 Degree by Reflex provides a 30-day warranty.

“Yes, I have worn these tights to yoga, but more importantly I’ve worn them everywhere,” says one reviewer. “They’re a perfect leggings fabric—opaque, thick but not bulky, great quality, and warm without being too hot.”

These side pocket leggings come in full- and crop-style lengths and 24 different color combinations. They’re also made with a moisture-wicking, stretchy material that’s great for cross training, running, yoga, and a variety of other workouts.

One Amazon reviewer says: “I’m a bodybuilder who’s 5’5” and 150 pounds with a large booty and muscular thighs. I use these for lifting and cardio. Just cannot rave about them enough!”

These leggings soak up sweat while allowing you to move with ease and comfort. Whether you’re tall, petite, curvy, or slim, these leggings will fit like a glove (they come in six different sizes, from extra small to extra large). A gusseted crotch area maximizes free movement (ideal for yoga) and interlocked seams minimize chafing.

One Amazon reviewer says: “My old yoga pants only had one [pocket] on the waist that you can put cards or a small amount of cash. This one has two large pockets on the side, where I can carry my phone and keys when walking my dog.”

Made with moisture-wicking materials, these breathable leggings are designed to keep you comfortable and dry during sweaty workouts. Another plus? These stylish leggings are super stretchy, which means you’ll love to workout and relax in them. The two side pockets are also deep enough to store your phone, keys, and earbuds.

One Amazon review says: “I have to admit, I bought these solely for working out. But of course I had to try them on as soon as they arrived. AMAZING!! I literally don't want to take them off...it might even be time to ditch my everyday blue jean routine!”

Designed with lightweight Lycra fabric, these leggings allow you to move from downward facing dog to crow pose with ease. They feature a high waist while perfectly contouring your legs. These leggings also feature a pocket at the waistband to hold your keys. A happy customer writes: “These pants are my go-to for all workouts. They have just the right amount of compression but never feel too tight. Highly recommend!”

Blake Shutterly, creator of Base at NEOU, prefers pockets for holding her phone during classes or when she’s on the move. Extra soft and flexible, these tights tote your essentials while feeling great against the skin. They also come in versatile colors and are available in sizes up to 2X. One Athleta reviewer boasts that the pockets are deep enough to keep your belongings in place: “I love the pockets. My cell phone and ID fit nicely and are secure.”

These leggings come in more than 20 eye-catching colors and have two big side pockets. They’re also made with a four-way stretch fabric that reviewers say passes the squat test (read: not see-through).“I absolutely love these and intend to buy more,” says one happy customer. “They fit wonderfully. Super comfortable and I’m obsessed with the phone pocket. Fits my iPhone 11 Pro without any issue and keeps it secure!”

These super stylish leggings by Dragon Fit feature a high-rise waistband that’s wide enough to slim the tummy area while also hugging your curves. Meaning, these won’t cut into your skin! The four-way stretch provides increased mobility for weight lifting or yoga. They also come with three pockets: two on the sides and a hidden one in the waistband.

“These leggings fit so well and they don’t slide down when I run,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “Love that these pants have three pockets, so I can put my phone on the side of my leg and run hands free. I bought two pairs and will definitely buy again.”

Available in sizes up to 6XL, these high-waisted compression leggings are made from 79% recycled plastic bottles. The brand recently relaunched them due to popular demand, and when you’re done wearing them, you can recycle every pair using the brand’s ReGirlfriend program. Users love their supportive compression that doesn’t sacrifice stretch.

“The hype on these is justified. The fabric is super thick and excellent quality, not at all see-through,” a reviewer writes. “I slid down a cliff when I was hiking and they held up great. Plus, they don’t slide down when you run, even with stuff in the pockets.”

Worried about items falling out of droopy pockets? This pair secures all necessities with zippers, ideal for inclined hikes and rougher terrain. The fabric is also super breathable and odor-controlling, and it features UPF 50+ sun protection. “I’ve worn these hiking, walking, running, and to work on casual days. The waist doesn’t slide down and they layer nicely but can be worn with shorter shirts, too,” one reviewer raves.

Designed with a lightweight and breathable fabric, these form-flattering leggings are great for high-impact exercises. “These are so stretchy and comfortable!” says one OV customer. “Totally squat-proof and really flattering through the legs. I love the green material and it breathes really well.” They also have a hidden pocket at the waistband that’s big enough for storing your phone and keys. Plus, they’re available in a variety of sizes.

These leggings take the cake when it comes to storage. They have not two, not three, but four pockets to store your phone, keys, and I.D. with room for more. Two angled pockets line the front and the sides feature two additional, deeper cargo pockets. “They fit perfectly, the pockets are not ‘bulky’ and are flush with the fabric, and they are actually high-waisted, which is great for someone with a longer torso!” one reviewer writes.

You wouldn’t have guessed this sleek-looking pair of leggings are equipped with pockets, but they actually have a very deep slip pocket on the side to hold your phone, as well as a smaller hidden zip pocket in the waistband. We also love that they are high-waisted and made with a comfortable, stretchy fabric. And the pattern options are too fun.

“I love wearing these to my yoga class. The fabric is amazing such a good quality and the color is beautiful,” a Nordstrom customer says.

For when temperature drops but you still want to go on that run, these leggings will keep you toasty without weighing you down. And if you’re worried about sweating in them, don’t—the moisture-wicking exterior fabric has you covered. “These are the BEST LEGGINGS EVER!!” one reviewer writes. “They’re the most comfortable, warmest, don’t fall down, slide around, tummy smoothing leg coverings I’ve ever owned.”

These slim-fitting leggings feel like a second skin. They’re made with a moisture-wicking material and have a matte finish. They also feature one large side pocket for storing your workout essentials and have secure fit around the waist, so you don’t ever have to worry about them falling down.

One Nordstrom customer says: “I love these leggings. The color is very cute, the band stays up and doesn’t roll at all. The pockets are perfect for my phone and keys when I’m on a walk or run, and my phone doesn’t drag them down when I run.”

From a brand owned by Venus Williams, it comes as no surprise that these ultra-compressive leggings feature pockets stretchy enough to hold a tennis ball. Whether or not that’s a need for you, they’re still worth considering thanks to their slimming fit and gorgeous jewel tone shade options.

The breathable mesh panels in these leggings make them the perfect pick for running or high-impact exercises. They keep you cool and dry as you go mile after mile, while still providing coverage in the hips and mid-thighs. They also have two pockets in the waistband for storing essentials and are made of sustainable materials.

A Nike reviewer says: “Love the fabric content of these leggings, and the mesh panels make them cooler for summer workouts. Super soft, and the higher waist is great for stretching without back exposure.”

The extra-wide compression waistband on these ultra-cropped leggings provides tummy-control and the thigh pockets give you room to store all your stuff. Whether you’re doing to Pilates, yoga, or CrossFit, these leggings will be your new favorite pair! “Hands down the best leggings I ever owned,” a Zappos customer says. “Very good quality, great compression, and figure flattering. I like the high waist and they don’t fall down during yoga class.”

These super-soft, high-waisted leggings have a ribbed waistband and ankle cuffs that make them almost a legging-jogger hybrid. And two roomy front pockets make them super functional. One Nordstrom reviewer writes: “It truly is so soft and comfortable to wear! It also hugs all the curves very well and flatters them very well. I can lounge in this and workout too.”

Consider your pocket preference: Are you really OK with a phone in a pocket against your leg, or do you prefer stowing your stuff in a pocket at your lower back? Consider the circumstances in which you’ll be using your leggings (and how much you'll want to stuff in those pockets) before picking your pair.

Are you in it for comfort or exercise? Some leggings with pockets are best for lounging. Consider softer material for chilling out at home, or tighter, moisture-wicking material for more athletic adventures.