Buying a beautiful new Apple Watch strap is the perfect way to pimp your smartwatch, and fortunately, there's thousands out there to choose from.
Whether you've been rocking the original Apple Watch for a while now, or you've gotten the Watch Series 4, or maybe you're looking to fill the stocking of an Apple Watch lover, Apple's smartwatch is primed for styling.
Read this: Apple Watch tips and tricks
If you've been put off by the prices of Apple's official bands, don't fear. There's a mass of third party bands up for grabs, and they can look the part while still being far cheaper than their official counterparts.
We're trying out as many bands as we can to really get a feel for what they're like to wear, customise and adjust, so keep coming for more diverse straps.
Clockwork Synergy Classic Nato
If you'd really like Apple's nylon bands but want something at about half the price, the Clockwork Synergy Classic Nato collection is for you. Not only are there 49 different colour variations, these are light and durable straps, plus they just look darn good. They feature more traditional nylon designs than Apple's crop too.
$24.95, clockworksynergy.com | Amazon
Meridio
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.
From $89.99, meridioband.com
Catalyst Sport Band
When you're going for a sports band, you want something breathable. Most breathable sports bands, however, opt for circular perforations that make them look like slices of cheese. Catalyst's option opts for triangles, which makes it look a tad better.
While this band is a solid performer in the working out arena, it's notch makes it feel secure as ever. Thanks to its double notch, which lodges into the band's perforations, you're not going to feel like this will fly off your wrist.
$39.99, catalystlifestyle.com | Amazon
Nomad Modern Leather
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, it's just got minimal to no stitching and a refreshing slate grey color. 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.
$59.95, nomad.com
Monowear Nylon Active
You want a nice nylon strap, but you'd prefer it of the loop variety, like Apple's new 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 strap on the back and stainless steel lugs, making this a good match for either the aluminum or stainless steel Apple Watch variations.
$31.99, monoweardesign.com
Survival Strap paracord band
If you're looking for the ultimate Apple Watch band, one that'll stay on your wrist when you're on your most extreme adventures, then you have to look at Survival Strap's paracord band. They're tactical straps made out of authentic military paracord. You can also customize it to your heart's content, over 40 different color combinations.
$49.99, survivalstraps.com
Strapple Crocodilus
If you'd like a nice leather strap for less than Apple's prices, the Strapple Crocodilus is your best bet. It's not actually crocodile leather, with Strapple instead using a fine Italian calfskin leather and embossed alligator pattern. Pair with a nice space black Apple Watch and you have something that screams luxury.
$140, strapple.com
Colebrook light tan leather band
Top quality Horween leather is the order of the day on the Colebrook range, which also includes darker options – but we love this tan number. The "racing" strap is punched with holes to add extra detail, and you can choose between black and silver connectors and buckles. This is a much cheaper alternative to the Hermès Single Tour Rallye.
$95 | Etsy
Southern Straps NATO military green
Of all the straps we've tried, the military green NATO from Southern Straps is one that's been getting a lot of attention. The gold lugs play nicely against our space grey Apple Watch, although you can opt for a different color if needed.
$39, southernstraps.com
DaLuca Aeronne
Pushing the price bracket up to max is the Da Luca Aeronne, with its Swiss ammo leather material and sturdy silver buckle. At 20mm it doesn't dominate the wrist, and trumps its competitors in the leather aroma department.
$205, dalucastraps.com
Coach Leather Strap
If you'd like something to match the rest of your Coach items, you're in luck with the Coach Leather strap. It's right up there in the price bracket, but you're getting a better quality leather strap than Apple's at the same price point. It's got genuine glove tanned leather with heat-creased ends and hand-finished tacking. There's also a bundle of charms to accent the bands. Only available for the 38mm.
$150, coach.com
Pad & Quill Field Strap
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. It's available exclusively for the 42mm Apple Watch.
$99.95, padandquill.com | Amazon
Coach Camo Strap
Coach's collections typically introduce a couple of bands with some fancy graphics, like a shark or a penguin sipping from a champagne glass, but the most classic look it introduced is the Camo Strap. It's a brown leather strap with some subtle camo printed on it, so if you want your wrist-based device to blend into your wardrobe while also being simple you're in look. Bonus: This also works exclusively for the 42mm Apple Watch, unlike the other Coach, with is 38mm only.
$75, coach.com
Nike+ Sport Band
Finally! You can purchase the Nike+ sports strap without buying a special Nike+ Apple Watch. You too can now enjoy that light, airy strap built especially for exercise. While the regular Sports band is perfectly fine for exercising, the perforated holes on the Nike+ variant make it much more comfortable on your sweaty wrist. If you're a runner, this band is a winner. Plus, Nike's bands are color coordinated to match its shoes so you'll always be in sync.
$49.99, nike.com
LuxWoods Apple Watch Band
For those looking for something different, straps don't come much more unique than LuxWoods' range. A classic link bracelet made from black ebony wood, the strap feels delightful, with each link smoothed and polished. What's more, it's light and comes with a high quality buckle. Word of warning, however, the adjustment is really tough and it's easy to damage the band.
$59.99, luxwood.com
Casetify Classic Lady
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. There's also a red, white and blue Classic 1970s men's version, too.
$52 | casetify.com
Pad & Quill 60 Year Luxury Lowry Cuff
A bold statement of a watch strap, the Pad & Quill leather cuff is for those who like a bit of chunk on their arm. Reminiscent of Fossil watch straps, the supple leather is top quality, which is certainly echoed with the price tag.
$129.95, padandquill.com
Choicecuts Horween leather strap
This Choicecuts strap uses Horween Coffee Bean Dublin leather with minimal stitching for a cleaner look. The Horween is far darker than normal leather straps, and comes with the clasps and connectors required for an instant fit. The strap is available in small (110/70mm), medium (120/80mm) and large (135/85mm) sizes.
$80, Etsy
Lucrin Leather
Lucrin offers a variety of sizes and colors in its leather band range, so you can pick one to suit your sartorial style and your 38mm or 42mm Apple Watch casing. Your first choice is between a Classic or a more refined Elegance design, then there's a choice of leathers – smooth, granulated, goat, real ostrich – and then you can go about picking from one of the 30 different color options. They're not cheap, but they look the part.
$172 | lucrin.com | Amazon
Oittm Stainless Steel Metal
If you fancy a nice stainless steel strap for your Apple Watch but can't afford the asking price of the official link bracelet, try these cheaper alternatives for Oittm. We can't vouch personally for how good they are, but there are hundreds of reviews online attesting to their quality. The straps come with a folding clasp and there's a choice of colors for both the 38mm and the 42mm models – you can even get a gold finish if you want.
$29.99 | Amazon
Speidel Twist-O-Flex
Talk about a blast from the past! Remember those stretch metal watch bands you could wear? Speidel has now modernized its classic band for Apple Watch in both 38mm and 42mm. And best of all, it's a nice and affordable $50. You'll buy it for the nostalgia and charm, but you'll keep it for the comfort and long-lasting craftsmanship.
$50, speidel.com | Amazon
X-Doria Action Band
Need a sport band but don't want to spring for Apple or Nike's offerings? X-Doria's Action Band is what you want. It's made out of a soft silicone that's perforated a little for extra breathability. Those perforations also double as slots to fasten the strap. On top of all that, it also manages a fairly interesting two-tone design - like something from the game Halo.
$24.95, x-doria.com | Amazon
Southern Straps Brown Leather
Handcrafted in San Francisco, Southern Straps' Brown Leather Apple Watch band uses a vegetable tanned full-grain Italian leather. And boy, does it feel good to wear. If you're looking for something to complement a suit, this band is for you.
We tested it during a wedding and found it drew a considerable amount of attention, with people asking whether it was a new band from Apple. It comes with either gold, black or silver lugs.
$79, southernstraps.com
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Tim007 says:
wow..nice collections
really helpful buying guide.
Boris says:
Sweet list indeed! I have happily tried the BlackForest strap, but I have to say that right now I am very much looking forward to what strapple.co is coming up with. Their crocodile strap looks so gorgeous!
Strapple says:
That is so nice to hear, Boris! Also our compliments to Wareable who have managed to compose such an extensive list! Hopefully Strapple makes it to the list too, because we're super excited to announce that ...*drum roll*... our straps are available as of today!
You can check out our collection on www.strapple.co
We would love to hear your feedback!
Strapple says:
That is so nice to hear, Boris! Also our compliments to Wareable who have managed to compose such an extensive list! Hopefully Strapple makes it to the list too, because we're super excited to announce that ...*drumroll*... our Apple Watch straps are available as of today!
You can check out our collection on www.strapple.co
We would love to hear your feedback!
lululookstraps says:
Thanks so much for the awesome list. Really really do a favor for unique apple watch straps.
Lululook also offer collection of third party apple watch bands. Please check us out.
"Lululook apple watch bands"
BounmySombath says:
i think the apple watches look great and versatile but i certainly don't have the new iphone, also the matching Apple watch but the reason why i love apple so much is that they're more of a diverse company, they also have the research kit for medical research, and the Duke University medical center app for autism, plus i was thinking out loud to myself like Android doesn't do that at all and never talk about diversity at all but Apple in the other hand is that they do, and the CEO of Apple Tim Cook talked about privacy on his 2016 March event that i watched on YouTube and he said that him and his team respects that.
Frannbug says:
A useful list of alternatives, thank you!
Btw., I have to point out that leather is 'tanned, tawed or otherwise do dressed skin', according to the dictionary. It can't be made of vegetables or plastic or anything else! Speaking as someone who was once sold a 'leather' piano stool which turned out to be made of the most horrible, unabsorbent plastic, I think too many manufacturers are relaxing the definition these days and passing off cheaper materials as leather. Had they called it something else I might have been tempted to try Leathersy's offering; but if they are dishonest about their product's materials how can you trust them?
Bingo-handjob says:
Frannbug - you're right. Leather must be 'tanned'. In the case of Leathersy's product, its tanned in a solution of vegetable matter, making it vegetable tanned leather. I don't think leathersy are being dishonest in any way here.
SouthernStraps says:
What about our NATO straps for Apple Watch? They're of a far higher build quality than the Nyloon band for Apple Watch and it's $10 cheaper!
Please do check us out!
Southern Straps
cestasol9 says:
best watch
njcruz137 says:
anyone find the nike band clones yet???????
Zbahow says:
Good to look for alternative to Apple wrist. Just to let people know about the black stainless steel band, retail for 750$. Got it as a present about 6 month ago, I exchange it lately for the third time cause it lose his colour, wanted a credit because I really think it's a piece of crap and was poorly design, make me look like a successful hobo after a month. Customer service can't do anything for me better than exchange it again. So I'll go every month get a new band, really strange business decision and desapointing from Apple. until know I really appreciate their products and service was part of of it.
Cbronson says:
Really useful buying guide
TJJ says:
Wow, just killer job on this post you guys. Actually got a lot out of this. Really appreciate the effort. Thanks.
GreatSearsino says:
Loved the Black Diamond one towards the top! Would highly recommend checking out a company called Clockwork Synergy.
They sell at very low prices and have a ton of the same straps I see here on this list.
Spage says:
I am very impressed with my first purchase, the ottim stainless steel band. Delivery was prompt, however the presentation of the band exceeded my "you get what you paid for" expectations. The packaging was professional and the band itself is very akin to a proper stainless steel watch.
wearhoo says:
This fits the Apple Watch Series 2 42mm perfectly. My daughter loves this!
999777 says:
I got a mettallic strap (not apple) I use it for excercise, it si all rusted and now I can not take it out from my watch, can Any One help me? It si really stuck