Best Compression Arm Sleeves for Basketball in 2021

There are a lot of accessories out there for playing sports, but one of the best that you might want to think about is compression arm sleeves for playing basketball. With basketball specifically, your arms get a great deal of movement. Besides continually dribbling the ball, there is usually a great deal of strength behind most shots.

The stability and compression that an arm sleeve can offer can provide benefits like better performance on the court, faster healing after an injury and much more. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you need to consider when buying a compression sleeve as well as five of the best compression sleeves on the market for playing basketball.

How to Buy the Best Compression Sleeves for Basketball

Compression sleeves all work in pretty much the same way, but they are a little bit different as well. Some of them have features like variable compression for different parts of the arm, some of them offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays and there are dozens of materials and thousands of styles to choose from as well. But what may be most important is the problems that you’re trying to solve with your compression sleeve.

Healing After an Injury

One of the benefits offered by compression sleeves is that they keep the arm more stable and allow the muscles to heal in the case of an injury. Many times your doctor will recommend that you get a compression sleeve after tearing or pulling a muscle in your arm because the stability that they offer allows you to continue playing basketball while still permitting the injury to heal.

Compression Sleeves for Protection

Another thing that compression sleeves offer is protection. It doesn’t matter what kind of sport you are playing, there is still the potential for injury. A lot of times, those entries come in the form of burns or abrasions. This is more true in baseball, soccer and other outdoor sports that it is in basketball, but injuries still happen. Compression sleeves protect the body from those burns and abrasions as well as help protect from muscle injuries as well.

Looking Great on the Basketball Court

You also need to look great out on the basketball court, and compression sleeves can definitely help with that. Depending upon the style that you choose, you can get compression sleeves that complement your jersey perfectly or even make you look good in street clothes. While this is not the primary reason that people by compression sleeves, it is an extra benefit on top of the protection and healing benefits that they provide.

Top Compression Arm Sleeves for Basketball of 2021

1. B-Driven Sports Padded Knee & Arm Compression Athletic Sleeves

Highlights & Specs

  • Option to add knee compression sleeves in the same color – with lots of colors to choose from.
  • Made from polyester with slip-free interiors for maximum comfort without slipping.
  • Perfectly designed for basketball, football, hockey, volleyball and any contact sport.

Summary


These really are terrific sleeves and at a really good price too. They are not going to last forever, but they are not intended to. They are durable enough to last for a few games even if you play hard, and for an entire season if not.

PROS

  • What really makes these sleeves stand out is the added protection that they offer right at the elbow and at the knee. That’s often where the biggest impact happens and the extra cushioning is a really nice feature.
  • These are also extremely lightweight pads that you won’t even notice that you are wearing. They offer moisture wicking and are fairly durable, but because of the materials used are also very light.
  • But what may be the biggest advantage is just how highly reviewed they are by customers who have actually used them. Almost no one had a bad thing to say about these pads in comparison with the number of reviews.

CONS

  • One problem that a few people had was that the sizing that they thought they should order did not actually fit them.
  • Also, these are not as durable as some of the other ones that we have reviewed here. The amount of time that they will last depends upon how often and how hard you use them.

2. B-Driven Arm Sleeves with Enhanced Graduated Compression

Highlights & Specs

  • Graduated compression design that goes up the entire sleeve.
  • Made for playing sports and healing from an injury at the same time.
  • Specifically designed for healing after an injury.

Summary


This sleeve is perfect for those whose primary focus is in healing any injuries that they have in the biceps, elbow or lower arm as well as not exacerbating those injuries further. While this does offer a certain amount of protection against future injuries, if you are looking for UV protection and a full sleeve with padding to prevent abrasions and scrapes, then you might want to look at one of the other sleeves listed here.

PROS

  • The graduated compression on these sleeves is really one of the best features. It is designed that way to me medical standards and help to improve blood circulation and help muscles like the biceps or lower arm muscles heal after an injury.

CONS

  • Some people may find this too tight.
  • This is designed for healing muscles and keeping them stable as well as providing other medical benefits. It won’t offer much protection against abrasions and the like.

3. B-Driven Pro-Fit Athletic Arm Sleeves

Highlights & Specs

  • High-quality compression sleeve that is specifically designed to support muscles like the lower arm, the biceps and protect the elbow from injury.
  • Lots of different styles and colors.
  • Fits snugly and will not roll down during high activity periods.
  • Moisture wicking and UV protection included in a lightweight design.

Summary


This is a great sports sleeve that will definitely deliver when it comes to athletic performance. It also comes in quite a few different style and colors, so you are sure to find something that you like. There is only a single sleeve that is included with this product, but at these prices, you can get more than one. With additional features like UV protection and moisture wicking these sleeves are definitely one of the best out there.

PROS

  • Made of high-tech materials that provide moisture wicking – a process that draws moisture away from the bod and allows it to soak into the sleeve.
  • In additional, this is ultimately comfortable, with a design that does contain any seams and an easy to use silicon inside.
  • Made specifically for sports like baseball, football, basketball, hockey, weightlifting and much more.

CONS

  • One thing that you might not like is that the sizes can be a little unpredictable. In fact, many people said that they had to go with one size larger than they normally would to make them fit.
  • While these come in a few different sizes, they are advertised as fitting men, woman and youth. But they can sometimes be longer than desired for females.
  • Although there are plenty of styles and colors to choose from, you only get a single sleeve with your order.

4. B-Driven Arm Sleeve Sports Compression

Highlights & Specs

  • Fabric that provides moisture wicking to keep you warm in the winter and cold in the summer.
  • Lots of different sporty designs to choose from.

Summary


If you want a sleeve that provides a really good balance between one that will help you heal after an injury and one that protects you on the basketball court then this is definitely the top pick for you.

PROS

  • Probably the biggest advantages offered by this sleeve is that it is a balance between a medical device that is intended to support your muscles, improve blood circulation, offer stability and all of the other benefits that a sleeve intended for healing is able to do. But this is also stylish enough to use on the basketball court and thick enough to prevent burns and abrasions from taking a spill on the court.
  • There are nine different sizes so you are sure to find the one that fits you the best.

CONS

  • While there are a dozen or so different colors to choose from, there is only a couple of different styles. Otherwise, there are almost no complaints about this sleeve.

5. SZELAM Sports Elbow Brace Compression Sleeve Arm Support

Highlights & Specs

  • Protection specifically for the elbow for injury recovery and prevention.
  • Specifically made for sports that require a great deal of elbow flexibility and protect that range of motion.
  • This is an extremely comfortable elbow sleeve that fits on easily and doesn’t ride up or down.
  • There are three sizes that range from youth all the way to adult male.

Summary


When it comes to preventing elbow injuries, this is definitely one of the best sleeves out there. However, if you are looking for a more rounded option then you might want to look at some of the others on the list.

PROS

  • There are a couple of major advantages with this sleeve. The first is that it is specifically intended to protect the elbow and keep it from moving when there is an injury.
  • The second is that it comes with a tightening Velcro grip band that keeps it in place.

CONS

  • Very limited in the colors and styles that are offered.
  • Offers a great deal of protection for the elbow but not much else.