Apple
Posted on March 5th, 2024 by Kirk McElhearn
One of the cleverest things Apple did when it released the Apple Watch in 2015 was to develop a system that allows users to quickly change watch bands (or straps, in the UK). Changing normal watch bands, using little spring bars, is difficult and delicate, so most people rarely change them unless they’re worn out. With the Apple Watch, you can change your band in seconds, so you can use a different band according to your mood or activity, or to match your outfit. This is especially useful if you want to wear a waterproof band for swimming or working out and a fancier band for when you go out on the town.
To date, Apple has released more than 740 bands in more than a dozen different styles. Here’s a complete guide to all the Apple Watch bands that are currently available.
In this article:
Apple has iterated the size of the Apple Watch over the years. The first models, through the Series 3, came in 38mm and 42mm case sizes. The Series 4, 5, and 6, and the SE, were available in 40mm and 44mm. The Series 7 and 8 were 41mm and 45mm, and the Apple Watch Ultra is 49mm.
Apple says that “You can match most bands with any Apple Watch Series 3 or newer case of the same size.” So a 41mm band works with a 40mm or 42mm watch, and a 45mm band works with 42mm, 44mm, and 49mm models.
If you want all the details about every band that Apple has sold, the free Bandbreite app has a complete database of Apple and Hermès bands.
As of February 2024, Apple sells bands in three materials: rubber, textile, and stainless steel. With the release of the Apple Watch Series 9, in late 2023, they ceased selling leather bands, both their own and those made by Hermès. Previously, Apple didn’t use the terms rubber or textile, and you only see these when ordering a watch and choosing a band. On the Apple Watch bands page, there is no longer a menu to choose by material.
Apple has also introduced carbon neutral bands. These include some models of the Sport Loop, Alpine Loop, and Trail Loop.
The Sport Band could be considered the default Apple Watch band. It was one of the first bands Apple released, and has been iterated in nearly 130 different colors over the years, more than any other band. Made from comfortable fluoroelastomer, it doesn’t stick to your skin when you sweat, and is robust. It’s ideal for working out, swimming, and dancing. At $49, it’s tempting to get several, such as a bright color for when you want to express yourself, and a more sedate band for when you dress up. Like most Apple Watch bands, the range of colors changes over time, with new collections in the spring and fall of each year.
The Sport Band comes in two sizes for each watch size (41mm and 45mm), S/M and M/L.
Apple released its Solo Loop bands in fall 2020, in two versions: the “liquid silicone rubber” $49 Solo Loop, and the $99 Braided Solo Loop, made from “stretchable recycled yarn interwoven with silicone threads.” As a single piece of material without a clasp, you have to get these bands in the correct size for your wrist. If you get a Solo Loop that’s too tight, it can feel like wearing a rubber band, and if it’s too loose, your watch will flop around on your wrist.
Apple says that these bands may stretch as you put them on and take them off. In my experience, wearing a Braided Solo Loop for a few months stretched it to the point where I could no longer wear it, whereas the standard Solo Loop barely stretches.
The 41mm models come in sizes 1 to 9, and the 45mm models in sizes 1 to 12. You can download a printable sizing tool from Apple’s website, or you can get your wrist measured in an Apple Store.
The $49 Sport Loop is a lightweight, nylon band with a hook and loop fastener. It is infinitely adjustable, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It absorbs water, so may not be ideal for swimming, and needs a good rinse after workouts. This is the lightest Apple Watch band available, and it is soft and comfortable.
The 41mm models are for 130mm – 200 mm wrists, and the 45mm models are for 145mm – 220mm wrists.
Apple has sold Nike Sport Bands since 2016, and Nike Sport Loops since 2018. The Nike Sport Band is the same as the standard Sport Band, but has perforations; the Nike Sport Loop just has Nike branding. Apple has added recycled material to these bands, as of September 2023, so each band is unique.
Both cost $49 and fit the same Apple Watch models and wrists as the plain Apple versions. For several years, Apple sold a Nike branded watch, with special faces and bands, but now sells the bands separately and the faces are available for all models.
In removing leather bands from its product line, Apple developed a new textile material they call FineWoven. This is available on two bands, which were previously sold in leather versions.
The $99 Magnetic Link is a two-piece magnetic band that snaps shut when you put the watch on. It is adjustable and comfortable, though it’s a bit heavy. It is available for 41mm watches and 45mm watches, in S/M and M/L sizes.
The $149 Modern Buckle is the FineWoven version one of the original Apple Watch bands. It only fits the smaller watch models (38mm, 40mm, and 41mm), and comes in three sizes (135 – 150mm wrists, 145mm – 165mm, and 160mm – 180mm). It is slightly adjustable, with a pin and five holes under the buckle, but you should probably check it out in an Apple Store before buying to get the right size.
Another of the original bands is the $99 Milanese Loop. This braided mesh band uses a magnetic clasp, and is easy to adjust to any size wrist. (With limits, of course: the 41mm model fits 13mm – 180mm wrists, and the 45mm model fits 150mm – 200 mm). In gold, silver, and graphite, these bands are subtle and classy. The braided mesh makes this band extremely flexible and comfortable, and the magnetic fastener makes it easily adjustable.
The Link Bracelet is the biggest, heaviest band that Apple makes. In two colors, Silver ($349) and Space Black ($449), this is also the most expensive. These are finely machined bands, but the price is prohibitive. Available for 38mm watches (135mm – 195mm wrists) and 42mm (150mm – 200mm), you can also buy a $49 set of five additional links for even larger wrists. Apple has invented a clever way to adjust these bands by easily removing or adding links, so you can get the perfect fit.
With the release of the Apple Watch Ultra, in fall 2022, Apple started selling three new types of bands designed for these models. Even though the Apple Watch Ultra has a 49mm case, these bands are compatible with 44mm and 45mm watches.
The $99 Alpine Loop is a slightly stretchy band with a titanium hook that you insert into loops to close it. It’s a very light band, and looks a bit like “gear.” Available in small (130m – 160mm), medium (145mm – 190mm), and large (165mm – 210mm), there is some leeway, with the loops on the outside of the band, but it’s best to make sure which size fits you.
The $99 Trail Loop is similar to the Sport Loop, but has titanium lugs, a tab to make it easier to adjust, and is about 1mm wider. The materials are slightly better, but, other than having lugs to match an Apple Watch Ultra, there’s not much advantage to this band over its cheaper sibling. It comes in two sizes, S/M (130mm – 180mm) and M/L (145mm – 200mm).
The $99 Ocean band is made with a tubular elastomer, it can fit even over a wetsuit (and you can get a $49 extension if you need more length). It’s a bit bulkier than the sport band, but feels the same, and is great for water sports or other activities.
Apple also sells bands made by the French company Hermès in several knit, woven, and rubber models, with stainless steel lugs and buckles. These are classy bands, but you pay a luxury price: all current models cost $349. Many of these bands are only available to fit the smaller (38mm, 49mm, or 41mm) or larger (42mm, 44mm, or 45mm) Apple Watch models, so you might not get the color you want in your size. While Apple no longer sells Hermès leather bands, the company still makes a wide range of bands, available from them.
Apple also sells Hermès Apple Watch models, which are standard Apple Watches with a Hermès band, which also give you access to exclusive Hermès watch faces. When you buy an Hermès watch, you get two bands: the Hermès band you choose, plus a Hermès-branded sport band, in black or Hermès orange, which are not sold separately.
This article has focused on Apple Watch bands that Apple itself sells in its stores. As you might imagine, lots of third-party sellers offer compatible bands, commonly available via online retail stores such as Amazon. The quality of these third-party bands is often (though not always) inferior to the genuine Apple bands. But if Apple doesn’t sell the exact design you want, or if you want extra options for accessorizing — or if you want to save a bit of money in exchange for a potentially lower-quality product — then a band from a third-party manufacturer might also be worth considering.
You have lots of options for Apple Watch bands. Some are sporty, some are classy, and since they’re so easy to change, you may end up buying several to wear on different occasions. It’s a great way to personalize your Apple Watch.
And if you need help picking your next Apple Watch model, we’ve got an article that can help you with that, too: Which Apple Watch is right for you?
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The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for the outdoors, featuring a rugged, durable design, multi-day battery life, and an ultra-bright screen. It's one of the best Apple Watches but only delivers on that utility if it's sporting a suitable band. Though new purchases come with one of Apple's options, you can easily swap for something else.
Our favorites include the Nomad Rugged Band. This strap is made of durable rubber, uses stainless steel buckles, and has a breathable, lightweight design. We also like the Apple Trail Loop. This classic Ultra band is made of soft nylon that's breathable and comfortable, especially while active.
Below are 12 of the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands from brands like Nomad, Zagg, and Apple. There's a variety of leather, titanium, nylon, and durable rubber to choose from, and they can fit anyone's style. For picks suited to the Series 9 or SE, see our guide to the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands.
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The most important thing to keep in mind while shopping is how you intend to use your Apple Watch Ultra 2. For example, if you plan on using it for outdoor activities only, you probably shouldn't invest in a leather band as your daily go-to. Instead, something made of woven nylon or rubber would be best.
However, leather is a solid choice for users who want something they can swap to while in the office or out to dinner. The same goes for metal bands.
You'll also want to ensure that if you're buying a third-party band, it comes from a reputable company. Brands like Nomad or Otterbox are well-known and respected, so it's more likely that whatever you buy from them will be of higher quality.
This depends on your own personal preference and use case. There are several quality Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands made of various materials that are perfect for a range of users. Athletes may want something made of rubber or nylon, while those who want to add more style to the wearable can opt for leather or metal.
Yes, so long as it's the right size. Make sure to double-check the sizing of any band you buy for the Ultra 2, and that it can fit with the watch's 49mm case. Many of the best Apple Watch bands vary in size and are intended more for the Series 9 or SE.
Do keep in mind that any band compatible with the original Apple Watch Ultra will also work with the Ultra 2. This means that any of the best Apple Watch Ultra bands can also be considered Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands.
This depends on the third party. Apple's in-house options are known for their durability and are among the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands you can buy, but there are still several third-party brands that are trusted.
An easy way to decipher which third-party brand is reliable to buy from is whether you recognize the brand name or not. Of course, even known third-party brands may offer the occasional sub-par product, but a good rule of thumb while shopping is to buy from trusted companies.
They can be, yes. Many Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands are designed to hold up to extreme wear and tear and are sometimes more durable in construction than those intended for the Apple Watch Series 9. This isn't always the case, though, since plenty of Series 9 bands are also highly durable.
Yes and no. Some bands that are sized for the smaller case size of the Apple Watch Series 9 will not work for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Similarly, bands sized for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will likely be too big for some Series line models. It's important to check the sizing of both the watch band you're purchasing and your Apple Watch to confirm the correct fit.
Rick Stella is the fitness tech editor for the Insider Reviews team. He reviews and reports on all forms of wearables like activity trackers and smartwatches, as well as a variety of other fitness-related wearables. Rick has over ten years of experience covering the verticals of health & fitness, outdoors, and consumer technology.
When he's not putting digital pen to digital paper, Rick enjoys seeing live music, playing soccer, catching up on Netflix shows, and riding his bike. An Oregonian for much of his life, Rick now resides in Brooklyn, NY.
He can be reached at rstella@businessinsider.com or on Twitter @RickStella.
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