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Whether you’ve had an Apple Watch for years or you just picked one up, you may already know that the market for personalized watch bands is practically unending. It’s a parallel to your phone case or laptop cover—which means there are plenty of opportunities get an Apple Watch band that’ll transform the functionality of your device and make it a sportier, more capable running watch.
Runners need a watch band that’s comfortable and doesn’t get too gross with extensive use. Whether you’re looking for a simple, stretchy silicone band or a rugged nylon strap, one simple search on Google will kick back thousands upon thousands of options—many of them deceptively flimsy. To help keep your device secure and comfy while you run, we’ve taken a dive into the watch band rabbit hole to come back out with some of the best you can buy. And the best part? A lot of them are cheaper than Apple’s options.
The Best Apple Watch Sport Bands
- Best Overall: Carterjett Sport Apple Watch Band
- Best Value Pack: Oyodss Apple Watch Band 5 Pack
- Best Nylon Strap: Aipeariful Nylon Solo Loop Apple Watch Band
- Best Slim Fit: Getino Apple Watch Bands
- Best for the Ultra 2: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Alpine Loop Band
What to Consider
Fit and Compatibility
No one wants to send something back because it doesn’t fit—especially when it’s easy to check before ordering. All standard Apple watch faces are between 38 and 40mm for the smaller models and 42 and 44mm for the large ones. Apple Watch Ultras, on the other hand, are larger, ranging from 45 to 49mm.
The attachments on the ends of all Apple Watch bands are specifically designed for each of these sizes, and all the other models will just slide out—not ideal if you’re swinging your arms around on a run.
Most of us will fit in a standard or medium-sized band, but if you have larger wrists, you may want to opt for an extra long one. A small generally falls between 135 and 150mm, mediums run from 145 to 165mm, and larges span 160 to 180mm. You can pretty safely size down if you’re looking at silicone Apple Watch bands, as many of them stretch a bit as you use them.
Materials
Most athletically oriented Apple Watch bands are made of silicone, which is great for providing stretchy comfort that doesn’t soak up any sweat or collect too much dirt. The downside of these bands, however, is that their lack of water absorption causes an accumulation of sweat between your wrist and the band, which can feel pretty yucky when you take your watch off post-run. This buildup of moisture can also feel uncomfortable if you’re running in the cold.
As an alternative to silicone, bands made of nylon, polyester, and spandex are more moisture-wicking and sometimes more adjustable. But if you do opt for a synthetic fabric band, be sure to either wash it regularly or keep another band on hand to swap out for everyday use. These bands develop an odor rather quickly, which nobody in your home, classroom, or workplace needs to experience alongside you, so we recommend using these just for your runs.
How We Selected
There are thousands of Apple Watch bands available online right now. Thousands. But like good bread and butter, sticking to the basics and getting the fundamentals right from the get-go can make all the difference. Our primary criterion was price—we aimed to find options that are more affordable than what Apple sells in its stores. We also looked for options with an intuitive closure system, a comfortable fit, durable materials, and compatibility with the majority of Apple Watch models.
We’re sure there are plenty of other good options in the vast sea of watch bands, but our picks have been used and loved by fellow editors, friends, family, and thousands of online reviewers. No matter your performance needs or sense of style, we have options that you’ll appreciate keeping at arm’s reach.
1
Best Durability
Carterjett Sport Apple Watch Band
1
Best Durability
Carterjett Sport Apple Watch Band
Pros
Impressively durable - Good grip on your wrist
Cons
- Buckle closure limits fit options
This watch band from Carterjett is as rugged as it looks. It’s extra thick, it has a grippy patterned surface so your watch won’t roll around on your wrist, and it still feels light enough that you won’t be worried about bulk.
It also uses a more classic buckle closure system instead of an elastic or hook-and-loop band, so you can get a pretty snug fit without wearing the band out.
Key Specs
| Watch sizes | 38-44mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
2
Best Value Pack
Oyodss Apple Watch Band (5-Pack)
2
Best Value Pack
Oyodss Apple Watch Band (5-Pack)
Pros
- Plenty of color options
- $2 per band is a screaming deal
Cons
- Switching out multiple bands can feel tedious
When matching your watch with the rest of your gear is a top priority, you can’t go wrong with a rotating collection of different-colored watch bands. These bands in particular come in plenty of color combinations, and on top of their aesthetics, they provide a comfortable silicone construction at a considerably low price—just $2 per band—and don’t have an oily texture like other cheap watch bands.
| Watch Sizes | 38-49mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
3
Best Nylon Strap
Aipeariful Nylon Solo Loop Apple Watch Band
3
Best Nylon Strap
Aipeariful Nylon Solo Loop Apple Watch Band
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Breathable and comfortable
Cons
- Can soak up more dirt and sweat than silicone
This nylon band is comparable to Apple’s own sport loop (its closure system and weave pattern are almost identical), but this option is way cheaper. Its material is thick, durable, and stretch-proof, and it won’t leave the same sweaty feeling on your skin that silicone and rubber can sometimes cause. It’s also washable, so no worries if it gets a little dirty—believe us, it will eventually.
Key Specs
| Watch sizes | 38-44mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon |
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4
Best Recycled Materials
OtterBox Terrus Apple Watch Band
Pros
- Water- and corrosion-proof
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Not the easiest to slide into your watch face
Made with recycled silicone and stainless steel, this band from Otterbox takes materials en route to the landfill and transforms them into one of the more durable watch bands available—and it’s pretty comfy, too. Furthermore, the Terrus fits seamlessly with Otterbox’s watch face cases, so you can keep your screen and dial protected from dust and drops without worrying about compatibility between your accessories.
Another neat note: The same lifetime warranty Otterbox offers for its phone cases applies here, too, so you can give your watch as much of a proper thrashing as you’d like.
Key Specs
| Watch Sizes: | 38-45mm |
|---|---|
| Material: | Recycled silicone, stainless steel |
5
Best for the Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Alpine Loop
5
Best for the Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Alpine Loop
Pros
- Durable G-hook buckle
- Thin nylon strap won't trap as much sweat
Cons
- May be fancier than you need it to be
- Only fits 44-49mm watches
Much like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 itself, this watch band is made to withstand the elements—and, crucially, match the rest of your outdoorsy gear. This is the first band from Apple that features a G-clip closure system, which is gaining popularity in the backpacking world for its durability, sleek appearance, and no-slip design.
Apple also doubled down on this band’s durability with a corrosion-resistant buckle made of the same titanium as the Ultra 2’s exterior. Pair that with a thinner, more breathable strap compared to the nylon Sport Loop, and you get a premium watch band that’s worth its premium price.
Key Specs
| Watch sizes | 44-49mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Titanium, polyester, spandex |
Pros
- Low profile
- Four bands included
Cons
- Thin band can feel more constricting if overtightened
You might not prefer a bulky band, especially if you enjoy wearing bracelets, have a small wrist, or want your long sleeves to ride a little farther down your arm on cold days. That’s where this slim band from Getino comes in handy: It’s half the width of most other bands, but it’s still just as comfortable and adjustable as most of the other silicone bands we recommend. It also comes in a pack of four, which makes the price even more agreeable.
Key Specs
| Watch sizes | 38-45mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Silicone |
Adam Schram
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing co*cktails, watching Star Wars, or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below.
Gabrielle Hondorp
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
