Whether you’re a competitive weightlifter or a casual gym-goer, chances are you’ve dealt with knee pain before. As a lifelong athlete, I’ve endured the dreaded patellofemoral pain syndrome (also known as runner’s knee), sprained my medial collateral ligament (MCL) while playing college rugby, and experienced other minor knee problems that forced me to look into different joint support options.
Just like the best ankle braces can help prevent injuries, enhance your stability, and boost your confidence, the best knee braces can also provide a physical and mental lift. However, determining which type of knee brace you need can depend on a number of factors, including your underlying condition or injury (such as a torn meniscus, knee arthritis, or patellar tracking issues), the level of pain or instability, and the type of physical activity you want to engage in. To help you find the ideal fit, the Garage Gym Reviews team researched and tested a variety of braces, using our fitness equipment testing methodology to rate and examine each option in categories such as:
- Materials
- Sizing
- Adjustability
- Ergonomics
- Maintenance and upkeep
- Value
So, whether you’re searching for post-surgery support or something to make daily activities a little more bearable, we’ve got you (and your knee) covered.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
The 5 Best Knee Braces
- Best Overall Knee Brace: Neenca Professional Knee Brace
- Best Knee Brace for Daily Activities: McDavid Versatile Knee Wrap
- Best Knee Brace for Sports: Bauerfeind Sport Knee Support
- Best Knee Brace for Torn Meniscus: DonJoy Performance Bionic
- Best Knee Brace for Arthritis: JIUFENTIAN Copper Knee Brace
Best Overall Knee Brace: Neenca Professional Knee Brace
Good for: Providing stable support and pain relief for sports, recovery, and everyday activities
The Neenca Professional Knee Brace earns the top spot on our list for several reasons. First, you won’t find a more accommodating size range—small to 3XL—amongst other knee braces, giving plenty of options for that perfect fit. As such, we scored this accommodating brace at 5 out of 5 for the category.
Furthermore, this highly-rated brace (4.3 stars based on nearly 64,000 Amazon reviews) is ultra-affordable. Although it has an MSRP of $29.99, we’ve routinely found it on sale for roughly $20. Plus, it’s HSA/FSA eligible, meaning you could use your accrued healthcare funds to pay for your purchase. Overall, you get an excellent value (including free Prime shipping), resulting in a 5-out-of-5 price score.
Made from 64% nylon, 21% latex, 14% polyester, and 1% spandex, this compression sleeve features a contoured patella gel pad that protects your kneecap. We especially like that the materials are hypoallergenic and won’t cause itchiness. However, those with a latex allergy may have to look elsewhere. For those who want to wear this brace for daily support, that’s a big bonus. As a result, we rate the materials at 4.5 out of 5.
RELATED: Best Wrist Wraps
In addition, Neenca designed this sleeve-style brace with double-sided spring stabilizers to help maintain joint stability. Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, found this part of the Neenca Professional Knee Brace particularly useful.
“The metal on both the medial and lateral sides provide significant support to keep the joint from having too much side-to-side movement—I can see where it would be beneficial for those recovering from an injury,” she says.
Other design elements worth mentioning include double anti-slip patches and horizontal knit technology. The former consists of elastic webbing stitched inside with non-slip gel strips that help keep the brace in place during movement. The latter uses a breathable textile at the back of the knee for improved ventilation and sweat dissipation.
Overall, this brace provides great bang for your buck and should work well for most users looking for general knee support.
Is this the most supportive brace on the market? The short answer is, no—a fully-hinged brace like the DonJoy Performance Bionic can provide maximum support if you need it.
| Type of brace | Compression sleeve with spring stabilizers |
| Best for | General knee support, pain relief, recovery |
| Support level | Moderate to high |
| Materials | Breathable knit fabric, silicone, gel pads |
| Size range | S-3XL |
| Key features | Open patella gel pad, dual-side spring support, anti-slip strips |
Best Knee Brace for Daily Activities: McDavid Versatile Knee Wrap
Good for: Folks looking for an adjustable knee brace that offers light to moderate daily support
You don’t have to be a competitive CrossFitter to need a knee brace. In fact, some folks just need joint support to make basic activities more bearable. Whether it’s walking up and down stairs, going on nightly walks, or playing with your kids, the McDavid Versatile Knee Wrap can be a great, trusted option for daily activities.
Although it’s not the cheapest option on this list, the Versatile Knee Wrap can be a worthwhile investment. Listed for $49.99, it earns a 4-out-of-5 score for price. “It’s justifiable given the multiple support straps for improved patella tracking and soft, comfortable neoprene materials,” says Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC.
Speaking of the materials, McDavid made this brace with a stretchy neoprene base that shouldn’t have any issues holding up with repeated use. We also like that this brace has dual support straps that provide extra patella tracking and muscle stabilization. Still, Ben couldn’t quite give a perfect score, rating the materials at 4.5 out of 5 for one reason.
“The Velcro pads across the attachment points are somewhat small and may become detached during more active movements like sprints or rapid changes of direction,” he explains. This is why we recommend this for less aggressive activities like walking or daily wear, since these actions (rarely) call for such intense joint movement.
You can find the McDavid Versatile Wrap in standard small-through-XL sizing. This is a solid range that should accommodate most users looking for daily support, leading to a sizing score of 4 out of 5. While Ben confirms the measurement instructions are accurate, he has one major callout for the manufacturer.
“McDavid’s claims that this brace can be worn over pants may be overstepping,” he says. “My brace, while supportive, is simply too tight for wear over pants. If you need to wear this profile over khakis, slacks, or jeans, consider sizing up.”
Need a more budget-friendly form of daily support? The Neenca Professional Knee Brace cost about half of the McDavid Versatile Knee Wrap.
| Type of brace | Adjustable wrap |
| Best for | Everyday use for low- to moderate-intensity activities |
| Support level | Light to moderate |
| Materials | Neoprene blend |
| Size range | S-XL |
| Key features | Adjustable straps, customizable compression |
Best Knee Brace for Sports: Bauerfeind Sport Knee Support
Good for: Athletes and active individuals seeking reliable knee stabilization and support during high-impact sports or intense training
Considering it’s officially licensed by the NBA, the Bauerfeind Sport Knee Support was a fairly easy pick as the best knee brace for sports. However, you best believe we put this highly-rated brace through the same rigorous testing process as all the other trialed profiles. Although it’s by no means a budget-friendly brace—it earns a 2-out-of-5 for price since every size costs $89.99—it’s a trustworthy option for athletes looking for joint support.
Crafted from an AirKnit material that’s sturdy enough to withstand regular use yet comfortable enough to eliminate excess friction across your skin, this Bauerfeind brace doesn’t rely on Velcro clasps or straps to stay in place. Instead, it’s a simple sleeve design—similar to knee sleeves worn for your favorite powerlifting workouts—that incorporates stabilizing bars along the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint.
“This does call for attentive measuring when selecting your size, but it also removes a potential breaking point often seen in other knee braces,” says Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC.
Earning a 4-out-of-5 score for materials, Ben notes that the brace’s stabilizing bars provide sufficient support without restricting your range of motion significantly. In fact, our top knee brace for sports scores a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics.
“It’s an excellent in-training or in-game support system for athletes,” Ben says. “The stability is there but not overbearing, and I appreciate the added padding across the kneecap for extra security.”
Another reason the Bauerfeind Sport Knee Support is a great choice for athletes? It’s machine washable. If you routinely sweat through it during extended training sessions or competitions, simply place it in a lingerie bag for better shape retention and toss that in with your normal load of laundry. Although you need to hang dry this knee brace, we rate the maintenance and upkeep at 4 out of 5.
And if you have any lingering doubts, let Ben put them to rest.
“If I have a nagging knee injury or want to curb any potential strains while working through a recovery protocol, this is the knee brace I reach for.”
Athletes returning from surgery or a significant knee injury may need more support than what this Bauerfeind profile can offer. If that’s the case, take a look at the DonJoy Performance Bionic.
| Type of brace | Compression sleeve |
| Best for | Sports performance, pain relief, stabilization injury |
| Support level | Moderate to high |
| Materials | Breathable AirKnit fabric, silicone insert |
| Size range | XS-XXL |
| Key features | Anatomical fit, viscoelastic Omega pad |
Best Knee Brace for Torn Meniscus: DonJoy Performance Bionic
Good for: Individuals recovering from a torn meniscus or significant knee injury who need strong lateral support and stability
Best Knee Brace for Arthritis: JIUFENTIAN Copper Knee Brace
Good for: Providing targeting compression and joint support to help manage arthritis pain and inflammation
Other Knee Braces We Researched
While we narrowed down our list to the five best knee braces, here are some other options we examined during our vetting process:
- Dr. Brace Elite Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers & Patella Gel Pads: A solid budget-friendly option, but we’d rather spend a bit more and get better quality with the McDavid Versatile Knee Wrap.
- Bauerfeind GenuTrain: While we like the features on this brace, we felt the Bauerfeind Sport Knee Support was a better choice since it’s specifically designed for athletes.
- OA Unloader Knee Brace: Designed for people with osteoarthritis, this high-level support brace received too many mixed reviews for a product with such a high price tag of roughly $120.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Knee Braces
Because knee problems can vary greatly from minor soreness to a torn patellar tendon or ACL, we conducted an all-encompassing search to find different types of braces for different uses. Although they might look straightforward, subtle design features can distinguish the best knee braces from ones that fall short in providing adequate support.
With many styles available—ranging from knee compression sleeves to hinged knee braces—we evaluated each model across several key categories. Every brace we tested received a score from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across various factors to give specific context to its strengths and weaknesses.
Here’s a complete breakdown of how we assessed the best knee braces:
- Value: Does the brace provide adequate support, comfort, and durability for the price? While compression sleeves can cost around $20 to $30, more advanced hinged or stabilizing models may cost upwards of $60 or more. We evaluated whether the materials and performance justified the price tag.
- Materials: What is the brace made of, and how does it feel against your skin while in use? Common moisture-wicking materials like neoprene, copper-infused fabric, and spandex blends were assessed for comfort, breathability, and durability. We assigned lower scores to braces that lacked airflow, caused skin irritation, or didn’t feel like they were of sufficient quality.
- Sizing: Does the brace fit well without overly restricting your mobility? Improper sizing can result in inadequate support, so we evaluated whether the sizing recommendations aligned with the actual dimensions and fit we experienced. Each of our top picks also offered multiple size options and provided clear, detailed measurement guides to help ensure a comfortable fit.
- Adjustability: Can you achieve a customized fit using straps, hinges, or wraparound systems? Depending on the mechanism, we assessed how easy it was to tighten or loosen the brace.
- Ergonomics: A well-designed knee brace should contour to the natural bend of your knee joint without significantly limiting your range of motion. On the other hand, poorly designed braces can often lack key features like side stabilizers, open patella designs, and compression zones designed to enhance their comfort and effectiveness.
- Maintenance and upkeep: Is the brace easy to clean and maintain? Can you put it in the washing machine, or does it require handwashing? We also noted how well the brace held up after multiple uses. Signs of Velcro fraying, fabric pilling, or elastic becoming overly stretched out resulted in lower durability scores.
- Experience: From back squats and runs to kettlebell HIIT workouts and daily walks, we learned how each knee brace performed in different conditions. We carefully evaluated performance factors like slippage, comfort, and overall support. Braces that shifted during movement or bunched behind the knee received lower scores than ones that stayed firmly in place during workouts or everyday activities.
Benefits of Knee Braces
Safety and stability are the two words that come to mind with knee braces. In some cases, you need a brace to safely return to training. In all cases, you want to have a stable knee joint that can handle lifting, cutting, jumping, sprinting, or whatever else your activities entail.
Let’s dive into some of the physical and mental benefits of donning a knee brace.
May Prevent Knee Injuries
Whether you’re a lifter, runner, or someone who likes to stay active, exposing your knee joint to repetitive stress can increase the likelihood of injury. The risk only increases if you have muscle imbalances, poor movement mechanics, or mobility issues. Knee braces—particularly those with compression or stabilizing features—can help limit excessive joint movement and provide external support during activities.
According to a 2018 study in The Knee3, wearing a brace or sleeve during drop jump tasks reduced the knee joint’s maximum flexion, abduction angles, and adduction moment. The researchers concluded that, “If a sports knee brace that controls the knee joint’s shear force and internal rotation moment is developed, it may aid in preventing ACL injuries.”
Enhanced Joint Stability
People recovering from ACL, MCL, or meniscus injuries often experience joint instability that can make otherwise ordinary movements feel risky or imbalanced. Hinged knee braces, in particular, can provide rigid lateral support that can help prevent the knee from shifting out of alignment.
A 2019 study in Arthritis Care and Research4 on patients with knee osteoarthritis found that wearing a soft knee brace not only decreased pain but also reduced dynamic knee instability.
May Improve Proprioception
Knee braces may enhance proprioception5—your awareness of your body’s position in space. For example, compression-based knee braces stimulate your skin and soft tissues, which may help you stay more aware of your knee alignment during movements. This is especially important if you’ve had surgery or are recovering from a major ligament injury, as your proprioception may be reduced.
Can Help Relieve Pain
One of the primary reasons people wear knee braces is to reduce pain. Applying targeted compression around the knee can improve circulation, reduce joint stiffness, and decrease swelling, especially after exercise or intense activities.
According to a 2022 study in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine6 on patients with osteoarthritis, 54% of respondents reported a reduction in pain symptoms after wearing a semi-rigid knee brace for three weeks. In addition, 62% reported an overall improvement in daily functioning while using a knee brace.
May Boost Confidence
Just like wearing the best weightlifting belt can give you added peace of mind before you bang out a set of squats, wearing a knee brace can boost your confidence during exercise or sports—especially if you’ve had previous knee injuries.
As a longtime rugby player who suffered his fair share of bumps and bruises, I’ll admit the psychological impact of an injury can linger long after you’ve physically healed. For many people who’ve suffered a knee injury, a brace can provide some mental reassurance that your joint is protected.
This is supported by a 2020 randomized control trial7 that examined the impact of wearing a knee brace on people with patellofemoral pain dealing with self-reported kinesiophobia—a debilitating fear of movement. In both two- and six-week interventions, the knee brace improved kinesiophobia immediately, suggesting a brace can help curb some of those mental hurdles.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Knee Braces
Whether you’re managing a chronic knee condition, recovering from a ligament injury, or simply want to stay safe during sports or training sessions, choosing the right knee brace can have a major impact on your performance, comfort, and overall joint health. Here are some key factors to consider as you explore your bracing options:
Type of Support
Not all knee braces are designed for the same purpose. Some are meant to prevent injury during athletic activity, such as the hinged braces you often see donned by some football linemen. Others are primarily designed for post-injury recovery or to help manage chronic conditions like knee arthritis. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types of knee braces:
- Compression sleeves like the Neenca Professional are great for general support, minor swelling, or everyday use.
- Hinged braces like the DonJoy Performance Bionic provide more rigid support for common ligament injuries like ACL or MCL tears.
- Wraparound or adjustable braces like the McDavid Knee Wrap can provide flexible, customized support for sports, intense workouts, or even daily activities.
Level of Compression and Stability
While compression helps with circulation, swelling, and muscle recovery, stability reduces strain on the knee joint. Depending on your injury or condition, you want to strike the right balance of compression and stability. We recommend braces with compression zones that support the patella (kneecap) and surrounding tendons, especially if you have a history of knee problems.
Furthermore, braces with side stabilizers reinforce that lateral protection while giving you more control and confidence. If you’re coming off surgery or suffer from major knee instability issues, look for a brace with bilateral hinges to prevent excessive side-to-side motion.
Fit and Adjustability
Just like the best knee sleeves fit snugly without being too restrictive, so do the best knee braces. In addition to multiple size options, go for braces that have adjustable straps (hook-and-loop, Velcro, or figure-eight styles) that allow you to tailor the tightness based on your activity. Some braces also have silicone strips that prevent them from bunching or sliding.
You should also consider whether you’ll wear the brace only during workouts or throughout the day. If it’s the latter scenario, make sure it fits comfortably with whatever you’re wearing, as you may have to fit the brace under your clothes.
“Unless a specialist says to continue using the brace constantly, taking off the brace is recommended because bracing can put a lot of pressure on a person’s skin,” says Dr. Jonathan H. Shaw, an orthopedic surgeon and hip and knee specialist.
Material and Breathability
If you plan to wear a brace for hours, it better be comfy. Prioritize materials that balance support with breathability. Neoprene and nylon blends can offer firm compression, a light stretch, and solid durability. Copper-infused or mesh materials have moisture-wicking properties that can help reduce odors, making them ideal for daily wear. Overall, it can be best to avoid thick, rigid fabrics unless you’re specifically recovering from a major injury and need maximum support.
While most knee braces require minimal upkeep, it’s important to clean them regularly to maintain their support and hygiene. In most cases, they should only be hand-washed and air-dried to preserve the material’s integrity.
Price and Value
Prices can range from roughly $15 for a knee strap or basic knee sleeve to more than $100 for a hinged brace designed for post-op recovery. Budget-friendly models may work well for short-term use or minor discomfort, but they may not have specialized features such as advanced compression zones or polycentric hinges needed for more advanced stability.
If you’re dealing with a chronic knee issue and plan to use the brace regularly, it would be wise to invest in a more durable option that can save you money (and headaches) in the long run—even if it’s a little pricey in the short term.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
FAQs About the Best Knee Braces
Which is better: a knee stabilizer or knee brace?
Choosing a stabilizer versus a brace depends on the severity of your injury and the level of support you need. While knee stabilizers can provide targeted support for ligament injuries or instability, knee braces can provide broader compression and mild support for pain, swelling, or overuse.
How do I wear a knee brace?
While the exact steps may change based on the model you purchase, the best way to wear a knee brace is to place the opening (if applicable) over your kneecap, tighten the straps so they’re snug without cutting off circulation, and make sure the hinges or stabilizers (if included) align with the sides of your knee.
What is the best knee brace for running support?
Runners should look for a lightweight compression sleeve with breathable materials that stabilizes your knee joint. Hinged braces are often too bulky and can restrict your range of motion, making them a poor choice for runners in most cases.
References
- Luvsannyam, E., Jain, M. S., Leitao, A. R., Maikawa, N., & Leitao, A. E. (2022). Meniscus Tear: Pathology, Incidence, and Management. Cureus, 14(5), e25121. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.25121
- Richmond, S. J., Gunadasa, S., Bland, M., & MacPherson, H. (2013). Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps for rheumatoid arthritis – Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects: A randomised double-blind placebo controlled crossover trial. PLoS ONE, 8(9), Article e71529. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071529
- Raschner, C., Luchner, R., Platzer, H.-P., Patterson, C., Huber, R., & Patterson, C. (2018). Effect of wearing a knee brace or sleeve on the knee joint and anterior cruciate ligament force during drop jumps: A clinical intervention study. The Knee, 25(6), 1007–1014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knee.2018.07.017
- Cudejko, T., van der Esch, M., van den Noort, J. C., Rijnhart, J. J. M., van der Leeden, M., Roorda, L. D., Lems, W., Waddington, G., Harlaar, J., & Dekker, J. (2019). Decreased Pain and Improved Dynamic Knee Instability Mediate the Beneficial Effect of Wearing a Soft Knee Brace on Activity Limitations in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis. Arthritis care & research, 71(8), 1036–1043. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.23722
- Han, J., Waddington, G., Adams, R., Anson, J., & Liu, Y. (2016). Assessing proprioception: A critical review of methods. Journal of sport and health science, 5(1), 80–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2014.10.004
- Dries, T., Van Der Windt, J. W., Akkerman, W., Kluijtmans, M., & Janssen, R. P. A. (2022). Effects of a Sem-Rigid Knee Brace on Mobility and Pain in People With Knee Osteoarthritis. Journal of rehabilitation medicine. Clinical communications, 5, 2483. https://doi.org/10.2340/jrmcc.v5.2483
- Priore, L. B., Lack, S., Garcia, C., Azevedo, F. M., & de Oliveira Silva, D. (2020). Two Weeks of Wearing a Knee Brace Compared With Minimal Intervention on Kinesiophobia at 2 and 6 Weeks in People With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 101(4), 613–623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2019.10.190
