The 13 Best Apple Watch Bands for Men, Tested by Tech Editors

Nomad has developed a solid reputation (and our admiration) as a company that crafts excellent products and stands behind them. So, too, with the simply named Nomad Modern Band. The latest version fits almost every Apple Watch, old and new. As with many of the brand’s products, the minimalist design is both modern and timeless. The Horween leather is sourced from one of the country’s oldest tanneries and minimally treated, so it naturally develops a rich patina that only looks better over time.

It’s pricier than some other models on this list. But, as with many Nomad-branded goods, you get what you pay for. This is a unique, beautifully designed Apple Watch band for men that stands out among a sea of lackluster third-party also-rans. The Horween Leather construction and stainless steel lugs and buckle give it a durable, rugged appearance that’s equally at home in the boardroom, at cocktail parties, and on the trail. An equally good-looking, “ordinary” leather version is available for a bit less if you’re minding your budget.

Read more: Best Apple Watch Ultra Bands

Cut from premium leather and sewn in the U.S., this leather strap exudes the same premium qualities one would find on any designer Shinola watch. A space grey metal clasp is added to the band to match any space grey Apple Watch case. As for sizing, you can buy the Shinola strap in a 38mm/40mm or a 42mm/44mm.

It’s a premium brand with a premium price, for sure. But if you’re looking for a black leather strap, then the chances are you probably want to wear your Apple Watch in a more casual—and even more formal— setting. This strap is similar to all the premium leather straps Shinola makes, so you’re going to feel the leather break in over time and get more comfortable around your wrist as it shapes. You won’t see any stitching popping out, and you certainly won’t see the leather fade or warp. This is one of the finest leather Apple Watch straps around, so if you’re looking for something sleek that will last a long time, then this is a solid pick.

The Nike Sport Loop is a breathable, lightweight band that’s easy to strap on thanks to its secure, dead-simple hook-and-loop fastener. Those who choose the Sport Loop are usually converts from the Nike Sport Band, as they’ve decided they enjoy the Nike Sport Loop’s nylon weave better than the rubber materials of the Nike Sport Band.

Is the Nike Sport Loop better than the Nike Sport Band? For us, it comes down to personal preference. The Nike Sport Loop is great because it doesn’t trap sweat and get slippery like the Nike Sport Band does at times. The Nike Sport Loop, however, can get abrasive if it starts to rub when you’re sweating. So, some discomfort can occur if you find your band shifting and moving. But remember, lighter, breathable, and more secure is the motto for the Nike Sport Loop. It’s never a bad time to try one for yourself.

The latest iteration of the Nike Sport Band is made of at least 32% recycled fluoroelastomer, a type of rubber that’s known for its extreme resistance. On the Nike Sport Band, you will also see little flakes, which are actually bits of recycled fluoroelastomer from past Apple Watch bands (at least 66% of the flakes contain recycled fluoroelastomer). What this material blend does is create a more eco-friendly watch band while preserving the same feel the Nike Sport Band has had for years.

The pin-and-tuck closure system ensures a clean fit that’s secure enough to wear swimming, hiking, biking, or just working out. We also like that it’s available in a myriad of colors to match your personal style. Reiterating what we mentioned in our words on the Nike Sport Loop, the Nike Sport Band does have a tendency to trap sweat and get slippery during intense workouts. Apple and Nike have worked to make that less of a problem with this new band design by changing up the material blend of the band, but the nature of the rubber makes it hard to erase that issue completely.

Nonetheless, the Sport Band is still an awesome Apple Watch band pick. It’s arguably the most versatile watch band in the way you can wear it through many different points throughout the day and not have to worry about any nagging discomfort.

Urban Armor Gear (UAG) has been a go-to favorite of ours here at Men’s Health for its dang-near-bulletproof iPhone cases, among other things. The brand’s Scout Plus Watch Strap is no different. Made with a soft-touch TPU rubber that’s lightweight and tough as nails, the band is made to handle all-day wear and tear—all while staying comfortable on the wrist.

The one-body design adds protection around the case and ensures a more secure fit of the watch. The downside of this strap is it only sizes to 45mm Apple Watch case. The counterpoint to this downside is you can pivot to several other Urban Armor Gear Apple Watch bands similar to the Scout Plus strap. Take it hiking, biking, rock climbing, breakdancing—whatever you’re into—you’ll know your Apple Watch is safe.

Carbon fiber is most often found in the world of automotive racing, but it’s made its way into just about every hard-sided household product you can imagine. That’s because it’s extremely durable, yet lightweight, making it perfect for, say, protecting your pricey tech gadgets. So, it’s no surprise that Pitaka chose carbon fiber as the material of choice for its aptly named Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band. The incredibly rugged, 1.1-ounce construction is made even better with a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic that looks great on any wrist. It’s the perfect complement to the premium good looks of the latest Apple Watch.

It’s pricey compared to most other Apple Watch Bands for men we’ve seen this year. But that’s not surprising given the genuine carbon fiber construction. On the downside, adding and removing links can be a hassle. Although the required tool is provided and this is something that most buyers should only need to do once (until they nail down the size that fits them best). Pitaka also recommends not wearing it in saltwater, which could be a dealbreaker for some or a non-issue for others. It all depends on what you’re into.

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Pros

• Among the most affordable bands in our roundup
• Soft, durable silicone strap
• Water- and sweatproof design is great for high-intensity activities
• Dozens of available colors

If durability and price matter more than flashy designer looks, Recoppa’s Sport Band for Apple Watch is hands-down the best value Apple Watch band for men. The waterproof silicone band is soft and comfortable for everyday wear or even intense workouts. Plus, it’s available in more than two dozen patterns and colorways to match any style. Durable metal hardware keeps it nice and secure, no matter what you’re getting into. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes to fit just about any wrist and any series Apple Watch, old and new.

With roughly 50,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews, it’s one of the best-rated Apple Watch bands on Amazon. Many reviewers argue that it’s stronger and more secure than Apple’s OEM watch band. It’s not as flashy or luxurious as any of the premium bands on this list. But at this price point, it’s hard to complain. You can easily buy a handful for the same price as one of the competition’s bands and change out your band every day of the week if you want.

We’ve been fans of Bellroy’s wallets and laptop sleeves for years, largely due to their handsome, modern aesthetic. So, too, with the brand’s simply named Watch Strap. Like every product in Bellroy’s catalog, the sleek, curvy design of this Apple Watch band works well with any personal style. The eco-tanned leather band is available in three tasteful colors and develops a rich, one-of-a-kind patina over time. Plus, the construction is bolstered with a durable polymer to ensure that it’s built to survive everyday wear, long days at the office, and more intense outdoor pursuits. A textured underside also provides better sweat and moisture management than 100% leather watchbands.

There’s little to dislike about this band. Given the understated and sophisticated design, hybrid construction materials that add durability, moisture management capability, and available colorways, we think it’s easily the sleekest Apple Watch band this year. Plus, the three-year warranty is among the best of any band on the market.

Read more: Best Wallets for Men

The Milanese Loop is a fan-favorite among Apple Watch users for its lightweight feel and sleek, put-together look. The band is Italian-made and woven into a smooth, stainless steel mesh. It feels like a fine dress watch but is less stuffy, more flexible, and free.

The downside of the Milanese Loop is the cost, plus the fact you are limited to wearing the band casually or with formal attire (no activity). Alas, the fact you get such a quality blend of comfort with a beautiful and unique design is worth investigating further.

There are a few good metal watch bands for the Apple Watch, but the best we’ve found to complement the sleek design of the factory case is the Titanium Watch Band from Sandmarc. It’s made with grade 2 titanium, which is strong and lightweight, making it a solid choice for both formal wear and outdoor adventuring.

The band weighs just two ounces, so you won’t have to worry about your wrist getting tired. Sandmarc also added a film to the titanium to help prevent scratching, so it’s virtually guaranteed not to look mangled after a few wears. You’re going to pay a high price for this band, but boy, does it look beautiful. You’d be hard-pressed to find another Apple Watch band with this level of strength and handsome good looks.

Casetify has a long lineup of Apple Watch bands in all sorts of fun and exciting designs. They range from cool retro looks (like this band pictured above) to limited-edition bands from collaborations with TV shows like The Mandalorian and pop music groups like BTS.

The price point of most of Casetify’s watch bands is fairly reasonable (about $50 on average). The only qualm we have is the limited-edition bands sell out fast, which can be a bummer when there’s a collab we love.

LifeProof has been making these eco-friendly bands through several Apple Watch iterations now. We love the simplicity of the design and the fact each band is made from 99% ocean plastic yarn—it’s the most eco-friendly watch band we’ve found.

This band comes in a bunch of cool colors to choose from and fits all Apple Watch models from the Series 3 and up. The water-resistant design has a simple buckle closure that fits tight on the wrist. You might have some discomfort wearing the band for extended hours at a time. But considering the materials used and the fact the band is incredibly affordable, it’s well worth an addition to any Apple Watch band collection.

Britain’s Harber London has a long history of designing some of the sharpest, handcrafted leather goods. Its Apple Watch Strap is no different. For the discerning gentleman for whom “only the best will do,” this premium Apple Watch band is crafted in Spain of full-grain cowhide leather that only looks better over time. The custom-made buckles are made from stainless steel, so they’re durable and ultra-secure on your wrist. This combination makes this Apple Watch band one of the best-looking and best-designed bands for men this year.

The three available sizes (38mm/40mm/41mm, 42mm/44mm/45mm, and 45mm/49mm) are designed to fit any series Apple Watch from the OG version right up through the latest Apple Watch Ultra. Each of the three available colors is timeless and handsome, though we do wish there were more to choose from. It is among the priciest bands for men in our roundup. But, given its premium, gift-worthy design, we think it’s well worth it.

What Band Should I Get for My Apple Watch?

Apple Watch bands are available in a wide range of materials, sizes, colors, and styles. The band you should get comes down to what feels most comfortable for all the types of activities you plan on doing while wearing your watch. For everyday wear, a rubber or a nylon band might prove to feel the best for extended hours of wear. If you like to wear your Apple Watch out to dinner and with your casual outfits, then a leather band is definitely in the mix. For workouts, we’re a big proponent of rubber again, just because it is softer and won’t dig into your wrist like other bands can sometimes do.

What Should I Look for When Buying an Apple Watch Band?

Many Apple Watch bands are versatile enough to be used for different purposes, but some have specialty designs. For example, if you’re looking for a water-resistant band, the Life Proof Eco-Friendly Band or Nike Sport Band is a solid choice. If you want a band built for high-intensity activities, then the Urban Armor Gear Scout Plus Watch Strap and Case is a great pick. For business or wearing out on the town, something like the Sandmarc Titanium Band, the Apple Milanese Loop, or the Shinola Leather Strap is the way to go.

Sometimes, buying a wallet-friendly Apple Watch band works, but there are usually sacrifices when trying to save money—namely in the comfort category. Cheaper band materials can scratch the skin and create nagging, rubbing, and itching. Buying a cheaper watch band might be ok to wear for short periods of time, but if you’re wearing the band all day or for intense workouts you might find the sacrifice in comfort is not worth the money saved.