We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Orthopedic & Physical Therapy Products Put an End to Wrist Pain With the 12 Best Wrist Supports of 2024 The Copper Compression Wrist Brace is functional and breathable, making it a top choice for wrist support By Sherri Gordon Updated on April 18, 2023 Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Print Verywell Health / Marcus Millan Your wrist plays a vital role in hand movement and function, so it makes sense that wrist pain can impact many daily tasks and activities. Even using your mobile phone can become a challenge. For this reason, people often turn to wrist supports or braces to alleviate pain and discomfort. Wrist braces are used to provide temporary protection, support, or prevention of various upper extremity injuries, says Jodie Auliff, OTR/L, CHT, a lead hand therapist and occupational therapist at Athletico. Each type of support or brace has a specific role. Some braces are designed to protect an injured bone, tendon, or ligament as it heals when movement is not allowed, while others are used to support and rest the injured area and alleviate pain, Auliff says. Wrist supports or braces can also promote faster healing for fractures or tendon injuries, decrease pain caused by sprains or strains, and prevent injuries from physical activities such as weightlifting, as well as conditions like carpal tunnel. Andrea Halim, MD, MBA, and orthopaedic surgeon and assistant professor with Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Hand Surgery at Yale Medicine, says finding a wrist support that fits well is crucial for healing and injury prevention. That’s why it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about your condition to determine what kind of support you need. Based on interviews with experts—including occupational therapists and orthopaedic surgeons—we put together a list of the 12 best wrist supports for a variety of needs, including conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel, as well as activities like frequent typing or texting. A physical therapist from our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for accuracy, how to use wrist supports, and how to evaluate fit, comfort, and materials. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Copper Compression Wrist Brace at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Budget: ACE Adjustable Wrist Support at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Arthritis: Comfort Cool CMC Splint at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best for Carpal Tunnel Relief: BRACEOWL Carpal Tunnel Brace at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best for Tendonitis: BraceUP Wrist Brace at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best for Seniors: Vive Wrist Brace at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best for Typing or Texting: MONALE Wrist Brace at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Sleeping: ComfyBrace Sleep Support Brace at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best for Rest and Recovery: Braceability Resting Hand Splint at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Smaller Wrists: Wellgate PerfectFit Wrist Brace at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall Copper Compression Wrist Brace Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $25 View On Coppercompression.com Pros Lightweight, flexible material Moisture wicking and antimicrobial Versatile and suitable for a variety of conditions Cons Not reversible (must buy for right or left hand) If you are looking for a wrist brace that is versatile and functional, you cannot go wrong with the Copper Compression Wrist Brace. Not only is this brace suitable for a variety of conditions—such as ganglion cysts, sprains and strains, and carpal tunnel syndrome—but the fabric also is infused with copper that never washes away and keeps working to extend the life of the product. This feature is particularly attractive given the role that copper plays in skin health. Plus, the ergonomic design of this wrist brace makes it suitable for both daytime and nighttime wear, depending on what your healthcare provider recommends. And you won’t feel confined or sweaty wearing this wrist support because of the unique breathable material. It is both lightweight and comfortable, as well as antimicrobial. The only downside is that it’s not reversible. so, you have to buy the brace based on the hand and wrist you will be wearing it on and cannot use it for the other wrist. But if your pain and discomfort are limited to one side, this should not be an issue. Key Specs: Material: Nylon/Copper | Sizes: S/M and L/XL | Weight: 2.4 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best Budget ACE Adjustable Wrist Support Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $8 View On CVS $15 Pros Lightweight, breathable material Reversible, can be used on either hand Versatile and suitable for a variety of conditions Cons Stability may decline with repeated use If you are looking for an inexpensive wrist support or brace to help you recover from a repetitive motion injury or a mild sprain or strain, the Ace Wrist Support may be just what you need. Not only does it provide compression while stabilizing your wrist joint with its over-the-thumb design, but the neoprene blend also may aid in increased circulation. In fact, research indicates that neoprene can be effective in maintaining intramuscular temperature while exercising as well as in increasing skin temperature during and after exercise. This can be particularly beneficial if you are trying to heal from an injury. What’s more, this wrist support is both adjustable and reversible, making it great to have on hand when unexpected injuries crop up and you need a little extra support. The only downside is that the stability may decrease with repeated use. But at this price point, you can stock up and have multiple backups available. Key Specs: Material: Neoprene blend | Sizes: One size, adjustable | Weight: 1.45 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Arthritis Comfort Cool CMC Splint Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Walmart $27 View On Ncmedical.com Pros Unique, adjustable design Wraparound strap to support thumb Limited stitching to improve comfort Cons May provide more support than you need The Comfort Cool CMC Splint was designed with input from hand therapists and provides the support you need while allowing for full finger function. In fact, this wrist support has a unique design featuring a contoured wraparound strap that wraps around the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint and the first metacarpal for direct joint support. According to the Arthritis Society, a brace that provides extra support for these joints is particularly important because it increases stability and improves function. This type of brace also reduces strain or stress on painful or damaged joints, and can even help reduce your pain when performing everyday tasks. The number of seams, stitching, and fabric are limited in this design, which further adds to the comfort and feel of this wrist support. That said, it’s worth noting that this splint provides more support than some people might need. Whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider about which type of brace is best for you. Key Specs: Material: Neoprene | Sizes: S-XL | Weight: 1.45 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Carpal Tunnel Relief BRACEOWL Carpal Tunnel Brace Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Braceowl.com Pros Built-in bead keeps wrist from moving Removable metal splint Great support without hindering circulation Cons Bulky design limits movement Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a ery common cause of wrist pain that can lead to weakness and a loss of sensation. It also can limit your daily activities, impede your work, and impact your quality of life. The most common non-surgical treatment for CTS is splinting your wrist at night with a rigid splint like the BraceOwl Carpal Tunnel Wrist Brace. This brace offers the nighttime support you need to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with CTS. With a removable metal splint for added stability, it comes equipped with a built-in bead design that applies gentle pressure to the palm of your hand and helps keep your wrist in one position. As an added bonus, this wrist brace has three adjustable velcro straps that are easy to adjust for the perfect fit. Plus, you can switch between the right and left wrists, thanks to its dual-hand design. The fabric is designed to help prevent sweat buildup. The only downside is the bulky design, which makes it hard to perform day-to-day functions like using your mobile phone. But because most healthcare providers recommend only splinting your wrist at night when you have CTS, this may not be a huge problem. Key Specs: Material: Nylon and Neoprene Blend | Sizes: One size, adjustable | Weight: 3.84 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Tendonitis BraceUP Wrist Brace Amazon View On Amazon $14 Pros Three adjustable straps for a secure fit Lightweight breathable material Allows for movement when needed Cons Stitching can be bothersome When you have an inflamed tendon, or tendonitis, it can take some time to recover. Most of the time, a healthcare provider will recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (or RICE). Your doctor also may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and a brace like the BraceUp Wrist Brace. The brace has three adjustable straps to give you the stability and security you need to allow your tendons to heal. In addition to the extra support from the straps, the lightweight aluminum splint and mesh material create a secure spot for your wrist that is both comfortable and breathable. It should be noted, though, that the stitching in this brace can be bothersome for some. If you find you want a more seamless design, you may prefer the ComfyBrace Premium Lined Wrist Support, which we recommend below. However, tendonitis usually only needs short-term bracing, so you may decide the stitching is not a huge issue. Key Specs: Material: Polyester | Sizes: S/M and L/XL | Weight: 4.16 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro and loops Best for Seniors Vive Wrist Brace Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $10 Pros Lightweight, breathable fabric Great for daily use 60-day unconditional guarantee Cons Only one size The Vive Wrist Brace is our top pick for seniors and other people who may need to use a wrist support on a daily basis, due to its breathability, ease of use, and lightweight fabric. This wrist brace comes with a lightweight removable splint that stabilizes your wrist in a neutral position. The neoprene fabric allows the brace to retain therapeutic heat and improve circulation without causing your wrist to overheat. The two adjustable straps allow you to customize the amount of compression you want based on pain, inflammation, and swelling. Overall, this is a great brace for sprains and strains as well as tendonitis. However, the brace comes in only one size, so it may not fit some people. That said, Vive offers a 60-day unconditional guarantee, so if you purchase it and it doesn’t fit, you can always return it. Key Specs: Material: Neoprene | Sizes: One size | Weight: 2.89 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Typing or Texting MONALE Wrist Brace Amazon View On Amazon Pros Lightweight, breathable fabric Low profile design Allows you to wrap the wrist Cons Only one size If you are looking for a low profile wrist brace that provides support and alleviates wrist pain while allowing you full mobility of your fingers, then you should consider the Monale Wrist Brace. The innovative design allows you to wrap your wrist and keep it in a neutral position, while giving your fingers the space they need to perform tasks like typing or texting without cramping up. It even permits the use of your other fine motor skills when needed, so you won’t feel like you are hindered when wearing this wrist support. Plus, this brace is soft, comfortable and breathable—so much so that you may even forget that you are wearing it. One negative to this brace is that although it is adjustable, it only comes in one size, so it may not fit everyone. However, the company does offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Key Specs: Material: Neoprene | Sizes: One size| Weight: 0.64 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Sleeping ComfyBrace Sleep Support Brace Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $17 Pros Built-in bead keeps wrist from moving Removable metal splint Promotes sleep Cons Only one size If you’re looking for a no-fuss wrist support that will alleviate wrist pain and provide good support without interrupting your sleep, consider the ComfyBrace Night Wrist Support. This one-size-fits-all brace features a breathable slip-on sleeve, a removable splint, and a beaded cushion that keeps your wrist supported while you sleep. The ergonomic design also allows you to use the brace on either hand, so unless you need to brace both wrists, you only need to purchase one. This brace is the perfect solution for relief from carpal tunnel syndrome, post-cast wrist pain, and other conditions that plague you at night while you try to sleep. One downside to this brace is that it only comes in one size, which can create a problem when it comes to fit. Fortunately, the company offers a hassle-free lifetime replacement should you purchase the brace and realize it doesn’t work for you. Key Specs: Material: Not listed | Sizes: One size | Weight: 3.84 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Rest and Recovery Braceability Resting Hand Splint Amazon View On Amazon View On Braceability.com Pros Offers a neutral healing position Keeps you from making painful movements while recovering Padded and breathable Cons May be too heavy for some If you need a wrist support or brace that allows your hand and wrist to rest and recover—such as from nerve damage, after an accident, or post surgery—your healthcare provider may recommend what is known as a resting splint. The Braceability Resting Hand Splint is designed to support your hand and wrist, promote healing, and reduce pain and swelling. Unlike other immobilizers, this resting hand splint supports your hand, wrist, and fingers in a neutral healing position and keeps you from making any painful movements while you recover. What’s more, its made of padded, breathable materials that offer comfortable, functional positioning regardless of what you are doing. Keep in mind this wrist support is the heaviest on our list, weighing in at 5.29 ounces. While that may not seem like a lot, for someone with small hands or decreased muscle tone, it may be a challenge. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether or not this resting splint is best for your recovery. Key Specs: Material: Nylon | Sizes: XS-XL | Weight: 5.29 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Smaller Wrists Wellgate PerfectFit Wrist Brace Amazon View On Amazon $17 View On Walmart $17 View On Hsastore.com Pros Minimalistic design Lightweight breathable material Allows for good mobility Cons Thumb opening may be too small for some The Wellgate PerfectFit Wrist Support offers a slender profile that is perfect for people who have smaller bone structure. Designed to relieve pain from carpal tunnel, arthritis, and minor strains or sprains, this wrist brace is both lightweight and breathable. The memory foam interior provides cushy comfort. Also, due to the slimmer design, the Wellgate wrist support allows for more mobility and less restriction, which can be great for people who only need a little bit of support while gaming, using the computer, or writing. The thumb hole can be a little restrictive or even too small for some people, but if you have a smaller bone structure and tend to find that wrist supports are usually too big, this may be the one for you. Key Specs: Material: Memory Foam | Sizes: One size | Weight: 2.4 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best for Activity ComfyBrace Premium Lined Wrist Brace Amazon View On Amazon $14 View On Comfybrace.com Pros Minimalist design Allows for good mobility Breathable construction Cons May not provide enough support If you’re used to being active, nothing is more frustrating than when wrist pain keeps you sidelined. The ComfyBrace Premium Lined Wrist Brace is a low-profile wrist support so comfortable you may even forget you are wearing it. With breathable construction that does not retain moisture, this wrist brace will give you the support you are looking for without hindering your movements. That said, if you need a lot of support, this may not be the brace for you. The minimalist design is better suited for people who have minor wrist pain and just need a little extra support. Key Specs: Material: Not listed | Sizes: One size| Weight: 1.26 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro Best Adjustable Futuro Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On Target $27 Pros Three straps for maximum adjustability Minimizes twisting and flexing Well padded for extra comfort Cons Can get a little warm at times Whether you have carpal tunnel or a wrist injury of some sort, finding the right fit is essential. The best way to do that is to find a wrist brace that is adjustable enough to give you the support you need on any given day—especially because some days require more support than others. We found the Futuro Deluxe Wrist Stabilizer the perfect answer to that dilemma. This wrist support allows you to make adjustments as needed with three independent velcro straps, giving you a more tailored fit. What’s more, you can make this support as tight as you need with the confidence that it is not going to pinch you. The support does a great job minimizing any twisting or flexing of your wrist, while the memory foam interior ensures extra comfort and support. That said, with so many straps and extra padding this wrist support can get a little warm. Even with that drawback, you can’t beat the extra support and adjustability of this wrist support. Key Specs: Materials: Polyester, nylon, neoprene | Sizes: S/M and L/XL | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Closure Type: Velcro The 10 Best Heating Pads, Tested and Reviewed How We Selected the Best Wrist Supports When developing our list of recommended wrist supports, we consulted with a variety of hand and wrist specialists to determine what to look for when selecting a product. We also asked about different types of bracing, how long wrist braces should be worn, and whether they are always appropriate for treating wrist pain. Then we spent hours researching the different types of wrist braces on the market, evaluating everything from their weight and sizing to the type of support they offer. The end result was a comprehensive list of wrist braces designed to treat a variety of different types of wrist pain. Experts we interviewed to select the best wrist supports include: Jodie Auliff, OTR/L, CHT, a lead hand therapist and occupational therapist at Athletico Andrea Halim, MD, MBA, and orthopedic surgeon and assistant professor with Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Hand Surgery at Yale Medicine Christopher Sforzo, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Sforzo, Dillingham, Stewart Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Keep in mind, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before wearing a wrist brace for an extended period of time. Not only is it important to get a proper diagnosis, but there are some medical conditions that will not benefit from using a wrist brace. Likewise, there may be instances where a custom brace is needed. In these situations, a hand therapist will develop the brace and mold it to your hand and wrist. What to Look For in Wrist Supports Material Wrist braces and supports come in a variety of fabrics including neoprene, nylon, polyester, or a combination of these materials. While there is no single material that is best, you want to make sure that the fabric is breathable. This is especially important if your hands are prone to swelling, since lack of circulation could make your swelling worse. What’s more, make sure your brace can be washed. Since wrist supports are worn on your hands, they’re likely to get dirty as you go about your day. Even if you wear a support at night, it can get sweaty as you sleep. You want something that can be cleaned effectively so that dirt and bacteria won’t adhere to your hands. Fit and Comfort Wearing a brace that does not fit properly can cause unwanted pressure or irritate your skin. For patients who wear wrist braces too frequently, there is a small risk of developing stiffness as a result of prolonged immobilization, Dr. Halim says. The fit of your wrist brace is entirely dependent on the reason you are wearing the brace. For a fracture or sprain, your brace should be snug but not so tight as to cut off circulation or cause skin irritation, Dr. Halim says. Likewise, if you are wearing your brace overnight to prevent symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome, your brace should fit comfortably but not put any additional pressure on your already irritated nerve. When shopping for a wrist brace, look for features such as adjustable straps, breathable materials, and a comfortable fit, Christopher Sforzo, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Sforzo, Dillingham, Stewart Orthopedics and Sports Medicine suggests. Because wrist braces can be worn when you are typing or working out, you also want to ensure they do not interfere with your range of motion or cause discomfort. They shouldn’t compress your nerves or restrict blood flow, he says. Recommended Uses Selecting a wrist brace is best done in collaboration with a healthcare provider who can advise you on what type of brace is best for your condition. Keep in mind that not every condition is best treated with brace wear, Dr. Halim says. For example, most patients with de Quervain’s syndrome—a common type of tendonitis that affects postpartum people—actually have worsening symptoms when they wear a brace because the brace can put pressure on the irritated or inflamed tendon. One of the major risks associated with wrist supports is wearing the brace for too long, says Auliff. Doing so may make you susceptible to muscle weakening and stiffening of the surrounding joints, muscles, and tendons. But, this will vary depending on the specific condition or injury. Generally, if you’re wearing a brace to provide complete rest for a joint, you need to wear it all day, Auliff says. However, if the brace is just for support, Auliff suggests taking it off throughout the day and gently moving or stretching to avoid stiffness. Mobility Pain that limits movement and basic day-to-day functioning impacts your quality of life. For this reason, many people turn to wrist supports or braces to alleviate pain. The key is to find a wrist support or brace that not only alleviates your pain and discomfort, but also allows you to do the things you need to do. Overall, the brace you choose should be breathable, comfortable, and practical, allowing your fingers to move as they need to while keeping your wrist stabilized. Frequently Asked Questions How much do wrist braces cost? For the most part, wrist braces are an affordable tool to relieve wrist pain. You can expect to pay between $10 and $40 for a basic wrist brace. That said, if you are considering a highly specialized brace for a particular condition, you can expect to pay slightly more. Some wrist braces for relief of osteoarthritis pain can cost $100 or more. Can you wear a wrist brace all day? The length of time to wear a wrist brace depends entirely on the reason you are wearing the brace. If you are wearing your wrist support or brace for rest and protection of healing ligaments, alleviation of pain associated with ganglion cysts, or fractures, it is often recommended to wear the brace as much as possible for most of the day, Dr. Halim says. People with carpal tunnel syndrome should only wear their wrist braces at night to help them sleep in a comfortable position, says Dr. Halim. Talk to a healthcare provider about your specific situation to determine whether a wrist support or brace could help alleviate your pain. How tight should the wrist support be? When selecting a wrist brace, you want to look for something with firm support that allows full range of motion without cutting off your circulation, Dr. Sforzo says. It also should be adjustable so you can loosen it when needed. The general rule of thumb is that you should be able to get one to two fingers under each strap, Auliff says. Will a wrist brace alleviate pain? If you have a sprain, strain, or inflammation, wearing a brace will allow the wrist joint to rest, Dr. Halim says. In these situations, wearing a wrist support or brace helps prevent pain associated with moving an irritated or inflamed joint or stressing an injured ligament. Additionally, many people with carpal tunnel syndrome find that wearing a brace overnight alleviates the pain associated with the condition and keeps them from waking from pain or discomfort at night, she adds. Why Trust Verywell Health Sherri Gordon, CLC, has been covering health and social issues for nearly 20 years and has written countless articles with a health focus. Consequently, she is well versed and knowledgeable about a number of health conditions—like carpal tunnel and osteoarthritis—that impact our everyday lives. Plus, as someone who spends multiple hours per day on a computer, Sherri knows how important it is to find a comfortable and well-fitting brace to alleviate discomfort and pain that comes from repetitive motions. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Amjad F, Farooq MN, Batool R, Irshad A. Frequency of wrist pain and its associated risk factors in students using mobile phones. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):746-749. doi:10.12669/pjms.36.4.1797 Borkow G. Using copper to improve the well-being of the skin. Curr Chem Biol. 2014;8(2):89-102. doi:10.2174/2212796809666150227223857 Miller AA, Knight KL, Feland JB, Draper DO. Neoprene thigh sleeves and muscle cooling after exercise. J Athl Train. 2005;40(4):264-270. Arthritis Society. Splints and braces. Atroshi I, Tadjerbashi K, McCabe SJ, Ranstam J. Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with wrist splinting: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Trials. 2019;20(1):531. doi:10.1186/s13063-019-3635-6 Additional Reading American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthritis of the wrist. Updated April, 2016. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Wrist sprains. Updated April, 2018. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit