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Sep 18, 2023

The 7 Best Apple Watch Bands for Men in 2022

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Give your flashy new Apple Watch the band it deserves.

WITH THE release of the latest Apple Watch Series 8 in September, everyone's favorite tech company pretty much set—or re-set—the standard for what we should all expect from the world's best smartwatches (and the best fitness watches too). With a dizzying amount of features, including next-gen must-haves like built-in Crash Detection, a crazy accurate GPS, temperature sensors, excellent battery life (especially in Low Power Mode), and more, this year's Apple Watch (especially the Apple Watch Ultra) has become the benchmark for all other smartwatches. But, if there's one thing we wish it would’ve done differently, it's the watchband.

The original band included with every new Apple Watch leaves a lot to be desired. That's why the first upgrade we’d recommend to every new Apple Watch owner to make the most of their new watch is a new band. But, which band is the question. Thankfully, there are a ton of options, including many official bands directly from Apple and hundreds, if not thousands, more from other third-party accessory companies. They’re available in a wide range of materials (like silicone, nylon, and leather), sizes, colorways, and styles. And you don't have to spend a small fortune on a decent one either.

We scoured our favorite retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, plus specialty accessory makers like Nomad and Bellroy, for the top-selling Apple Watch bands. Here are our picks for the seven best Apple Watch bands for men this year.

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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.

At $80, it's pricier than some other watch band 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 bands. 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 $20 less if you’re minding your budget.

What do buyers say? "Love this! No one else can top premium quality like Nomad!" said one NomadGoods.com reviewer.

Shopping third-party electronic accessories can be a real gamble. If you’d rather not leave the protection of your new (and pricey) Apple Watch to chance, the best option is to shop Apple's official bands. The Apple Watch Sport Band is made of soft, durable silicone, so it's comfortable enough for all day wear and designed to go anywhere you need it to. The pin-and-tuck closure system ensures a nice clean fit that's secure enough to wear swimming, hiking, biking, or just working out. We also like that it's available in eight solid colors to match your personal style.

At $50, it's pricey for a silicone band, although you can sometimes get lucky and find it on sale. That's not surprising though, considering that it's a genuine Apple product, and a well-reviewed one at that. Still, we’ve found competing silicone bands with similar looks, quality, and durability for less, like the Recoppa Sport Band for Apple Watch below. But, if you’re looking for a legit Apple-branded watchband that's built for whatever you can throw at it, this is the one for you.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 1,700 Amazon reviews, 94% recommend the Apple Watch Sport Band with at least a 4-star rating.

Urban Armor Gear (UAG) has been a go-to favorite of ours here at Men's Health for its damn-near-bulletproof iPhone 14 cases, among other things. The brand's Active Watch Strap is no different. Made with a high-strength woven nylon strap and ultra-secure stainless steel hardware, it's built to take a beating. The surf-leash-inspired design uses a hook-and-loop fastener that's functional and ensures it’ll never inadvertently fall off your wrist. Take it hiking, skiing, rock climbing, breakdancing—whatever you’re into—you’ll know your Apple Watch is safe.

There isn't much to dislike about this one, especially with a reasonable price tag that starts at under $40 (though some colorways are pricier). The rugged design may be a little too functional for some wearer's tastes. But, this band is purpose-built for active outdoorsmen, so it's about function over flash. Plus, it fits almost every Apple Watch Series—from the original Series 1 through to the Apple Watch Ultra—and wrist sizes between 170mm and 220mm, which covers almost everyone.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 3,200 Amazon reviews, 84% recommend the UAG Active Watch Strap for Apple Watch with at least a 4-star rating.

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.

At almost $90, it's pricey compared to most other Apple Watch Bands for men we’ve seen this year. But, it's not surprising given the carbon fiber construction. On the downside are a few minor complaints. Many reviewers note that 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.

What do buyers say? "The band is absolutely stunning and the quality and look of the carbon fiber is a head turner," said one Amazon reviewer.

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If durability and price matter to you 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 40,000 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 around $10, 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 the band every day of the week, if you want.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 39,000 Amazon reviews, 89% recommend the Recoppa Sport Band for Apple Watch with at least a 4-star rating.

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 a variety of 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. It's well-priced and currently on sale for just under $50. 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.

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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, 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. At around $80, it's the second priciest Apple Watch band for men in our roundup. But, given its premium, gift-worthy design, we think it's well worth it.

What do buyers say? "Very pleased. High quality and based on other reviews I’ve read I’m expecting it will age well," said one HarberLondon.com reviewer.

Unlike Apple Watches themselves, Apple Watch bands are a lot less complicated. Here are a few things to consider:

Compatibility

The original Apple Watch dates back to 2014, and Apple's released a new model every year since. Thankfully, the dimensions have changed very little. You’ll still want to make sure that any Apple Watch band you find will fit your particular model. But, most bands are designed to fit a wide range of—if not all—Apple Watches.

Design and Construction

Like traditional watch bands, most Apple Watch bands (for men and women) are made from one of three materials: Silicone, nylon, or leather. Silicone is soft, durable, and waterproof, making it a great option for active wearers who plan to wear their Apple Watches everyday, including swimming and while working out. It's also typically the most affordable material. High-strength nylon bands are similar to silicone as they’re also durable, waterproof, and usually comfortable enough to wear just about anywhere.

Leather, on the other hand, is by far the best looking material. The best leather Apple Watch bands are eco-tanned to develop a rich natural patina over time. They’re usually a good choice for casual wear—to the office, on dinner dates, etc.—but don't typically hold up as well for more active pursuits.

Price

Except for the most luxurious bands, most Apple Watch bands are reasonably priced. How much you spend is entirely up to you. Just know that you can score a quality silicone band for as little as $10 or a decent nylon or leather alternative for less than $50. Even a handsome, designer leather band shouldn't cost more than $100.

Like all Apple accessories, there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of Apple Watch bands on the market. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, so whatever your personal style, there's a band out there for you. We compared dozens of top-selling models from Bellroy, Nomad, and Apple itself, noting everything from durability and design to comfort and price. The list above represents our honest picks for the best Apple Watch bands for men this year.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.

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