Knee pain affects more than 19% of all adults. Furthermore, the risk climbs steadily with age. But, here’s the good news:
A recent study by The American Journal of Sports Medicine said: [1]
The use of prophylactic knee braces significantly reduced the frequency of knee injuries, both in the total number of subjects injured and in the total number of medial collateral ligament injuries incurred.
To add, knee braces provide constant compression, support and joint stabilization, and warmth. All these benefits can effectively help reduce joint pain.
But, not all knee braces are made equal. Some have materials and special features that make them better for certain purposes.
We ranked and reviewed them here to save you some time and, hopefully, money. Check them out!
Our Top Picks:
Best overall: ArmaJoint Compression Sleeve
By far the most well-rounded knee sleeve on this list. Offers uniform compression, comfort, durability, and practicality.
Best for inflammation: Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
The most luxurious and well-put knee sleeve we’ve ever tested. These Cocoons use a rare combination of features and materials that make it stand out.
Best for young athletes: Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
This bolsters your knee’s stability without restricting movement and helps keep your patella in place to prevent injuries and minimize pain.
IN THIS ARTICLE
13 Best Knee Braces in 2023
1. ArmaJoint Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Most well-rounded knee sleeve
- Uniform compression for pain and inflammatory relief
- Equally comfortable and durable
- Does not restrict movement
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Not meant for unstable knees (lacks support)
ArmaJoint’s Compression Sleeve is, point blank, the most well-rounded knee support on the market.
The material used is both breathable and durable. So you can wear it for long hours and not have to worry about it falling apart or feeling too uncomfortable.
They’ve also lined the edges of their sleeves with dual layers of silicone strips to keep it from sliding down your leg while you’re walking, running, or doing any other kind of physical activity.
But, most importantly, ArmaJoint Knee Sleeves offer 360 degrees of uniform compression and warmth. Both of these are key to effectively relieve pain and inflammation while preserving your mobility. Oh and did I mention that it’s priced competitively, too?
2. Cocoon Knee Flex Pro
Pros
- Unique combination of lycra and hydrogel
- Most comfortable knee brace in the market (soft and plushy feel)
- Weighted compression
- Can be heated or chilled for targeted pain and inflammatory relief
Cons
- Expensive
- Only 1 color
Scour the market and you still won’t find anything quite like the Cocoon Knee Flex Pro.
It uses a combination of lycra and hydrogel. Lycra on a knee brace already looks and feels luxurious but the addition of hydrogel makes it even more so. All in all, these cocoons feel soft and plushy. The durability on this thing is remarkable, too!
But what truly takes it over the top is in how well it combined weighted compression with the ability to apply heat or cold to your knees.
While there are other manufacturers who toyed with this combination, none have executed it better than My Cocoon. It’s genius how they did it, to be perfectly honest.
The combination of compression and heat or cold (depending on your needs) makes it the perfect partner for when you’re trying to control your pain and inflammation. But it’s also pricey and only comes in 1 color.
3. Braceability Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace
Pros
- Just as durable as neoprene but more breathable
- Open patella design with U-shaped buttress for proper patellar tracking
- More supportive than regular knee sleeves
- Wide size range (S-4XL)
Cons
- Slightly pricier than average
- Only comes in black
For all you athletes, Braceability’s Patella Stabilizing Knee Brace can help prevent your injuries.
Braceability uses a neoprene alternative here that’s just as durable and supportive but more breathable. In addition to the open patella design, this material makes it more comfortable than traditional knee braces.
Speaking of open patella, the hole is framed by a U-shaped buttress that helps keep your patella in place. This, in turn, helps prevent many overuse injuries and minimize pain while you’re engaging in physical activity.
It also has spring stabilizers on each side of the brace as well as 2 velcro straps at the top and bottom. The stabilizers, well… add stability to your knee without restricting movement. The straps, on the other hand, help keep the knee brace from sliding.
And, while it does come in a wide range of sizes (S-4XL), it only comes in one color (black). It’s also priced slightly higher than the average.
4. Shock Doctor SD 875 Ultra Knee Guard
Pros
- Provides long-lasting comfort
- Can be used for extreme sports activities
- Perfect for relieving knee pain and discomfort
- Allows faster rehabilitation and recovery for recent injuries
- Comes with a lot of patented features
- Made of high-quality materials
Cons
- A bit expensive than its alternatives
- The size chart may be confusing for some
Comfort and Stability
The SD 875 is a latex-free knee brace with an open patella design, bilateral hinges, and velcro straps.
Hinged braces like these help secure your knee joint within its normal range of motion while the open patella helps with patellar tracking. These are great features to have with knee instability (e.g. torn meniscus and ligaments)
Plus, this way, the support acts similar to unloader knee braces prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon.
This knee brace works with a slip-up motion, so it’s easy. The velcros add stability.
Sizing can be a little tricky, though. Their sizing chart is accurate but the knee support may feel tight at first. Although, it should feel snug once you break it in.
Size options: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
Both the durability and quality of this knee brace are top-notch. Its materials and design already get a solid score in our book. But, in our opinion, it’s superior stitching just takes it to a whole different level.
Who this brace is for
This knee brace is for those of you who want to reduce your risk of sprains (e.g. meniscus injuries, acl injury).
The aluminum hinges on each side of your knee, the opening around the knee cap, as well as its snug fit all help switch knee instability.
Plus, it’s one of, if not the most durable braces out there.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace might not be for you if you’re looking for knee compression sleeves that are snug right off the bat.
If you followed Shock Doctor’s sizing instructions, you’d more than likely end up with a brace that feels too tight. It will loosen up with use, though.
5. UFlex Athletics Knee Compression Sleeve
Pros
- Can reduce inflammation, soreness, swelling, and stiffness
- Suitable for use in sports activities
- Offers pain relief
- Can help improve your performance
- Features the anti-slip silicone
- Comes with the 3D-knitting technology
Cons
- Not suitable for those allergic to silicone
- Sizing chart needs improvement
Comfort and Stability
The UFlex Athletics Knee Compression sleeve is made from breathable nylon spandex.
These knee compression sleeves can stretch all 4 ways equally well. This ensures a snug fit and maximum freedom of movement, as well as constant compression.
The design and materials of this knee brace also make it capable of:
- Increasing blood flow
- Reducing pain
- Possibly preventing injuries
- Offering mild support
This knee sleeve also comes with silicone strips lined inside it to keep the compression sleeve in place. Though, it may irritate sensitive skin.
Size options: S, M, L, XL
Color options: Black, Red, Blue, Pink
Durability and Quality
UFlex has an affinity for putting out reliable and durable products. This compression sleeve, of course, is one of them.
Who this brace is for
This knee brace is for those of you who already have existing yet non-severe injuries. The constant compression — as well as the myriad of benefits that come with it — will help make your physical therapy rehab and recovery move faster.
Who this brace isn’t for
This knee support may not be for those of you with sensitive skin and those with allergies to nylon and spandex. The silicone strips at the top of the compression sleeve may cause rashes while the materials might cause allergies.
6. Vive Hinged Knee Brace
Pros
- Provides lateral stability
- Offers support for injured knees
- Made of lightweight and breathable materials
- Comes with extra-strength fasteners
- Adjustable
- Can be useful for injury prevention
- Comfortable to wear
- Affordable
Cons
- The sizing chart can be very confusing
- Might not fit larger thighs
Comfort and Stability
The Vive Hinged Knee Brace is made with neoprene. It also comes with aluminum hinges, an open patella design, and 4 straps. It isn’t the most stretchy hinged knee brace, but it bends enough to still be comfortable. The hinges are removable in case you don’t need them. But, they do add moderate support similar to that of unloader knee braces. The opening around your knee cap will help relieve pressure as well as help keep it in its proper place. And, finally, the straps are there so you can adjust the fit as needed.
Size options: One size fits most
Color options: Beige, Black, Gray
Durability and Quality
Neoprene is a generally durable material. So, there’s very little to worry about when it comes to the sleeve tearing apart with use.
Who this brace is for
The Vive Hinged Knee Brace is for anyone with issues causing knee joint instability. Examples include meniscus injuries, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and posterior cruciate ligament tears.
Who this brace isn’t for
This knee support might not be for those of you who are on opposite ends of the weighing scale. To us, the brace’s “one size fits most” theme is its most limiting feature. Too slender or too thick and the straps likely won’t hold the knee compression sleeve in place.
7. Active Relief Knee Brace by Lifehapps
Pros
- Enhances your performance
- Offers knee pain relief
- Prevents injuries
- Protects your knees
- Made of breathable and comfortable materials
- The brand offers full-refund if not satisfied
- Odor and sweat-free
- No burning sensations or itching
Cons
- The round elastic bands might be too tight
- The top band may roll after a few hours
Comfort and Stability
The Lifehapps Active Relief Knee Brace comes to life using 3D knitting technology. It also has a silicone gel pad and spiral stays on each side of the knee support. From our experience, the knitting made the knee compression sleeve more breathable. It isn’t quite like an unloader brace, but the gel pad and spiral stays help relieve pressure off your knee cap and patellar tendon. They also add stability without taking away your range of motion. Plus, the spiral stays help prevent the brace from rolling down.
Size options: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Color options: Black and Grey
Durability and Quality
Unfortunately, the spiral stays’ stability also compromises durability. We’ve noticed that the longer top wants to roll down but the spiral stays prevent it from doing so. In turn, the compartment that houses the plastic will eventually want to rip open.
Who this brace is for
This brace is for those of you who like staying active despite having issues with pain and stability. It’s also an option if you’re just coming out of knee surgery. The constant compression from the brace should help with blood flow and pain. Plus, it helps keep your muscles warm and limber. The spiral stays also add some much needed support.
Who this brace isn’t for
This probably isn’t your best choice for activities that involve a lot of knee bending. We’re not saying you shouldn’t bend or anything. But, frequent knee bending and straightening may damage the material prematurely.
8. EzyFit Knee Brace Support
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Suitable for active sports and activities
- Has an open patella design
- Available in three sizes
- Made of high-quality materials
- Fully adjustable
- Can also be used by those with knee osteoarthritis and other injuries
- Will not restrict your movement
Cons
- Larger sizes may slip
- Might be too short for some
Comfort and Stability
The EzyFit is a combination of neoprene, nylon, and polyester. It comes with a 2-way strap design and an open patella. Along with silicone strips, the straps keep everything where it should be. With that comes constant compression, blood flow, and warmth. It doesn’t negatively affect your range of motion either. Plus, the open patella relieves pressure around your knee cap. Unfortunately, wraparound braces like this can be a little complicated to put on.
Size options: M, L, XL
Color options: Black with blue accents
Durability and Quality
The combination of materials, the quality of the velcro, and its build are all solid. We can boldly say that this knee support is going to give you months of good use.
Who this brace is for
The EzyFit’s combination of features makes it great for conditions with nagging pain.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace may not be for you if you have a very short wick of patience. Donning the knee support can be fiddly and can take some getting used to.
9. EXOUS Knee Brace Support Protector
Pros
- Features the unique 4-way compression system
- Less irritation and itch
- Stays in its place
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides relief from knee pain
- The brand offers a money-back guarantee
- Fully adjustable
- Features a smart design
Cons
- A little expensive than its alternatives
- The elastic fabric inside the knee brace might wrinkle over time
Comfort and Stability
Like many others on the market, this is a mostly neoprene knee sleeve. But, what sets it apart when it comes to comfort and stability is its inner sleeve. The inner sleeve keeps the product loosely in place while you adjust the straps. Unlike the EzyFit, this makes it so much easier to put on. There’s also a gap behind the knee joint to prevent the fabric from bunching. And, flexible metal coils are located on each side for stability. Though, it’s not quite like a custom-made unloader brace. Moreover, the EXOUS Knee Brace has 4 straps. The 2 smaller straps help secure your patellar and patellar tendon, sort of like knee straps. They work in conjunction with the open knee cap to relieve pressure off your knee.
Size options: One size only.
Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
The materials themselves are durable. But, there may be issues with the velcro over time.Nothing has happened to our sleeve when we tested it. But, the stitching around the adjustable straps doesn’t look like they would last more than a few months of heavy use.
Who this brace is for
Tos us, this is the best knee brace for those of you who live active lives despite knee issues. The pseudo knee straps, open patella design, and metal coils will give your knee the constant support and pressure relief it needs so you can keep playing.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace isn’t for those of you with larger thighs and legs. It only comes in 1 size. So, if you force it, you will only reduce the lifespan of the brace. Plus, it’s relatively expensive, so you might want it to stay useable for as long as possible.
10. Winzone Best Knee Brace Support
Pros
- Full refund provided by the brand if you are not satisfied
- Comfortable to wear
- Made of high-quality materials
- Adjustable
- Features an open patella design
- Can relieve knee pain and discomfort
- Perfect for those who want to prevent injuries
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Might slip once you perspire
Comfort and Stability
ComfyMed – the company behind this knee brace – made this using 100% neoprene. This is good in that it’s both flexible and durable. But, it could irritate your skin. The Winzone has top and bottom velcros that you can adjust to get that perfect fit. It’s easy to put on. And, once it’s wrapped snugly around your knee, the brace feels supportive without compromising your range of motion. The open patella design of this knee brace also helps relieve pressure. This, in turn, helps with knee pain and recovery for knee injuries like patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee), and others. Plus, it’s discreet enough that you can wear them under or over your pants.
Size options: One size fits most
Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
ComfyMed takes pride in the durability of this brace – and so do we!As a matter of fact, the company offers a 12-month warranty on this product. They’re that confident.
Who this brace is for
We think the Winzone is for active individuals with chronic knee pain or those who’re recovering from injury. After all, the velcro strips are there to prevent slippage regardless of activity. So, the compression and pressure relief will always be there as long as you’re wearing this.
Who this brace isn’t for
This knee brace has no sizing options and its velcro strips are a little shorter. So, this might not fit those of you with thicker thighs and calves.
11. Tuffbrace Athletics Knee Brace Support By ZSX
Pros
- Money-back guarantee offered by the brand
- Available in four sizes
- Can provide relief for moderate to mild knee pain
- Can improve your performance
- Lightweight
- Comes with fully adjustable straps
Cons
- A bit expensive
- The Velcro straps may stretch over time
- A little warm for some, which causes sweating
Comfort and Stability
The ZSX is made with neoprene, has an open patella design, and 3 straps to secure it in place. Like the other neoprene braces on our list, this brace is flexible enough to allow a full range of motion. It also has enough support and compression to relieve moderate and mild knee pain from sprains, strains, muscular imbalances, patellar tendonitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee), and even knee osteoarthritis. All that and the ZSX Knee Brace still remains comfortable to wear. Although, there may be instances where the knee brace slides down a bit, even with velcro. It’s not a big deal to us but you may have a different opinion.
Size options: S, M, L, XL-XXL
Color options: Black
Durability and Quality
The brace itself is durable. The material and build quality are solid.But, you may want to watch out for the adjustable straps. If you constantly tighten it so the brace doesn’t fall, there’s a chance you may wear down the straps prematurely.
Who this brace is for
This brace can be an option if you’re looking for a brace that can help you do activities with less knee pain. This can mean chronic and nagging injuries like tendonitis and arthritis. Or, it could be that you’re recovering from an injury.
Who this brace isn’t for
This isn’t for anyone whose patience for trying on products is very slim. Don’t get us wrong, though. The brace itself is exceptional. But, you may have to try on more than one size because their sizing guide isn’t all that accurate.
12. Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeve
Pros
- Features the patented anatomical fit
- Perfect for any kind of sports
- Prevents swelling, strain, and sprain
- Comfortable to wear
- Provides the support your knees need
Cons
- Very expensive
- Might start to become loose after a few months
Comfort and Stability
The original Rehband Knee Sleeve is a 7mm thick neoprene sleeve. Mind you, this is thicker than most other knee braces you’ll find in the market. Its thickness is part of what makes it more supportive than most of its competition. This also makes it better at keeping your joints warm. It’s easy and comfortable to wear, too. Simply pull it up and around your legs. We tested it at the gym with all sorts of leg exercises – and it stayed perfectly in place. It didn’t restrict our range of motion either.
Size options: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Color options: Blue
Durability and Quality
If there are 2 things we can say about Rehband products, it’s that they’re durable and high quality. So, we’re confident that these knee sleeves will last you a good few months of constant use.
Who this brace is for
In our opinion, the thickness of this neoprene sleeve serves 2 demographics:
- Heavy-lifting athletes, and
- Those recovering from injuries
This is the best knee brace for you heavy lifters that need to keep your joints warm while resting. The supportiveness will then help you feel more confident when you start your next set, as well as help prevent lifting-related injuries. Like a meniscus tear when deep squatting, for example. On the other hand, recovery from any knee injury will need warmth and support. Warmth helps with blood circulation and range motion while support helps prevent any more damage.
Who this brace isn’t for
This brace isn’t for anyone on a budget. It doesn’t come as a pair. And, a single Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeve costs double, if not more than some pairs.
Essential factors to consider when choosing the best knee brace
Okay, so whenever we rank the best knee braces, we always set criteria that we use to gauge products. Needless to say, these are the same things we believe you should be looking at.
The general criteria include:
- Comfort and stability
- Durability and quality
- Value for money
Under these benchmarks include things like materials, design, feature sets, and price.
Comfort and Stability
A lot of it comes down to material and design.
But, we do factor in sizing and color options here, too. After all, you’ll be more comfortable wearing knee supports that tailored to your preferences.
Material
Most of today’s knee compression sleeves are neoprene. Or, at the very least, a mix of synthetic fibers that include neoprene.
These knee braces are generally supportive. But, they still have enough flexibility to allow full range of motion.
In rarer cases, manufacturers use natural fibers like bamboo, copper, and latex. More often than not, though, they combine these natural fibers with their synthetic counterparts.
In any case, knee compression sleeves made with natural fibers are more breathable and hypoallergenic. These knee braces are not as stretchy but design easily makes up for it.
Design
Common features you will encounter include:
- Velcro straps and/or silicone strips – Helps keep the knee brace in place.
- Closed or open patella designs – Closed is better for compression; open designs are better for pressure relief. Both can be good for knee pain.
- Patella gel pads – Added for even more pressure relief to your knee and patellar tendon.
- Metal hinges – Hinged braces give you more side-to-side and front-to-back stability.
Durability and Quality
Again, these boil down to material and design.
In a nutshell, natural fibers are generally more durable than their synthetic counterparts. So, we also value them higher for their quality.
Value for money
First, we take everything we analyzed about a certain product. Then, we crossmatch it to similar products on the market.
From there, we gauge if it’s worth its cost.
Conclusion: The 13 top knee braces
All in all, knee braces are easy to find. So easy, in fact, that picking the right one can be confusing. There’s all sorts of types, too. These include unloader brace, compression sleeve, hinged brace, rigid braces, functional braces, and other braces used in physical therapy.
Good news is that we’ve helped you narrow down your choices.
We’ve considered all their features, limitations, and price points so you don’t have to.
That said, we sincerely hope you find what’s most suitable to you. Whether you’re an athlete or not, injured or healthy, young or old, our list of knee braces should at least give you great options.
