Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
For a cheap shirt, the Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 feels better than it has any right to. The UA Tech fabric is genuinely soft and stretchy, the antimicrobial treatment provides decent odor resistance between washes, and the wide color range means you can stock up without wearing the same shirt every day. For gym workouts, easy training runs, and everyday use, the Tech 2.0 does everything you need a basic running shirt to do. In our dryer testing, it dried in 20 minutes, matching shirts that cost three times as much.
Dislikes
The Tech 2.0 shows its price point in construction. The standard seam stitching is the least refined in the lineup, and we noticed mild irritation on runs past an hour where flatlock or bonded seams would have been smoother. The loose fit provides plenty of room but can feel baggy and sloppy during faster efforts. Breathability is average, with no stretch panels, laser cuts, or weight advantage to move air. There is no UPF rating for sun protection, which matters for outdoor runners logging miles in direct sunlight.
Should You Buy the Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0?
If your budget is tight and you need a reliable shirt for training and the gym, the Tech 2.0 is the obvious choice. Buy two or three and rotate them. It is less ideal as your only running shirt for long efforts in the heat, where the seam construction and average breathability become more noticeable. But for the price, it is hard to complain about what you get.
What Other Running Shirts Should You Consider?
The REI Active Pursuits T-Shirt adds UPF 50+ sun protection for a small step up in price. The Brooks Dash T-Shirt delivers better comfort and breathability with flatlock seams at a moderate price. If you can stretch your budget further, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt offers a significant upgrade in every metric for a shirt that does it all.
| Awards | Best Budget Running Shirt |
|---|---|
| Price | $25 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score ![]() |
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| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A reliable budget workhorse that delivers the essentials for gym and training use at less than half the price of most competitors |
| Pros | Great value, soft fabric, antimicrobial odor treatment, wide color selection, decent stretch |
| Cons | Standard seams cause mild irritation, loose fit feels baggy, no UPF rating, average breathability |
| Rating Categories | Under Armour Men's T... |
| Comfort (30%) | |
| Breathability (30%) | |
| Moisture Control (20%) | |
| Versatility (20%) | |
| Specifications | Under Armour Men's T... |
| Best For | Beginners; gym; budget-friendly option |
| Material | 100% polyester (UA Tech) |
| Reflective Areas | UA logos on chest and back |
| UPF | Not rated |
| Chafe Risk | Moderate (standard seams) |
| Odor Control | Yes (antimicrobial treatment) |
| Weight (Size Large) | 4.90 oz |
| Fit Type | Loose |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold; tumble dry low |







