If you've recently picked up a brand new Apple Watch, or you're in the market for a new wearable, you'll certainly want an extra band or two. The beauty of the best Apple Watch bands on the market is that they provide flexibility, style, and customization for your wrist, making a single Apple Watch all the more versatile.
You can pick up an Apple Watch Series 9 with a formal band for work, but a Nike Sport Band is a perfect pickup for running or workouts. You can grab something more rugged for outdoor pursuits, and before you know it you've got three combinations for any occasion.
As long as you pick the correct size, any band will work with any model of Apple Watch. With that in mind, here are the best Apple Watch bands on the market.
Best Apple Watch bands
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Best for sport
The new lineup from Apple's partnership with Nike includes some very sharp colorways like this one. The orange highlights are a nice nod to the orange action button on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Best for style
The Modern Buckle is back and it's as gorgeous as ever. It comes in three great colors and it's made from Apple's new FineWoven faux leather. If you missed out on the Modern Buckle last time around, now's your chance. Note that it's made only for the smaller Apple Watch, but does come in three wrist sizes.
Best real leather
Apple may have discontinued its leather Apple Watch bands, but leather is Nomad's bread and butter. High-quality full-grain leather surrounds your wrist and your Apple Watch in luxury. The band comes in several color options and will develop a warm patina over time.
For Apple fanatics
I'll never forget Jony Ive's silky smooth introduction to the simple yet elegant Milanese Loop. Light hits the stainless steel mesh just right and gives it a subtle shine. Our review points out that the magnetic loop closure means the band will comfortably fit just about any wrist; you won't be stuck between sizes or holes. It comes in three colors to complement your Apple Watch. Dress it up or dress it down; the Milanese Loop looks equally at home at the office, the cocktail party, or running around town.
Well-priced leather
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. There are a multitude of size options too, so there'll be one to fit your watch.
Elegant metal band
It's perfect if you want a formal-looking metal band to wear to the office or any place 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. This one only comes in the larger size. The LDFAS band has a lifetime warranty.
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Fashion-forward
This slim, tapered tri-tone color block look is straight-up fire, though there are solid color offerings as well. In addition to the 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 is covered here. The band fits wrists from 5.5 inches to 8 inches around.
Slim silicone
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.
Premium leather
When you think leather and think of Apple accessories, you can't help but think of 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. It comes in all Apple Watch sizes, too.
Band for the Apple Watch Ultra
Best NATO
Clockwork Synergy brings classic NATO-style bands to the Apple Watch. You can choose from a variety of colors and styles, not just the stripes shown here. As noted in our review of a similar style, you get great quality with the Clockwork Synergy NATO band for not a lot of money.
Best all-rounder
You might order your Apple Watch Ultra 2 with this band on it; it's both striking and functional. If not, it's worth picking up after the fact. You can choose from several color options. The carbon-neutral band is comfortable and easy to adjust.
Best for water
Be ready for anything with this water-resistant, high-performance FKM elastomer on your Apple Watch Ultra 2. The inner geometric ventilation design, flexible material, and the pin-and-tuck closure make this comfortable to wear anywhere and everywhere.
Ultra rugged
While any Apple Watch band will fit the Apple Watch Ultra, as long as it's made for the larger watch, you might want something special for your special watch. Apple released three different band styles with the Ultra, but this one is particularly rugged and stylish. We like this band in the "safety orange" color, Alpine, for obvious reasons, but it comes in other colors as well.
Heavy-duty cool
A band doesn't have to be made just for the Apple Watch Ultra in order to work perfectly with it. Any band will work, but you'll want something quite rugged in order to hold up to whatever adventures you're taking the Ultra on. We reviewed a similar model UAG Apple Watch Band and found it to be very solid, and it holds up well over time.
Ultra inexpensive
Here's a nicely priced band that is designed specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra. The band is made of a lightweight but tough fabric and the durable zinc alloy buckle gives you a strong hold. The size is fully adjustable to fit your wrist, and the tail is fastened with velcro for extra security.
Colorful quality
Clockwork Synergy makes beautiful, premium, leather bands for Apple Watch at reasonable prices. This band comes in a huge assortment of colors. The leather is soft, durable, and very comfortable to wear.
Nice price
This beautiful leather band comes in a large assortment of colors with multiple hardware options. There are even some fun prints available. It's made of high-quality leather, comes in all Apple Watch sizes, and is stylish and comfortable to wear.
Stylish
If you don't want to spend a lot on the Hermès Double Tour, go with V-MORO's version instead. It is incredibly stylish and looks great for everyday wear while remaining versatile for a night out or a more formal occasion.
Which Apple Watch band is best?
I like having a number of Apple Watch bands since I do change my band to match my outfit. But 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 the 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 the Milanese Loop isn't in the budget, get the Apple Milanese look for less.
If you're looking for 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!
Dress up your Apple Watch with some color
Apple tends to release a lot of new Apple Watch bands each fall. For 2022, this rule has been dutifully followed. If you're looking for Apple Watch bands not made by Apple, consider the best Apple Watch bands that we mentioned earlier in this article.
What's the most comfortable Apple Watch band?
The most comfortable Apple Watch bands are typically those that are light and don't weigh you down. These bands are also just the right size (not too big or small) so you can't feel them during regular use.
Should you change your Apple Watch band every day?
You should change your Apple Watch band whenever you want. Doing so doesn't damage the Watch or the band. Change the band to match your outfit, mood, or whatever the reason.
Are Apple brand watch bands worth the price?
Apple's own Apple Watch bands are definitely expensive, but they are high quality. However, there are plenty of much cheaper third-party options that also offer similar levels of comfort and durability, as well as finish.
You should change your Apple Watch band whenever you want. Doing so doesn't damage the Watch or the band. Change the band to match your outfit, mood, or whatever the reason.
