The Best Men’s Apple Watch Bands for Every Activity

Since we’re avid participants within the online space, we’re inundated with different band types, styles, and models on a day-to-day basis. We’ve seen pretty much all there is to see when it comes to stylish wristwear accessories, whether they be leather-clad classics, durable, nylon-built bands, or more utilitarian offerings that have been inspired by military or field operations. Below, we’ve decided to round up a handful of our favorites, focusing primarily on construction, build quality, and dependability; but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have your back when it comes to stylish implementation. Setting out to find your next watch strap might sound like an easy feat, but with millions of different options and offerings flooding the marketplace on a daily basis, how are you supposed to discern what’s well-built, and what isn’t? That’s where our guide to the best Apple Watch bands comes in – each of our choices has been carefully selected to maintain an eye-catching appearance, as well as inspire a feeling of confidence every time you tighten the buckle.

why should you use a different Apple watch band?

If you’re an Apple Watch owner who wants to stand apart from the crowd, finding a personalized watch strap that caters to your own unique style should be the first step you take. Not only does it show the world that you’re suave, fashion-savvy, and unique, but it’s also a great way to ensure that your investment stays secure and safe, without having to rely on Apple’s generic clasp system.

What kind of bands can you put on your Apple watch?

While Apple itself offers a great selection of bands, we’ve chosen to highlight third-party options that are just as stylish and reliable. In theory, you can use a band made of anything as long as it fits the lug width of your Apple Watch, but bands designed specifically with the Apple Watch in mind generally have features that enhance the experience.

Apple watch materials

Silicone: This will last a while with easy maintenance, and it’s ideal for both active and casual wear.

Leather: Leather will need the most maintenance out of the bunch, but it offers some timeless class.

Nylon: Nylon is also great for both active and casual wear, as it’s highly lightweight and breathable.

Metal: The most common metal options will be titanium or stainless steel bands, and they can give your smartwatch a more classic/sleek look.

Fabric: This encompasses a variety of materials (like canvas, for example), but most fabric straps will usually be designed for comfort.

What to look for

Use: First off, ask yourself if you want a strap for active or casual wear (or a bit of a hybrid), then choose your strap accordingly. Active Apple Watch straps will usually be made of silicone, nylon, or another lightweight and breathable fabric, and casual bands lend themselves to leather and metal construction.

Material: Make sure you understand the materials and their benefits listed above and decide which works best for you. A big factor in this decision should be whether you’re looking for an active or casual choice.

Compatibility: You’ll need to make sure your band is compatible with the model of Apple Watch you own and its measurements (which are usually listed as lug width and/or the length of the Apple Watch case).

Water Resistance: If you are planning to get active and it involves aquatic activities, going for a water-resistant watch band can be helpful.

Style: Again, the choice between an active or causal watch will be a big part of the band’s style, but something like a NATO band is the best of both worlds in terms of both style and comfort.

Size: Different brands will use different measurements to provide size information, so it’s important to know what your wrist size is to select appropriately.

DSPTCH Fidlock Watch Strap

Best Quick-Release Band: DSPTCH crafts durable products with pride, and most of them are created right here in the States. This watch strap is yet another long-lasting piece of equipment, and it’s made of herringbone nylon webbing and designed for the Series 8 Apple Watches. The strap comes in S/M and M/L sizes, is available in six colors, and every step of the process was handled in the USA. So if you’re traveling, getting active, or just want a comfortable and durable strap (at a great price, too), this is worth a look.

Nike Sport Band

Best Breathable Band: The Swoosh is no stranger to getting a workout in, and this active band is designed to be lightweight, soft, and super breathable. It’s made with fluoroelastomer, a high-performance synthetic rubber that’s soft yet durable, and features perforations to enhance breathability. The tucked closure ties it all together, and this pick is perfect for anyone in need of a reliable active band.

Astra Straps NATO Nylon Breathable Band

Best NATO Strap: Since 2020, Astra Straps has been designing high-quality straps in its Southern California studio for smartwatches and fitness trackers. This NATO strap is the label’s take on the classic strap, and it’s made with hand-woven nylon and metal buckles. It’s perfect for fans of old-school military gear, and really anyone looking to adventure outdoors, as it’s durable enough to handle hiking, running, and other activities without breaking a sweat.

Barton Racing Horween Leather Watch Band

Best Racing Band: Barton Watch Bands is a Dallas-based company that was founded by Scott Herz, a mechanical engineer and watch enthusiast, who was fed up with the lack of quality of bands in the industry. Made with leather from one of the oldest tanneries in the USA, this strap is inspired by the racing style of the ’60s and ’70s motorsports watches, and works with any available model of Apple Watch. It’s also lined with a soft Nubuck lining, features black PVD hardware, and stainless steel hardware.

Native Union Classic Strap

Best Italian Leather Strap: Native Union has been an avid proponent of affordable leather accessories for a while now, and when the Apple Watch was announced in 2015, the brand’s designers went to work on their very own strap variant. The Classic Strap is made with genuine Nappa leather that’s environmentally sourced, and it comes from a renowned Italian tannery. You’re also getting stainless steel hardware and a nubuck leather backing for lasting comfort.

UAG Active Watch Strap

Best Active Strap: Urban Armor Gear’s Active Strap is a formidable example that’s been built to take on the world’s toughest environments. Not only does it feature a high-strength material design, but it’s also been complemented by durable, stainless steel custom hardware, water resistance, and features an enhanced hook-and-loop fastener for increased security. Thanks to its dependable nylon weave, you’ll be able to utilize the Active Strap in a variety of different areas of life.

Handdn Forest Suede Leather Apple Watch Band

Best Suede Band: The Vietnam-based brand Handdn was started by Phi Hoang Bui in 2014, who continues to create bespoke watch straps alongside a dedicated team of artisans who love watches just as much as he does. You can see the label’s attention to detail in this suede band that’s been handcrafted at every stage of the process, with stainless steel hardware and quick-release spring bars. The inside has also been reinforced with Velodon, which will keep your watch in place wherever you go.

FFF Button-Stud Apple Watchband

Best Button-Stud Strap: Instead of the traditional clasp and closure that can be found on many of today’s modern strap examples, Form Function Form utilizes a single, customized closure that’s been sized, shaped, and sewn specifically for your own wrist. Each model features a premium Horween leather construction, courtesy of the brand’s centurial Chicago, IL tannery, and comes complete with a laser-cut, hand-burnished exterior that’s equal parts suave and supplemental. Of course, you also have a choice between stainless steel or DLC Black hardware, allowing you to tailor the strap’s smaller specifications at will.

ZULUDIVER Beads of Rice Premium Watch Strap

Best Beads of Rice Band: For those of you wanting to class up your Apple Watch, this Beads of Rice Premium Watch Strap from ZULUDIVER is a simple yet effective attachment that gets the job done. The design is inspired by Gay Frères beads-of-rice from the mid-20th century, and it’s made with stainless steel. This will also easily work with other watches besides your Apple Watch and comes in three lug width sizes (20/18mm, 21/18mm, 22/20mm).

Nomad Goods Titanium Band

Best Titanium Band: Nomad has quickly become one of the genre’s most notable tech accessory providers, and with a catalog that spans virtually all of today’s modern smart devices, it’s no surprise that the Apple Watch was at the top of its list. The brand’s Titanium Band features the same quality and craftsmanship that we’ve seen in droves since the company’s inception. Featuring premium marine and aerospace-grade titanium, a DLC finish, and scratch resistance, this band is both stylish and durable.

Your new strap could use some backup, and our best Apple Watch accessories guide highlights some great choices.