There's no better way to customize your new Apple Watch than with a new strap or band.
While the official Apple options are expensive, there are thousands of third-party options to suit any budget and wrist size.
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.
Read on for our picks:
Apple Watch model and strap sizes:
Since the original Apple Watch, the clasp and mechanism for adding and replacing straps have remained the same.
The only thing to bear in mind is that Apple changed the size of the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 to 41mm and 45mm. However, older band sizes (40mm and 44mm) will fit the watch perfectly.
And if you've bought a new Apple Watch Ultra, that uses a 49mm strap. However, 44mm/45mm straps will fit imperfectly.
- Apple Watch Ultra: 49mm
- Apple Watch Series 8: 41mm and 45mm
- Apple Watch Series 7: 41mm and 45mm
- Apple Watch SE: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 6: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 4: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 3: 38mm and 42mm
- Apple Watch Series 2: 38mm and 42mm
- Apple Watch: 38mm and 42mm
Best Apple Watch bands for men: Leather
MIFA leather band
Price when reviewed: | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
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 flavors, making it Series 4, Series 5, and Series 6 focused, and comes with steel adaptors and a buckle fastener.
Southern Straps Brown Leather
Price: $129 | Southern Straps
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/45mm
When it comes to quality, Southern Straps are right at the top – and its tan leather band is one of the best in the business. Available in all sizing options, the Horween leather is tanned and treated in California, and fits wrists sized 14cm - 25cm in circumference.
Edimens leather band
Price when reviewed: | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Designed for the newest and larger Apple Watch case sizes, the Edimen grain leather band comes in twelve different looks and matches up that leather with a traditional stainless steel buckle. If you've got a black or silver case Watch, this is a good band to partner up with it.
Watch Strap Co leather strap
Price when reviewed: | Watch Strap Co
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
The Watch Strap Co’s leather options again undercut official prices, while still adding quality – but customization 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: | Merido Band
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Meridio comes about as close as any third-party watch strap brand to replicating Apple's 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 them.
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.
Casetify Grid Wave Strap
Price: $50/£47 | Casetify
We love recommending Casetify straps, as they’re always such good quality and have patterns and colors you won’t find anywhere else. This Grid Wave is one of our current favorites, with a blue-to-green ombre design crafted from cruelty-free vegan leather that’s made from 90% recycled materials. Casetify claims this strap is scratch, water, and sweat resistant, so it’s built for all-day wear, whether you’re at work or the gym.
Nomad Modern Leather
Price when reviewed: $69.95 | Nomad
Size options: 40mm/41mm
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 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.
Best Apple Watch bands for men: Link and metal
Casetify Stainless Steel Watch Band
Size options: 42mm/44mm
A stainless steel strap is perfect for everyday wear when you want your Apple Watch to look the part at work, for drinks after work, and even at the gym.
This lightweight design from Casetify is water-resistant and has a strong clasp, so it’ll stay in place. The metallic blue shade looks great and stands out from the same silver and gold styles you’ll find everywhere.
Fullmosa stainless steel watch band
Price: $19/£18 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
If you want to throw a bit more metal onto your wrist, this stainless steel band comes in six different colors including red and blue looks to better match the Series 7 colors.
There's a folding clasp to keep things secure and it also comes with a TPU case, though that's not compatible with Series 7 watches. If you need to remove links to get a better fit, it comes with the tool to save you a visit to your nearest watch repair shop.
Fitlink Stainless Steel Metal Strap
Price when reviewed: $13.99/£13.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
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
Bestig metal bracelet strap
Price when reviewed: $20.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you prefer the metal Watch band look, this stainless steel option drops a matte black and polished silver style onto your wrist and comes in size options for Apple Watch models.
There are also polished gold/matte gold and rose gold options too if you prefer a lighter metal color. All come bundled with an adaptor, to make sure you get a good fit when you’re strapping it on to match a smarter dress look.
CCnutri Stainless Steel Metal Strap
Price when reviewed: $6.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This metal Apple Watch band comes in four different shades including this rose gold look and there are 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
TeCaShop Silicone Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $14.13 | Etsy
Nomad Sport Band
Price: $59.95 | Buy here
Size options: 40mm/41mm/44mm/45mm
The Apple Watch is a pretty formidable sports tracker and Nomad's fluoroelastomer band is fit for workouts both on land and in the water. The ventilated-style look promise a breathable fit and it comes in five different colors including marine blue and dune looks. It's fit to work with the new Series 7 sizes, letting you put that improved dust resistance design to good use.
ITSkins Spectrum
Price: $39.99 | Buy here
Size options: 40mm/41mm/44mm/45mm
ITSkins is known for providing more protective surroundings for Apple's devices and that includes wrapping up the Apple Watch in a case and strap combo that's fit to handle some rough and tumble. You've got your pick of four different colors with each including a ventilated strap and bumper to bolster that protection for your smartwatch pride and joy.
GELISHI Apple Watch Band with Bumper Case
If ultimate durability is your number one priority, you’ll need a strap with a built-in bumper case, like this one from GELISHI. You can easily snap the case onto your Apple Watch, and once it’s there, it’ll stay securely in place and protect your screen from bumps and scratches. It’s built for fitness, but this strap is also comfortable enough for everyday wear — especially in a more muted color, like this dark blue and silver option.
Ocyclone
Price: $16.99 | Buy here
Size options: 40mm/41mm
This is an Apple Watch band and case combo that wants to guard your smartwatch against dents and scratches. Its drop-resistant form factor works with 41mm and 40mm Watch case sizes with a ventilated look to keep things breathable on the move and does also make sure you can get to those physical buttons and touchscreen while it's wrapped around the case.
Nereides Rugged Nylon Sports Strap
Twelve South ActionBand
Price: $29.99/£29.99 | Amazon
Size options: 40mm/41mm/44mm/45mm
Twelve South has become one of the more inventive brands when it comes to putting that Watch on your body and its new ActionBand holds the Apple smartwatch inside of a terry cotton sweatband making it a good fit for workout time.
It's suitable to be worn on the wrist and forearm and currently works with the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE. There will be some love for Series 7 owners too soon as well if you're looking for something you can sweat big in and not worry about ruining your smarter-looking bands.
Nukelolo sport band
Price: $6.99/£18 | Amazon
Size options: 42mm/44mm/45mm
If you've opted for Apple's (Product) Red Watch and you want to pick up a matching band on the cheap, this silicone number is one to consider strapping on.
It's fit for sweating and getting a little wet and uses a square button clasp to make sure it doesn't budge. If red doesn't take your fancy, there are over 20 other colors to pick from that all sit below that $9.99 price mark.
Anlinser Magnetic Band Reversible Strap
Price: $15.99 | Amazon
If you don’t like the feel of metal buckles against your skin, then try this minimal band from Anlinser. It has a magnetic closure design that’s strong enough to keep your watch secure. There are several color combinations to choose from and they’re all reversible. This is cool considering a lot of them have a more understated color on one side and a brighter color on the other, so you’re getting two straps in one for different occasions here.
Designer sports watch band
Price: $11.99/£20 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
We're always on the hunt for some bands that you won't find in Apple's vast collection and this simple silicone one with a single stripe is one of the nicer unofficial bands we've come across.
There are 20 color options for Apple Watch Series (and SE) sizes and they use nickel-free stainless steel in the clasp to make sure it should be good on more sensitive skin. The army green on red is one of our fave combos, but there are plenty of other looks to go for if you want something a little brighter.
Supcase
Price when reviewed: $21.99 | Supcase
Size options: 44mm
One's that going to appeal to lovers of the outdoors and extreme sports lovers, the Supcase puts a bumper-style, scratch-resistant case around your Watch to provide added protection for that Retina display. The strap has been bolstered too to add to its rugged frame and crucially you can still get access to that Digital Crown and screen when you snap it onto the Watch case.
Spigen Liquid Crystal Pro Case
StrapsCo Camo Silicone strap with buckle
Price when reviewed: $24.99 | StrapsCo
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 a complete range of sizes, from 38mm to 44mm, and comes 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 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
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 are a bunch of other colors you can pick it up instead.
Monowear Nylon Active
Price when reviewed: $31.99 | Mono Wear
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
You want a nice nylon strap, but you'd prefer it of the loop variety, like Apple's 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 aluminum or stainless steel Apple Watch variations.
Urban Armor sport band
Price when reviewed: $39.95 | Amazon
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
DAISDJUY Trail Loop Sport Bands
Price: $13.99 | Amazon
Designed for sports and hiking, this thin, lightweight, and flexible Apple Watch strap comes in a range of muted colors with a bright orange accent on the pull tab. It’s created from multiple layers of a soft, nylon weave, which makers DAISDJUY say is what increases elasticity and gives you a more comfortable fit. Lugs at both ends of the strap lock the band in place on your Apple Watch and there’s a loop closure to keep it tight on your wrist, designed to make quick adjustments while you’re on the move.
Airpeariful
Price: $10.99 | Buy now
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Apple's nylon bands are some of the nicest to pair up with its Watch, so it's always good when you find ones available for less than the official options. This third-party alternative comes in over 20 different colors all offering the same soft, snug nylon feel that uses velcro to keep it in a firm place. You could buy a few of these for the same price as one of Apple's nylon bands.
Apple Watch Band Knitted Belt Strap Bracelet
Proatl
Price: $9.99-$11.99 | Buy now
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Apple recently introduced its braided solo loop bands, which are not cheap, so this is how you can get that yarn look for less.
Compatible with all Apple Watch sizes and models stretching back to the original Watch, these bands are made from recycled materials, packing the lugs to clip it onto your Watch and a steel slider to secure it to your wrist.
There are both bold and understated looks depending on what kind of braided band life you choose to go for.
Bifeiyo nylon bands
Price: $10.99/£18.38 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Apple's official nylon bands are a great pick if you're after something that looks smart and is comfortable to wear, and you could also get away with wearing them in the gym too. These unofficial nylon options come in packs of three for less than a single official Apple nylon band with colors aplenty to choose from.
They use velcro as well to keep them in place and this one works with all Apple Watch sizes so you can share them around if not everyone is rocking a new Series 7.
Komo Bands Chevron Atlantic Pine
Price when reviewed: $26.99/£19.99 | Komo Bands
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Komo Bands does some great-looking Apple Watch bands that are inspired by Apple's own but offer some unique looks that you won't be able to pick up from the Apple Store.
One of our faves is this woven, braided number that uses a mix of polyester and silicone thread that is fit for jumping in the shower with and getting it sweaty. The stretchable design means you'll get a secure fit too. It's available in all Watch sizes too, which is always good to see.
Veesimi braided strap
Price when reviewed: $16.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
You can pick up this woven nylon and silicone thread band in six colors and uses a simple buckle to make it easy to adjust when you need a tighter fit or you need to whip it off quickly. It's fit for keeping on when you're working out and we'd say the green (above) and the red options offer the strongest look depending on what color case you're rocking.
Ochboogie solo loop strap
Price when reviewed: $9.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This nylon number will stick a colorful rainbow look on your wrist whatever Apple Watch model you have. It uses a steel slider instead of a traditional watch buckle to keep it in place with the natural stretchy feel of the nylon making sure it's not going to slide around if you're planning to put that Watch to work for a run or a HIIT session.
Watch Strap Co steel mesh band
Price when reviewed: $82/£65 | Watch Strap Co
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
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.
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 on 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.
90s Retro Memphis Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $33.81 | Etsy
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
With so many sleek and sensible Apple Watch straps available, we love the 90s vibes of this jazzy strap from TheUrbanFlair on Etsy.
It’s handmade from cruelty-free, vegan faux leather with a satin finish. One great touch here is that you can select the metallic finish of the buckle to match the casing of your Apple Watch — pick from silver, black, gold, or rose gold.
Fullmosa calf leather band
Price: $12.99 | Amazon
Size option: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
This is a great price for a leather band (especially compared to Apple’s 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.
STIROLL Slim Leather Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $16.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Apple makes excellent leather straps, but they’re expensive and wide, which suits most people but isn’t ideal for those with smaller wrists.
That’s why we like this slim, simple design made from soft, comfortable, and durable leather.
This red wine option is ideal for Winter and looks more classy than its price tag suggests.
JSGJMY leather band
Price when reviewed: $12.99 | Amazon
This calf leather band is a unisex option that comes in a range of shades including light tan, pink and navy looks. There are sizes for all the currently available Apple Watch models and it comes with the adaptor to get it fitted to your Watch properly and a TPU case too.
Alto
Price when reviewed: $99 | Alto
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 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 color.
Best Apple Watch bands for women: Link and metal
Bick Stainless Steel Bracelet
Price: $12.99 | Amazon
This stainless steel bracelet design brings the metallic look of several other straps on our list to your wrist but in a slightly slimmer strap. It’s made from stainless steel wire mesh, which is strong yet flexible.
There’s a hook-style buckle that you can snap into place, just like you’d find on a regular watch. This is a great option if you’ve been tempted by other Apple Watch straps that look a little like jewellery but don’t want anything too shiny and loud.
Seoaura Stainless Steel Metal Chain Strap
Price: $18.99 | Amazon
If you want a super glam Apple Watch strap that makes a statement, we’ve found the loudest, shiniest option for you. It comes in a range of different metallic colors, including gold, silver, and rose gold and some options have a black leather cord weaved through the chains.
It has the same folding-type buckle you’d find on regular watches, so you get a secure fit. This is a great option if you like switching out your Apple Watch strap for special occasions, or just need a break from the comparatively dull nylon and silicone options.
Secbolt stainless steel band
Price when reviewed: $13.59 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
A band with a more jewelry-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.
ZXCASD slim Watchband
Price when reviewed: $12.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Here's another dressy option that offers to put a more elegant rose gold look on your wrist. The stainless steel mesh band uses a magnetic clasp to keep it securely in place and additionally comes available in silver and rose pink mesh looks. So you have some options if you want to pick up an extra band or two.
Best Apple Watch bands for women: Sport
Bracelet silicone sport band
Price: $8.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Most silicone Apple Watch bands adopt similar looks, so if you're on the hunt for something with a slimmer strap design, this is might be up your kind of thing.
It comes in 15 different colors all with the same thin, double heart-shaped style look that is compatible with all Apple Watch models. The band locks directly into the case and it uses a traditional stainless steel buckle to make sure that the skinny strap doesn't budge either.
Acrbiutu sport band
Price: $6.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
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 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 go for a dip in the pool.
Best Designer Apple Watch bands for women
Biaoge Metal Band
Price: $26.99/£26.99 | Amazon
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.
AA feminine design, it mixes dainty chains with a link bracelet – and comes in all Apple Watch sizes.
UooMoo Bracelet Band
Adepoy fabric cloth band
Price: $10.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
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: $48.95 | Amazon
This designer band dresses your Apple Watch up with leather in a Lily Pulitzer blossom pattern.
There's a gold metal used on the ends to clip into place and a traditional watch buckle to make sure it's going to stay in place as you add that strong look to your smartwatch.
OriBear Sexy Leopard band
Price when reviewed: $6.99/£10.73 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
This silicone band throws an animal print on your wrist and comes in sizes that mean it plays nice with Apple Watch model sizes new and old.
This look is described as ‘Sexy Leopard’ and it’s just one of the patterned band looks OriBear offers. So if flowers or skeletons are your things too, you're well catered for here too.
NYENEIL Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $15.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
It’s not easy to find an Apple Watch strap that can look dressy and durable. But this resin version from NYENEIL does both, with a stainless steel adaptor and folding buckle to keep it secure.
The benefit of using resin here is that it’s lightweight, water resistant, and won’t rust. You can choose different colors, but this tortoiseshell pattern is versatile.
Muranne fabric band
Price: $7.99 | Amazon
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.
James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, and worked on Windows: The Official Magazine until becoming editor of What Laptop Magazine. As an editor of technology media titles, James launched Windows 8: The Official Magazine, and TechRadar's iPad magazine edition .tech.
After these launches, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies.
He has provided expert comments to a host of sources and has appeared on BBC News and Sky News to talk about smartwatch releases
James also appeared as an expert on Channel News Asia's documentary on wearable tech.
He has also spoken about wearables at a range of events, and hosts a monthly wearable technology event called Wearables London.
And James has also moderated wearable tech panels at Web Summit, IFA, and The Wearable Technology Show.