The best Apple Watch bands of 2024: Expert tested
As Apple's flagship smartwatch continues to dominate the market, Apple Watches have become a staple in our daily lives. It's no surprise we want to personalize them, much like we do with our iPhones and their cases. Apple Watches can be easily upgraded and customized for any situation, from casual outings to formal events, thanks to their interchangeable bands.
Having been an Apple Watch user for several years, I recently upgraded from a Series 3 to the latest Watch SE. Over the past few months, I've set out to test various Apple Watch bands from brands like Apple, Nomad, Spigen, and more. My goal was to find the best watch bands made from materials like stainless steel, fabric, and leather.
Personalizing Your Apple Watch
The ability to swap out watch bands is one of the most appealing features of the Apple Watch. Whether you need a sleek look for a business meeting or a durable band for a workout, there's a band for every occasion. Let's dive into some of the top options.
Apple Watch Bands: From Casual to Dressy
Stainless Steel Bands: These bands offer a polished, professional look that's perfect for the office or formal events. Brands like Nomad and Spigen offer high-quality stainless steel options that are both durable and stylish.
Fabric Bands: For a more casual and comfortable feel, fabric bands are an excellent choice. They're breathable, making them ideal for everyday wear and physical activities. Apple's own Sport Loop is a popular option, known for its comfort and adjustability.
Leather Bands: Leather bands add a touch of sophistication to your Apple Watch. They're versatile enough to be worn with both casual and dressy outfits. Brands like Nomad offer premium leather bands that age beautifully over time, adding character to your watch.
My Experience with Apple Watch Bands
Upgrading from the Series 3 to the Watch SE has been a game-changer for me. The newer model's enhanced features and performance have made my daily life more convenient and connected. Testing various watch bands has been an eye-opening experience, allowing me to appreciate the versatility and personalization options that come with owning an Apple Watch.
Testing Process: I wore each band for several days, assessing comfort, durability, and style. Whether I was at the gym, in a meeting, or out with friends, I found that the right band could complement any situation.
Apple Watch bands are more than just accessories; they're an extension of your personal style and a way to make your smartwatch uniquely yours. With so many options available, you can easily find the perfect band to suit your lifestyle and preferences. From stainless steel to fabric to leather, the possibilities are endless. Personalizing your Apple Watch has never been more fun or fashionable.
What's the Best Apple Watch Band Right Now?
After months of testing different bands in my daily activities, I can confidently say that Nomad's Sport Band stands out as the best overall Apple Watch band. Its comfort and breathability, combined with a variety of color choices, including limited edition drops, make it a fantastic upgrade over the standard sport band that comes with the Apple Watch.
But if a sport band isn’t what you’re after, don’t worry. This list includes options that are perfect for heavy exercise, swimming, everyday comfort, work, or even dressing up.
Top Apple Watch Bands for Every Occasion
Nomad Sport Band: This band excels in comfort and breathability, making it perfect for daily wear and workouts. The array of color choices and limited edition releases offer a unique touch to personalize your watch.
Heavy Exercise: For those intense workout sessions, a durable and sweat-resistant band is a must. The Apple Sport Loop is a fantastic choice, offering excellent comfort and adjustability to keep up with your movements.
Swimming: If you need a band for swimming, consider the Ocean Band. Designed to withstand water activities, it ensures your Apple Watch stays secure and functional in wet conditions.
Everyday Comfort: For everyday wear, a fabric band like the Apple Sport Loop is ideal. Its breathable material and easy adjustability provide unmatched comfort throughout the day.
Work: When it comes to professional settings, a stainless steel band offers a polished and sophisticated look. Brands like Nomad and Spigen provide high-quality stainless steel bands that blend style and durability.
Dressing Up: For formal occasions, a leather band adds a touch of elegance. Nomad’s leather bands are crafted from premium materials that age beautifully, making them a timeless addition to your watch.
Finding the right Apple Watch band can significantly enhance your experience with the device. Whether you need something for workouts, daily comfort, professional settings, or special events, there’s a perfect band out there for you. Nomad’s Sport Band is my top pick overall, but explore these options to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and needs.
The Best Apple Watch Bands of 2024
Nomad Sport Band: Best Apple Watch Band Overall
If you're searching for the best Apple Watch band in 2024, look no further than Nomad's Sport Band. This band is like a more refined version of Apple's classic sport band. Designed for both intense workouts and everyday wear, it’s 100% waterproof, so you can confidently wear it in rain, sleet, or snow without worrying about damage. Its lightweight design promotes ventilation, solving the issue of sweaty gym wrists—if you know, you know.
If you’re eyeing a sport band or are a fan of Nomad’s bands, keep an eye on their website. They often release Limited Edition models with unique colors and styles (like the one pictured above on my Apple Watch SE). These editions tend to sell out quickly, so it's wise to act fast when you see one you like.
I tested the Nomad Sport Band in the limited edition glow-in-the-dark Glow 2.0 design and was impressed with its performance, closely resembling my original Apple sport band. While not every sport band has the glow feature, all share the same excellent characteristics.
When testing the Nomad Sport Band, I appreciated its durable yet comfortable material, the variety of color options, its adjustable fit, and its overall aesthetic. Initially, securing the band was a bit challenging, but over time, it became easier to put on and take off. This band offers more notch options than the standard Apple band, providing a more secure fit. Additionally, it stayed cleaner than my usual Apple band.
I did encounter two minor issues. After a few weeks of wear, the coating on the stainless steel pin started to come off, though it’s only noticeable up close. Also, despite the many color options, I wish Nomad offered more, such as softer pastels.
Feedback from Nomad Sport Band customers on Reddit highlights the quality, color options (including limited editions), and overall value of the band. Some users mentioned that the band did not sit flush with the Apple Watch Ultra, and one customer reported that the stainless steel pin broke off their band. However, they noted that customer service promptly replaced their purchase.
Nomad Sport Band Features:
- Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch
- Band Sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm
In summary, the Nomad Sport Band is a fantastic upgrade from the standard Apple band, offering durability, comfort, and style. Whether you’re hitting the gym or just need a reliable daily band, this one is a top pick.
Burga Stainless Steel Two-Tone Apple Watch Band
Best Metal Apple Watch Band for Style
When it comes to elevating your Apple Watch’s style, the Burga Stainless Steel Two-Tone Apple Watch Band is a standout choice. Since diving into the world of Apple Watch bands, I’ve been on the lookout for one that can effortlessly dress up my everyday look. This Burga band, with its two-tone stainless steel strap and easy clasp closure, fits the bill perfectly. Designed for comfort, it can withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear.
Testing the Burga watch band over several weeks, I was immediately struck by its sophisticated appearance. It looks and feels high-end, reminiscent of a classic non-smart watch. The band has a satisfying weight, and the adjustment instructions made it easy to customize the fit to my wrist.
Throughout my testing period, I received numerous compliments on this band—something that doesn’t happen often despite the variety of products I test in my line of work. The band enhanced the look of my Apple Watch SE, giving it an affordable luxury vibe. I experienced no issues with tarnishing or chipping, though I took care around water, avoided wearing it while applying lotions, makeup, or perfume, and used a jewelry cloth to clean it every few wears. While I didn’t wear the band during intense workouts, it held up well during my daily casual walks of 3-5 miles.
With proper care, the Burga Stainless Steel Two-Tone Apple Watch Band offers excellent value. It looks far more expensive than it is and is a worthy investment if you’re looking to switch up your style for special occasions or a few times a week. Although slightly pricier than bands made from cheaper materials, it is still significantly more affordable than titanium options.
Current Burga customers praise the band’s design and quality, often noting that it feels like an affordable luxury piece.
Burga Stainless Steel Two-Tone Apple Watch Band Features:
- Material: Stainless steel
- Waterproof: No
- Compatibility: All current Apple Watch models
- Band Sizes: 42mm/44mm/45mm/49mm or 38mm/40mm/41mm
In conclusion, the Burga Stainless Steel Two-Tone Apple Watch Band is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their Apple Watch. Its stylish design, combined with practical features and a reasonable price point, makes it a top pick for dressing up your smartwatch.
Nomad Slim Sport Band: Best Slim Everyday Apple Watch Band
When it comes to finding the perfect everyday Apple Watch band, Nomad's Slim Sport Band is a top contender. This band is essentially a thinner version of Nomad's classic sport band, offering a similar design and material but with a more streamlined look on your wrist.
Just like the classic sport band, the slim version is 100% waterproof and made from durable fluoroelastomer rubber. Its lightweight design promotes ventilation, making it perfect for all-day wear. I tested the slim sport band for several weeks with my Apple Watch SE in starlight, and I was pleased with how closely it matched the Apple-issued sport band in both color and feel.
Despite its thinner profile, the slim sport band features a secure stainless steel pin that keeps the watch firmly in place. Personally, I found the slim band to be more comfortable for everyday wear compared to the classic sport band. However, those with larger wrists or a preference for a more substantial band might find it less suitable.
Initially, putting on the band was a bit tricky, but it became easier with time. I did notice some chipping on the coating of the stainless steel pin, a minor issue that I also observed with the classic sport band. One of my main critiques is the limited color options for the slim band. There are only four available colors, whereas the classic sport band offers a wider range, including limited edition versions. As someone who prefers the slim style, I would love to see more vibrant colors and soft pastels added to the lineup.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed using the slim band and have made it my go-to for daily wear.
Nomad Slim Sport Band Features:
- Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch
- Band Sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm
In conclusion, the Nomad Slim Sport Band is a fantastic choice for those seeking a sleek and comfortable everyday Apple Watch band. Its durable material, waterproof design, and secure fit make it an excellent option for daily activities. While the limited color selection is a bit of a letdown, the overall quality and performance of the band make it a worthwhile investment.
Nike Apple Watch Sport Band: Best Classic Apple Watch Band Alternative
When it comes to finding a great alternative to the classic Apple sports band, the Nike Apple Watch Sport Band stands out. Nike’s take on the traditional band offers a similar design and thickness but introduces unique features that make it a favorite for many.
The Nike sport band is perfect for a variety of activities, whether you're training, cooking, or just doing chores around the house. Its standout feature is the enhanced ventilation. The band has compression-molded perforations (small holes) that provide excellent breathability, making it durable, lightweight, strong, and soft.
One of the highlights of the Nike band is its color options. There are six different colors available, each with a unique fleck pattern that adds a stylish touch. This design not only looks great but also ensures that the band remains breathable and comfortable during extended wear.
Nike Sport Band Features:
- Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber
- Waterproof: Yes
- Compatibility: Apple Watch models 41mm / 45mm (also available for 38mm, 40mm)
- Band Sizes: Fits S/M (130-180mm) and M/L (150-200mm)
In summary, the Nike Apple Watch Sport Band is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and stylish alternative to the classic Apple band. Its combination of durability, breathability, and aesthetic appeal makes it a versatile option for any activity.
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