Apple Watch BandsSource: Rene Ritchie/iMore

Best Apple Watch Bands iMore 2020

You love your Apple Watch, and to you, it's more than just a fantastic fitness and communication device. It's also a fashion statement. If this sounds like you, you're in good company. I'll confess to owning several dozen Apple Watch bands and counting. I do change my band daily to match my outfit; in fact, most days, I wear one band to work out and a different band for the rest of the day. Some days I sport a more casual look and might wear a more casual-looking band. Other days, I dress up a bit, and I want to wear a dressier band. Some can be both, like the Milanese Loop. From one true Apple Watch band aficionado to another, here are some of the best Apple Watch bands to enhance both its looks and its functionality. Unless otherwise noted, each of the bands below will fit any generation Apple Watch and is available in both the 38/40mm size and the 42/44mm size.

Best for Apple Fanatics: Apple Milanese Loop

Milanese LoopSource: iMore

When I first saw this band announced, I didn't get it, even with Jony Ive's silky smooth introduction. But its simple, elegant design won me over, and now it's one of my absolute favorites. Light hits the stainless steel mesh just right and gives it a subtle shine. The magnetic loop closure means the band will fit just about any wrist comfortably; you won't be stuck between sizes or between holes. Dress it up or dress it down; the Milanese Loop looks equally at home at the office, the cocktail party, or running around town. The Milanese Loop is available in Silver, Gold, and Space Black, but if you choose a third-party replica, there are even more color options.

Pros:

  • Stunning good looks
  • Almost infinitely adjustable
  • Looks right in any context

Cons:

  • Pricey

Best for Apple fanatics

Apple Milanese Loop

Always right

You cannot go wrong with Apple's Milanese Loop. It's just about the perfect band, enhancing the Apple Watch and your whole wardrobe.

Best Sporty Bargain: VATI Sport Band

VATI Sport BandSource: Amazon

Build your Apple Watch band collection quickly and cheaply with the VATI Sport Band, which is modeled after the original Apple Watch Sport Band. Buy just one of the many colors offered, or save even more buying a six-pack or a 12-pack. Made of soft silicone, this band is comfortable at the gym, the beach, or anywhere you go. The elegant pin-and-tuck closure is secure and doesn't get in your way. It comes in both the 38/40mm and 42/44mm watch sizes, and you can choose from a S/M or M/L length band.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Nice color selection
  • Lightweight
  • Cheap

Cons:

  • Very casual look

Best Sporty Bargain

VATI Sport Band

Inexpensive

Build your Apple Watch band wardrobe. This one comes in a bunch of colors that can be purchased singly or all together for even more significant savings.

Best Leather Band: WFEAGL Apple Watch Band

WFEAGL Apple Watch BandSource: WFEAGL

Perhaps you'd like a genuine leather band, but you'd like to spend less money. Enter WFEAGL. This top-grain leather band comes in a dizzying array of leather colors and plenty of hardware color options too. It comes in both Apple Watch sizes, and it adjusts to fit wrists ranging from 5.3 to 7.7 inches. It even comes with a TPU screen protector to prevent damage to your watch.

Pros:

  • Top-grain leather
  • Lots of color options
  • Multiple hardware color options
  • Reasonably-priced

Cons:

  • Leather is not waterproof

Best Leather Band

WFEAGL Apple Watch Band

Leather for less

This is the band to get if you want real leather in a variety of color options, but you don't want the premium price tag.

Best Metal Band: LDFAS Apple Watch Band

LDFAS Apple Watch BandSource: LDFAS

It's perfect if you want a formal-looking metal band to wear to the office or anyplace you want to feel a little more polished or dressed up. You don't have to spend a ton of money to look great. LDFAS has gravitas and elegance but not a big price tag. An adjustment tool is included so that you can remove links for a perfect fit. The band comes in both Apple Watch sizes and can be adjusted to fit wrists ranging from 5.9 to 8.5 inches around. Choose Black or Silver. The LDFAS band has a lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Suitable for formal attire
  • Removeable links for adjustability
  • Reasonably priced

Cons:

  • Some users report durability issues

Best Metal Band

LDFAS Apple Watch Band

Timeless good looks

The metal link band is a classic style for watch bands, even before the Apple Watch was invented. The style is timeless and elegant.

Best Jewelry Band: Marge Plus Apple Watch Band

Marge Plus Apple Watch bandSource: Marge Plus

The Marge Plus Apple Watch Band looks like a delicate bracelet, not just a band to hold your Apple Watch onto your wrist. The sweet "X" design and a few tasteful rhinestones elevate the style and make it appropriate to wear with a dress or any dressy attire. Choose from Black, Champagne Gold, or Silver; each comes with a matching bumper. There are four folding clasps which can be removed to adjust the bracelet size. No tools are necessary. The Marge Plus Apple Watch Band comes in both the 38/40mm and 42/44mm Apple Watch sizes and adjusts to fit wrists ranging from 5.5 to 7.7 inches.

Pros:

  • Suitable for dressy attire
  • Removeable clasps for adjustability
  • Reasonably priced

Cons:

  • Not the look for everyone

Best Jewelry Band

Marge Plus Apple Watch Band

Delicate beauty

When you want your Apple Watch to look like jewelry, not just a health and fitness tracker, this pretty bracelet is sure to please.

Best Two-tone Band: Wearlizer Apple Watch Band

Wearlizer Stainless Steel and Resin Apple Watch BandSource: Karen S. Freeman / iMore

This cool two-toned band is a blend of stainless steel and resin. You can choose from a variety of metal and resin color combinations, such as gold with tortoiseshell resin, rose gold with light pink resin, black with navy blue resin, and many more. A removal tool is included so you can remove or add links as needed for size. The band is available for every size and generation and fits wrists from 4.7 inches to 7.5 inches.

Pros:

  • Suitable for dressy attire
  • Link removal tool included
  • Cool two-toned look

Cons:

  • Not suitable for sports

Best Two-tone Band

Wearlizer Apple Watch Band

Color blocked

This unique two-toned stainless steel and resin band comes in lots of color combinations and stands out from the crowd.

Most Fashion-forward: OULUCCI Apple Watch Band

OULUCCI Apple Watch BandSource: Amazon

Snakeskin is hot this year, but if snakeskin's not your thing, never fear. There are tons of other fashionable genuine leather options, such as slim, tapered solid colors, florals, and tri-tone color blocks. In addition to the wide variety of leather colors and patterns, there are different hardware colors as well, so you can match your watch. Every Apple Watch generation and size are covered here. The band fits wrists from 5.5 inches to 8 inches around.

Pros:

  • Variety of fashion-forward styles
  • Casual to dressy
  • Genuine leather

Cons:

  • Not waterproof

Most Fashion-forward

OULUCCI Apple Watch Band

Influencer-approved

Snakeskin is burning up the internet this year. But if you're not into it, choose a genuine leather band in a floral, tri-tone, or solid color instead.

Thinnest silicone: Merlion Apple Watch Band

Merlion Apple Watch BandSource: Amazon

Not everyone likes a big, wideband on their wrist. This tapered silicone number gives you a more delicate look with your swim, gym, athleisure, and anywhere attire. Since it's silicone, you can go ahead and swim in it. The narrow band is flexible and lightweight, comfortable to wear all day, or even overnight. The pin-and-tuck closure stays secure and out of the way. Choose from ten gorgeous colors, suitable for all generations and available for both watch sizes.

Pros:

  • Tapered, narrow style
  • Waterproof for gym and swim
  • Lots of color options

Cons:

  • Very casual look

Thinnest silicone

Merlion Apple Watch Band

Tapered appeal

If you like the look and functionality of a simple silicone band but not the width, this narrow band will suit you just fine.

Best low-cost Milanese Style: jwacct Apple Watch Band

jwacct Apple Watch BandSource: Amazon

Apple's original Milanese Loop was a breakthrough design, but let's face it: the price puts it out of range for many of us. Luckily, there are plenty of other well-priced metal mesh options such as this beauty from jwacct. You're not limited to the colors that Apple offers, either. Choose from eight different shades, most of which match one of the Apple Watch colors. You can pick the one that matches your Apple Watch or select a different color for a contrasting look. Or, choose Rainbow, just for fun. The jwacct band is actually a loop, not a round clasp, as shown in the photo, so the band adjusts to fit without tools. It's okay to get this band in water; just be sure to dry it off after wet activities.

Pros:

  • Elegant unisex Milanese look
  • Dresses up any outfit
  • Great color options
  • Very adjustable

Cons:

  • Color may not match watch exactly

Best low-cost Milanese Style

jwacct Apple Watch Band

Metal mesh

Who doesn't love Apple's Milanese Loop? This band is modeled after the original but carries a much smaller price tag.

Best Value: Heyday Apple Watch Band

Heyday Apple Watch BandSource: Karen Freeman/iMore

I picked up this cheapie, not expecting too much, but it's been a pleasant surprise. The silicone band feels similar to the Apple Sport Band in quality, but instead of a pin-and-tuck closure, it's a regular buckle. Since it's comfortable, waterproof, and good-looking, I frequently wear it for working out or for knocking around town, and it's held up well. The colors and pattern change seasonally; at this price, you can even pick up several.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Comfortable
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Not ideal for dressy occasions

Best Value

Heyday Apple Watch Band

Bargain

This is an excellent band for casual looks or wearing to the gym. It's sweatproof, waterproof, attractive, and inexpensive.

Best Premium Leather Band: Nomad Modern Strap

Nomad Modern StrapSource: Nomad

When you think leather, and you think Apple accessories, you can't help but think Nomad. From chargers and cases to Apple Watch bands, Nomad means quality. Crafted from full-grain Horween leather, this band will develop a beautiful patina over time. Wear this band when you want to dress up your Apple Watch; I would not recommend wearing a leather band in the water or to the gym.

Pros:

  • High-quality leather
  • Simple elegance

Cons:

  • Leather is not waterproof

Best Premium Leather Band

Nomad Modern Strap

Classy

Elevate the look of your Apple Watch with a great-looking leather band. It will develop a patina over time, adding to its unique character.

Best Leather Cuff: Pad & Quill Lowry Cuff

Pad & Quill Lowry CuffSource: Pad & Quill

If you like the thick, rugged look of a cuff, look no further than Pad & Quill top-quality take on the style. Made with a strong full-grain leather outside layer and a soft pigskin inner layer, this cuff is both durable and comfortable. Don't worry; the Apple Watch Optical Pulse Sensor is not obstructed. The artisan who creates your band even signs it discreetly inside. Like all leather bands, this one's not for the gym or pool. Note that this band is only made for the larger 42/44mm Apple Watch.

Pros:

  • Quality craftsmanship
  • Full-grain leather
  • Fashion statement

Cons:

  • May be too bulky for some
  • Leather is not waterproof

Best Leather Cuff

Pad & Quill Lowry Cuff

Statement piece

Make a statement with this durable yet comfortable hand-crafted premium leather cuff.

Best Slim Leather Band: Burkley Slim Leather Band

Burkley Slim Leather BandSource: Karen Freeman/iMore

I'm a woman with a narrow wrist, and even the smaller Apple Watch looks pretty huge on me. Add a wide band, and it looks almost comical. The Burkley Slim Leather Band is the band I'd been waiting for. Its delicate tapered shape gets slimmer as it goes around the wrist, so the buckle is rather small: perfectly proportioned for me. If you've wanted a top-quality full-grain leather band but usually find them too thick, you need this band. I wear this band frequently, and it's held up well over time. Choose from Nude Pink, Distressed Antique Coffee, and Burnished Tan. This one is just for the smaller 38/40mm Apple Watch.

Pros:

  • Tapered, slim form factor
  • Premium full-grain leather
  • Excellent quality

Cons:

  • Leather is not waterproof

Best Slim Leather Band

Burkley Slim Leather Band

Delicate perfection

If you're not one for bulky bands, this sliver of premium leather gorgeousness is the perfect Apple Watch band for you.

Best Rugged Case Band: Catalyst Waterproof Case

Catalyst Waterproof caseSource: Catalyst

While the newer Apple Watches are waterproof anyway, give your watch an extra measure of protection with this handy protective case and band in one. With a waterproof rating of IP68, you can dive as deep at 100 meters (330 feet.) Since the rugged polycarbonate and silicone Catalyst is a case as well as a band, you're less likely to damage your watch if it drops or bumps into something. Even with all the protection it offers, your Apple Watch will still be fully functional in it. The Catalyst is also available in the 38/40mm size.

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • Shockproof
  • Case and band in one

Cons:

  • Not to everyone's taste, style-wise

Best Rugged Case Band

Catalyst Waterproof Case

Adventure-proof

Take the Catalyst Waterproof Case band on your next adventure and feel confident your Apple Watch will be safe.

Most Fun: CASETiFY Saffiano Leather Band

CASETiFY Saffiano Leather Apple Watch BandSource: CASETiFY

Who says your Apple Watch band can't be super fun? There are thousands of gorgeous patterns to choose from, and the hard part will be picking just one. The printed pattern CASETiFY Saffiano Leather Bands are faux/vegan leather, not leather at all. So, you can go ahead and wear this band in the pool: it's waterproof. This band is quite comfortable to wear, but be careful if you wear it in heavy rotation. The downside is that the band is not the most durable; after several years, mine has started to tear. But I love it so much that I wear it anyway. I'm just extra careful removing the band from my watch so as not to rip it further.

Pros:

  • Vegan/faux leather is waterproof
  • Dazzling array of gorgeous patterns
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Not the most durable

Most Fun

CASETiFY Saffiano Leather Band

Spoiled for choice

With thousands of patterns from which to choose, you'll have trouble picking just one of these vegan leather beauties.

Best NATO Band: Clockwork Synergy NATO Band

Clockwork Synergy NATO bandSource: Karen Freeman/iMore

Clockwork Synergy is a brand I recommend to everyone for its excellent combination of price and quality. The adaptors are particularly high-quality, sliding on and off like butter but staying perfectly locked in position when in use. There are several excellent band styles at fair prices to explore on the site, but the classic NATO style is a particular favorite of mine. It is so comfortable and colorful, and there are a ton of patterns from which to choose. Whether you like solids, stripes, flags, or rainbows, there's something for everyone here. You can even choose your adaptor color to match your Apple Watch.

Pros:

  • Modern take on classic NATO band
  • Many colorful choices
  • Quality adaptor matches watch

Cons:

  • May be too casual for some outfits

Best NATO Band

Clockwork Synergy NATO Band

Classic style

Clockwork Synergy brings the classic NATO style to the modern era with this high-quality, reasonably-priced band.

Best Sport Band: Apple Nike Sport Band

Apple Nike Sport BandSource: Rene Ritchie/iMore

I own quite a few sport bands, most of which are of the cheaper variety, and there is just no substitute for the quality of Apple's fluoroelastomer bands. They have a density, softness, and durability like no other. Add the compression-molded perforations of the Nike band, and you have the perfect watch band for your wettest, sweatiest workouts, sports, and other adventures. Apple switches out the colors from season to season, so if you see a color you like, don't wait to pick it up.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • No good if you have trypophobia (aversion to clusters of holes)
  • Very casual look

Best Sport Band

Apple Nike Sport Band

Breathable

If you're into sports or other serious workouts, Apple's Nike Sport Band is the ideal. It's super breathable, comfortable, and durable.

Bottom line

If I had to give away my entire Apple Watch band collection (boo-hoo!) and could only have one band, it would be Apple's Milanese Loop. It's the height of Jony Ive-era Apple style, an elegant blend of form and function. Functionally, it adjusts to fit nearly every wrist with its magnetic loop closure. Since it's stainless steel, it can contact water (just be sure to dry it off after) without damage. Rather than being thick solid steel, it's lightweight mesh, making it ultra-comfortable to wear.

This band feels amazing to the touch and looks incredible with just the right amount of shine to flatter either the aluminum or stainless steel Apple Watch. Your entire wardrobe will look great with this band. Wear it to the gym, the grocery store, the office, a party, or even a formal black-tie event. The Milanese Loop will enhance your Apple Watch style no matter where you go.

Credits — The person that put together this guide

Karen S. Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing new restaurants, and experience new things. She also has an embarrassingly large Apple Watch band collection.

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