The Best Apple Watch Bands in 2023 (2023)

The best Apple Watch bands and straps will help you get the most out of using an Apple Watch. No matter which model you have, changing the strap or straps can make your smartwatch look sportier, more stylish or just more contemporary - and you can change the style as often as you like.

While some of the best Apple Watch bands are made by Apple, there are also plenty of third-party options at affordable prices. There are Apple Watch straps for women and Apple Watch straps for men - everyone can find the right Apple Watch strap for them and that is what makes the Apple Watch so uniquebest smart watchYou can buy.

Since the strap can change the look of the Apple Watch, there are sports straps, leather straps, metal straps, and rugged Apple Watch straps to consider. Here are the best Apple Watch straps you can get, tested and rated based on material, comfort, looks, durability, and value.

What Are the Best Apple Watch Bands?

To create this list of the best Apple Watch straps, we tested 15 straps of all Apple and third-party styles and materialsApple Watch Serie 8.

The best overall Apple Watch band for sports, the gym, or general everyday wear is the Apple Watch Solo Loop, available from Apple. It is among the most comfortable Apple Watch straps overall and can be worn in most situations such as walking. B. when usingthe Apple Watch for hot yogaorPlay tennis with the Apple Watch.

When it comes to nicer looking materials, the Marge Plus Genuine Leather is the best leather Apple Watch band and the Apple Milanese Loop is the best metal or stainless steel Apple Watch band. The Marge Plus is also a top pick on this list, while the Milanese Loop remains one of the most sophisticated Apple Watch straps out there.

If the security of your Apple Watch is your top priority, the best Apple Watch Band is the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro. This is both a strap and a case for your Apple Watch, which means it can protect your smartwatch screen from scratches, cracks and other possible damage. For more options, check out the best Apple Watch straps below, listed by material.

Be sure to check out our guidesHow to change your Apple Watch bandAndhow to use apple watchfor more tips.

sports bands

The Apple Watch Solo Loop is the best Apple Watch Band for anyone who needs something sporty but stylish. Unlike most Apple Watch bands, it doesn't have a clasp or other type of closure - it's designed to stretch across your hand, yet fit snugly on your wrist. It's sweatproof and a great choice for working out, but the smooth finish also makes it suitable for work or social scenarios.

We've loved the versatility and all-day convenience of the Solo Loop since it came out with the Apple Watch 6. However, you need to be careful when choosing the size. For the most comfortable fit, it is important to choose the right size Solo Loop for your wrist. Usethis printable toolto help. As long as you choose the right size, you'll benefit from one of the most reliable Apple Watch bands we've ever used.

For a sporty non-silicone Apple Watch strap, the Apple Sport Loop is the best nylon Apple Watch strap. The bracelet is available in several two-tone finishes, which Apple regularly updates depending on the season. It is made of double-layer nylon with dense loops on the skin side to allow for soft padding. The other side is designed for durability and impact resistance.

With the help of the Velcro you should be able to easily adjust this band to fit your wrist. We have found that the velcro closure lasts a long time even with frequent sports and activity. But given the woven material, we found the Sport Loop needed more frequent cleaning than silicone. While it wicks sweat somewhat, it gets soaked in a shower (or in our case, when we're doing the dishes).

In most cases, when you buy an Apple Watch, the Apple Sport Band is the standard band that comes with it. Perhaps the most recognizable of the best Apple Watch bands we've tested, it's made from an extremely durable fluoroelastomer material that feels very firm compared to regular silicone. We've never seen a sport band break in all the years we've worn an Apple Watch.

The design is rather simple, although Apple sometimes offers seasonal colors to shake up the strap's style. This is a favorite that you can collect in multiple styles and swap out to match your outfit. And while we like the secure yet discreet pin-and-tuck closure, we have a harder time putting this strap on than many. It's a similar experience to putting on a bracelet or traditional wristwatch with one hand. But as long as you're a little patient, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

Nike makes the best Apple Watch straps for athletes who love a brand name. The Nike Sport Band features an obviously sports-focused design; It's made of fluoroelastomer that's designed to withstand intense activity. The strap is lined with perforations, making it by far the most breathable Apple Watch band on this list.

As you would expect, this band is also water resistant, making it a good choice for swimming or other water sports. Plus, it's smooth enough not to snag on your wrist, while the pin-and-tuck closure (like the one on the basic Apple Sport Band) keeps the strap secure. In short, this is the Apple Watch Band that we recommend for those who use their wearable primarily for exercising. How else are you going to close those Apple Watch rings?

leather straps

Some of the best leather straps for the Apple Watch offer a premium look, but not always at the best possible price. The Marge Plus Genuine Leather has been one of our favorite Apple Watch straps for a number of years because it offers a genuine leather option without emptying your wallet. At under $20, it's the ultimate bargain.

Made from premium leather, this strap fits most wrist sizes and comes in 13 colors ranging from brown and red to pink and teal. There are even multiple options of the same color with different metal clasps if you want to customize the finish of your Apple Watch. We would not wear the Marge Plus genuine leather strap for physical activity as it absorbs sweat and could deteriorate over time. But look no further for a professional yet affordable leather strap.

The Nomad Modern Band is perhaps the most fit-for-purpose leather Apple Watch band we've tested. By this we mean we've noticed a great attention to detail, from the trim to the shape of the adjustment holes to the subtle indentations on the free and fixed loops. We surprisingly like the lack of seams - it makes for a very modern look that the Nomad brand is known for.

However, like other Nomad leather products, the Modern Band is subject to a patina or color change over time due to oxidation. That's not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, some people may love to achieve a unique look. But it's important to know this beforehand so you don't get confused if the material looks different after some wear. The strap is available in brown and black leather, with a choice of black or silver hardware.

Apple has a long-standing collaboration with Hermès on a handful of designer-quality Apple Watch straps. The most famous band is the Double-Wrap Attelage Double Tour, and they're beautiful - albeit very expensive. Popular phone case brand Casetify sells an affordable alternative for those who want their Apple Watch to look more stylish. It's still not Hermès, but it's the best double we've found.

Wrapped twice around our wrist, the stylish Casetify 2-in-1 Italian Leather Watch Band is a total conversation starter. If you want something more streamlined, an additional attachment converts the band into a more traditional single wrap band. This versatility is a great advantage. We found Casetify's leather a bit stiff at first, but after a few days of wearing it felt comfortable enough to wear from a long day at the office to a fun night out.

While it may not look like a traditional leather watch strap, the INI Adjustable Leather Strap features leather material in a perfectly simple, streamlined design. Instead of regular closure and adjustment holes, it straps around your wrist with a magnet, much like the Milanese loop. This made it easy for us to take our watch off and put it back on, whether for a shower or for charging.

Apple has a similar-looking in-house version of a textured leather strap with a magnetic loop, but this is one of those cases where you can spend less on style. Better yet, the adjustable INI leather strap comes in 14 color options and even has an extended version for those with larger wrists. The only limitation? We found that the material became a bit sticky from exposure to water or moisture, so we recommended removing it for exercise or dishwashing.

If you're a fan of handcrafted leather products, the Bluebonnet Case The Maverick Italian Leather Band brings a handcrafted feel to your Apple Watch. Of all the best Apple Watch straps we tested, this one had the most authenticity and character. Distinct light blue stitching paired with a slim shape and simple closure make for an understated yet sophisticated Apple Watch strap.

The material is prone to patina - it will change color over time through oxidation, so don't be surprised if it doesn't look like it did when you took it out of the box. Also, because the Bluebonnet Case The Maverick Italian Leather Band is handmade, we don't recommend wearing it while exercising. That's not to say we're worried about durability - in fact, the band has shown resilience in our day-to-day use as if it's going to last.

Metal bands

The Apple Milanese Loop has been around for many years but remains a modern classic when it comes to design. The stainless steel mesh, which is available in multiple metallic colors, gives the Apple Watch an upscale look that can't be found with the basic sport bands that come in the box. Better yet, the material fused with our wrist better than perhaps the best Apple Watch straps on this list.

We also like how easy it is to slip the Apple Milanese Loop on and off. The magnetic closure is not only adjustable, but also surprisingly secure. In fact, the magnets are so strong that they occasionally pinched our skin, but as long as we were paying attention, it wasn't a big problem. Given the combination of style, comfort and ease of use, it's no wonder Apple is keeping the Milanese Loop.

The Milan Loop might be the best metal Apple Watch band overall, but at $99 it's not the cheapest. We found the Sonnywoo Metal Stainless Steel Mesh Band to be the most comparable alternative under $20, offering a similar look for less. The most obvious difference is that the loop buckle of this band is placed in the middle of the strap instead of being hidden where the strap attaches to the Apple Watch like you'll see with the Milanese Loop.

As a bonus, it's available in multiple metallic color options that strike a balance between elegance and fun; However, we have found that the colors do chip or fade over time. This is the compromise for the low price, so we wouldn't recommend it for training or rough activities. We would consider it a fashion band.

The Fullmosa Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band is the best Apple Watch Band for anyone who wants their Apple Watch to look more like a traditional wristwatch. It's available in a variety of metallic finishes, all of which match existing Apple Watch colors, including silver, black, and even red and blue. We've found this makes the Apple Watch feel more refined than it does with a sport band.

Better still, the Fullmosa stainless steel Apple watch strap comes with a length adjustment kit and spare links so you can customize the strap to fit your wrist. It's easy enough to change that you don't need to visit a jeweler. While it's great for a business meeting or a nice dinner, note that we don't recommend this band for working out. It becomes sticky with sweat or moisture, which could irritate your skin.

Sturdy and protective bands

Depending on your regular activities or even your career, it can be difficult to keep your Apple Watch safe from damage. Then you want a protective band that also has a case to protect your Apple Watch from scratches and other damage, like the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro. Thanks to raised bezels, the screen should remain intact even if you drop your Apple Watch.

It also won't limit how you use your Apple Watch. The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro features precise cutouts for the smartwatch's speakers, digital crown, and side button. Our only gripe with this band is that it's only compatible with Apple Watch sizes of 44mm or 45mm, so those with the smaller Apple Watch sizes (and those with the Apple Watch 3) won't be able to benefit from the same protective band option.

If you want a strap that will last a long time, is easy to clean and always looks beautiful, the Carterjett Tire Tread Apple Watch Band is the best Apple Watch Band for you. It features a unique tire tread design that is equal parts tough and stylish. It's very stretchy but still firm when clipped to your wrist, which is necessary for anyone who might not be gentle with their devices. Likewise, we found it to be a breeze to clean, whether it's exposed to dirt, crumbs, or even paint.

The Carterjett Tire Tread Apple Watch Band has a buckle closure and comes in multiple color options, including a fun glow-in-the-dark version. Our only concern is that the free loop (the part that holds the extra length of strap in place) felt fragile compared to the rest of the strap.

The Supcase Rugged Band is the best Apple Watch band for construction work and outdoor sports as it is extremely tough and durable. We think it will protect the Apple Watch no matter what, from high drops to tough terrain. The design reminds us most of a G-Shock, a fan-favorite look for outdoor athletes. Because yes, G-Shock watches are still in fashion.

The Supcase Rugged Band design includes several thoughtful hardware details, including cutouts for the Apple Watch's buttons and speakers, extra padding on the corners of the watch face, and raised bezels. We wish there was an option for the 40/41mm Apple Watch size as well, but as long as you have the 44/45mm watch you can benefit from all that tough and protective Apple Watch band, that it has to offer.

Apple Watch Ultra bands

The Trail Loop is one of the best Apple Watch Ultra straps specially designed for those who like to spend time outdoors. It prioritizes comfort with one of the lightest designs we've tested. It's also extremely secure, keeping the watch on our wrists even when we're moving quickly. If you want a little snugness, a handy pull tab makes it a breeze to quickly adjust the fit.

Perhaps the only downside to this band is that it needs to be washed often, whether due to sweat or other elements you may be exposed to. But as long as you take care of it, it should last many miles. It comes in a handful of color options, which Apple can freshen up with the seasons, as it does with some of its other popular sports bands.

The Alpine Loop for Apple Watch Ultra is the best band for those who enjoy a variety of outdoor sports on land. It has a comfortable yet sturdy feel, wears fairly comfortably, and offers added security with a titanium G-hook that fits this band's row of top loops. If you are hiking, climbing or cycling this is a great choice to ensure a secure fit.

One downside is that the Alpine Loop can get dirty quickly if you take it on adventures where dirt, dust and mud might be involved. However, as long as you take care of the cleaning, you shouldn't have a problem. We also like the color options currently offered for this band, including the orange one, which is easy to spot in wooded terrain.

While tracking water sports with your Apple Watch Ultra is a great idea, the first thing you should do is make sure you have the best Apple Watch strap for the activity. Otherwise, you could risk dropping your Apple Watch due to extreme conditions like water skiing and diving. Speaking of diving, the Apple Watch Ultra has a wealth of diving features - if you want to take advantage of them, the Ocean Band is for you. (We even worked with an expertDiving with the Apple Watch Ultra.)

The Ocean Band has a secondary closure that secures through the tubular geometry for added security. It's also designed to fit over most wetsuits, although there is the option to purchase an extension if you have a particularly bulky suit. We'll say this isn't the most comfortable band for everyday use or wearing overnight for sleep tracking. You may wish to reserve the Ocean Band for your activity.

Here's how to choose the best Apple Watch straps for you

When shopping for the best Apple Watch straps, we recommend all of the options on this list. But the best Apple Watch band for you depends on what activities you engage in when wearing your Apple Watch. If you are generally active or an avid sports enthusiast, a sports band is a great choice for you. Sweat can damage leather or metal materials over time, not to mention making them uncomfortable to work out with. If your band has seen better days, here they areHow to clean an Apple Watch strap.

Alternatively, if you wear your Apple Watch as an everyday watch to shops, errands, and dinner, you may want an Apple Watch strap that looks more traditional. In this case, either leather or metal will do. Your Apple Watch band can make a fashion statement, and multiple options give you the ability to swap out bands based on your outfits.

Finally, if you are most concerned about protecting your Apple Watch or need a strap that can withstand the elements, a durable Apple Watch strap is best for you. Just make sure to check the size when paying - you'll usually find two options, 38/40/41mm and 42/44/24mm. If you don't know your Apple Watch size off your head, check your wrist. The size is indicated on the bottom of the smartwatch.

How we test the best Apple Watch straps

We run hands-on reviews of the best Apple Watch straps being considered for this list. We call a number of Apple Watch straps and then wear them for several days during our normal routines. During this time we test how easy (or not) the bands are to put on and take off, as well as the overall comfort of the bands. This helps us decide if they're a good choice for work or if they're just for style.

The bands that ultimately earned our recommendation had something unique to offer, be it a stylish design, an athletic fit, or a protective case. We also consider the price of all the Apple Watch bands we test in search of the best value Apple Watch bands. Sometimes the bands that Apple sells itself are a better choice, but in certain cases we've found that budget options from Amazon and the like perform just as well at a lower cost.