If you’ve got an Apple Watch , then this next sentence won’t surprise you:
It’s one of the most versatile accessories out there.
Maybe it’s your go-to health and fitness tracker.
Maybe you use it to keep an eye on work tasks.
Maybe you wanted it because it looks great.
Chances are you picked up an Apple Watch because it does all of the above. But what looks good at the gym doesn’t necessarily work in the boardroom. And sometimes a stylish look won’t hold up to a tough workout.
That’s where a great watch band comes in.
If you’ve got a small collection of straps, you don’t have to worry about stinking up your favorite leather strap. You can swap out that sturdy band for something sleek and elegant for date night.
The options are endless.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of our 5 favorite Apple Watch bands.
Rugged, playful, or classic—you’ll find everything to take you through your busy day-to-day.
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The 5 Best Apple Watch Bands in 2022
1. Rhino Band Stealth
What We Like
We took the Rhino Band Stealth camping and we can say this definitively—it’s crazy durable.
The Stealth packs the same protection, but in a much slimmer design than other Rhino Bands.
It’s available in classic, neutral tones and even some fun camouflage colors, too.
The TPU blend material is comfortable, doesn’t irritate the skin, and doesn’t get smelly after the gym.
What We Don’t Like
Even with the slimmed-down design, it still might be a bit bulky for some.
What Other Reviewers Say
There aren’t a ton of reviews out there for the Rhino Band. The reviews on their site are all positive, earning 4.5 stars.
We recommend buying through the official site only. It looks like a fake account on Amazon used their name and sold some terrible straps. Rhino Band doesn’t have an Amazon seller account.
The Verdict
The Rhino Band Stealth took a beating when we tested it out. Most importantly, though, it kept our Series 5 Apple Watch safe.
This protective strap has a bulky look to it, which may not be for everyone. But if you love the outdoors and hit the gym regularly, you’re going to want something to keep your Apple Watch safe.
Our number one choice for protection is the Rhino Band Stealth.
While we'd love to see some more aesthetic style options available, the Rhino Band Stealth is an excellent choice if you need or want to have your Apple Watch equipped at all times.
2. Apple Watch Sport Loop Band
What We Like
This nylon sport strap is a great middle-ground between office-wear and gym-wear. Since it’s dark, it looks clean in many wardrobes.
It’s an official band from Apple. This doesn’t mean it’s necessarily great, but it’s an official product and not a cheap knock-off.
The nylon is durable and won’t ever break.
What We Don’t Like
It’s on the pricey side—that’s what you get with an official product.
Once it gets dirty, it’s hard to spruce nylon up.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers mentioned that pictures weren’t always a great color indicator. Many also reported that the strap was shortened with the new series of Apple Watches—if you have a large wrist, you may want to look elsewhere for a band.
Besides those two main complaints, reviews were positive. With a 4.6 rating and nearly 100 reviews, we say that’s a pretty good record.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a multipurpose strap that’s durable and light, check out Apple’s official Sport Loop.
It’s a good choice for those with average to smaller wrists, but keep looking if you have above-average sized wrists.
3. IYOU Sport Band
What We Like
Inexpensive.
The IYOU comes in a huge variety of colors.
You can get multi-packs with several colors at once.
Compatible with all Apple Watches.
What We Don’t Like
No protection for your Apple Watch.
It looks a bit like a toy.
It only works in a very casual setting. Not for the gym or anything even semi-formal.
What Other Reviewers Say
With a 4.4 average rating and over four thousand reviews, IYOU is well-tested. A lot of reviewers mentioned great customer service which is a bit of a surprise.
Usually, with products under $10, I don’t expect to see or hear from the company again, even if I have a problem. But that’s not the case with IYOU. Most people who had manufacturer issues had their problems taken care of quickly and easily.
The Verdict
So it’s not the most elegant accessory you can get for your Apple Watch. But it’s inexpensive.
And it comes in pretty colors.
These are a good option if you want to pair your watch with a bunch of different casual outfits but don’t want to spend a fortune on five or six different straps.
Whatever you do, don’t try and pass these straps as anything but what they are—that means no black-tie functions.
4. Spiedel Twist-O-Flex Stainless Steel Band
What We Like
Interesting construction that fits a wide variety of wrists but keeps the stainless steel look.
The metal band is a great way to dress up the Apple Watch.
No buckle makes things easy—this just slips on and off.
What We Don’t Like
It occasionally gets pinchy—meaning it can pull at your arm-hairs a good deal.
Changing links out is near-impossible. Even with a specialized tool, it’s difficult to resize.
What Other Reviewers Say
On Amazon, the Spiedel has a 4.4 average out of 200 reviews.
For those who were looking at Apple’s stainless steel option, this was a perfect substitute. It looks good, fits well, and doesn’t break the bank.
The Verdict
You’ll have a hard time taking links out of this Spiedel band. There’s no way around that, and the reviews say the same. But once you get it down, this strap is an excellent alternative to Apple’s stainless link option.
5. NEXT Hybrid Leather Band
What We Like
It has the cool look of leather, but all the durability of silicone.
The metal hardware looks great against the leather, plus adds to its overall quality.
Great for warmer climates and those who sweat heavily.
What We Don’t Like
NEXT only fits the Series 4 and 5.
Only available in black and brown.
What Other Reviewers Say
The reviews for the NEXT leather and silicone band are positive, with over 60 customers giving it a 4.4 average. The biggest issue we saw pop up was with the pins. For some, the attaching pins came out easily.
We recommend checking your purchase as soon as you get it just to make sure you don’t have a defect. For most, though, there was no problem.
The Verdict
The blend of silicone and leather found on the NEXT band is a good balance between what I call tech-casual and classic style.
You get the warm look of leather, but in a way that compliments the cooler, more technical design of the Apple Watch.
3 Things to Consider When Buying an Apple Watch Band
Which Series Do You Have?
It may seem obvious, but make sure you’re buying the correct size strap for your Apple Watch .
While series 4 and 5 Apple Watches are 40 and 44mm, if you have a series 3 or below, you’ll need a specific band. The lug widths are different between each generation.
For our list of five bands, the seller will make it clear which generation and size you’re buying. We’re only saying you should double-check.
What’s Your Favorite Function?
What’s the main use of your Apple Watch?
If you use it for work, checking emails, and updating your calendar, get one of the classier style straps first.
If you take your watch to the gym to use as a fitness tracker, make sure you protect it with something sturdy. You don’t want to bump your $500 watch against a dumbbell and shatter the screen.
Start with a band that you’ll get the most use from. After you’ve covered the main function, you can start building a small collection—and even change your strap throughout the day.
Is Longevity Important to You?
Are you a tech-junkie and you’re already looking forward to the next generation of Apple Watches?
Or did you go all out and splurge on something nice for yourself that you’ll have for years?
If you only see yourself wearing your Apple Watch for another year or so, you may want to just pick up a few cool straps in different colors to hold you over until the next generation comes out.
But if you plan on using it every day for years to come, you should invest in a great band that will keep your watch safe.
Wrapping It Up
The Apple Watch is a solid tool—for workouts, for productivity, for getting your life in order. If you’re an Apple tech convert already, it’s even more useful as a sync to your iPhone or other Apple devices.
But having a single strap limits where and how you can wear it.
Going camping? You don’t have to leave your watch behind anymore. There are options out there that can keep your Apple Watch safe in any situation.
Want something fun, simple, and adventurous? Pick up a few of those silicon colored bands. Sure, they’re not hallmarks of great style, but they work in casual outfits when you’re not too worried about impressing.
So open up new possibilities for where and how you wear your watch. Once you’ve got your new strap, you’ll see what we mean.
