Compression sleeves for your arms offer many benefits for athletes and active people. The gentle squeezing pressure improves circulation, reduces swelling, stabilizes muscles, and speeds up recovery. Choosing the right compression sleeve depends on factors like the compression level, sleeve coverage, fabric and key features.

In this comprehensive review, we cover the top 15 arm sleeves to boost your performance and recovery. We evaluate full arm, elbow and forearm sleeves from leading brands like McDavid, Copper Compression, Nordic Lifting, 2XU and more. Read on for recommendations on the best compression sleeves for your needs and budget.

Our Top Picks

After extensive research, here are our quick picks for the best arm compression sleeves:

• Best Overall: McDavid Arm Sleeve – Lightweight and breathable with targeted upper arm compression
• Best for Recovery: Copper Compression Sleeves – Copper-infused fabric provides compression and supports recovery
• Best Budget Pick: SB SOX Compression Sleeves – High quality graduated compression at an affordable price

How We Chose the Best Compression Sleeves

We looked at the following criteria when selecting the top 15 compression sleeves for arms:

• Compression level – the amount of compression measured in mmHg
• Sleeve coverage – full arm, elbow, forearm
• Fabric and materials – nylon, spandex, copper-infused, latex-free neoprene
• Sizing – availability of sizes to get the right fit
• Features – anti-slip, sweat-wicking, UPF sun protection
• Purpose – sports performance, injury recovery, circulation

We compiled sleeves that excel across these criteria and offer the best value at different price points. Our choices are based on expert recommendations, customer reviews and product analysis.

Reviews of the Top 15 Arm Compression Sleeves

1. McDavid Arm Sleeve

• Compression level: Light, targeted compression
• Sleeve coverage: Upper arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Lightweight, breathable nylon and spandex blend
• Targeted compression to the upper arm
• Anti-slip silicone gripper dots help keep sleeve in place
• Improves circulation and recovery
• Moisture management technology
• Allows full mobility and range of motion

The McDavid Arm Sleeve delivers targeted, breathable compression with its nylon and spandex fabric. The silicone gripper dots prevent slipping while the contoured design moves seamlessly with your arm. It excels at protecting muscles and is a top choice for relief from tennis elbow, arthritis and tendonitis.

Pros:

• Lightweight and breathable fabric
• Targeted compression supports muscles
• Silicone gripper prevents slipping
• Allows full range of motion

Cons:

• Only comes in 4 sizes
• Can bunch or slide down the arm

2. Copper Compression Recovery Sleeves

• Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
• Sleeve coverage: Elbow to shoulder
• Material: Copper nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Compression sleeves infused with copper ions
• Graduated compression from elbow to shoulder
• Moisture-wicking fabric keeps arms dry
• Supports muscle recovery and reduces pain
• Contours to arm shape without limiting mobility
• Ideal for sports like basketball, golf, CrossFit

The copper-infused fabric offers compression and supports muscle recovery in these sleeves from Copper Compression. They stimulate blood flow to ease pain and fatigue. The contoured fit provides full mobility during athletic activity or recovery.

Pros:

• Copper ions may aid in recovery
• Graduated compression design
• Contoured for comfort and mobility

Cons:

• Pricier than basic sleeves
• Compression may be too light for some

3. Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves

• Compression level: Light/moderate
• Sleeve coverage: Elbow
• Material: Neoprene, nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Provides compression support around the elbow joint
• Made of a neoprene and nylon/spandex blend
• Enhances joint stability and blood circulation
• Allows full mobility and range of motion
• Designed for weightlifting and CrossFit-style workouts
• Provides warmth to elbow joint and muscles

The Nordic Lifting Elbow Sleeves deliver targeted elbow compression and support. The neoprene material stabilizes joints while the nylon/spandex allows a full range of motion. These sleeves reduce pain and strain for lifting, fitness training, and everyday use.

Pros:

• Neoprene provides warmth and support
• Targets compression to the elbow joint
• Good for weightlifting and CrossFit

Cons:

• Limited to elbow joint compression
• Can cause sweating inside the sleeve

4. SB SOX Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S/M, L/XL

Key features:

• Graduated compression ranges from 15-20 mmHg
• Moisture-wicking fabric keeps skin cool and dry
• Boosts circulation and supports muscle recovery
• Can be worn on the forearms or upper arms
• Sold individually or in 2-packs
• Budget-friendly price point

The SB SOX Compression Sleeves offer high-quality, graduated compression. They fit snugly to improve circulation without limiting mobility. Made of stretchy nylon and spandex, these sleeves keep your arms cool and dry. They provide muscle support at an affordable price point.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price point
• Light graduated compression
• Moisture-wicking fabric

Cons:

• Durability is not as high as pricier brands
• Limited sizing options

5. 2XU Compression Arm Sleeves

• Compression level: Light-moderate
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, elastane
• Sizes: XS-XL

Key features:

• Medical-grade circular knit technology
• Stimulates blood flow and provides light compression
• Contoured to move naturally with the arm
• Reflective logos for visibility
• Ideal for tennis players and golfers
• Enhances performance by reducing fatigue and swelling

2XU uses medical-grade fabric to deliver light, consistent compression. These sleeves improve circulation and reduce lactic acid build-up. The contoured fit and reflective details make them ideal for tennis and golf. 2XU sleeves enhance your performance by speeding up muscle recovery.

Pros:

• Medical-grade compression fabric
• Contoured for natural movement
• Enhances circulation

Cons:

• Pricier than other options
• Sizing can run small

6. RitRivo Graduated Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-L

Key features:

• Graduated compression ranges from 20-30 mmHg
• Fabric retains body heat to ease pain
• Boosts circulation and speeds recovery
• Unisex sizing in small to large
• Moisture-wicking, antibacterial fabric
• Helps with issues like tendonitis and carpal tunnel

The RitRivo Compression Sleeves use graduated compression technology to stimulate circulation in the arms. The fabric retains heat while remaining breathable. By improving blood flow, these sleeves enhance recovery and reduce pain from repetitive strain.

Pros:

• Retains heat to ease pain
• Stimulates circulation
• Aids issues like tendonitis

Cons:

• Can be difficult to get the right fit
• Not as breathable as other fabrics

7. Venom Sports Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: Light
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Light, consistent compression
• Designed for basketball and baseball/softball
• Made of lightweight, breathable nylon/spandex
• Mesh ventilation zones keep sleeves cool
• Reduces fatigue and risk of injury
• Provides muscle stability during activity

Venom Sports Compression Sleeves deliver lightweight compression optimized for basketball and baseball/softball. The mesh ventilation zones ensure maximum breathability. The sleeves reduce fatigue in the arms and hands to enhance performance.

Pros:

• Mesh ventilation zones
• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Stabilizes arm muscles

Cons:

• Mainly designed for basketball/softball
• Thinner fabric is less durable

8. Sable Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: Light
• Sleeve coverage: Elbow or full arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Four-way stretch fabric moves naturally with the arm
• Smooth, chafe-resistance design
• Stimulates blood flow and speeds recovery
• The elbow sleeve includes anti-slip silicon bands
• The full arm sleeve has thumb holes for stability
• Provides warmth, support, and relief from soreness

Sable Compression Sleeves come in both elbow and full-arm options. They deliver light, flexible compression with breathable four-way stretch fabric. The elbow sleeve includes anti-slip bands while the full sleeve offers thumb holes for extra support. Both enhance circulation and provide muscle relief.

Pros:

• Anti-slip bands prevent sliding
• Thumb holes for added stability
• Stimulates blood flow

Cons:

• Elbow sleeves limit compression area
• Full arm sleeves can be bulky

9. Under Armour Arm Sleeves

• Compression level: Light
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Polyester, elastane
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Lightweight, sweat-wicking HeatGear fabric
• Provides UPF 30+ protection from the sun
• Anti-odor technology prevents bacterial growth
• 4-way stretch construction moves with the arm
• Mesh ventilation zones enhance breathability
• Ideal for outdoor sports and activities

Under Armour’s HeatGear Arm Sleeves deliver UPF sun protection and anti-odor technology. The lightweight fabric wicks away sweat to keep you cool and dry. With 4-way stretch and mesh ventilation zones, these sleeves provide breathable coverage for outdoor activities.

Pros:

• UPF sun protection
• Anti-odor technology
• Mesh ventilation zones

Cons:

• Can run small
• Not as much compression support

10. Physix Gear Sport Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Medical-grade compression technology
• Balanced compression across the forearm
• Smooth interior provides chafe-free comfort
• Boosts circulation and aids muscle recovery
• Ideal for basketball, tennis, golf, and lifting
• Enhances performance and speeds up injury recovery

Physix Gear Sport Sleeves provide medical-grade compression to boost circulation. They deliver balanced compression across the forearm for stability and support. With a smooth interior, they move comfortably during any activity. These sleeves enhance performance and speed up recovery.

Pros:

• Medical grade compression
• Balanced compression
• Smooth chafe-free interior

Cons:

• Can be tricky to get the right fit
• Expensive

11. Fident Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: 15-20 mmHg
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Light graduated compression
• Stimulates circulation to reduce pain and swelling
• Supports recovery from injuries and strains
• Designed for issues like tennis elbow or tendonitis
• Seamless stitching prevents chafing or irritation
• Provides stabilizing compression during activity

Fident Compression Sleeves help aid recovery from injuries and repetitive strain. The light graduated compression improves circulation to speed up healing. Seamless stitching enhances comfort, making them ideal for pain and swelling relief.

Pros:

• Light compression aids circulation
• Supports injury recovery
• Seamless for comfort

Cons:

• Durability is not as high
• Limited sizing options

12. TechWare Pro Knee Brace Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: Light-moderate
• Sleeve coverage: Knees and elbows
• Material: Latex-free neoprene
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Includes adjustable straps for custom compression
• Patented dual adjustable straps on knee sleeves
• Latex-free neoprene provides support and stabilization
• Relief for arthritis, tendonitis, and other pains
• Open patella design for a comfortable fit
• Ideal for activities with repetitive joint impact

TechWare Pro’s adjustable compression sleeves provide relief for knees and elbows. The adjustable straps allow you to customize the compression level as needed. The latex-free neoprene offers stabilization to protect joints during activity.

Pros:

• Adjustable compression straps
• Provides elbow joint relief
• Open patella design

Cons:

• Bulky for all-day wear
• Mainly for joint pain

13. UFlex Athletics Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: Light
• Sleeve coverage: Forearm or upper arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: XS-XL

Key features:

• Lightweight, breathable compression fabric
• 3D patterning for ergonomic fit
• Provides gentle compression during workouts
• Wicks away sweat to keep skin cool and dry
• Boosts circulation and speeds up recovery
• Reduces muscle fatigue and soreness

UFlex Athletics Compression Sleeves deliver lightweight, breathable compression. The 3D patterning ensures an ergonomic fit that moves with your body. These sleeves enhance circulation to boost performance, endurance, and stamina.

Pros:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Ergonomic 3D patterning
• Boosts circulation

Cons:

• Thin material is less durable
• Limited compression support

14. Emerge Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: Light-moderate
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: XS-L

Key features:

• Stimulates circulation and reduces lactic acid build-up
• Silicone grip dots ensure sleeves stay in place
• Moisture-wicking fabric keeps arms cool and dry
• Boosts endurance, strength, and stamina
• Ideal for basketball, CrossFit, tennis, golf
• Enhances muscle recovery after exercise

Emerge Compression Sleeves boost performance by improving circulation and reducing lactic acid. Silicone grip dots keep the sleeves securely in place during activity without chafing or slipping. These sleeves enhance your workout and speed up post-exercise recovery.

Pros:

• Silicone grip dots prevent slipping
• Reduces lactic acid buildup
• Enhances muscle recovery

Cons:

• Limited size options
• Can be tricky to get on

15. Crucial Compression Sleeves

• Compression level: 20-30 mmHg
• Sleeve coverage: Lower arm
• Material: Nylon, spandex
• Sizes: S-XL

Key features:

• Medical-grade compression technology
• Stimulates blood flow to reduce swelling
• Supports muscles and enhances recovery
• Moisture-wicking fabric with mesh ventilation
• Reduces muscle vibration and speeds warm-up
• Ideal for injury recovery and pain relief

Crucial Compression Sleeves provide medical-grade compression to increase circulation. This improves recovery by reducing swelling and soreness. With moisture-wicking fabric and mesh ventilation zones, these sleeves stabilize muscles during activity.

Pros:

• Medical grade compression
• Mesh ventilation zones
• Reduces muscle vibration

Cons:

• Can run small
• Expensive

Factors to Consider When Buying Compression Sleeves

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing compression sleeves:

• Compression level – This is measured in mmHg. Light compression is considered 8-15 mmHg, moderate 15-20 mmHg, and high 20-30 mmHg. Choose based on your needs and comfort level.
• Sleeve coverage – Compression sleeves come in full arm, elbow, and forearm lengths. Consider your sport or activity to choose the right coverage.
• Fabric – Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like nylon and spandex blends. Some sleeves also incorporate spandex or latex-free neoprene.
• Sizing – Brands offer sizes from XS-XL. Measure your arm to ensure a proper fit for the best compression.
• Features – Anti-slip silicone dots, sweat-wicking material, and UPF sun protection all provide added functionality.
• Purpose – Determine if you need sleeves for sports performance, injury recovery, or a medical condition.

Conclusion

Compression sleeves provide many benefits related to increased circulation, reduced swelling, pain relief, and injury recovery. Our picks for the best arm compression sleeves offer the ideal blend of compression level, coverage, construction, and features.

For targeted upper arm compression, McDavid is our top choice. Copper Compression offers the best support for recovery with its copper-ion fabric. And SB SOX delivers high-quality graduated compression at an affordable price point.

Consider the sleeve length, compression level, and features you need. Then choose from our recommendations for the best arm compression sleeves to support your active lifestyle.