The 9 Best Knee Compression Sleeves of 2024

Collage of popular Knee Compression Sleeves for Pain Relief, Stability, and Performance — Health / Kristin Kempa

The knees are one of the most easily injured joints in the body. Whether your knee pain is caused by biomechanics, a previous injury, or wear-and-tear due to age, a knee compression sleeve can help increase oxygen flow to the muscle tissue and decrease recovery time post-activity. Knee compression sleeves help with pain relief, recovery, and blood circulation. They are effective in these areas because they provide support and stability to the knee joint. Additionally, compression helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, says Dr. Kellie K. Middleton, an orthopedic surgeon.

When selecting a knee compression sleeve, consider factors such as the level of support, comfort, and cost, and choose the one that best fits your needs. To find the best knee compression sleeves available today, we spoke with orthopedistic experts and reviewed knee sleeves based on fit, materials, extra features, cost, and effectiveness. We also had a board-certified orthopedic surgeon on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Type of Knee Sleeves

Knee sleeves come in different types, such as open or closed, lightweight or extra thick, and some with added features like gel pads. There is no one-size-fits-all option, and your individual needs matter. For severe knee pain, a medical-grade compression sleeve may be necessary.

Open Patella Sleeves: These are knee compression sleeves with a hole at the knee cap (the patella is another name for the kneecap). An open patella sleeve is ideal for those with patellar tendonitis or other kneecap injuries to help ensure the patella is tracking with the rest of the knee joint.
Closed Patella Sleeves: These have fabric covering the knee caps and provide slightly more support while allowing the knee to move freely. The closed option is generally recommended for people without injuries.

When buying a knee sleeve, go for something that's easy to put on and remove, and offers breathability. This is especially important if you plan on wearing it for a long period or during heavy exercise or labor.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve at Amazon ($20)

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Best Value:

Cambivo Knee Brace Compression Sleeve 2 Pack at Amazon ($14)

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Best Adjustable:

DonJoy Performance Stabilizing Knee Sleeve at Donjoyperformance.com (See Price)

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Best for Arthritis:

Physix Gear Knee Support Brace at Amazon ($20)

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Best for Knee Pain:

Neenca Professional Knee Brace at Amazon ($26)

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Best for Weight Lifting:

ProFitness Knee Sleeves for Weight Lifting at Amazon ($39)

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Best for Running:

SportsMed Compression Knee Sleeve at Ec3dsports.com (See Price)

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Best for Varicose Veins:

Bauerfeind Knee Support at Amazon ($115)

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Most Supportive:

Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves at Amazon ($60)

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Best Overall

PowerLix Compression Knee Sleeve

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Amazon

$20 at Amazon View on Power-lix.com

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a knee sleeve to increase blood circulation or to minimize knee pain after working out, our top choice is POWERLIX’s Knee Compression Sleeve. This knee sleeve is made from a tight and breathable fabric, providing stability and protection of the knee joint regardless of the activity you’re doing. There are two silicone gel strips to lock it into place while you wear it. Sometimes, knee sleeves come off during everyday or intense activities, but this is not the case with POWERLIX’s sleeves. It’s quick at absorbing sweat and keeps your legs dry and odor-free—which is great because wearing knee sleeves for long periods of time can make your legs sweat. This compression sleeve is non-slip and comes in a wide range of sizes, from small to XXL. There’s a six-month money-back guarantee, and because of the premium materials it's made from, it's a durable option you can trust. While this item comes as a single sleeve and not a pair, we think it’s worth it in the long run.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeve with stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Tight and breathable fabric for all types of activity
Material: Neoprene
Non-slip: Yes

Best Value

Cambivo Knee Brace Compression Sleeve 2 Pack

PHOTO:

Amazon

$14 at Amazon $18 at Walmart View on Cambivo.com

Why We Like It

For a budget-friendly option, we recommend Cambivo’s Knee Compression Sleeve. These sleeves keep your knees warm and can help reduce stiffness in your joints. We like that they provide an optimal balance between compression and comfort. Even though you’re protected from further injury by wearing these sleeves, they won’t feel restrictive during movement. Whether you've got a muscle tear or a form of arthritis, another plus of Cambivo’s compression sleeve is that it provides a firm level of support not seen in other options on this list. This makes it suitable for any sport or activity that puts extra strain on the knee joint. Because it’s not made from neoprene, it may not be as comfortable as other options on this list. It comes in a pack of two, making it ideal for those wanting to wear sleeves on both knees or for those who want an extra sleeve while the other is in the wash.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeve with stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Flexible and breathable fabric providing firm support
Material: 65% nylon, 20% latex, 15% spandex
Non-slip: Yes

Best Adjustable

DonJoy Performance Stabilizing Knee Sleeve

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DonJoy Performance

View on Donjoyperformance.com

Why We Like It

DonJoy’s Performance Stabilizing Knee Sleeve is recommended for those with tendinitis, knee bursitis, or general knee injuries from overuse. There are two adjustable straps for a more secure and comfortable fit. You can easily tighten the straps when you want added support or loosen them if you want to take a break. Its design leaves the kneecap open and exposed, with a hex buttress surrounding it. This provides added kneecap stabilization without limiting your range of motion. Not only this, but this knee sleeve has added reflectivity for low-light conditions, making it ideal if you’re outside in the dark. It’s a more expensive option compared to other items on our list, but you also get a stash pocket—something we’ve not seen in any other option on this list—which makes it great for storing your bank card, money, or keys. DonJoy’s Knee Sleeve fits either the left or right knee, but you only get a single sleeve with the product.

Product Details:

Type: Open knee sleeve with adjustable straps, providing stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: The sleeve provides support for the knee joint, while the hex buttress provides kneecap stabilization
Material: Perforated neoprene
Non-slip: Yes

Best for Arthritis

Physix Gear Knee Support Brace

PHOTO:

Amazon

$20 at Amazon

Why We Like It

For arthritis, we recommend Physix Gear Sport Compression Knee Sleeves. Individuals with arthritis often experience knee joint aches and pains, which is why finding the right level of support is crucial. This compression sleeve is lightweight and elastic, so you can wear it under your everyday clothes without feeling uncomfortable or frustrated. Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean it won’t protect your knee. You’ll still get the correct level of support and stabilization while wearing this sleeve. However, some may find it can roll down during activity because of the lightweight and elastic fabric it’s made from. This sleeve comes in a range of sizes and is machine washable.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeve with stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Stretchable fabric providing heavy-duty support of the knee joint
Material: 67% nylon, 33% latex
Non-slip: Yes

Best for Knee Pain

Neenca Professional Knee Brace

PHOTO:

Amazon

$26 at Amazon $39 at Walmart

Why We Like It

We’ve chosen NEENCA’s Professional Compression Knee Sleeve as our recommendation for relieving knee pain because it keeps knees warm and lubricates joints. NEENCA’s sleeve comes with a patented gel pad and side spring stabilizers, both of which help to stabilize and support your knee. Whether you’re walking or doing more intense exercise, it should stay in place all day because of the non-slip strips. It’s also elastic, helping to increase oxygen flow and reduce inflammation and swelling, both of which can be common for those with knee injuries. This knee sleeve is made from lightweight and breathable fabric. It can be worn on either the right or left knee and comes with one sleeve in the pack. Because of its construction, it’s not suitable for machine washing but can be washed by hand.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeve with gel pad surrounding the kneecap, stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Thick and functional fabric for additional support, double-sided metal spring stabilizers for side support and to maintain stability
Material: 82% nylon, 10% polyester, 8% spandex
Non-slip: Yes

Best for Weight Lifting

ProFitness Knee Sleeves for Weight Lifting

PHOTO:

Amazon

$39 at Amazon

Why We Like It

For the best knee compression sleeve for weight lifting, we chose ProFitness Knee Sleeves. They’re made from neoprene, keeping your muscles warm while you use them. This means they’re ideal for preventing knee injuries during squats, deadlifts, lunges, and many more exercises in the gym or at home. We appreciate the anti-slip feature, especially when lifting heavy weights. and a zippered outer pocket to store your valuables. You also get a carrying bag for your sleeves. These sleeves are 7mm thick, which is thicker than most other options so they may not be suitable for everyday use. You can’t wash these knee sleeves in the machine but they come with a lifetime warranty and are sold in pairs.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeves with 7mm thickness and stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Made with heavy-duty materials for extra support and injury protection
Material: Neoprene
Non-slip: Yes

Best for Running

SportsMed Compression Knee Sleeve

PHOTO:

Ec3d Sports

View on Ec3dsports.com

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for knee sleeves for running, our recommendation is SportsMed’s Compression Knee Sleeve. We like this because of the fit—it fits your anatomy like a second skin and optimizes your body's biomechanics. When running, you don’t want something that will feel heavy or slow you down, which is a major pro of this sleeve. Plus, it’s designed to give you better muscle oxygenation while you’re being worn. It’s antimicrobial and moisture-controlled, helping to reduce sweat and smell. While it doesn’t have gel strips, which would provide additional support, it’s still able to stabilize the knee joint. It also provides full flexibility of movement while worn—helping you keep running while caring for your knees.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeve with targeted compression zones to optimize the biomechanics of your body
Support: Reduced compression zone directly on the knee joint for comfort, with more stabilization around the knee joint for added support
Material: 70% polyester, 30% elastane
Non-slip: Not listed

Best for Varicose Veins

Bauerfeind Knee Support

PHOTO:

Amazon

$115 at Amazon

Why We Like It

Wearing a knee compression sleeve can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins, allowing for greater mobility. We recommend Bauerfriend’s GenuTrain Knee Support because it provides medical-grade compression that exceeds competitor options. A silicone pad surrounds the kneecap, leaving it pressure-free and providing compression to the joint. This helps to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation. Whether you’re an athlete or have suffered from a knee injury in the past, Bauerfriend’s sleeve can help ease pain, stimulate healing, and improve mobility. We like that it’s machine washable on a gentle cycle, but note that it is the most expensive option on this list. The sizing options aren’t traditional, so check the brand's size guide carefully before purchasing this product.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeve with silicone pad surrounding the kneecap, stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Medical-grade compression to support the knee joint, which can be used for arthritis, osteoarthritis, recurring knee pain, and more
Material: Neoprene
Non-slip: Not listed

Most Supportive

Iron Bull Strength Knee Sleeves

PHOTO:

Amazon

$60 at Amazon View on Ironbullstrength.com

Why We Like It

Iron Bull’s Strength Knee Sleeves are recommended for those who want extra support to alleviate knee pain. They're made from 7mm neoprene, which makes them a dependable choice for maximum compression, muscle recovery, and rehabilitation. We like that they are competition-approved by USPA & IPL Approved Gear, which highlights their quality. It has gel strips to lock the sleeves into place while you’re active, helping to prevent them from slipping down. This purchase comes in pairs and can be used in the gym or if you want extra support from time to time while walking.

Product Details:

Type: Closed knee sleeves with 7mm thickness, with stable pressure across the whole knee joint
Support: Made with heavy-duty materials for maximum support and injury protection
Material: Neoprene
Non-slip: Yes

How We Selected the Best Knee Compression Sleeves

To determine the best knee compression sleeves on the market, we spoke with two orthopedic surgeons about what features to look for when purchasing a knee sleeve, how effective compression sleeves are, how tight your knee sleeve should be, and more. Since the best compression sleeve for you will depend on individual factors like the level of support you need, we included sleeves that offer varying levels of protection, from lightweight to extra-thick. When reviewing the various knee compression sleeves available and the level of support, we considered fit, materials, comfort, extra features, and more. We offer a range of knee sleeves so you can find one that best meets your needs and your budget.

The Experts

In order to determine the best options for knee compression sleeves, we asked the following experts for their professional guidance:

Chris Raynor, BSc, MSc, BEd, MD, FRCSC, founder of Human 2.0
Dr. Kellie K. Middleton, an orthopedic surgeon

What to Know About Knee Compression Sleeves

Knee Compression Sleeves vs. Knee Braces

It is essential to understand the difference between knee braces and knee compression sleeves before purchasing one. Braces offer an element of structural support that sleeves do not. The rigid elements presented in knee braces help to prevent abnormal movements of the femur and tibia around one another that sleeves cannot do, says Dr. Raynor. However, a knee compression sleeve will be sufficient for pain relief associated with swelling of the knee.

Effectiveness and Functionality

Knee sleeves are effective when it comes to pain relief, recovery, and blood circulation. Although safe to use, we recommend consulting with your doctor before deciding to wear them. Additionally, it’s advised not to wear them all day, every day. This will give your skin a break from time to time. In terms of durability, sleeves can last anywhere from weeks to years, depending on how often you use them and how well you care for them. “Knee sleeves typically last for several months with proper care. However, if you are using them for physical activity, they may need to be replaced more frequently,” says Dr. Middleton.

Materials

Knee compression sleeves are made from a range of materials, including neoprene, polyester, elastane, nylon, latex, spandex, and more. When purchasing knee sleeves, you’ll want a fabric that is breathable, odor-free, and easy to maintain. This is especially important if you sweat a lot or you’ll be wearing your sleeves during intense exercise.

Sleeves also vary in thickness. You can opt for anything from lightweight to extra-thick materials. An extra-thick option can be good for weightlifting, working out, or times when you need extra support. The downside is that it can feel restrictive and can get sweaty if you’re wearing it for continuous periods of time.

Fit

Compression sleeves are generally flexible and do not restrict movement. Depending on the option you choose, you may even forget that you're wearing one after a while. It is recommended to choose a sleeve that provides both compression and comfort. However, if you require extra support, we suggest opting for a tighter fit. The knee sleeve should not be excessively tight, but it should not be loose either.

There is no standard way to measure for a knee compression sleeve that applies to all brands. Each brand has different requirements, so it's crucial to check their size guide before making a purchase. Some brands may ask you to measure around the kneecap, while others may ask you to measure 4 or 5 inches above it. Having a flexible measuring tape on hand can be helpful in either case.

Extra Features

Knee compression sleeves are available with various additional features, such as adjustable straps, gel strips to keep them in place, gel pads for cushioning the kneecap, stash pockets for storing valuables, reflectivity strips for low-light conditions, and more. When considering buying a knee sleeve, it's essential to think about whether any of these extra features will be advantageous for you.

Who We Are

As a qualified personal trainer and health and fitness writer, Ravi Davda understands how important quality product recommendations can be. He recommends products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

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