There's no better way to customise your new Apple Watch than with a new strap or band.
If you're looking for leather, stainless steel, Milanese loop bands or something sweat-proof for the gym, there are plenty of high quality, cost effective options out there for men and women.
While the official Apple options are expensive, there are thousands of third-party options to suit any budget and wrist size.
Since the original Apple Watch the clasp and mechanism for adding and replacing straps has remained the same.
The only thing to bear in mind is that Apple changed the size of the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 to be 40/44mm, compared to 38/42mm on the Series 1 to Series 3; and the larger sizes remain for the new Series 6 models.
We've picked our top choices for men and women below.
- Wareable verdict: Apple Watch Series 6 review | Apple Watch SE review
- Compare the latest: Apple Watch Series 6 v Watch SE v Series 3
- Get the most from your Apple Watch: Apple Watch tips and tricks
How do I know which Apple Watch strap to buy?
First, you'll need to know what size Apple Watch you have.
Up until the Apple Watch Series 3, you had a choice of 38mm or 42mm models. As the width of the quick connection point will be different, you'll need to pick the band compatible with your watch size.
From the Apple Watch Series 4 up to the latest Apple Watch Series 6 and the SE, Apple offers 40mm and 44mm sizes. So again, make sure you pick the right size.
Hold the strip just below where your wrist bone sits and around where you would normally wear the band, wrap it around your wrist and line that up with the sizes of your Watch model.
Generally speaking, a small wrist is 5 - 6.5 inches and a large wrist is between 7 - 8.5 inches, but the good thing about many Apple Watch bands is that you can adjust with velcro or within the perforations of sports straps to find a very specific fit.
Best Apple Watch bands for men: Leather
Southern Straps Brown Leather
Price when reviewed: $99.95
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Handcrafted in San Francisco, Southern Straps' Brown Leather strap uses a leather from Horween of Chicago (America's top tannery). And boy, does it feel good to wear.
If you're looking for something to complement a suit or smart wear, this band is for you – and it's still cheaper than an official Apple leather strap.
You can get it in 40/44mm sizes for the newer Series 4 – Series 6 and Watch SE, and there's 38/42mm ones for Series 3 and earlier too. It comes with either gold, black or silver lugs.
We found it drew a considerable attention, with people asking whether it was a new band from Apple. It's certainly a dose of luxury, and a great way to customize your smartwatch.
MIFA leather band
Price when reviewed: $25
Size options: 42mm/44mm
If you're looking to add a touch of class to your Apple smartwatch yet don't want to pay big bucks, this leather strap should do the business.
It comes in 42mm and 44mm flavours, making it Series 4, Series 5 and Series 6 focused, and comes with steel adaptors and a buckle fastener.
Marge Plus leather band
Price when reviewed: $12.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Likewise, there are plenty of leather strap options available on a shoestring, too.
This genuine leather number has a metal buckle and improved strength making it well worth a pop.
Cinnamon leather band
Price when reviewed: $29.40
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
A lovely deep brown leather watch band, this cinnamon coloured leather strap comes in 38mm, 40mm, 42mm and 44mm flavours to suit Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, Series 5 and Series 6.
It uses a buckle fastening, comes with Apple Watch fastening and hand-stitched detailing.
Watch Strap Co leather strap
Price when reviewed: $88.50
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
The Watch Strap Co’s leather options again undercut official prices, while still adding quality – but customisation is our favorite part of the offering.
You’re free to color-code all of the metal elements to the color of your Apple Watch’s body, so you can accent rose gold, stainless steel or space gray with your choice of leather. In terms of leather options, there are dark, light and black leather, and you can choose stitching options too.
Meridio
Price when reviewed: $89.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Meridio comes about as close any any third-party watch strap brand to replicating Apple's own premium feel. We've tested out the company's standard leather options from its Nappa collection, as well as its more vintage bands. They're durable, have the same thin-leather style as Apple's collections and you even have the option to engrave your initials on.
If that's not enough for you, and you're okay with paying a little more, the Italian band-maker also fashions straps from pythons, crocodiles and even ostriches. Enough? Oh wait, there's also a few made from cat-sharks. Wild stuff.
Nomad Modern Leather
Price when reviewed: $69.95
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Nomad's leather straps are unlike others. The Modern Strap has got a bold, minimalistic style that's reminiscent of a sports band in the right lighting - but it's not, with slim-to-nil stitching and a refreshing slate grey colour.
The straps are made out of Horween leather and are designed to patina over time, giving you a rugged long-term look to complement its modern design.
Best Apple Watch bands for men: Link and metal
Fitlink Stainless Steel Metal Strap
Price when reviewed: $13.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Available in all Apple Watch sizes the Fitlink stainless steel metal strap is a classic option for anyone looking for a metal link band. It fits all Apple Watch editions and costs a fraction of the price of an official metal link band.
There's no hiding from the fact that adjusting link bracelets is a pain, but the Fitlink comes with the tools to do it at home.
Wearlizer Resin and stainless steel
CCnutri Stainless Steel Metal Strap
Price when reviewed: $13.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This metal Apple Watch band comes in four different shades including this rose gold look and there's no tools required to get it to fit comfortably on your wrist.
You can also remove a maximum of four links. It works with all versions of the Apple Watch including the original and uses a folding clasp to make sure it's going to stay put.
Best Apple Watch bands: Sport
OHCBOOGIE Sport Loop Band (3 pack)
Price when reviewed: $10.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
A shameless copy of Apple's own nylon offering, it's a pretty good imitation at a fraction of the cost.
In fact, you get three in the pack, and there's a host of color bundles to choose from so you can really live the personalization lifestyle – including a Pride option.
StrapsCo Camo Silicone strap with buckle
Price when reviewed: $24.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you're looking for a silicone strap replacement with a bit of attitude, then one of these from StrapsCo fits the bill.
The silicone camo range comes in the complete range of sizes, from 38mm to 44mm, and come in far cheaper than Apple's official straps.
There are seven Camo flavors to choose from, with blue, green, two shades of red, white, pink, and winter all available.
And they come with a more rational buckle fastening, which for many is more natural and comfortable than the tuck-under which is standard on Apple Watch silicone straps.
Adepoy sport band
Price when reviewed: $7.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
The latest Apple Series 6 now comes in blue, so you can match it up with a similar color band for not a whole lot of money.
It's a silicone kind making it suitable for working out with and there's a metal buckle to make sure it doesn't budge. If you don't want to go blue, there's a bunch of other colors you can pick it up instead.
Hotflow silicone sport band
Price when reviewed: $7.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
A take on Apple's own sporty bands, this significantly cheaper silicone option comes in eight different color options and works with older Apple Watches and the newest models.
You'll get that ventilated design to make it a better fit for working up a sweat and still being comfortable to wear when you're not burning calories.
Monowear Nylon Active
Price when reviewed: $31.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
You want a nice nylon strap, but you'd prefer it of the loop variety, like Apple's own Sport Loop strap. However, you also don't want to shell out for it.
That's when you'll turn to Monowear's Nylon Active, a nylon loop strap. There's a genuine leather panel on the back and stainless steel lugs, making this a good match for either the aluminium or stainless steel Apple Watch variations.
Urban Armor sport band
Price when reviewed: $39.95
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Urban Armor brings some of its expertise from building tough phone cases to an Apple Watch band that's built to last. It's made from soft touch silicone and is waterproof to make it suitable for swimming.
It's available in black and slate colors and a uses stainless steel buckle to complete its durable, sporty look.
Best Apple Watch designer fashion bands
MCORS Milanese Loop
Price when reviewed: $12.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
The Milanese Loop is possibly the most popular style out there - and you can bag one in pretty much any colour from stainless steel to rose gold. We love our gold bands, and this is a low-cost way to get a seriously stylish loop.
This Amazon best-seller comes in all four Apple Watch sizes, and costs a fraction of the official price.
Tovelo Sport Loop Pride Band
Price when reviewed: $8.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
There’s a budget version of every strap that Apple officially produces – and that even goes for the Pride band too.
The Tovelo Sport Loop comes in every conceivable colour – but the most eye-catching is its rainbow option, which is perfect for those looking to celebrate Pride 2020, with a sub-$10 price tag.
Carterjett sport tire strap
Price when reviewed: $19.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you're into cars - or even if you're not - this tire-inspired silicone number has a certain unique charm. The durable soft silicone can also withstand sweat and moisture.
As there aren't any screws or spring bars, you don't have to worry about it falling apart during an intense workout either.
Watch Strap Co steel mesh band
Price when reviewed: $82
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
The Watch Strap Co’s Milanese band is by no means the cheapest out there, but blends British quality while still managing to convincingly undercut the official Apple versions.
The mesh loop comes in size options for all Apple Watch generations, and in silver, gold, rose gold, space gray and black options.
Southern Straps Nylon Bands
Price when reviewed: $49.95
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you want something eye-catching and colorful, the Nylon Bands from Southern Straps are bound to stand out. They're available in a range of color options to stand out from the crowd.
Better yet, these handcrafted Apple Watch bands come with an unbeatable five year warranty, so you know they're built to last. The bands can be taken apart for cleaning and reassembled with ease thanks to a pegged spring bar.
These bands are compatible with every model of Apple Watch.
Pad & Quill Field Strap
Price when reviewed: $99.95
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This is the sort of watch strap Bear Grylls would wear, but don't let that put you off. Pairing water-resistant Cordura fabric with full grain leather accents, its hard-wearing canvas build will stand up to whatever you can throw at it, day after day after day.
Pairing substance with style, it looks effortlessly cool too, and is comfortable to wear all day.
Jwacct stainless steel mesh band
Price when reviewed: $11.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Apple's own mesh bands are some of the smartest looking options in its collection, but you can bring that look to your Watch for a lot less.
All Apple Watch sizes are catered for with 16 different colors on offer. It uses a magnetic clasp to lock it in place and is an option that will definitely have unisex appeal.
Best Apple Watch bands for women: Leather
OxaLeather slim leather band
Leather watch straps don’t need to be brown and bulky, and this stylish band is ideal for smaller wrists. Beads either side of the strap where it meets the watch allow for a slimmer fit while adding a chic feel. There’s a large range of colors for both the leather and adapter fitting, and you can even get the strap monogrammed for extra style points.
Fullmosa calf leather band
Price when reviewed: $12.99
Size option: 38/40/42/44mm
This is a great price for a leather band (especially compared to Apple’s own straps), and with a large selection of colors available, would be a great choice to buy in a few shades to coordinate with different outfits. This white is a classic, though.
InkyGoat galaxy leather strap
Rose Gold & Chocolate bracelet
Price when reviewed: $44.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
The Apple Watch has a rep for being fairly chunky on the wrist, but buying a leather bracelet strap like this rose gold and chocolate number is a good way to reduce the bulk. It’s a double wrap style measuring just 7mm, making it substantially thinner than your average band even when wrapped twice.
It’s made with leather, features an adjustable buckle, and loops nicely over the Watch fastening to add detail you can’t find elsewhere – but be warned, it only comes in 40mm and 44mm Series 4 sizes.
Alto
Price when reviewed: $99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Coming in a choice of six leather variations, Alto's bands are another consideration for those who aren't sold on Apple's own styles.
Since it's leather, Alto indicates that the band will eventually develop into a different shade, and there are options for those with all Apple Watch sizes. And the great bonus of leather bands is that they're generally unisex-looking, meaning the only thing you have to worry about is the colour.
Marge Plus genuine leather band
Price when reviewed: $15.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Another band to dress up your Watch with, this leather strap comes in twelve different colors including this fetching black band with rose gold adaptor to get it locked onto your smartwatch.
It's available in all Apple Watch sizes and it's a great option if you want something to give you that more classic look.
Best Apple Watch bands for women: Link and metal
Secbolt stainless steel band
Price when reviewed: $13.59
Size options: 38mm/40mm
A band with more jewellery-style look, it only works with Apple's smallest case size options, making it one for more slender wrists. It's made from stainless steel and features rhinestones to add a bit of extra glitz.
There are six folding clasps and you can remove them without a tool to make sure it sits right. If you want something that can give your Apple Watch a more glamorous look, this is one to snap up.
Oulucci metal band
Price when reviewed: $15.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Giving your Apple Watch a more dressy feel, this stainless steel link band comes in six different colors and sizes to fit all Apple Watch models.
Featuring six folding clasps in total and they can be removed without fiddling around with tools to get the ideal fit. It's a strong option to elevate the look of Apple's smartwatch.
Yisdo Bracelet link band
Price when reviewed: $20.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Another bracelet-style band to partner up with the Watch, you have your pick of silver or black stainless steel looks.
You can remove up to six links with the provided tool and it's completed with a folding buckle to give it that attractive clean finish.
Best Apple Watch bands for women: Sport
iGK Sport Band
Price when reviewed: $8
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Silicon bands are perfect for those who like to get sweaty or swim with their Apple Watch – so it's handy being able to pick these up for less than $10 a pop.
There are a bunch of colours available, and buying a few means you can leave one in your gym bag so you'll never have to suffer wearing a Milanese loop on the treadmill. Just make sure you clean and dry this one regularly to avoid any wrist rashes.
Acrbiutu sport band
Price when reviewed: $6.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This silicone Watch band features a narrower look than your standard sports bands and comes in a range of different colors to let you go really bright or something a bit more muted and lowkey.
It uses a stainless steel pin to secure it and also gives you something that can handle sweat and going for dip in the pool.
Idon sport band (3-pack)
Price when reviewed: $9.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you spend a lot of time in the gym or putting in big running or bike miles, it doesn't hurt to have a few more exercise-friendly bands at your disposal.
This silicone bands comes in packs of three and are compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch. They're easy to fit and are sweat and water resistant to make them fit for a dip in the water too.
Best Designer Apple Watch bands for women
Biaoge Metal Band
Price when reviewed: $26.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Not every third party Apple Watch band is a copy of official Apple Watch styles - and this one certainly ticks the box of being unique and high quality.
Clearly a feminine design, it mixes dainty chains with a link bracelet – and comes in all Apple Watch sizes.
Casetify Flamingos
Price when reviewed: $50
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
It's hard to ignore this muted and classy Casetify strap, which puts a more feminine spin on the classic red, white and blue.
Made from a refined plastic, it's durable and offers a genuine dose of class welcome among the legions of metal chainmail and leather that dominate the third party strap market.
VARIOeveryday Harris tweed peacock green strap
Made from 100% wool Harris tweed, this band is a definite talking point and a great way to add some traditional style to your tech-filled smartwatch. There’s a soft leather backing to protect your wrist, and it’s water resistant and breathable though we wouldn’t choose it for sportswear. Pick from silver, gold, rose gold and black buckles to suit.
Adepoy fabric cloth band
Price when reviewed: $10.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This fabric leather band fits on old and newer Apple Watch models adding a big splash of color while using a snap button to lock it in place.
This rainbow with rose gold strap combo is the standout option, but you can also pick it up in lavender, grey, black, army green and wine colors too.
Lilly Pulitzer leather band
Price when reviewed: $48.95
Size options: 38mm/40mm
This designer band dresses your Apple Watch up with leather in a Lily Pulitzer totally blossom pattern.
There's gold metal used on the ends to clip into place and traditional watch buckle to make sure it's going to stay in place as you add that strong look to your smartwatch.
Muranne fabric band
Price when reviewed: $7.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you're not a fan of silicone, leather or mesh, you might prefer hooking your Watch to one of these softer fabric bands instead.
Compatible with all Apple Watch case sizes, this band comes in a sizeable range of colorful fabric looks and all are partnered up with a stainless steel buckle. They also use the same Apple Watch-style lugs to lock them in place.
Secbollt floral leather band
Price when reviewed: $9.99
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This band gives you a narrower look than most of Apple's official bands if you want something that sits a little more elegantly on your wrist.
This floral option is one of 22 different looks you can pick from and all stainless steel buckles. It's a great stylish option that you don't have to spend big to pick up.
