The Best Compression Arm Sleeves for 2023

Top sleeve picks for full-length, elbow, forearm, and wrist.

Whether you have muscle soreness in your arm and are looking for some pain relief or you’re an athlete looking to boost performance, a compression arm sleeve could be your answer.

You’ve no doubt seen these sleek and sporty sleeves on professional athletes in a variety of different sports, as they’re known for keeping muscles warm, improving circulation, and providing support and stability.

But compression sleeves aren’t strictly for professionals. In fact, compression sleeves aren’t even restricted to training, competing, or athletics in general.

Truly anybody that could benefit from targeted muscle support and improved circulation can and should utilize a compression sleeve.

Any activity, big or small, throughout your day requiring physical exertion from your upper body can be aided by a compression arm sleeve.

Here, we’ve put together a collection of the best compression arm sleeves for 2023.

These picks start with the traditional full-length sleeve then delve into area-specific sleeves, such as the elbow, forearm, and wrist.

Check out the list and be sure to try out one of these top compression arm sleeves.

Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.

Full Length Compression Arm Sleeve: Top Picks

We’ll start with the classic full length compression arm sleeve. This sleeve extends in length from your wrist to above your bicep and offers support for your wrist, forearm, elbow, and bicep.

As far as compression arm sleeves go, these tend to be a popular option and the ones most commonly seen on athletes during training and competition.

The full-length sleeves offer the most overall muscle support for your arm and are a great general use option, as well.

1. Copper Compression Arm Sleeve

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Available on Amazon: Copper Compression Arm Sleeve

The Copper Compression Arm Sleeve features interior grip zones for a secure fit that doesn’t restrict your movement. This compression arm sleeve has moisture-wicking material, 4-way stretch, and stay-fresh copper-infused fibers.

2. McDavid Compression Arm Sleeve

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Available on Amazon: McDavid Compression Arm Sleeve

The McDavid Compression Arm Sleeve features superior compression support in a sleek performance design that’s available in 4 sizes. This compression arm sleeve has sweat-wicking moisture management and 6-thread flat-lock seam technology.

The McDavid Compression Arm Sleeve is also sold in pairs.

3. 2XU Flex Compression Arm Sleeve

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The 2XU Flex Compression Arm Sleeve features a graduated compression design with a seamless construction for comfort and knitted support that protects and stabilizes. This compression arm sleeve has a flexible articulated elbow zone for freedom of movement.

The 2XU Flex Compression Arm Sleeve are also available in pairs.

4. 2XU Flex Recovery Arm Sleeves

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The 2XU Flex Recovery Arm Sleeves offer graduated compression for increased circulation and faster muscle recovery. These compression arm sleeves have flexible articulated elbow zones for comfort, an easy on/off design, and come as a pair.

5. Under Armour Team Arm Sleeve

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The Under Armour Team Arm Sleeve features lightweight HeatGear fabric that wicks sweat and dries fast. This compression arm sleeve has a snug compressive fit for superior muscle support and comes in two different length options.

6. Under Armour Arm Sleeves

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The Under Armour Arm Sleeves feature built-in thumbholes to keep in place and mesh fabric at the hands for ventilation. These compression arm sleeves have 4-way stretch, sweat-wicking material, a pocket for small essentials, and are sold as a pair.

7. Nike Pro Elite Sleeves 2.0

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Available on Amazon: Nike Pro Elite Sleeves 2.0

The Nike Pro Elite Sleeves 2.0 feature a contoured design to allow natural movement and a flat seam construction that feels smooth on your skin. These compression arm sleeves utilize sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry and come in a pair.

8. Nike Pro Dri-FIT Sleeves

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The Nike Pro Dri-FIT Sleeves feature smooth, sweat-wicking fabric in a stretchy design to keep you dry and comfortable. These compression arm sleeves are NFHS compliant, come in a pair, and have a stay-put band that keeps them in place.

9. LZRD Compression Arm Sleeve

Available on Amazon: LZRD Compression Arm Sleeve

The LZRD Compression Arm Sleeve offers a non-slick surface for performance grip and a comfortable and durable construction with moisture-wicking TurboDry Technology. This compression arm sleeve is available in 7 different sizes for a tailored and superior fit.

10. Sleefs Arm Sleeve

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The Sleefs Arm Sleeve features a durable double-stranded fiber in a comfortable and stretchy design. This compression arm sleeve keeps muscles warm while remaining breathable and is available in a variety of colors.

Sleefs arm sleeve also available with padded elbow protection.

11. EvoShield Compression Arm Sleeve

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Available on Amazon: EvoShield Compression Arm Sleeve

The EvoShield Compression Arm Sleeve features a comfortable and supportive compression fit with SwagTech moisture-wicking technology. This compression arm sleeve has a durable flat-lock seam construction and is available in multiple colors.

12. Shock Doctor Compression Arm Sleeve

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The Shock Doctor Compression Arm Sleeve features a sleek and sporty look with performance compression. This compression sleeve has moisture management technology, durable 6-thread flat-lock technology, and is available in 4 sizes.

13. New Balance Performance Arm Sleeves

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Available on Amazon: New Balance Performance Arm Sleeves

The New Balance Performance Arm Sleeves feature a breathable stretch material in a stay-put compression fit. These compression sleeves have fast-drying NB DRY technology, performance support, and come in a pair.

Compression Elbow Sleeve: Top Picks

Next up, we have our top picks for compression elbow sleeves. The elbow sleeve covers the entirety of your elbow and typically extends an inch or two beyond in both directions for additional support.

If you’re looking specifically for elbow support, protection, and pain relief, compression elbow sleeves allow you to target the elbow and prioritize the unique movements and needs of your elbow joint.

1. McDavid Active Comfort Compression Elbow Sleeve

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The McDavid Active Comfort Compression Elbow Sleeve features a lightweight and breathable fit that’s moisture-wicking, supportive, and pain relieving. This compression elbow sleeve provides moderate support with 4-way stretch that’s designed for performance.

2. Shock Doctor Compression Knit Elbow Sleeve with Gel Support

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The Shock Doctor Compression Knit Elbow Sleeve with Gel Support features gel inlays for additional targeted support in a comfortable elastic knit design. This compression elbow sleeve utilizes a breathable and moisture-wicking weave pattern and moderate contoured compression support at the joint.

Also available in classic knit without gel support.

3. Copper Compression PowerKnit Elbow Sleeve

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Available on Amazon: Copper Compression PowerKnit Elbow Sleeve

The Copper Compression PowerKnit Elbow Sleeve features seamless PowerKnit technology for superior stability and support. This compression elbow sleeve utilizes copper-infused nylon fabric, stay-put silicone grips, and 4-way stretch for a full range of motion.

4. Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve

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The Copper Compression Recovery Elbow Sleeve both supports your elbow with durable copper compression and enhances muscle recovery by boosting circulation. This compression elbow sleeve has interior grip zones, 4-way stretch, and stay-fresh copper-infused material.

5. Copper Fit Pro Series Compression Elbow Sleeve

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The Copper Fit Pro Series Compression Elbow Sleeve uses embedded kinesiology bands and light to medium targeted compression support that retains your mobility. This compression elbow sleeve uses extra soft material that’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and copper infused to reduce odors.

6. Copper Fit Freedom Elbow Sleeves

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Available on Amazon: Copper Fit Freedom Elbow Sleeves

The Copper Fit Freedom Elbow Sleeves feature a performance fabric blend with moderate compression support for a perfect fit with superior joint comfort. These compression elbow sleeves have 4-way stretch, a stay-put reinforced band, and are copper infused to reduce odors.

Compression Forearm Sleeve: Top Picks

Here, we have our top picks for compression forearm sleeves. The forearm sleeve typically covers the entirety of your forearm, extending from your wrist to the bottom of your elbow.

If you’re looking for forearm support, protection, and pain relief, compression forearm sleeves allow you to specifically target the forearm while prioritizing freedom of movement for the rest of your arm.

1. Sleefs Forearm Compression Sleeve

Shop at Sleefs: Sleefs Forearm Compression Sleeve

The Sleefs Forearm Compression Sleeve features premium performance fabric in a seamless construction that offers medium to firm compression support. This compression forearm sleeve has a comfortable and breathable design that’s available in multiple colors.

2. CEP Forearm Compression Sleeve

Available on Amazon: CEP Forearm Compression Sleeve

The CEP Forearm Compression Sleeve provides graduated compression in a performance design for muscle support and pain relief. This compression forearm sleeve has a lightweight and flexible second-skin fit that’s breathable, comfortable, and moisture-wicking.

Compression Wrist Sleeve: Top Picks

Finally, we have our top picks for compression wrist sleeves. The wrist sleeve covers the entirety of your wrist and typically extends an inch or two beyond in both directions for additional support.

In some cases, the sleeve may extend up to your hand and hook over your thumb for additional stability. Compression wrist sleeves also commonly come with an adjustable strap for added support.

If you’re looking specifically for wrist support, protection, and pain relief, compression wrist sleeves allow you to target the wrist and prioritize its unique movements and needs.

1. Shock Doctor Compression Knit Wrist Sleeve

Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Compression Knit Wrist Sleeve

Available on Amazon: Shock Doctor Compression Knit Wrist Sleeve

The Shock Doctor Compression Knit Wrist Sleeve features a breathable and contoured compression fit with elastic knit that forms to your wrist. This compression wrist sleeve has moderate pressure, moisture-wicking fabric, and an optional supportive strap.

2. McDavid Compression Wrist Sleeve

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Available on Amazon: McDavid Compression Wrist Sleeve

The McDavid Compression Wrist Sleeve features light to moderate compression support with an adjustable and supportive strap. This compression wrist sleeve utilizes a breathable and stretchy two-way elastic fabric and is available in 2 different sizes.

3. Copper Fit Elite Wrist Sleeve

Shop at Copper Fit: Copper Fit Elite Wrist Sleeve

The Copper Fit Elite Wrist Sleeve provides strong compression support without limiting movement and an anti-chafing seamless knit construction. This compression wrist sleeve has 4-way stretch for flexibility, a perfect fit contoured design, and is copper infused to reduce odors.

Do Compression Arm Sleeves Actually Help?

For the unfamiliar and uninitiated, compression sleeves tend to invoke quite a few questions. The most common of which is whether the sleeves actually help or if they’re simply worn for a bit of flair.

The short answer is, yes, compression arm sleeves do in fact help athletes and anyone looking for additional muscle support and pain relief.

So, let’s take a look at how compression sleeves work in order to give you a better sense of how they help active individuals.

The helpfulness of compression arm sleeves can be found in their unique combination of fabric and design.

If you’ve ever worn a compression garment, then you’ve no doubt noticed the signature snug and stretchy fabric that fits like a second skin.

When compression garments fit correctly, they apply a slight degree of pressure to the applied area, which is also the case with compression sleeves.

This compressive pressure from the sleeve promotes blood circulation from your body’s extremities by helping the applied muscles push blood back to your heart.

This, in turn, improves your body’s ability to pump oxygenated blood to your muscles. And with better muscle oxygenation, your muscles will perform better, endure longer, and recover faster.

And beyond promoting blood flow, the design and fabric of compression sleeves also offer great support to the muscles where the sleeve is applied and can aid in injury prevention and protection.

How to Wear Your Compression Arm Sleeve

If you’re putting on a compression arm sleeve for the first time, there are a few tips you’ll want to know to get the most out of your sleeve.

To begin, if you straighten out your sleeve, you’ll notice that one end of the sleeve is larger in diameter than the other, just as your arm is larger in diameter near your shoulder than it is near your wrist.

Slide your hand in through the larger end and pull the sleeve up your arm.

The sleeve should be stretched to its full length and lay flat without any bunching. Compression sleeves will occasionally bunch or shift while you’re active, but this is normal.

When it comes to your compression sleeve, what’s most important is that it fits snug like a second skin and provides noticeable compression support to the applied muscles.

For a detailed look at how and when to wear your compression arm sleeve, check out our in-depth guide on How to Use Compression Arm Sleeves.