The Best Bands For Apple Watches
Apple Watches are advanced pieces of tech, but they need some ancient tech to work as intended: a watch strap. Fortunately, there are tons of different options, from leather bands to silicone straps for athletes. The caveat, of course, is that it's a major undertaking to compare all the different designs. That's why we wanted to soften the search by assembling this list of the best of the best.
What to Look For
Apple Watch bands might not seem like the most complicated product, but there’s a surprisingly wide variety in the designs and quality of the different options. Thus, we came up with four main questions to guide our search for the best: Is it durable and well-made? Is it stylish? Can it be adjusted to a secure-yet-comfortable size? Is the price fair for the quality? With these in mind, we decided that Recoppa’s line of sport bands are the best overall. They have a silicone construction that feels smooth against the skin, and they’re available in a range of beautiful color options. But if you can’t decide on one color, we recommend checking out AMSKY’s six-pack, which offers multiple colors to swap between throughout the week. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive in.
Recoppa Sport Band Compatible with Apple Watch Bands
The perfect fit
These bands from Recoppa offer everything we look for and more. They’re soft yet strong, stylish yet subtle, and inexpensive yet high-quality. And considering the dozens of color options, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that complements your personal aesthetic. We also love the classic buckle, which offers greater security than snap closures. Most importantly, they handle water, sweat, sun, and abrasion without a problem. For an Apple Watch band that will last, we recommend going with Recoppa.
Pros:
- Fine adjustments
- Waterproof and durable
- High value for a low price
- Tons of different sizes and color options
Cons:
- At first, it might feel a little stiff, though it may soften up over time
AMSKY Sport Bands Compatible with Apple Watch, 6 Pack
A shade for every mood
For the fashion-conscious, a single Apple Watch band will probably eventually clash with one of your outfits. But with AMSKY’s six-pack, you can mix and match your outfits’ accessories to ensure that you keep your style on point. This option also offers one of the best prices per band, so it’s a great choice for those on a budget. And even if you don’t want to swap out your watch band, this is still an excellent option for suiting up the entire family with quality bands.
Pros:
- The silicone is easy on the skin
- The snap closure stays secure and is easy to remove
- The sweatproof, waterproof design holds up during workouts
- Plenty of options compatible with almost all Apple Watch models
Cons:
- Those with extra large wrists should take a good look at the size since it may fall a bit short
Proworthy Lace Braided Solo Loop For Apple Watch
Ladies first
Although we awarded Proworthy’s Apple Watch band the best for women, it’s available in many gender-neutral designs. Still, it’s undeniably elegant, thanks to the braided-lace construction and lightweight feel. And though it may look sophisticated, it’s still compatible with athletic lifestyles. Stretchy and breathable, this beautiful band lets you sweat all you want.
Pros:
- No clasps or buckles
- Options for almost every Apple Watch series
- With no abrasive or metal parts, it’s gentle on sensitive skin
- Stretchy and accommodating
Cons:
- The tautness may break down a bit over time, so you have to measure your wrist size carefully
OUHENG Genuine Leather Bands Replacement Strap for iWatch
The real feel
This genuine leather band from OUHENG is proof that the classics never die. With a timeless style and high-quality stitching, it looks good in formal settings and holds its strength during exercise. We also appreciate the finely spaced notches, which ensure a snug fit for wrists of many different sizes. The installation is also easy, as it has a precise sliding mount that simply slides into the sides of an Apple Watch.
Pros:
- Durable
- Surprisingly affordable
- Softens slightly over time
- Quality stitching holds it together
Cons:
- It’s genuine leather, so you may have to maintain it with leather cream and avoid letting it get soaked
TreasureMax Sport Band Compatible with Apple Watch
Comfy connections
We weren’t sure whether to award this one “the most comfortable” or “the best on a budget” since it falls within both categories. Indeed, TreasureMax’s sport band offers a soft silicone construction that’s forgiving on sensitive skin. Better yet, it uses a metal snap closure that doesn’t touch your wrist. When closed, it stays secure, yet you can still pop it off with ease when the need arises. Affordable and comfortable, this is an Apple Watch band worth checking out.
Pros:
- Bargain price
- Plenty of color options
- The excess strap length wraps closely to the band
- Softer and more flexible than most silicone bands
- A great choice for those allergic to metal since no metal parts touch the skin
Cons:
- The notches aren’t spaced very closely, so you can’t finely tune the fit
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any watch strap fit any model of Apple Watch?
Several Apple Watch models have different dimensions, so you should make sure to check the product listing to confirm that your watch will fit your watch strap of choice. Traditional watch bands won’t likely fit an Apple Watch since they often don’t have the correct dimensions. Apple Watches connect to watch straps using a sliding end.
How do you measure your wrist size?
Some people mistakenly believe that they should order a watch band based on the length of the band from one end of the watch head to the other, but this isn’t how most watch bands are measured. Instead, your wrist size is determined by the minimum circumference around your wrist. You can measure it with a soft measuring tape. If you don’t have one, you can wrap a piece of string around your wrist, pinch the part that meets the end, and then measure it using a ruler.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.