You’ve already splurged on the world’s most popular smartwatch, and now comes the fun part: choosing a band. Options have come a long way since Apple launched its first-gen model back in 2015, now with everything from sporty nylon straps to extravagant leather ones from luxury brands like Hermès on offer.
With myriad choices on the market, it can be tough to make a decision—but the good news is that price points are as varied as styles, so you can always pick more than one and switch off. Read on for our recommendations for some of the best Apple Watch bands out there.
The Best Apple Watch Bands
What to Consider
No doubt you’re already clued into the fact that the watch band you’re buying needs to fit the Apple Watch you have. The majority of options we cover below fit the Series 8 and earlier generations of the watch. You’ll also want to note the band’s width (expressed in millimeters), which ranges for each series—plus some bands come in multiple lengths.
With those essentials out of the way, choosing the right band is largely based on aesthetics. If you’re looking for a sports band, there are synthetic rubber, silicone, and nylon bands to choose from. If style alone is a top consideration, choices are practically endless, from elegant top-grain leather to glitter-encrusted blingy bracelets to classic bands with stainless steel links.
How We Evaluated
All of the Apple Watch bands we feature have average ratings of 4.5 stars or more. Our selection includes options in a range of styles and materials as mentioned above, plus we offer options across multiple price points, from downright steals for less than $20 to higher-end bands that cost upwards of $100. Keep in mind that while some images show an entire watch, prices reflect watch bands only.
Looking for more Apple goodies? Check out our picks for the best Apple Watch charging stations, iPhone accessories, and iPad Air cases.