The Apple Watch repeatedly impresses us as one of the best smartwatches you can buy. The Apple Watch Series 9 has raised the stakes this year with a powerful new chip and an even brighter screen, and Apple has upped its game even more with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, a rugged wearable with a super bright display, unmatched performance, and excellent battery life.
Of course, the Apple Watch is as much a fashion accessory as a smartphone companion and fitness and health tracker, and its versatility means you'll probably want to go beyond whatever strap you first picked to go with your new Apple Watch. The good news is that the Apple Watch makes it really easy to swap out bands, and there's a massive collection of alternatives to choose from. So, whether you're dressing up for a night on the town or going surfing at the beach, you can find a band for your needs and easily strap it on in no time at all. Here are some of the best Apple Watch bands available now for nearly every lifestyle.
The best versatile Apple Watch band
Apple Braided Solo Loop
- Super comfortable
- Suitable for casual and dressier occasions
- Lots of colors and designs
- Expensive
- Stretches out over time
Apple always seems to find a way to bring the stylish and the practical together. With the Apple Braided Solo Loop, you'll be wearing a durable watch band made from stretchable recycled yarn, interwoven with silicone threads. What this translates into is an incredibly comfortable but durable band that fits comfortably without moving around your wrist.
The Braided Solo Loop bands are compatible with Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or newer, just make sure you measure your wrist correctly to get the right band. As the Solo bands have no buckle or any other way to reduce in size, you'll want to make sure you're getting the right fit.
The best simple Apple Watch band
Apple Sport Loop
- Incredibly comfortable to wear
- Infinitely adjustable
- Like the sweatpants of Apple Watch bands
- Affordable
- Not suitable for super fancy occasions
We love the look and feel of the Apple Sport Loop band. The nylon material is soft, doesn't get hot and sweaty, and the various colors are all a lot more dramatic and eye-catching in real life than in pictures. Rather than the pin-and-tuck system on the Sport band, the Sport Loop uses hook-and-eye for an infinitely adjustable fit that suits everyone. Great for the gym, office, and casual wear, it's the Apple Watch band to choose when you first buy your watch.
The best magnetic Apple Watch band
Apple Magnetic Link
- Magnetic closure
- Fully adjustable
- FineWoven material provides a soft suede-like feel
- Pricey
- Limited color selection
Apple's Magnetic Link is its 2023 eco-friendly replacement for the Leather Link. Featuring a similar moulded magnetic design that wraps around the wrist for an easy, one-size-fits-all attachment, the strap is now made out of Apple's new micro-twill FineWoven material, a sort of faux leather that retains a soft, suede-like feel.
However, the new material is made from 68% post-consumer recycled polyester, and even the magnets are from 100% recycled rare earth elements, so the name of the game here is helping the environment by reducing carbon emissions while preserving as much of the leather feel of the original as possible.
The best classy Apple Watch band
Apple Modern Buckle
- FineWoven material is eco-friendly
- Fortified with Vectran for extra strength
- Secure magnetic closure
- Very expensive
- No basic black option
Apple's Modern Buckle has always been among its most expensive watch bands, but the price tag may be a bit harder to stomach now that it's ditched the higher-quality Granada leather in favor of its new FineWoven material. The upside is that it's eco-friendly, made from 68% post-consumer recycled polyester that's been carefully designed to retain an elegant look, but the price hasn't dropped from the previous leather version.
That's possibly because Apple still incorporates a weave of Vectran for additional strength that could help it outlast your Apple Watch. It's same material used by NASA to make landing airbags for the Mars rover, so it probably doesn't come cheap. Plus, the buckle is much sleeker than a simple buckle — it's a magnetically fastened two-piece design that's easy to secure. A classic style with a futuristic design — the Modern Buckle lives up to its name.
The best Milanese Apple Watch band
Apple Milanese Loop
- Made with stainless steel
- Gold, silver, or graphite colors
- Magnetic wrap closure
- Very modern and elegant look
- Expensive
If metal is more your style, Apple has you covered. The company's stunning Milanese Loop, a modern interpretation of a design developed in Milan at the end of the 19th century, touts a stainless-steel gold, silver, or graphite design, wraps around your wrist, and adjusts with the help of magnets.
Apple's Link Bracelet, meanwhile, features butterfly closure folds within the bracelet, allowing for a clean look. The onboard release button also makes it easy to add or remove links without special tools.
The best leather Apple Watch band
Apple Leather Link
- Handcrafted Roux Granada leather
- Professional and elegant aesthetic
- Multiple leather colors
- Magnetic closures
- Expensive
If you enjoy quality leather, then the Leather Link from Apple is a great option, but you'll want to hurry as it won't be around for much longer. In its latest effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Apple has left leather accessories behind in favor of a new FineWoven faux leather material, and the Leather Link has been phased out and replaced by the new Magnetic Link.
Nevertheless, while you won't find this band at your local Apple Store, it's still available from Amazon and other retailers, and may be worth grabbing if you're a fan of genuine leather straps. The handcrafted Roux Granada leather is soft and supple to the touch in a way that FineWoven can't match, and it also comes in tan, midnight blue, and black colors that you can't find in Apple's newer vegan leather bands. It easily wraps around the wrist and has built-in magnetic closures that will keep it secure and fastened all day. This is a perfect leather option if you want something that looks modern, elegant, and simple.
The best metal link Apple Watch band
Apple Link Bracelet
- Super-professional and elegant aesthetic
- Simple release button on links
- Custom butterfly enclosure
- No tools required to adjust fit
- Pricey
Those who prefer classic metal link bands will like the Apple Link Bracelet. It's made with a tough and durable stainless steel alloy in the case. The brushed metal look is also elegant and professional-looking, making your Apple Watch a total fashion statement. The links in the bracelet also have a simple release button, so you can remove links and adjust the fit without any special tools.
The silver color costs $349, while the Space Black version is $449. That's pretty expensive, but traditional watches and styles don't come cheap.
The best silicon Apple Watch band
Apple Solo Loop
- Liquid silicon rubber stretches around your wrist
- No buckles, clasps or other parts to deal with
- Swimproof and sweatproof
- Secure fit is great for active lifestyles
- Have to ensure you order the right size
- Only compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 or newer models
Apple's Solo Loop is the simplest Apple Watch band you can buy. There are no moving or metallic parts like clasps or magnets to contend with. In fact, it doesn't even open; rather it's a single piece of liquid silicone rubber that you stretch over your hand for a comfortable and secure fit around your wrist.
The catch is that this isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of design, so you'll need to make sure you order the correct size for your wrist. Fortunately, Apple has a handy measurement tool on its website to help you out. This is also one of the few bands you'll find that can't be used with older Apple Watch models; it's only compatible with the Apple Watch Series 4 and later, including the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra. However, the upside is that it's also an Apple Watch band that you can wear just about anywhere without worrying about the elements, and it's a particularly great choice for water sports as it's swim-proof and you won't have to worry about it coming off accidentally as you're splashing about.
The best pride Apple Watch band
Apple Pride Edition Sport Band
- Soft and comfortable silicone
- Fun and colorful design
- Secure pin-and-tuck closure
- Affordable
- "Sprinkles" aesthetic may not be for everyone
Apple's 2023 Pride Edition Sport Band features a fun sprinkle-like design that will make you think of Funfetti birthday cake. Aside from the design, this is the traditional and classic Sport Band, which is made with a soft and comfortable silicone material. The pin-and-tuck closure ensures that it's always secure and safe on your wrist.
This particular band matches with the Pride 2023 wallpapers on iOS 16 and watchOS 9. If you don't care for the sprinkles look, Apple still sells the Pride Edition Sport Loop and Braided Solo Loop. There are also other solid colors of the Sport Band if you don't want the Pride Edition.
The best lightweight Apple Watch band
Spigen Lite Fit Band
- Easy to put on and take off with adjustable clip
- Lightweight and comfortable
- One-piece design is secure on the wrist
- Breathable fabric
- Fabric retains water
As the name suggests, Spigen's Lite Fit band is one of the most lightweight and comfortable watch bands on the market — to the point where you may forget you're wearing your Apple Watch.
Like metal link bracelets, the one-piece design slides over your arm rather than clasping around it, but the buckle makes it easy to adjust and tighten up once it's on your wrist for a snug fit. The breathable fabric is also great for keeping the skin under your watch healthy, especially if you wear it to bed at night, but the downside is that it tends to soak up water as well and takes a while to dry out, so it's not an ideal choice if you're into water sports or like to shower while wearing your watch.
The best Horween leather Apple Watch band
Nomad Horween Leather Strap
- Genuine Horween leather
- Slim and elegant profile
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Gets better with time
- A little expensive
This slim and stylish strap is one of many great Nomad offerings. The vegetable-tanned leather strap comes from Horween, a reputable tannery in Chicago, and it develops a gorgeous patina the longer it's worn. Nomad uses stainless steel on the buckles and the adapter that connects to the Apple Watch. It's delightfully lightweight and comfortable on the wrist, and the buckle design means it's dead simple to put on in a jiffy. You can choose from two different leather colors, custom hardware, and sizes.
The best affordable metal Apple Watch band
Kades Metal Band for Apple Watch
- Elegant and classy look
- Double clasp butterfly closure is secure
- Removable links for easy size adjustment
- Much more affordable than Apple's
- Silver or black colors
- Needs tools to remove links
Though Apple's Link Bracelet is excellent, it's also carries a price tag that's not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, the Kades Metal Apple Watch band offers a much more affordable way to sport the same metallic style. Like most stainless-steel watch bands, it features a double clasp in a butterfly style and is easily adjustable via removable links. It comes in both silver-colored stainless steel and black.
The best suede Apple Watch band
Meridio Apple Watch Suede Bands
- Different look than leather
- Soft and supple suede
- Comfortable to wear
- Many different colors
- Pricey
Tired of the usual old leather bands and silicone straps for your Apple Watch? Take a look at Meridio's suede watch bands, which are different than other bands out there yet still neatly fit in with casual and smart outfits. Meridio is an Italian brand with more than a decade of experience in fashion and leather goods. The suede band is soft to the touch, supple, and comfortable to wear. There is enough of a nap on the strap for it to catch the light, while the thickness tapers off toward the tip, making it more wearable.
The best customizable Apple Watch band
Casetify Cats Apple Watch band
- Genuine Saffiano leather
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Stylish
- Relatively affordable
- Plenty of other customizable designs
- Cats aren't for everyone
Leather, metal, and braids are great, but what if you want something with a bit more personality? Casetify has a massive range of Apple Watch bands that deliver just that, and our current pick of the bunch is this Cats band. It's made from vegan "Saffiano" leather, so it feels great on the skin, and is fully biodegradable too, so you don't have to worry about your cruelty-free lifestyle polluting the planet after you're gone.
The design looks great too, with a bunch of cute cats adorning the band. Best paired with a matching colored Apple Watch casing, this might not be the choice for those who favor austere over audacious, but it's sure to be someone's favorite pick here. Not into cats? Check out the to see if they have one for you.
The best rugged Apple Watch band
Nomad Sport Band
- Soft and comfortable silicone
- Hypoallergenic and sweat-resistant
- Multiple color options available
- Sporty look doesn't suit everyone
Nomad's Sport Bands are made with a comfortable and lightweight silicone material. They're similar to Apple's Sport Band with the pin and tuck kind of enclosure, but it has a more rugged look and feel to them with the lugs and buckle enclosure. Even though it's designed to be a sporty band for fitness aficionados, anyone can wear it and it makes a bold statement. It's a perfect accessory for the Apple Watch, no matter which size you have. You can also get it in multiple colors from Nomad's site, as well as choose an even slimmer version.
The best premium Apple Watch band
Ullu Premium Leather Band
- Variety of colors to choose from
- Genuine high quality leather
- Multiple sizes
- Kind of expensive for a third-party band
This beautiful leather Apple Watch band is handcrafted from high-quality stingray leather. Available in an assortment of colors, the Ullu premium leather watch band pairs perfectly with the larger 42mm Apple Watch case.
The best sports Apple Watch band
The Strap Smith Baseball Glove Straps
- Great for sports enthusiasts
- Made from authentic Rawlings item materials
- Super distinctive and unique
- Customizable
- Very expensive
- Additional fee for Apple Watch hardware
Handcrafted from vintage baseball gloves, this band is perfect for the sports enthusiast. This band is not only stylish but durable as well. If you're more of a football fan, the Strap Smith also makes a custom football band. Just be aware you have to pay an extra $25 if you want the necessary hardware fitted to attach the strap to the watch. Bonus: you can choose the color to match your choice of watch case.
The best unique Apple Watch band
Form Function Form Button-Stud Apple Watch Band
- Unique design with no buckle or clasp
- Multiple leather and color options
- Customizable
- Need to ensure length to make sure it fits
- Not adjustable
If you're angling for something a bit different, have a look at Form Function Form’s funky Button Stud strap, which does away with any type of buckle or clasp. Instead, it has a stainless steel stud that holds a long leather band in place. You can order the stud and adaptor in a color that suits your Apple Watch, including options like Rio Tan, Predator, Russet Chromexcel, and Latigo. Just make sure you check the length to ensure the overall fit is correct.
The best stylish Apple Watch band
MobyFox Hokusai The Great Wave
- Beautiful artwork design
- Comfortable and lightweight silicone
- Traditional watch buckle design
- Includes two sets of adapters for all Apple Watch sizes
- Inexpensive
- Only stainless steel silver adapters
MobyFox many unique designs to choose from, but the Hokusai Great Wave band is one of the nicest. From the artist Hokusai, the design features a soothing set of blues depicting a canoe riding the waves. The high-grade silicone is lightweight and sweat-resistance to its comfortable to wear, and there's also a QR code in the package you can scan on your iPhone to unlock a collection of exclusive watch faces to match.
There's also no need to worry about your watch size if you purchase from Amazon, as the package comes with two sets of adapters to fit all Apple Watches. MobyFox also has officially licensed bands for Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, and more if that's more your thing.
The best eco-friendly Apple Watch band
LifeProof Eco Friendly Band for Apple Watch
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Made with 99% ocean plastic yarn
- Secure buckle enclosure
- Multiple color options
- Inexpensive
- Style may not be for everyone
If you want an Apple Watch band that is comfortable and good for the planet, then check out LifeProof's Eco Friendly bands. These are made with 99% ocean plastic yarn material, which is basically recycled plastic from the ocean. It's a sustainable plastic material, and it's lightweight and comfortable to wear, even all day. It has a traditional buckle enclosure so that it's secure. There are multiple colors to choose from, and they match nicely with LifeProof's cases. It comes in sizes for all Apple Watches, and it is very inexpensive, so you can pick up a few to match your outfits or mood. All while still helping the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Imagine, if you will: you've finally found the perfect Apple Watch band, ordered it, and now it's here. Only -- disaster! It's too small for your wrist. How can you avoid that? Well, if you're not able to head out to a physical store to take a look at your chosen Apple Watch bands, then the only way to really know for sure is to measure your wrist. Thankfully, we have a comprehensive guide on how to measure your wrist for an Apple Watch, and how to measure your wrist for Solo Loop Apple Watch bands too.
The last thing you want is for your Apple Watch band to trigger any skin sensitivity issues you might have. While sensitivity issues with Apple Watch bands are most often related to sweating, friction, or nickel allergies, there can be such a wide range of other triggers that we can't cover them all in great detail. However, there are some band material choices you can make which should hopefully reduce the chances of skin sensitivity triggers.
Leather is often a strong choice, because it looks good, feels great, and more often than not, is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Since it's a natural material, it's less likely to trigger any issues, and while it may not be vegan friendly, it's a good choice if you want a good-looking band that's kind to your skin. Metal bands are another good choice for the same reasons -- just make sure to pick a stainless steel or titanium band to avoid any pesky nickel issues.
Finally, there are synthetic options. Sports bands are a good pick for those who sweat a lot, for obvious reasons. But if you're not into the sporty look, maybe take a look at other bands made from silicone, as there are some high-quality silicone offerings that don't look as if they're designed only for Olympians.
As often as you like! There's no hard and fast rule as to how often you should change out your band, the only real limitation is how often you want to go through the process of changing it. We have a guide on how to change your Apple Watch band, and it's relatively straightforward, so you could feasibly change out your band every day. A more realistic option may be to have a classier strap for classy affairs and an everyday band for everything else, but it's really up to you.
