Though you may have invested in a new, amazing, and ultra-convenient Apple Watch, maybe your watch band doesn't match your taste and lifestyle! Apple Watch bands are like iPhone cases, you have so many options to choose from in the market that it can be hard to find the one that you like and is made of quality materials.
After research and scouring through reviews, we loved the classic, original Apple Sports Band. It's sleek, lightweight, and offers a simple, no-fuss design. We've got nine more equally worthwhile options you can get based on your needs. We've also included a buying guide to help you streamline which Apple Watch band to purchase.
There’s a lot more diversity in the world of bands now than when the Apple Watch was first released. This leaves you with more options and considerations before making a choice.
Apple Watches come in four different sizes: 38, 40, 42, and 44mm. For example, the Series 3 comes in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm while the Series 4 watches come in 40mm and 44mm. While the difference is only two millimeters, the band's width should match the width of your watch.
The good news is, most bands can accommodate the two sizes per series such as a band for both 40 and 44mm of the Series 4 Apple Watches. Most manufacturers also offer a wide variety of sizes to fit all Apple Watch series, and they specifically state what watch size they are compatible with.
Furthermore, according to Apple's band compatibility statement, most of the Apple-released bands work with Series 3 and up. This means a 40mm band would work with a 38mm Apple Watch or a 44mm with a 42mm case. To be sure, we recommend reading through the product description to confirm if the band's adaptor would fit the Apple Watch perfectly.
After considering the band size, you have your wrist size. The last you'll want is a loose or extra tight band with no way of getting the right fit. There are a few ways to measure your wrist size, such as using Apple's printable tool, which lets you get the right fitting, down to the band's adjustment holes.
You can also use a tape measure or use a strip of paper and cross-check that with a ruler to get the measurements. The Slender Wrist recommends adding 10 millimeters to your wrist size when choosing a metal band and 20 millimeters for leather or rubber.
Since the Apple Watch uses millimeters as the unit of measure, the band's wrist size is also offered in millimeters, usually ranging from 130 to 220 millimeters.
The band type plays an important role in ensuring you get the right fit. Some have limited adjustability options through holes, while others, like the Milanese Loop's magnetic straps, fit on your wrist perfectly. The decision would be based on your preference for a more secure strap with locks or a seamless design through a solo loop or magnets.
Moving on to the style of your band, it should match your environment. Unfortunately, a rugged sports band on a suit and tie outfit will stick out like a sore thumb. With that said, you can mix and match your bands according to the activity, such as lightweight nylon or silicone ones for casual, everyday use.
Since the newer Apple Watch models (Series 3 and up) are water-resistant up to 50 meters, a band that complements this feature is crucial for those who follow a more active lifestyle. Whether used at the gym, running in the rain, kayaking, or swimming, your band should be able to step up to the demands.
Then you have your formal events or business meeting, which require more class to your wrist accessory. You have steel and leather to complement your outfit. These are now offered in a wide array of shades and designs, adding sophistication to your Apple Watch.
For example, some users complained about developing a rash after using a particular silicone or leather band. We recommend reading through the reviews first to confirm if your top pick is safe to use for sensitive skin types.
The reviews are also great for confirming if a band is comfortable to wear, making you forget it's there. Examples of discomfort include expandable metal types pinching the skin or hair or the hooks and loops digging into the skin and leaving painful imprints.
Image | 1 ![]() Apple | 2 ![]() Apple | 3 ![]() Apple | 4 ![]() Wfeagl | 5 ![]() Supcase | 6 ![]() Apple | 7 ![]() Carterjett | 8 ![]() Apple | 9 ![]() Toyouths | 10 ![]() Speidel |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Sport Brand | Milanese Loop | Link Bracelet | Leather Bands | Rugged Protective Case with Strap Bands | Hermès - Fauve Barénia Leather Attelage Double Tour | Compatible with Apple Watch Nylon Band | Nike Sport Band | Compatible with Apple Watch Band Scrunchies | Twist-O-Flex Metal Expansion |
Features | The Original is Still an Excellent All-Around Band | A Modern Twist to the Classic Milanese Style | A Premium Band for an Extra Classy Touch | A Small, Wrist-Friendly Leather Strap | The Best Protective Band for an Apple Watch | Hermès Brings High-End Fashion to the Apple Watch | Classic Nylon Straps for Everyday Wear | A Breathable Watch Band for Active Lives | Stand Out With a Scrunchie-Type Watch Band | An Expandable Steel Band For Easy Wearing |
Price | $49.00 | $99.00 | $349.00 | $16.99 | $19.99 | $489.00 | $21.99 | $49.00 | $7.99 | $50.00 |
Material | Fluoroelastomer | Stainless steel mesh | Stainless steel | Leather | Polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane | Barénia leather | Nylon | Fluoroelastomer | Cotton, polyester, stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm | 40mm, 44mm | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm | 44mm | 40mm | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm | 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 15 | 8 | 2 | 45 | 11 | 2 | 23 | 8 | 30 | 3 |
Wrist size | 130–200mm | 130-180mm (40mm), 150-200mm (44mm) | 140–205mm | 130-195mm | 152-222mm | 130–155mm | 127-267mm | 130-200mm | 119-160mm (small), 160-200mm (large) | 155-230mm (depending on size bought) |
Adjustable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Band width | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm | 42mm | 12mm | 44mm | 40mm | 24mm | 40mm | Not provided | 22.5mm |
Link |
$49.00
Material | Fluoroelastomer |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm |
Color options | 15 |
Wrist size | 130–200mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 40mm, 44mm |
$99.00
Material | Stainless steel mesh |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 40mm, 44mm |
Color options | 8 |
Wrist size | 130-180mm (40mm), 150-200mm (44mm) |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 40mm |
$349.00
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 2 |
Wrist size | 140–205mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 42mm |
$16.99
Material | Leather |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 45 |
Wrist size | 130-195mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 12mm |
$19.99
Material | Polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 44mm |
Color options | 11 |
Wrist size | 152-222mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 44mm |
$489.00
Material | Barénia leather |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 40mm |
Color options | 2 |
Wrist size | 130–155mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 40mm |
$21.99
Material | Nylon |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 23 |
Wrist size | 127-267mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 24mm |
$49.00
Material | Fluoroelastomer |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 8 |
Wrist size | 130-200mm |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 40mm |
$7.99
Material | Cotton, polyester, stainless steel |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 30 |
Wrist size | 119-160mm (small), 160-200mm (large) |
Adjustable | No |
Band width | Not provided |
$50.00
Material | Stainless steel |
---|---|
Apple Watch size compatibility | 42mm, 44mm |
Color options | 3 |
Wrist size | 155-230mm (depending on size bought) |
Adjustable | Yes |
Band width | 22.5mm |
Let us help you find the best of the best when it comes to accessorizing and protecting your other Apple products, starting with the iPhone.
You might be interested in pairing your Apple Watch with an expert-approved lineup of jewelry pieces. Ivi Schoenfelder is all about sustainable and ethical fashion and she has picked out her top 10 ethical jewelry pieces.
Moonstone
$70.58
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