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 to match my outfit. 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 and 42/44mm.
For Apple fanatics
Apple Milanese Loop
Staff Pick
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. The magnetic loop closure means the band will fit just about any wrist comfortably; you won't be stuck between sizes or 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. It comes in a few colors.
Great value
Heyday Apple Watch Band
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.
Well-price leather
WFEAGL Apple Watch Band
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.
Elegant metal band
LDFAS Apple Watch Band
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. Choose from several colors and both Apple Watch sizes. The LDFAS band has a lifetime warranty.
Jewelry style
Marge Plus Apple Watch Band
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 that 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.
Two-toned
Wearlizer Apple Watch Band
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.
Fashion-forward
OULUCCI Apple Watch Band
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.
Slim silicone
Swees Sport Band
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
Nomad Modern Strap
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.
Statement cuff
Pad & Quill Lowry Cuff
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.
Tapered leather
Burkley Slim Leather Band
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.
Rugged case band
Catalyst Waterproof Case
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.
Which band is best?
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 the Milanese Loop isn't in the budget, get the Apple Milanese look for less.
Anytime someone asks me for general band recommendations, I always point them to Clockwork Synergy. In addition to the NATO-style band showcased here, the brand carries several different leather, fabric, and silicone styles to suit every taste. The quality is excellent, and the prices are so reasonable.
If you're looking for more options, such as leather bands, 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!
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