The 9 Best Apple Watch Bands of 2022
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Made for durability Available in a range of sizes and colors What We Don't Like Tire tread design might be too rugged for some
Rubber might not be the go-to Apple Watch third-party replacement band for many, but for outdoorsy types, the Carterjett Apple Watch tire tread rubber band is a must-own. Available in eight different colors and both 38mm and 42mm sizes, these lightweight bands feel tough enough to endure nearly any type of activity. Carterjett highlights that the tire tread rubber band is also waterproof and hypoallergenic to prevent reported issues that have plagued competitive models. A classic buckle and multiple holes allow you to customize the fit of the band to based on the size of your wrist while its silicone construction makes it feel both flexible and high-quality. The 12 Best Apple Watch Apps of 2022
An Apple Watch band made out of wood might raise plenty of eyebrows, but the LDFAS natural wood band makes an excellent first impression. The combination of a natural black sandalwood and stainless-steel metal band is an eye-catching arrangement boosted by an equally eye-catching price tag. The butterfly folding clasp keeps the watch firmly in place on your wrist and prevents loosening during everyday wear. As with most wooden products, the LDFAS band isn't waterproof, so active individuals might consider a silicone-based band more practical for sports. Beyond activities, the natural sandalwood becomes more attractive over time as wear and tear bring out rich color tones. Installation guidelines are included right in the box, as is the necessary hardware to remove individual links.
The 9 Best Apple Watch Bands of 2022
Wear your watch in style
By Emmeline Kaser Emmeline Kaser Writer Sarah Lawrence College University of Michigan Emmeline Kaser is a tech writer and former editor for Lifewire. She writes and edits commerce content about consumer technology for Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 30, 2020 We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Wearables Audio Camera & Video Car Audio & Accessories Computer & Laptops Computer Components Gaming Gifts Networking Phones & Accessories Smart Home Software Tablets Toys & Games TVs Wearables Like other wearables, the Apple Watch is a useful piece of technology that’s also an accessory you wear every day. That makes the band a pretty important feature. If your Apple Watch band is uncomfortable, wears out quickly, or simply doesn’t fit your personal aesthetic, it can be a constant annoyance. And it’s just more enjoyable to wear something you like and enjoy looking at a million times a day. Fortunately, there is a whole world of Apple Watch bands out there, meaning you’re sure to find something that fits both your needs and your style. The primary consideration when shopping for an Apple Watch band is compatibility. Know the model of your watch and the size of the screen and make sure the bands you’re looking at will fit the hardware on your watch. Consider factors like material and comfort because you’ll be wearing it against your skin all day. Also, think about durability: there are plenty of super cheap bands out there, but many of them won’t last. And, of course, consider how it looks. From timeless designs to fun colors and prints, a watch band is a great way to reflect a little of your personal style. The Rundown Best Overall: Apple Sport Band at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: iGK Sport Band at Amazon Jump to Review Best Silicone: Carterjett Tire Tread Rubber Apple Watch Band at Amazon Jump to Review Best Minimalist: Apple Milanese Loop at Amazon Jump to Review Best Case: Spigen Rugged Armor Pro at Amazon Jump to Review Best Classic: Nomad Traditional Strap at Amazon Jump to Review Best Luxury: Hermès Noir Swift Leather Double Tour at Apple Jump to Review Best Wood: LDFAS Natural Wood Apple Watch Band at Amazon Jump to Review Best Stainless Steel: Speidel Twist-O-Flex Brushed Band at Amazon Jump to ReviewBest Overall: Apple Sport Band for Apple Watch
View On Amazon View On Apple What We Like Comfortable Clean design in many colors Fits all versions of Apple Watch What We Don't Like Somewhat expensive Apple’s classic Sport Band is probably the most iconic Apple Watch band out there. With an ultra-sleek design made from a soft plastic called fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is ready to go wherever you go and compliment any outfit. It fits close to the wrist so you know your Watch is comfortable and secure whether you’re tracking your workouts or tracking your sleep. It’s compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch. The Sport Band comes in an irresistible array of tasteful and unusual colors. You can get classic black or white, or branch out to Cactus (a muted blue-green), Vitamin C (bright orange), Lemon Cream (pale yellow), and many more color options. Like most Apple products, the Sport Band is on the pricier side. Fortunately, it’s one of the cheaper Apple brand bands, and we think the balance of quality and price still earns it the top spot.Best Budget: iGK Sport Band
Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Affordable rubber sport band Wide range of color options Great budget alternative to official Apple Sport Band What We Don't Like Rubber band sometimes causes sweat underneath when working out Priced at less than ten dollars, this third-party Apple Watch band fits the Series 1-5 and is quite the bargain. It is made with high-quality silicone and fastened with hypoallergenic stainless steel pins, lending itself to a clean and secure fit. The material is also highly durable, resistant to sweat — though it does tend to get your wrist sweaty underneath when working out — and water. It's also impervious to chafing. The iGK Sport Band offers ten stylish colors and comes in four different sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large wristbands for both the 38/40mm and 42/44mm Apple Watches. For active users, the iGK is practically weightless, making it the perfect accessory for your busy life.Best Silicone: Carterjett Tire Tread Rubber Apple Watch Band
Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Sturdy, lightweight rubberMade for durability Available in a range of sizes and colors What We Don't Like Tire tread design might be too rugged for some
Rubber might not be the go-to Apple Watch third-party replacement band for many, but for outdoorsy types, the Carterjett Apple Watch tire tread rubber band is a must-own. Available in eight different colors and both 38mm and 42mm sizes, these lightweight bands feel tough enough to endure nearly any type of activity. Carterjett highlights that the tire tread rubber band is also waterproof and hypoallergenic to prevent reported issues that have plagued competitive models. A classic buckle and multiple holes allow you to customize the fit of the band to based on the size of your wrist while its silicone construction makes it feel both flexible and high-quality. The 12 Best Apple Watch Apps of 2022
Best Minimalist: Apple Milanese Loop for Apple Watch
Amazon View On Amazon View On Apple What We Like Sleek aesthetic Band fits all wrist sizes What We Don't Like Expensive This Milanese Loop from Apple is both understated and eye-catching, perfect for those with minimalist tastes. Made from a single strip of Italian-made stainless steel mesh, this band looks delicate but has a durable build. It doesn’t even have a buckle — the entire band is magnetic and, when doubled-back, simply sticks to itself. This allows it to effortlessly adjust to any size wrist for the perfect fit. Like most other Apple brand bands, the Milanese Loop is compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch. It’s certainly on the expensive side, but for those who want something sleek and high-quality, this one’s going to be hard to beat on both aesthetics and functionality. The Milanese loop is available in silver, gold, and black finishes.Best Case: Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Apple Watch Band with Case
Spigen View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Spigen.com What We Like Provides extra scratch protection Compatible with wireless charging What We Don't Like Does not cover the screen Bulky The vast majority of Apple Watch bands are just that: bands. They don’t offer any protection for the expensive device on your wrist. If you wear your Apple Watch everywhere, a case can ward off scratches and other day-to-day damage. The Spigen Rugged Armor band includes a color-coordinated case that wraps around all four sides of your Apple Watch. Its raised bezel protects the screen from scratches if you happen to set it facedown on a surface, and the all-around design provides some shock protection if you drop or knock it against something. It doesn’t cover the screen, so you’ll need to invest in a separate screen protector if you’re concerned about full 360-degree protection. The one downside, as with most protective cases, is that the Rugged Armor Pro has a pretty bulky silhouette and the ultra-sleek aesthetic of the Apple Watch gets buried. But if protection is your main concern, the functionality will probably outweigh the aesthetics. The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro is offered in black, gray, and dark green. As of the time of this writing, it is only available for Apple Watch Series 4 and 5.Best Classic: Nomad Traditional Strap
Amazon View On Amazon View On Nomadgoods.com What We Like Timeless look Sturdy build Wears in like a traditional watch band What We Don't Like Expensive Leather is stiff at first With its futuristic aesthetic and plethora of high-tech features, the Apple Watch can make some nostalgic for the timeless style of a traditional wristwatch. The Nomad Traditional Strap bridges the gap to blend old-school cool with new school tech. Made from premium Horween leather (one of the oldest tanneries in the United States), this band radiates timeless style and complements any outfit. And, like traditional leather watch bands, it starts out a bit stiff but breaks in beautifully the more you wear it. The Nomad Traditional model comes in both black and brown leather with either black or silver hardware to match your Apple Watch. The result is a seamless combination of classic and contemporary. This is one of the more expensive bands on our list, but if you want something with longevity, you may just find it’s worth the investment.Best Luxury: Hermès Noir Swift Leather Double Tour
View On Apple What We Like Premium leather Iconic brand Stylish Double Tour design What We Don't Like Very expensive Only fits 40mm cases If money is no object, then there are some very high-end bands out there that can turn your Apple Watch into a true luxury accessory. One of them is the Hermès Double Tour band. These leather bands are handmade in France and feature an eye-catching Double Tour design, meaning they wrap twice around the wrist for a kind of bracelet effect. This collaboration between Apple and the iconic French brand cuts no corners, and it’s reflected in both the quality and price. At the time of this writing, these bands work with 40mm Apple Watches and come in one size that fits 130-155mm wrists (5.1-6.1 inches). It’s available in five colors, including solid black and brown and three prints. These three bands feature a combination of solid and printed leather in red, navy blue, or gray.Best Wood: LDFAS Natural Wood Apple Watch Band
Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Unique design, made from stainless-steel and black sandalwood Adjustable size Available in several eye-catching styles What We Don't Like Not designed for frequent use in waterAn Apple Watch band made out of wood might raise plenty of eyebrows, but the LDFAS natural wood band makes an excellent first impression. The combination of a natural black sandalwood and stainless-steel metal band is an eye-catching arrangement boosted by an equally eye-catching price tag. The butterfly folding clasp keeps the watch firmly in place on your wrist and prevents loosening during everyday wear. As with most wooden products, the LDFAS band isn't waterproof, so active individuals might consider a silicone-based band more practical for sports. Beyond activities, the natural sandalwood becomes more attractive over time as wear and tear bring out rich color tones. Installation guidelines are included right in the box, as is the necessary hardware to remove individual links.