One of the best features of the Apple Watch is customization. While you can truly make the device your own with a beautiful watch face and your own complications, there is another way to customize your watch.
Thanks to the Apple Watch's popularity, there are many different band options to select from. Along with Apple's official bands, there is an ever-growing number of third-party options that can help you make the Watch stand out in a crowd.
Here are some of the best Apple Watch bands for men.
One of the original band options, the Apple Watch Milanese Loop, is a true classic for when you want to get dressy. Made with a stainless steel mesh, the band is a modern interpretation of 19th-century Italian design.
You can select an option to match all four colors of stainless steel Apple Watch. And thanks to its magnetic closure system, you can easily adjust the band for a perfect fit.
- Woven on specialized Italian machines
- Magnetic closure system allows for a perfect adjustable fit
- Made from stainless steel mesh
- Brand: Apple
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Compatibility: 42/44mm Apple Watch
- Matching color options for all stainless steel Apple Watch models
- Perfect for more formal situations
- The band’s metal can sometimes snag arm hair
- No matching colors for the aluminum Apple Watch models
Leather is a classic watch strap material, and the UAG Leather Strap features comfortable and soft top-grain Italian leather. The strap's lugs and hardware are made with stainless steel to withstand rust.
A striking collar locking strap will help keep the strap secure on your wrist during strenuous activity. Like all high-quality leather, the strap will patina with age and use, bringing a beautiful and unique look. You can select from a brown or black version.
- Made with top-grain Italian leather
- Collar locking strap helps keep the band secure
- Brand: UAG
- Material: Leather
- Compatibility: 42/44mm Apple Watch
- Available in black and brown
- Leather will patina with age
- Leather isn't waterproof and not designed for water sports or heavy activity
SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro brings together a high-quality strap and protective case for your Apple Watch. Designed to fit any 44mm Apple Watch, you'll still be able to access all of the device's functions and features.
Installation is easy, just place your Watch body into the case. The raised bezel of the case helps protect the screen from damage. There are many colors to select from, everything from black to green and red.
- Scratch-resistant band and case
- Simple installation, just place your Watch body into the case
- Case protects Watch from drops and shocks
- Brand: SUPCASE
- Material: Polycarbonate, polyurethane
- Compatibility: 44mm Apple Watch
- All Watch features are still accessible through the case and strap
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Inexpensive compared to other band models
- Only fits the Apple Watch Series 4-6 and Apple Watch SE
- Might be too bulky for some users
The Apple Watch Sport Loop is one of the most popular official band options, and for a good reason. The band is made with nylon, so it is soft and breathable, making it one of the most comfortable options you can find.
Using a velcro closure system, you can easily find the perfect fit on your wrist. And the band is available in a wide variety of different color options to best suit your style. As a nice touch, the band is also available in an XL size for larger wrists.
- Made with soft and breathable material
- Velcro system allows for a perfect fit
- Brand: Apple
- Material: Woven Nylon
- Compatibility: 42/44mm Apple Watch
- A wide variety of colors to select from
- Available in a regular and XL size
- Not made for water sports since the band isn't waterproof
- Probably not the best choice for more formal situations
Living up to its name, the Catalyst Sport Band should be on the top of your list when searching for a comfortable and waterproof band. The silicone band is hypoallergenic and features breathable holes to keep your wrist comfortable no matter what you're doing.
To help the Watch stay secure on your wrist, the band features a double-locking system. The band is also compatible with Catalyst's line of cases for the wearable device.
- Made with hypoallergenic material
- The band's holes help your wrist breathe and remain comfortable
- Brand: Catalyst
- Material: Silicone
- Compatibility: 42/44mm Apple Watch
- Waterproof design is perfect for water sports and vigorous activity
- Double locking system makes sure that the Watch stays secure on your wrist
- Not a good choice for more formal situations
The Apple Link Bracelet is by far the most expensive official band option. But you can get a similar look for a fraction of the price with the Fitlink Stainless Steel Metal Band. There is a double button folding clasp to help the band start secure on your wrist.
Fitlink includes an easy link removal tool to help you create a better fit on the wrist. The band is available in five different colors---black, grey, gold, rose gold, and silver.
- Made with high-quality stainless steel
- Folding clasp with double locks secures the band to your wrist
- Link removal tool provided to better adjust the band
- Brand: Fitlink
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Compatibility: 42/44mm Apple Watch
- Provides a similar look to Apple's expensive Link Bracelet
- Available in five different colors
- Not made for the pool or other vigorous activity
The NATO band is another timeless watch band look. And the Carterjett Nylon Band offers a massive variety of different color options to select from. The military-style buckles allow you to tuck away excess strap in several different ways.
The Apple Watch lugs are also permanently attached to the band, so there’s no need to worry about those breaking loose or falling out. Carterjett also offers band options for larger wrists.
- Made with comfortable and durable nylon in popular NATO style
- Military style buckles allows for many ways to tuck excess band
- Brand: Carterjett
- Material: Nylon
- Compatibility: 42/44mm Apple Watch
- You can select from a wide variety of color combinations
- Also available in a larger version for bigger wrists
- Not waterproof
FAQ
Q: What Kind of Band Comes With Apple Watch?
Along with many different case options, the Apple Watch is also offered with a wide variety of official Apple bands. If you purchase the most recent model of Apple Watch, you'll have the most band options to select from. The lower-cost (and older) models are usually just offered in a few colors of the Sport Band.
Q: Are Watch Bands from Apple Worth the Money?
If you have the cash, official Apple Watch bands are worth the money. You'll be paying more than alternatives, but Apple has designed its bands to last.
Q: Are Third-Party Apple Watch Bands Good?
For the most part, third-party Apple Watch bands are as good---or even better---than the official versions. Just make sure to stick with familiar names when looking for an alternative.
Many low-cost options, from no-name manufacturers at online retailers, are known to be of lesser quality and won't stand up to everyday wear and tear.
