Source: Rene Ritchie/iMore
Best Apple Watch Bands iMore 2021
There's no better time for checking out the best Apple Watch bands than when you get a new Apple Watch, which you might have done after reading our Apple Watch Series 6 review! This is especially true if it's more than just a fantastic fitness and communication device to you, but 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; 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, and you can even get the Apple Milanese look for less. 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.
- Best for Apple fanatics: Apple's Milanese Loop
- Best Value: Heyday Apple Watch Band
- Best Leather Band: WFEAGL Apple Watch Band
- Best Metal Band: LDFAS Apple Watch Band
- Best Jewelry Band: Marge Plus Apple Watch Band
- Best Two-tone Band: Wearlizer Apple Watch Band
- Most Fashion-forward: OULUCCI Apple Watch Band
- Thinnest silicone: Merlion Apple Watch Band
- Best Low-cost Milanese Style: jwacct Apple Watch Band
- Best Premium Leather Band: Nomad Modern Strap
- Best Leather Cuff: Pad & Quill Lowry Cuff
- Best Slim Leather Band: Burkley Slim Leather Band
Unless otherwise noted, each of the bands below will fit any generation Apple Watch and is available in both the 38/40mm and 42/44mm.
Best for Apple Fanatics: Apple Milanese Loop
Source: 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's 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 Value: Heyday Apple Watch Band
Source: Karen Freeman/iMore
Though it has a regular buckle rather than the elegant pin-and-tuck closure that Apple's fluoroelastomer Sport Band has, this is a good quality silicone alternative that costs substantially less. I wear this band frequently, and it's held up perfectly with no visible wear and tear. Unlike some cheap silicone bands, this one doesn't get tacky or sticky with repeated use. It comes in a variety of colors.
Pros:
- Good quality, low price
- Comfortable
- Great for workouts and everyday wear
- Lots of color options
Cons:
- Quite casual
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 Leather Band: WFEAGL Apple Watch Band
Source: 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 various color options, but you don't want the premium price tag.
Best Metal Band: LDFAS Apple Watch Band
Source: 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 from several colors and both Apple Watch sizes. 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
Source: 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
Source: Karen S. Freeman / iMore
This cool two-toned band is a blend of stainless steel and resin. You can choose from various 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
Source: 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 continues to burn up the internet. But if you're not into it, choose a genuine leather band in a floral, tri-tone, or solid color instead.
Thinnest silicone: Swees Sport Band
Source: Swees
Not everyone likes a big, wide band on their wrist. This tapered silicone number gives you a more delicate look with your swim, gym, athleisure, or anywhere attire. Since it's silicone, you can go ahead and swim in it. The narrow band is flexible and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear all day or even overnight. The pin-and-tuck closure stays secure and out of the way. Choose from lots of 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
Source: 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 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 Premium Leather Band: Nomad Modern Strap
Source: Nomad
When you think leather and think of 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
Source: Pad & Quill
If you like the thick, rugged look of a cuff, look no further than Pad & Quill's 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:
- Maybe 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
Source: 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
Source: 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 as 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 for Apple Watch
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
Source: 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
Source: 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, but the classic NATO style is a favorite 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
Source: 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's 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.
Best Rugged Sport Band: Nomad Rugged Strap
Source: Nomad
If you're looking for a good quality sport band that will hold up to your toughest workouts and outdoor adventures, check out Nomad's Rugged Strap. It's made from FKM, a soft yet strong fluoroelastomer rubber material. The injection-molded stainless steel hardware is made to last. This black band comes in both Apple Watch sizes, fits any generation, and comes in two hardware colors, black or silver.
Pros:
- Quality construction
- Tough and durable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Casual, masculine look isn't for everyone
Best Rugged Sport Band

Nomad Rugged Strap
Adventure-proof
Whatever you're into, the durable Nomad Rugged Strap won't let you down.
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 is one of the best Apple Watch bands you can buy, and it will enhance your Apple Watch style no matter where you go.
If you're looking for more options, such as more inexpensive Apple Watch bands, and specifically bands under $20, we've got you covered. Pretty soon, your Apple Watch band collection will rival mine!
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Fancy and fashion-forward, here are 12 fab rose gold Apple Watch bands
Calling all rose-gold addicts! Here are the best watch bands that’ll make your rose gold Apple Watch pop.

Look like you're wearing Hermès without spending the money on one
The Apple Watch Hermès Double Tour is a beautiful piece of art, but at $1,250, it's a little out of reach for most of us. We share how you can get the Hermès Double Tour look for less.

Find a band that goes with your Gold Apple Watch
Not just any band goes with the Gold Apple Watch, so we’ve rounded up the best gold Apple Watch bands just for you.