While the aluminum finish on the Apple Watch Series 9 or the more premium titanium finish on the Apple Watch Series 10 looks charming, only the right Apple Watch band truly speaks for your personality and lifestyle.
Whether you are after comfort, style, or safety, you can get one that fits your needs from Apple or third-party brands. However, with multiple brands offering similar kinds of Apple Watch bands, getting confused about which one to go for isn’t uncommon.
To help you out, I’ve tested multiple Apple Watch bands over the past few weeks and curated a list of the best ones. Along with the best Apple Watch bands list, you’ll also get to know how we decided on each pick and the factors to consider while buying a new Apple Watch band.
5 Best Apple Watch Bands
5 best Apple Watch bands in 2024
Below are our top picks for the best bands you can get for your Apple Watch in 2024.
1. Apple Sport Loop – Best overall Apple Watch band
The Apple Sport Loop tops our list of the best Apple Watch bands for its versatility and style. It is made from double-layer nylon material, which makes it lightweight, breathable, and the most comfortable watch band for everyday use. And, of course, as the Sports in its name suggests, the band is sweat and water-resistant, making it a perfect companion for gym sessions and outdoor activities.
As someone who prefers comfort over style, I like the Velcro closure on the Sport Loop band. Not only does it make adjusting the fit easier, but it also offers a secure fit, similar to what you get with the pin buckle clasp.
In fact, the Apple Sport Loop was the first watch band I purchased after reading numerous positive reviews online. Since then, I can’t even fathom I have never replaced it with any other band (except a leather band for formal settings) due to its sheer level of comfort.
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch
- Band sizes: 41mm/45mm
- Price: $49
Check out Apple Sport Loop: Apple | Amazon
2. Nomad Traditional Leather Band – Best for a professional look
If you are looking to add a sophisticated look to your Apple Watch, the Nomad Traditional Leather band is a solid choice. Made from premium, minimally treated, vegetable-tanned leather, the band from the house of Nomad exudes a classic, professional aesthetic. It has a classic stainless-steel buckle and lug for a perfect fit.
I have this band lying in my closet as a spare and use it when I need to be in a formal setting or when I want my Apple Watch to complement my suit or business attire. As I’ve been using the band for a long time now, I’ve noticed that this Nomad traditional leather band has developed a unique patina or something you may call a dark, lustrous sheen, making me slide it in on my Apple Watch often.
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch
- Band size: 46/49 mm or 41/42mm
- Price: $100
Check out Nomad Traditional Leather Band: Nomad
3. Spigen Sleek Link Band – Best Apple Watch band for rugged wear
The Spigen Sleek Link offers a perfect balance between elegance and functionality. With a modern, minimalist stainless-steel design, this band instantly elevates the look of your Apple Watch, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings. What stands out about the Sleek Link is its smooth, brushed metal finish, which gives it a premium feel without being overly flashy.
Despite being made from stainless steel, the band has a slim profile and feels lightweight on the wrist, and the individual links are designed to flex comfortably with your wrist movements. Thanks to the included link-removal tool, you can customize the fit yourself without needing to visit a watch store.
During my use, I found the Sleek Link band exceptionally comfortable, especially compared to bulkier metal bands. Its clasp mechanism is secure yet easy to operate, and the band stays in place without needing constant adjustments. It’s a great option if you are looking for a refined, polished look for both work and casual outings.
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch.
- Band sizes: 38 to 49 mm
- Price: $39.99
Check out Spigen Sleek Link: Spigen | Amazon
4. Apple Braided Solo Loop – Best classic Apple Watch band alternative
Apple’s Braided Solo Loop band is a unique blend of comfort and style—a modern take on traditional watch straps. Like the Apple Sport Loop, it is also free of buckles or clamps, making it easy to put on and comfortable to wear all day.
The band is made out of a stretchy material, which ensures a snug fit on the wrist. And despite having a soft, fabric-like feel, it holds up surprisingly well over time, which speaks for its durability. I bought this band for a friend six months ago. Since then, he has been using it regularly, and the band hasn’t yet stretched out or lost its elasticity.
Apple offers the Braided Solo Loop band in multiple colorways, so you can pick the one that suits your fancy.
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch.
- Band sizes: One Size (fits most)
- Price: $99
Check out Apple Braided Solo Loop: Apple
5. Casetify Bounce Odessey Band – Best Apple Watch band with a case
As soon as I had the first look at the Casetify Bounce Odessey, I was like, wow, I finally got something unique after all these years of using the same boring Apple Watch bands. The Casetify Bounce Odessey is both an Apple Watch strap and a case in one.
To use it, all you need to do is pop in your Apple Watch in the case, and it’s done; you don’t need to slide the band separately as it is attached to the case itself. The band comes in multiple color options: black and silver for those wanting a sophisticated look and bubble gum pink and electric blue for those looking to stand out.
The Casetify Bounce Odessey is designed to absorb impact and protect your Apple Watch from damage, making it perfect for those looking for an all-in-one solution. I liked this band’s edge-to-edge protection, which protects my Apple Watch screen even after multiple drops. While the silicone material of this case band might feel a bit uncomfortable at the start, you will get accustomed to it in no time.
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch.
- Band sizes: 40 to 49 mm
- Price: $70
Check out Casetify Bounce Odessey Band: Casetify
Which is the best Apple Watch band in 2024?
The best Apple Watch band is the one that suits your style and offers a combination of comfort, durability and versatility. However, when combining all these factors and my extensive experience, Apple’s Sport Loop band undoubtedly emerges as the top pick for the best Apple Watch band. I have been using the Apple Sport Loop with my Apple Watch Series 9 for quite some time now and can vouch for its versatility.
Designed with lightweight and breathable material, the Apple Sport Loop is ideal for both casual and fitness activities. The band is soft on the skin, easy to adjust, and perfect for daily. Moreover, Sport Loop comes in multiple color options, so you can have one that goes well with your various outfits. However, if a sports band isn’t something you are looking for, the other bands on the list should serve you well, too.
How to pick the best Apple Watch band
When it comes to choosing the best Apple Watch band, there are a number of factors you need to keep in mind to ensure you get the right fit, comfort, and style that suits your fancy.
- Compatibility: Apple Watch bands come in different sizes, so make sure the band you choose is compatible with your watch model. For example, bands for 38mm and 40mm watches are interchangeable, as are bands for 42mm and 44mm watches. Some bands, like Apple’s sports band, come in wrist sizes such as S/M and M/L, so if you are buying such a band, make sure it is not too big or small as on your wrist.
- Durability: You would be wasting your hard-earned money if you buy an Apple Watch band that cannot withstand the daily wear and tear it is exposed to due to your lifestyle. So, it is important to consider materials that can last long, such as reinforced silicone or leather.
- Style: Considering where and when you plan to wear your Apple Watch is also important while choosing a band. It wouldn’t be wise to wear a leather band during fitness activities or don a sports loop to attend professional meetings.
- Cost: This is another critical factor to consider while choosing an Apple Watch band. Before you start looking for a band, it is important to set your budget beforehand. The cost of an Apple Watch band mainly depends on the material it is made from. However, no matter what, third-party options are always more affordable than Apple’s official watch bands.
How do you know which Apple Watch band fits your watch?
Apple Watch bands come in different sizes to accommodate the varying dimensions of Apple Watch models. You can find bands for 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm cases, so it’s crucial to know your watch’s size before purchasing a band. Apple Watch bands are generally compatible within their size ranges, so, for example, a band made for a 44mm watch will also fit a 45mm case.
Additionally, the material and design of the band can affect its fit. Some bands, like the Solo Loop, come in specific sizes that need to match your wrist circumference, while others, like the Sport Loop, are adjustable for a more flexible fit.
What’s the usual cost of the best Apple Watch bands?
The cost of an Apple Watch band can vary greatly depending on the material, style, and comfort it has to offer. The affordable options usually start at $30, and the premium ones can climb to hundreds of dollars depending on whether they are made from silicone, nylon, leather, or stainless steel.
While official Apple Watch bands are almost always pricy, you can easily find affordable and quality watch bands from third-party brands at a fraction of Apple’s price.
How did we know these are the best Apple Watch bands?
Our selection of the best Apple Watch is based on my and my team’s personal experience, the brand’s reputation, user reviews, and extensive testing I’ve been doing for weeks now. I and the team have personally tested each band on this list for the style, comfort, durability, and functionality it can offer.
Additionally, customer feedback and expert reviews were also taken into account to ensure that each Apple Watch band meets the demands of a broader range of users. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or a business professional often busy in meetings, there is an Apple Watch band on this list for you.
Signing off….
That’s pretty much it. Choosing the right Apple Watch band is another way of expressing your style while ensuring the band feels comfortable and serves its purpose well. So, before making a buying decision, make sure to take all the key factors stated in this post into account and pick the one that suits your lifestyle, giving your Apple Watch a brand-new look.
Got some doubts? Feel free to reach out to us via comments.
Also Read:
- How to clean your Apple Watch band
- How to check if your Apple Watch is original or fake
- Apple Watch Series 10 vs Series 9: Should you upgrade?
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