We purchased the 8 Best Apple Watch Bands so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full products reviews.
The Apple Watch, like other wearables, is a useful piece of technology that also doubles as an everyday accessory. As a result, the band is a significant feature. It can be a constant annoyance if your Apple Watch band is uncomfortable, wears out quickly, or simply does not fit your personal aesthetic. And it’s just more fun to put on something you like and admire a million times a day. Fortunately, there are a plethora of Apple Watch bands to choose from, so you’ll be able to find something that meets your needs as well as your personal style.
When looking for an Apple Watch band, compatibility is the most important factor to consider. Make sure the bands you’re considering will fit the hardware on your watch by knowing the model and size of the screen. Because you’ll be wearing it against your skin all day, consider material and comfort. Consider durability as well: there are plenty of cheap bands out there, but many of them will not last. And, of course, think about how it appears. A watch band is a great way to reflect a little of your personal style, with everything from classic designs to fun colors and prints.
Apple’s classic Sport Band (Check latest price on Amazon) is perhaps the most recognizable Apple Watch band. The Sport Band is ready to go wherever you go and compliment any outfit with its ultra-sleek design made of a soft plastic called fluoroelastomer. If you’re tracking your workouts or your sleep, you’ll know your Watch is comfortable and secure because it fits close to your wrist. It works with every version of the Apple Watch.
The Sport Band is available in a wide range of attractive and unusual colors. Classic black or white are available, as well as Cactus (a muted blue-green), Vitamin C (bright orange), Lemon Cream (pale yellow), and a variety of other colors. The Sport Band, like most Apple products, is on the pricey side. Fortunately, it’s one of the less expensive Apple bands, and we believe the quality-price ratio still puts it in first place.
This third-party Apple Watch band, which fits the Series 1-5 and costs less than ten dollars, is a steal. It’s made of high-quality silicone and secured with hypoallergenic stainless steel pins for a smooth and secure fit.
The material is also extremely tough, resisting both sweat and water (though it does tend to make your wrist sweaty underneath when you’re working out). It’s also resistant to chafing. The iGK Sport Band (Check latest price on Amazon) is available in ten stylish colors and four sizes: Small/Medium, Medium/Large, and Large/Large wristbands for both the 38/40mm and 42/44mm Apple Watches. The iGK is practically weightless for active users, making it the ideal companion for your hectic lifestyle.
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Best Silicone: Carterjett Tire Tread Rubber Apple Watch Band
Although rubber isn’t everyone’s favorite Apple Watch third-party replacement band, the Carterjett Apple Watch tire tread rubber band (Check latest price on Amazon) is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. These lightweight bands, which come in eight different colors and 38mm and 42mm sizes, feel tough enough to withstand nearly any type of activity.
The tire tread rubber band is also waterproof and hypoallergenic, according to Carterjett, preventing issues that have plagued competing models. The band’s silicone construction makes it both flexible and high-quality, with a classic buckle and multiple holes to customize the fit based on the size of your wrist.
Apple’s Milanese Loop (Check latest price on Amazon) is both understated and eye-catching, making it ideal for minimalist tastes. This band is made from a single strip of Italian-made stainless steel mesh and appears delicate but is extremely durable. It doesn’t even have a buckle; the entire band is magnetic and sticks to itself when doubled back. This enables it to easily adjust to any wrist size for a perfect fit.
The Milanese Loop, like most other Apple Watch bands, is compatible with all Apple Watch models. It’s certainly pricey, but for those looking for something sleek and high-quality, this one will be difficult to beat in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. The Milanese loop is available in three colors: silver, gold, and black.
Apple Watch bands, for the most part, are just that: bands. They don’t protect the expensive device on your wrist in any way. If you wear your Apple Watch all the time, a case can protect it from scratches and other wear and tear. The Spigen Rugged Armor band (Check latest price on Amazon) comes with a color-coordinated case that wraps around your Apple Watch on all four sides. If you set it facedown on a surface, the raised bezel protects the screen from scratches, and the all-around design provides some shock protection if you drop or knock it against something. It doesn’t cover the screen, so if you want full 360-degree protection, you’ll need to buy a separate screen protector.
The Rugged Armor Pro’s one drawback, as with most protective cases, is that it has a bulky silhouette that hides the Apple Watch’s ultra-sleek aesthetic. If security is your primary concern, however, the functionality will almost certainly outweigh the aesthetics. Spigen offers the Rugged Armor Pro in black, gray, and dark green. It is only available for Apple Watch Series 4 and 5 at the time of writing.
The Apple Watch can make some people nostalgic for the timeless style of a traditional wristwatch, thanks to its futuristic aesthetic and plethora of high-tech features. The Nomad Traditional Strap (Check latest price on Amazon) straddles the line between old-school cool and cutting-edge technology. This band radiates timeless style and complements any outfit, as it is made from premium Horween leather (one of the oldest tanneries in the United States). And, like traditional leather watch bands, it’s a little stiff at first but softens up beautifully with use.
To match your Apple Watch, the Nomad Traditional model is available in black or brown leather with either black or silver hardware. The end result is a seamless blend of classic and contemporary elements. This is one of the more expensive bands on our list, but if you’re looking for something that will last, it might be worth it.
Although an Apple Watch band made of wood may raise a few eyebrows, the LDFAS natural wood band (Check latest price on Amazon) makes a great first impression. The combination of natural black sandalwood and stainless-steel metal band is a striking combination, bolstered by a similarly striking price tag.
The butterfly folding clasp secures the watch on your wrist and prevents it from loosening during normal use. Because the LDFAS band, like most wooden products, isn’t waterproof, active people might prefer a silicone-based band for sports.
Beyond activities, wear and tear bring out rich color tones in natural sandalwood, making it more appealing over time. The necessary hardware to remove individual links, as well as installation instructions, are included in the box.
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Best Stainless Steel: Speidel Twist-O-Flex Brushed Stainless Steel Band
With so many third-party stainless-steel Apple Watch bands on the market, standing out is a tall order. Thankfully, the Speidel Twist-O-Flex (Check latest price on Amazon) combines fashionable style and mainstream appeal with a budget-friendly price. The Speidel is water and sweat resistant and comes in black, silver, and brushed colors, as well as 38mm and 42mm sizes.
The band’s overall flexibility contributes to its strength by stretching up to five inches and allowing users to easily remove and replace the Speidel. Two layers of steel pieces are used in the design, providing extra support and making the Speidel durable and long-lasting.
The Final Word
The Apple Sport Band is the clear winner thanks to its comfortable fit, clean design, fun color options, and affordable price for the quality. There’s a reason why classics are classics.
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