There's no better way to customize your new Apple Watch than with a new strap or band.
While the official Apple options are expensive, there are thousands of third-party options to suit any budget and wrist size.
If you're looking for leather, stainless steel, Milanese loop bands, or something sweat-proof for the gym, there are plenty of high-quality, cost-effective options out there for men and women.
Apple Watch case and band sizes: Will it fit?
Since the original Apple Watch, the clasp and mechanism for adding and replacing straps have remained the same. Still, it's natural to ask: which size bands fit my Apple Watch?
Well, Apple is now on its third set of sizes. The latest design - present on the Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9 - gives users a choice of either a 41mm or 45mm case.
For the Series 4-6, those case sizes were instead 40mm and 44mm. And for the Series 0-3, they were 38mm and 42mm.
It can sound confusing, but things are made infinitely simpler by the fact that bands will fit universally across either the smaller or larger group of case sizes.
So, if you have a watch band that fits the 45mm Apple Watch Series 9, it will also work with the 42mm Apple Watch Series 3 or 44mm Apple Watch Series 5.
However, it won't work with the 41mm Series 5 or 38mm Series 2, for example. Still with us?
The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, of course, each feature a 49mm case. However, straps designed to fit 44mm/45mm Apple Watch models will also work with the Ultra models.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: 49mm
- Apple Watch Ultra: 49mm
- Apple Watch Series 9: 41mm and 45mm
- Apple Watch Series 8: 41mm and 45mm
- Apple Watch Series 7: 41mm and 45mm
- Apple Watch SE: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 6: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 5: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 4: 40mm and 44mm
- Apple Watch Series 3: 38mm and 42mm
- Apple Watch Series 2: 38mm and 42mm
- Apple Watch: 38mm and 42mm
Men's leather bands
Southern Straps Brown Leather
Price: $129 | Southern Straps
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/45mm
Southern Straps
When it comes to quality, Southern Straps are right at the top – and its tan leather band is one of the best in the business. Available in all sizing options, the Horween leather is tanned and treated in California and fits wrists sized 14cm - 25cm in circumference.
Watch Strap Co. leather strap
Price when reviewed: £69/£55 | Watch Strap Co
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
The Watch Strap Co’s leather options again undercut official prices, while still adding quality – but customization is our favorite part of the offering.
You’re free to color-code all of the metal elements to the color of your Apple Watch’s body, so you can accent rose gold, stainless steel, or space gray with your choice of leather.
In terms of leather options, there are dark, light, and black leather, and you can choose stitching options too.
Meridio
Price when reviewed: $89.99/£74.99 | Merido Band
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Meridio comes about as close as any third-party watch strap brand to replicating Apple's premium feel.
We've tested out the company's standard leather options from its Nappa collection, as well as its more vintage bands. They're durable, have the same thin-leather style as Apple's collections and you even have the option to engrave your initials on them.
If that's not enough for you, the Italian band-maker also fashions straps from recycled apple skin. Wild stuff.
Nomad Modern Leather
Price when reviewed: $69.95 | Nomad
Size options: 40mm/41mm
Wareable
Nomad's leather straps are unlike others. The Modern Strap has a bold, minimalistic style that's reminiscent of a sports band in the right lighting - but it's not, with slim-to-nil stitching and a refreshing slate grey color.
The straps are made out of Horween leather and are designed to patina over time, giving you a rugged long-term look to complement its modern design.
The only disappointment is that there's not a bigger size available.
Men's link and metal bands
Casetify Stainless Steel Watch Band
Size options: 42mm/44mm
Wareable
A stainless steel strap is perfect for everyday wear when you want your Apple Watch to look the part at work, for drinks after work, and even at the gym.
This lightweight design from Casetify is water-resistant and has a strong clasp, so it’ll stay in place. The metallic blue shade looks great and stands out from the same silver and gold styles you’ll find everywhere.
Fullmosa stainless steel watch band
Price: $19/£18 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
If you want to throw a bit more metal onto your wrist, this stainless steel band comes in six different colors including red and blue looks to better match the latest case colors.
There's a folding clasp to keep things secure and it also comes with a TPU case. If you need to remove links to get a better fit, it comes with the tool to save you a visit to your nearest watch repair shop.
Watch Strap Co steel mesh band
Price when reviewed: $82/£65 | Watch Strap Co
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
The Watch Strap Co’s Milanese band is by no means the cheapest out there, but it does blend British quality while still managing to convincingly undercut the official Apple versions.
The mesh loop comes in size options for all Apple Watch generations, and in silver, gold, rose gold, space gray, and black options.
Fitlink Stainless Steel Metal Strap
Price when reviewed: $13.99/£13.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Available in all Apple Watch sizes the Fitlink stainless steel metal strap is a classic option for anyone looking for a metal link band.
It fits all Apple Watch editions and costs a fraction of the price of an official metal link band.
There's no hiding from the fact that adjusting link bracelets is a pain, but the Fitlink comes with the tools to do it at home.
Unisex sport bands
Nomad Sport Band
Price: $59.95 | Nomad
Size options: 40mm/41mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
The Apple Watch is a pretty formidable sports tracker and Nomad's fluoroelastomer band is fit for workouts both on land and in the water.
The ventilated-style look promises a breathable fit and it comes in five different colors including marine blue and dune looks. It's fit to work with the latest sizes, letting you put that improved dust resistance design to good use.
Ocyclone
Price: $16.99 | Buy here
Size options: 40mm/41mm
Wareable
This is an Apple Watch band and case combo that wants to guard your smartwatch against dents and scratches.
Its drop-resistant form factor works with 41mm and 40mm Watch case sizes with a ventilated look to keep things breathable on the move and also make sure you can get to those physical buttons and touchscreen while it's wrapped around the case.
Twelve South ActionBand
Price: $29.99/£29.99 | Amazon
Size options: 40mm/41mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Twelve South has become one of the more inventive brands when it comes to putting that Watch on your body and its new ActionBand holds the Apple smartwatch inside of a terry cotton sweatband making it a good fit for workout time.
It's suitable to be worn on the wrist and forearm and currently works with the Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, and SE. There will be some love for Series 7 owners too soon as well if you're looking for something you can sweat big in and not worry about ruining your smarter-looking bands.
Spigen Liquid Crystal Pro Case
Price when reviewed: $39.99 | Spigen
Size options: 40mm/41mm
Wareable
Spruce up your regular silicone strap with this futuristic-looking, transparent version from Spigen.
It easily snaps onto your Apple Watch, providing a slim, see-through bumper around the edge of the face, too. It’s built for comfort, with a soft feel for all-day wear and a simple but streamlined buckle fastening so you can get the fit just right.
Unisex woven and nylon bands
Daisdjuy Trail Loop Sport Bands
Price: $13.99 | Amazon
Wareable
Designed for sports and hiking, this thin, lightweight, and flexible Apple Watch strap comes in a range of muted colors with a bright orange accent on the pull tab.
It’s created from multiple layers of a soft, nylon weave, which makers Daisdjuy say is what increases elasticity and gives you a more comfortable fit.
Lugs at both ends of the strap lock the band in place on your Apple Watch and there’s a loop closure to keep it tight on your wrist, designed to make quick adjustments while you’re on the move.
Airpeariful
Price: $10.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Apple's nylon bands are some of the nicest to pair up with its Watch, so it's always good when you find ones available for less than the official options. This third-party alternative comes in over 20 different colors all offering the same soft, snug nylon feel that uses velcro to keep it in a firm place. You could buy a few of these for the same price as one of Apple's nylon bands.
Bifeiyo nylon bands
Price: $10.99/£18.38 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Apple's official nylon bands are a great pick if you're after something that looks smart and is comfortable to wear, and you could also get away with wearing them in the gym.
These unofficial nylon options come in packs of three for less than a single official Apple nylon band with colors aplenty to choose from.
They use velcro as well to keep them in place and this one works with all Apple Watch sizes so you can share them around if not everyone is rocking one of the latest models.
Veesimi braided strap
Price when reviewed: $16.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Wareable
You can pick up this woven nylon and silicone thread band in six colors and uses a simple buckle to make it easy to adjust when you need a tighter fit or you need to whip it off quickly.
It's fit for keeping on when you're working out and we'd say the green (above) and the red options offer the strongest look depending on what color case you're rocking.
Ochboogie solo loop strap
Price when reviewed: $9.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Wareable
This nylon number will stick a colorful rainbow look on your wrist whatever Apple Watch model you have.
It uses a steel slider instead of a traditional watch buckle to keep it in place with the natural stretchy feel of the nylon making sure it's not going to slide around if you're planning to put that Watch to work for a run or a HIIT session.
Best Apple Watch bands for women: Leather
OxaLeather slim leather band
Leather watch straps don’t need to be brown and bulky, and this stylish band is ideal for smaller wrists.
Beads on either side of the strap where it meets the watch allow for a slimmer fit while adding a chic feel. There’s a large range of colors for both the leather and adapter fitting, and you can even get the strap monogrammed for extra style points.
90s Retro Memphis Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $33.81 | Etsy
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
With so many sleek and sensible Apple Watch straps available, we love the 90s vibes of this jazzy strap from TheUrbanFlair on Etsy.
It’s handmade from cruelty-free, vegan faux leather with a satin finish. One great touch here is that you can select the metallic finish of the buckle to match the casing of your Apple Watch — pick from silver, black, gold, or rose gold.
Fullmosa calf leather band
Price: $12.99 | Amazon
Size option: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
This is a great price for a leather band (especially compared to Apple’s straps), and with a large selection of colors available, would be a great choice to buy in a few shades to coordinate with different outfits. This white is a classic, though.
Stiroll Slim Leather Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $16.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Apple makes excellent leather straps, but they’re expensive and wide, which suits most people but isn’t ideal for those with smaller wrists.
That’s why we like this slim, simple design made from soft, comfortable, and durable leather.
This red wine option is ideal for Winter and looks more classy than its price tag suggests.
Women's link and metal bands
Seoaura Stainless Steel Metal Chain Strap
Price: $18.99 | Amazon
Wareable
If you want a super glam Apple Watch strap that makes a statement, we’ve found the loudest, shiniest option for you. It comes in a range of different metallic colors, including gold, silver, and rose gold and some options have a black leather cord weaved through the chains.
It has the same folding-type buckle you’d find on regular watches, so you get a secure fit. This is a great option if you like switching out your Apple Watch strap for special occasions, or just need a break from the comparatively dull nylon and silicone options.
Biaoge Metal Band
Price: $26.99/£26.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Not every third-party Apple Watch band is a copy of official Apple Watch styles - and this one certainly ticks the box of being unique and high quality.
AA feminine design, it mixes dainty chains with a link bracelet – and comes in all Apple Watch sizes.
UooMoo Bracelet Band
Wareable
Secbolt stainless steel band
Price when reviewed: $13.59 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
A band with a more jewelry-style look, it only works with Apple's smallest case size options, making it one for more slender wrists. It's made from stainless steel and features rhinestones to add a bit of extra glitz.
There are six folding clasps and you can remove them without a tool to make sure it sits right. If you want something that can give your Apple Watch a more glamorous look, this is one to snap up.
ZXCASD slim Watchband
Price when reviewed: $12.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
Wareable
Here's another dressy option that offers to put a more elegant rose gold look on your wrist. The stainless steel mesh band uses a magnetic clasp to keep it securely in place and additionally comes available in silver and rose pink mesh looks. So you have some options if you want to pick up an extra band or two.
Women's silicone sports bands
Bracelet silicone sport band
Price: $8.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
Most silicone Apple Watch bands adopt similar looks, so if you're on the hunt for something with a slimmer strap design, this might be up your kind of thing.
It comes in 15 different colors all with the same thin, double heart-shaped style look that is compatible with all Apple Watch models. The band locks directly into the case and it uses a traditional stainless steel buckle to make sure that the skinny strap doesn't budge either.
Acrbiutu sport band
Price: $6.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
This silicone Watch band features a narrower look than your standard sports bands and comes in a range of different colors to let you go bright or something a bit more muted and lowkey.
It uses a stainless steel pin to secure it and also gives you something that can handle sweat and go for a dip in the pool.
Women's designer and nylon bands
Adepoy fabric cloth band
Price: $10.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
This fabric leather band fits on old and newer Apple Watch models adding a big splash of color while using a snap button to lock it in place.
This rainbow with rose gold strap combo is the standout option, but you can also pick it up in lavender, grey, black, army green, and wine colors.
Nyeneil Apple Watch Band
Price when reviewed: $15.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/40mm/41mm/42mm/44mm/45mm
Wareable
It’s not easy to find an Apple Watch strap that can look dressy and durable. But this resin version from Nyeneil does both, with a stainless steel adaptor and folding buckle to keep it secure.
The benefit of using resin here is that it’s lightweight, water-resistant, and won’t rust. You can choose different colors, but this tortoiseshell pattern is versatile.
Muranne fabric band
Price: $7.99 | Amazon
Size options: 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm
If you're not a fan of silicone, leather, or mesh, you might prefer hooking your Watch to one of these softer fabric bands instead.
Compatible with all Apple Watch case sizes, this band comes in a sizeable range of colorful fabric looks, and all are partnered up with a stainless steel buckle. They also use the same Apple Watch-style lugs to lock them in place.
How we test
James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.