CNN —
The Apple Watch isn’t just great for tracking workouts and taking calls — it can also act as a fashion accessory. Luckily, there are thousands of bands to choose from when personalizing your smartwatch.
To help you navigate these choices, from prominent brands like Apple, Casetify and Nomad to luxury name brand designers, we’ve rounded up our top picks.
Best Apple Watch bands
Apple Sport Loop ($49; amazon.com)
Apple Sport Loop
Made of a lightweight and durable nylon fabric, the Sport Loop slides easily onto your wrist and features a hook-and-loop fastener. It’s available in a whole host of colors so you can pick your favorite color combo.
Pela Vine Watch Band ($44.95; pelacase.com)
Pela Vine Watch Band
We checked out Pela’s watch bands in summer 2020 and were stoked about the sustainability and functionality the bands offer. The color options are muted cool tones, so they’ll add some color but nothing overpowering. Plus, the bands help to protect the earth since they’re made of Pela’s signature compostable Flaxstick.
Modal Silicone Watch Band, 3-Pack ($19.99; bestbuy.com)
Modal Silicone Watch Band
If you can’t decide what color band you want to get, this lower-priced three-pack of watch bands gives you white, red and gray options. The silicone bands are soft to the touch and durable. They’re great for everyday wear and also for your workouts.
Casetify Genuine Leather Watch Band ($65; casetify.com)
Casetify Genuine Leather Watch Band
A more affordable leather option, Casetify’s genuine leather watch bands are available in a wide range of colors and can even be customized. Certain colors are made with Italian leather, while others are made with German leather.
Case-Mate Rose Gold Linked Band ($40; case-mate.com)
Case-Mate Rose Gold Linked Band
A stainless steel band option, this pick from Case-Mate pairs nicely with your rose gold Apple Watch. It includes two additional links to extend the watch sizes, though Case-Mate recommends taking the band to a jeweler to add or remove links. It will fit wrists from 160 millimeters to 216 mm.
Casetify Stainless Steel Watchband ($95; casetify.com)
Casetify Stainless Steel Watchband
Choose from five different metal finishes with this pick from Casetify, though we’re personally fans of the blue. It’s water- and sweat-resistant and comes with a metal link remover so you can easily adjust the size of the band.
Apple Watch Band Milanese Loop (starting at $98.18; amazon.com)
Apple Watch Band Milanese Loop
The silver Apple Milanese Loop gives you the sleek aesthetic of a loop band that uses a magnet closure to fasten to your wrist. The mesh look is classy and chic. It’s also available in gold and graphite.
Posh Tech Rose Gold Apple Watch Band ($28.97, originally $49.97; nordstromrack.com)
Posh Tech Rose Gold Apple Watch Band
This metal band pairs a high-quality build with a chic pop of color — not to mention it’s on sale at a price that undercuts other stainless steel bands. And, the magnetic closure makes it effortless to open or close.
Platinum Magnetic Stainless Steel Mesh Band ($39.99; bestbuy.com)
Platinum Magnetic Stainless Steel Mesh Band
A durable, sophisticated option, this magnetic mesh stainless band is a simple way to class up your watch and comes in a variety of colors — black, blue, gold, red and silver.
Raptic Hybrid Mesh Watch Band ($39.99; bestbuy.com)
Raptic Hybrid Mesh Watch Band
We love this band’s durable pairing of stainless steel and leather. And, in addition to its modern style, it also comes in white and silver, rose gold and black and features an adjustable magnetic closure.
Platinum Stainless Steel Link Watch Strap ($39.99; bestbuy.com)
Platinum Stainless Steel Link Watch Strap
This classic Platinum brand stainless steel link strap will give your Apple Watch a more traditional feel. It’s also significantly less expensive than Apple’s own metal link option and includes a similar tool to help customize the length of the band.
Best Apple Watch bands for working out
Apple Sport Band ($49; amazon.com)
Apple Sport Band
Apple’s original sport band was designed with workouts in mind and is made of a high-performance fluoroelastomer. The band feels soft and smooth on the skin, so you’ll be comfortable throughout your sweat session. It also comes in a wide variety of colors so you can coordinate it with your personal style.
Casetify Custom Clear TPU Watch Band ($40; casetify.com)
Casetify Custom Clear TPU Watch Band
This budget-friendly pick from Casetify offers the brand’s regular (and super-cool) customization options. Choose from four different color options and add your name or initials for a personal touch. The material is also made with recycled PC plastic and printed with eco-friendly ink, so the plastic band is also sustainably made.
LifeProof Eco-Friendly Band for Apple Watch ($31.99, originally $39.99; lifeproof.com)
LifeProof Eco-Friendly Band for Apple Watch
We’re stoked to see LifeProof add an eco-friendly watch band to its product lineup. It’s made of 99% ocean-plastic yarn. It’ll fit onto your wrist with a buckle closure and comes in seven different colors. The design features a wave pattern reminiscent of ocean waves that’s simple but fun.
Nomad Sport Band ($59.95; nomadgoods.com)
Nomad Sport Band
This sleek band comes in five different colors, including new options like a hunter green, cool blue and beige tones. It’s great for both intense workouts and everyday wear. It’s 100% waterproof and offers interior ventilation channels for extra breathability.
Case-Mate Pelican Protector Band ($40; case-mate.com)
Case-Mate Pelican Protector Band
Simple but stylish, this watch band was designed with durability in mind, so it’s perfect for any and all adventures. It’s made of a durable elastic and secures to your wrist with a G-hook fastener.
OtterBox Apple Watch Band ($23.96; otterbox.com)
OtterBox Apple Watch Band
This band is made of a soft and durable silicone material for all-day comfort. It’s sweatproof to get you through workouts and comes in seven different colors ranging from a classic and sleek black to a bright and fun orange and blue.
Next Sport Band ($14.99; bestbuy.com)
A cute, light pink band, this silicone option is moisture-resistant and perfect for active workouts. It’s also a cheaper option than Apple’s own Sport Bands with a similar construction.
Laut Active 2.0 Watch Band ($29.99; bestbuy.com)
Laut Active 2.0 Watch Band
Swathed in textured rubber and available in black, indigo blue, mint green and coral pink, the Active 2.0 band can easily go from day to night. But what makes it unique is the smooth, inner layer which sits comfortably around your wrist.
Best leather Apple Watch bands
Apple Leather Link ($99; amazon.com)
Apple Leather Link
Handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy, this is Apple’s latest update to its leather band. The loop design creates a super-sleek aesthetic while being high-quality, soft and comfortable. Choose from nine different leather tones for a polished look.
Case-Mate Signature Leather Band ($40; case-mate.com)
Case-Mate Signature Leather Band
A more affordable leather option, this pick is made from genuine, handcrafted leather and comes in a deep brown finish. The tonal stitching along the side pairs nicely and creates a super-sleek look.
Tory Burch Luggage Leather Band ($115; nordstrom.com)
Tory Burch Luggage Leather Band
Soft brown leather is paired with gold Tory Burch signature icons in this chic and classic band. It’s compatible for 38mm and 40mm watches and in the lower end of the price range for designer watch bands.
Casetify Saffiano Leather Initial Apple Watch Band ($52; casetify.com)
Casetify Saffiano Leather Initial Apple Watch Band
This is a customizable leather option with a lot of different color options. You choose your hardware, base and accent colors, then you can add your initials for a completely personalized band.
Nomad Modern Slim Band ($69.95; nomadgoods.com)
Nomad Modern Slim Band
We’ve been wearing this band for a few months now and are big fans. It’s a classic look and makes your watch feel even more luxe. The best part of Nomad’s Modern Slim Band is that you can coordinate the hardware of your watch strap to your Apple Watch for a clean look.
Nomad Traditional Band ($99.95; nomadgoods.com)
Nomad Traditional Band
The traditional design of this band is what we think of when we think of standard watch bands. It’s the high-quality Horween leather Nomad uses for their products, and we love the contrast of a classic-style band with your high-tech smartwatch.
The Posh Tech Leather Apple Watch Band ($25; nordstrom.com)
The Posh Tech Leather Apple Watch Band
This classy, budget-friendly option with an easy-to-use buckle is coated with brown leather, yet keeps things comfy with an inner layer of dust- and water-repellent silicone.
Tory Burch The Studs Leather Apple Watch Strap ($95; nordstrom.com)
Tory Burch The Studs Leather Apple Watch Strap
This simple yet stunning Tory Burch leather band comes in classic black with a modest branded logo. The textured, Saffiano leather is scratch-resistant, which should keep your band looking new even after months of wear.
Kate Spade Leather Apple Watch Double-Wrap Band ($118; nordstrom.com)
Kate Spade Leather Apple Watch Double-Wrap Band
This stylish pick from Kate Spade wraps around your wrist twice with a slim leather strap. It features small gold spade studs along the black leather band, which measures 5/8 inches in width, adding a little chic to your tech.
Best luxury Apple Watch bands
Nomad Titanium Watch Band ($349.95; nomadgoods.com)
Nomad Titanium Watch Band
Built from Grade 2 Titanium, this band from Nomad is ultra lightweight and designed for everyday wear. It also features a carbon coating to keep the band from getting scratched.
Tory Burch Bands for Apple Watch Gift Set ($122.50, originally $175; nordstrom.com)
Tory Burch Bands for Apple Watch Gift Set
You’re getting two style options with this leather pick from Tory Burch. One side features a floral pattern, while the other is a solid green tone. Both sides feature the brand’s logo. This band is compatible with 38mm and 40mm Apple Watches.
Nomad Shell Cordovan Band ($149.95; nomadgoods.com)
Nomad Shell Cordovan Band
The finish of this leather band is hand-glazed, giving the band a rich and glossy look. It’s certainly a step up from Nomad’s standard Horween leather straps. The band is designed to patina over time, so as you wear the band it’ll stay in shape and be totally unique.
Lagos Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Band ($650; nordstrom.com)
Lagos Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Band
The jewelry brand Lagos has created its take on a watch band for Apple with this pick that features its signature Caviar beading along the side. It fits the 42mm and 44mm watch sizes, and the band itself is 7.25 inches long.
Apple Watch Hermès Swift Leather Single Tour Band ($339; apple.com)
Apple Watch Hermès Swift Leather Single Tour Band
Apple has paired up with Hermès to create stunning watch bands that are the ultimate luxe pick. This band is made of Barenia leather, and we like the bright orange choice for a burst of color.
Shinola Leather Apple Watch Band ($150; nordstrom.com)
Shinola Leather Apple Watch Band
Choose from a navy, orange, crimson red, blush pink or classic brown leather with this luxe pick. The band is cut and sewn by hand and features a stainless steel buckle closure. We like the bevy of colors to pick from paired with high-quality craftsmanship.
Michele Silicone Wrapped Apple Watch Bracelet Band ($295; nordstrom.com)
Michele Silicone Wrapped Apple Watch Bracelet Band
You know Michele for their luxury watches and now you can add these same sleek designs to your Apple Watch. This band is wrapped in durable silicone with polished stainless steel edges and closes with a butterfly clasp.
