Best bands you can buy today for Apple Watch Series 9 (2024)

By Killian Bell • 10:00 am, October 5, 2023

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Best bands you can buy today for Apple Watch Series 9 (1)

One of the best things about Apple Watch is the insanely wide range of awesome bands to go with it. If, like me, you’re addicted to buying bands for your Apple Watch, we’ve rounded up some of the best you can buy today to help you out.

All our picks work with Apple Watch Series 9, as well as previous versions of the device. Just be sure to pick the right size.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Choosing the best Apple Watch bands

Swapping the straps on your Apple Watch is super-easy, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have different bands for different uses. You don’t want to ruin your fine Italian leather band at the gym, for example. Nor do you want to wear a garish sport band with a freshly pressed suit.

No matter what you might be getting up to, you’ll find a great band below.

Best Apple Watch bands: Table of contents

Best overall Apple Watch band

If you want an Apple Watch band that’s brilliant in all conditions, it’s hard to beat Apple’s official Sport Loop. Thanks to a lightweight nylon weave, which lets your wrist breathe and provides superb cushioning, it’s so comfortable you’ll hardly even notice it’s there.

It doesn’t mind getting wet, it comes in a wide range of designs and color options that all look great, it’s infinitely (almost) adjustable for the perfect fit, and it’s pretty affordable at $49.

Buy from: Amazon

Best metal band for Apple Watch

Nomad’s spectacular Steel Band is one of the finest money can buy for Apple Watch. It’s crafted from high-grade stainless steel and finished with an advanced carbon coating for an exceptional feel and great durability. It’s available for both Apple Watch size options, and although it’s a little pricey at $170, it’s certainly worth it.

Buy from: Nomad

Best stretch metal band for Apple Watch

Speidel’s Twist-O-Flex steel bracelet was first introduced in 1959 and has remained a bestseller since — for good reason. It’s one of the most comfortable watch bands you’ll ever wear. The links themselves stretch, allowing the band to remain snug without pinching. Plus, it’s dead easy to get on and off. Highly recommended. — Leander Kahney.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Best aluminum Apple Watch band

If you want metal but you’re looking to spend a little less, Juuk’s outstanding Qrono band is still our favorite option. Made from tough, aircraft-grade aluminum, it not only looks incredible, but it’s lighter than stainless steel options — and more resistant to scratches. It’s not cheap at $139, but it’s worth every penny.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Best everyday carry (EDC) band for Apple Watch

Mifa’s Nylon Sports Leather Apple Watch Band is a great EDC-inspired watch strap. With a velcro closure, it’s sturdy and strong. The stitched leather is high-quality. It comes in five different colors/styles — including some with NASA themes — and is comfortable to wear all day long. Costing just $25, Mifa’s band “is a high-quality product at a low price,” we wrote in our hands-on review.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Best leather Apple Watch band

In its push for sustainability, Apple ditched its own leather bands in favor of a suedelike FineWoven material that nobody really loves. However, plenty of excellent leather options still exist — such as this one from Noreve. Made in France using high-grade natural leather and traditional techniques, it boasts incredible build quality and detail. It’s also available in a range of gorgeous color options.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Best workout band for Apple Watch

Apple’s Nike Sport Band is made almost entirely from high-quality silicone, making it ideal for active Apple Watch wearers. Its soft, flexible design means it doesn’t dig into your skin while you’re working out. And its many perforations help prevent it from holding on to sweat. It can also be washed and dried in no time at all.

The Nike Sport Band isn’t the cheapest silicone option at $49, but you’ll struggle to find better silicone than Apple’s.

Buy from: Apple

Most rugged Apple Watch band

Harsh environments are no match for Spigen’s robust Rugged Armor Pro. It’s not just an ultra-rugged band, though. It also protects your Apple Watch itself. Simply place your device inside it — no need to worry about fiddly band fittings — and enjoy all-around protection for as little as $23.99. (Prices vary by color.)

Buy from: Amazon

Best NATO-style band for Apple Watch

Proper NATO bands can’t really be used with Apple Watch because they block its sensors, but you can pick up some terrific NATO-style bands. This one from Archer is made from incredibly sturdy canvas, combined with matte stainless steel buckles and fittings, and it’s available in a bunch of pretty colors for less than $27.

Buy from: Amazon

Most unique Apple Watch bands

If you don’t want your Apple Watch to look just like everyone else’s, pick up one of Casetify’s unique Impact Bands. Made from recycled materials, they’re available in a huge range of cool and colorful designs. They’re also slim, lightweight, and flexible, so they remain comfortable on your wrist even after a long day.

Buy from: Casetify

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