RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Fortunately, Apple Watch bands are a simple and relatively affordable way to zhuzh up the look of your wearable. Beyond aesthetics, different styles also impact performance and functionality. For example, I don't want a heavy stainless steel or high-quality leather band weighing me down during a sweaty workout, just as I wouldn't wear a flimsy silicone band to a dinner party.
At WIRED, we've been testing bands since the very first Apple Watch launched in 2015. After years of wearing and swapping, I've rounded up the best bands for every occasion. Be sure to check out our related product guides, including the Best Apple Watch Accessories, Best Apple Watch, and Best Smartwatches for more recommendations.
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Updated August 2026: I added a comparison chart, along with the Apple Sport Band to Honorable Mentions. Prices and links were also updated.
The Nike Sport Loop has been my everyday band since 2020. I bought another in 2023 because I wanted to swap colors, and I figured after three years, I should buy a brand-new one, but it has held up remarkably well. Made from a blend of recycled polyester, spandex, and nylon, it's breathable and lightweight. The double-layered nylon weave is designed with dense loops that help prevent moisture from getting trapped against your skin. As long as you regularly hand-wash it to rid it of sweat buildup and dirt, it stays odor-free.
The hook-and-loop fastener and pull tab make it easy to adjust with one hand. It is Velcro, so beware—it can snag on softer fabrics. Still, for a band designed with sports in mind, it's understated enough to wear almost anywhere. I wouldn't wear it to a formal event, but for the office or casual social events, it's perfect.
Recycled polyester, recycled spandex, recycled nylon
5 (midnight black, alpenglow pink, blue ribbon, veiled grey, volt splash)
38, 40, 41 mm; 38, 40, 41, 42 mm; 44, 45, 46, 49 mm
Nomad originally designed the Stratos Band for the Apple Watch Ultra, but it fits just as well with the SE and Series 1 through 11. It's easy to adjust, refined enough for the office, and backed by Grade 4 titanium hardware with a scratch-resistant DLC coating. FKM rubber links (PFA-free and antimicrobial, according to Nomad) add flexibility, durability, and water resistance. The clasp is made with corrosion-resistant N52 magnets, which make it effortless to snap on, and it's designed with a manual release button, so you don't have to worry about it accidentally falling off. It's technically suited for workouts and outdoor use, but it is a hefty band that I personally prefer for casual everyday wear.
The hardware comes in natural or black finishes, which is nice if you're particular about matching your setup. The FKM rubber comes in four different colorways, including a limited-edition icy blue that glows in the dark. The glow effect is short-lived (roughly 10 to 20 minutes), and based on online feedback, more of a novelty than a standout feature.
4 (black, ultra orange, volt, icy blue glow)
Moft's Snap Duo Watch Band is made from nontoxic, food-grade silicone, but you wouldn't know it at a glance. The pebbled finish mimics leather, giving it a more elevated look, without the stiffness or upkeep. Also, unlike leather, it's noticeably soft, waterproof, and resistant to direct, which makes it just as suitable for workouts and water sports as it is for the office.
The design is particularly interesting. Each band features two colors, and thanks to a bidirectional connector, you can flip and swap sides to create four different looks. Switching it up is easy, and the magnetic link is even easier to snap on. Keep in mind, there's no manual release mechanism, so it may not feel sturdy on its own. Moft includes a removable buckle as an extra precaution, and while it takes a bit of fiddling to attach, it's worth using for a more secure fit.
5 (wake orange/swell blue, strike yellow/poise purple, roam green/beyond blue, vast black/stardust, wade blue/echo gray)
38, 40, 41, 42 mm; 42, 44, 45, 46, 49 mm
Former WIRED editor Adrienne So says the Moher Green—inspired by Ireland's Cliffs of Moher—is the most beautiful band she's ever worn. The color is rich, but Konsu NYC also offers seven other colors that are just as vibrant. The top and bottom layers are 100 percent top-grain calfskin leather, and the middle layer is a proprietary, thin fiber that the company claims is 15 times stronger than steel. The hardware is 316-grade stainless steel that is laser etched, machine polished, and PVD coated, which makes it scratch- and corrosion-resistant. You can also customize the adapter and buckle finishes to be either silver, gold, or black.
8 (Empire black, Menara brown, Taormina tan, Serengeti yellow, Arashiyama white, Retiro red, Moher green, Bariloche blue)
I purchased the Hermés band last year after the orange Alpine Loop on my Ultra got too sooty to continue into a third year of honorable service. The Hermés band is an equally loud orange, but no one ever asks about it; it's relatively discreet as luxury goods go. Installation is a breeze, and the color comes close to matching the titanium case, with a tad extra silvery shine.
The fluoroelastomer feels soft but sturdy against the skin and washes better than the Alpine Loop. I especially like the brand-stamped quick-release clasp (deployment buckle), which makes it a breeze to take on or off with a quick squeeze on the sides. It runs large, and I would not recommend it to people with small wrists, as I'm a large man and using the third of seven notches. After a year of daily wear, there is a little darkening around the clasp from my dragging my wrists around my desk, but that's the part of the band that the fewest people see. —Martin Cizmar
6 (orange, bleu pastel, jaune, grège, blanc, noir)
Recycled polyester, recycled spandex, recycled nylon
5 (midnight black, alpenglow pink, blue ribbon, veiled grey, volt spl...
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