Now that the chilly of the autumn and winter months is upon us, it is time to presumably change your Apple Watch band out from a lighter summer time band to 1 that’s extra becoming for the season. It is no secret that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a top-tier smartwatch with a rugged design, massive show, and ample battery life, however the fitting strap is essential to consolation, model, and flexibility. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 shares dimension and dimensions with the unique Apple Watch Ultra, and comes with one of many three premium Apple bands, every tailor-made to particular actions. Apple additionally gives a steel loop choice for $100 further charge. Past Apple’s choices, there are many nice third-party bands for exercises, swimming, work, or formal put on.
I examined a number of choices and consulted ZDNET opinions and workers members’ suggestions to create this information to the most effective Apple Watch Extremely straps you should purchase. (Notice that the Apple Watch Extremely 3 is a 49mm watch, so bands match for the bigger Apple Watch Sequence 11, 45mm, additionally work with the Apple Watch Extremely 3.)
Additionally: The best Apple Watches
What’s the finest Apple Watch Extremely strap proper now?
After years of use in varied actions and each day life, my choose for the most effective Apple Watch Extremely band total is Apple’s own Trail Loop strap. Regardless of testing many alternative bands, I stored returning to the Path Loop due to its supreme degree of consolation, customizable and versatile match, light-weight design, and value. It is also included together with your Apple Watch Extremely 3 buy.
Learn on to find out about our different Apple Watch Extremely suggestions.
Finest Apple Watch Extremely straps of 2025
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Why we prefer it: With previous Apple Watch purchases, I at all times moved on to straps from different producers, however Apple’s Watch Extremely 3 choices are compelling. After making an attempt two of the 4 out there choices, the Path Loop is the band I hold returning to for each day use. Apple despatched alongside its small/medium Path Loop in Black/Charcoal, nevertheless it wasn’t massive sufficient for my wrist, so I bought a medium/massive one in Inexperienced/Neon, and it is excellent.
With the newest two generations of Apple Watch, the corporate gives the watch in each titanium and black finishes, so fortunately, the Path Loop can also be out there with the steel {hardware} matching the watch physique colour.
Who it is for: The Path Loop band is light-weight, sturdy, and cozy to put on, making it my choose for the most effective Apple Watch Extremely band for most individuals. The Apple Watch Extremely 3 is great for monitoring your metrics 24/7, which means the band should be extraordinarily snug for fixed put on to optimize knowledge assortment. This band stands out for its skinny materials and suppleness to regulate to your physique’s each day adjustments.
Additionally: I compared the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Garmin’s inReach satellite connectivity – here’s the winner
Who ought to look elsewhere: Sadly, Apple’s official Path Loop band is barely out there in 4 fundamental colours, and it is priced at a quite excessive $99. Should you don’t love material bands secured with Velcro, then you want to take a look at different choices. There are some low-cost material band choices on Amazon, however I’ve but to seek out one which matches the standard and luxury of Apple’s official band.
Apple Path Loop options: Materials: Nylon weave with titanium ends| Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, Extremely 2, and Extremely 3, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colours: 4 | Band sizes: 130-180mm and 145-220mm wrist circumference
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Why we prefer it: I like the skilled look and styling of an excellent steel watch band, however they aren’t designed for an energetic way of life the place you put on your Apple Watch to trace exercises and sleep. Nomad’s new Stratos hybrid band combines Grade 4 titanium with colourful FKM hyperlinks between the titanium, so you possibly can put on this steel band 24/7.
The construct high quality, colourful FKM choices, and seamless magnetic clasp make this one in all my new favourite bands for the Apple Watch Extremely 3.
Who it is for: The Nomad Stratos watch band is ideal for individuals who need a sublime steel watch band that they will put on all day and evening whereas additionally monitoring their well being and wellness metrics. It appears nice within the workplace or out on a run. The Nomad Stratos can also be out there for an affordable $179, that’s far inexpensive than most titanium Apple Watch bands.
Additionally: I’ve worn my Apple Watch Ultra for 2 years – here’s what it looks like now
Who ought to look elsewhere: Some folks don’t love steel bands, so if that’s the case, then this band just isn’t for you. You even have to make use of the included device to regulate the band to suit your wrist, so in the event you aren’t snug managing hyperlinks, then a silicone or material band could also be finest for you.
Lastly, the magnetic clasp is fast and straightforward to safe the band to your wrist, however it could not be capable to stand up to energetic exercises with plenty of arm actions. You additionally want to regulate the band to keep up a relentless connection of the again to your wrist for continued correct coronary heart fee monitoring.
Nomad Stratos options: Materials: Titanium and FKM Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, Extremely 2, and Extremely 3, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colours: Two for steel hyperlinks and three for FKM inside | Band dimension: 130-200mm wrist circumference
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Why we prefer it: With a number of totally different colours to accompany your Apple Watch Extremely, these sport bands from Nomad are customizable and made for intense exercises in addition to on a regular basis put on. The band is 100% waterproof, so you possibly can put on it whereas exercising in rain, sleet, or snow, with no worries of injury. With a light-weight design that encourages air flow, in case your sport band will get moist, it will not keep moist for lengthy or cling to grease.
Regulate the Nomad web site, as a result of the corporate usually gives Restricted Version fashions with cool colours and types (together with the one pictured above on an Apple Watch Sequence 9). These traditionally promote out shortly, so in the event you see a Restricted Version providing, it is best to make your buy shortly. The corporate typically brings again widespread Restricted Version fashions, too.
Who it is for: Should you like Apple’s Sport Band, however need a band that’s extra inexpensive and has varied colour choices, then it is best to take into account a Nomad Sport Band. The FKM materials is extra substantial than what Apple gives, and the out there colour choices are unbelievable.
Additionally: Nomad just made the boldest Apple Watch accessory yet, and I expect it to sell out soon
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the bands are sturdy and made to final, in addition they shut in your wrist utilizing the pin and tuck-in loop closure methodology, which might typically be a little bit of a problem to shut securely. Should you take your watch on and off all through the day, this band might annoy you at occasions.
Nomad Sport Band options: Materials: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, Sequence 8, 7, 6, SE, and all earlier variations of Apple Watch | Colours: 9 | Band sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm
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Why we prefer it: With the Nike Sport Band, you are getting a bona fide Apple-branded sports activities band suited to all types of terrain. Put on it whereas monitoring your progress for marathon coaching, lounging at a summer time cookout, or throughout your each day actions round the home.
The band is available in six colours with inventive flecks. For added breathability, Apple additionally included compression-molded perforations — primarily small holes throughout the band — to maintain it sturdy, light-weight, sturdy, and mushy.
Who it is for: Followers of Nike merchandise might take pleasure in having the model as a part of their Apple Watch equipment. The sports activities band appears nice and is sweet for energetic Apple Watch wearers.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The one concern ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner identified in his testing is that the holes can accumulate mud and grime, taking a while to wash.
Nike Sport Band options: Materials: Aluminum | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch fashions 38mm, 40mm, 41mm | Colours: 6 | Band sizes: match S/M (130-180mm) and M/L (150-200mm)
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Why we prefer it: This rugged watch strap was handmade within the UK with the particular function of sustaining consolation in difficult environments. The Zulu Alpha Apple Strap options tubular bonded polyester webbing, which withstands abrasions higher than nylon. The fabric additionally dries shortly, so you possibly can put on your watch repeatedly and comfortably if it will get moist whereas in your wrist. Steel connectors, that are customizable in metal or black, are sewn into the straps for an ideal match.
Additionally: My search for the ultimate Apple Watch Ultra strap is over
Who it is for: ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes examined this band and appreciated the sturdy stitching, the tri-glide buckle that simply fastens, and the general consolation. As he wrote in his review, “It is a strap that may little question outlast the Apple Watch Extremely itself.”
The strap is made to order and handmade, taking round 1.5 hours to finish and passing by means of three units of arms earlier than it ships out, so these straps aren’t mass-produced or gathering mud on a shelf earlier than they attain your door. As an alternative, they’re rigorously crafted with high-quality supplies to maintain your entire rugged adventures.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Should you want a strap at present, this isn’t the product for you because it takes time to construct the strap on your specs.
Zulu Alpha strap options: Materials: Tubular bonded polyester webbing | Thickness: 1.2mm | Width: 22mm | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: All Apple Watches | Colours: 14 | Band sizes: 38mm / 40mm / 41mm or 42mm / 44mm / 45mm / 49mm
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Why we prefer it: I reviewed the Nomad Rugged Strap in October 2022, highlighting its high-quality, versatile FKM fluoroelastomer rubber. FKM rubber is antimicrobial and simply wiped down with cleaning soap and water. It will not get broken in the event you expose it to excessive temperatures, daylight, oils, or chemical substances. The buckle and lugs of the band are manufactured from marine-grade 316 chrome steel. The fabric is pre-curved out of the field, so it sits completely in your wrist, and the band has notches that permit sweat to run free with out getting trapped between your wrist and the band.
Additionally: Nomad Apple Watch Ultra bands: Waterproof bands as rugged as the watch
Who it is for: I wore the Rugged Band whereas I used to be operating, swimming, biking, and fly fishing, and on the finish of all of that exercise, the Nomad Rugged Strap nonetheless appears model new. Avid swimmers will profit from a band as waterproof as this one, and it is snug for on a regular basis put on as effectively. You possibly can select between silver or black {hardware} and extremely orange, black, or Atlantic blue for the band colour.
Nomad now gives a Rugged Band with titanium {hardware} that’s branded the Rocky Level Band. It’s out there for $79 in six colours, together with a restricted version Carbon Black colour choice.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The band is a bit thick and chunky, so it could energy by means of any problem, nevertheless it is probably not snug so that you can observe your sleep. In case you are in search of a light-weight band, look by means of different choices on this record.
Nomad Rugged band options: Materials: FKM fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, Sequence 8, 7, 6, SE, and all earlier variations of Apple Watch | Colours: 3 | Band sizes: 45 mm / 49 mm or 40 mm / 41 mm
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Why we prefer it: The Apple Watch Extremely 3’s silver titanium physique materials is sturdy and enticing. Titanium bands for this titanium watch, nonetheless, are costly. Apple’s Silver Hyperlink Bracelet is $349, and others are priced over $300. Withit not solely gives an inexpensive titanium steel band choice, but in addition has the most effective hyperlink adjustment design I’ve ever seen on a watch that allows you to take away or add hyperlinks in seconds with no instruments required.
Merely discover the hyperlinks with arrows, pull the highest hyperlink straight out and away from the band, rotate the hyperlink 90 levels, after which slide out the hyperlink adjoining to it.
Evaluate: One feature makes this the best Apple Watch titanium band available
Who it is for: The grade 2 titanium watch band materials completely matches the Apple Watch Extremely, Extremely 2, and Extremely 3 titanium colour fashions and is lighter than the chrome steel choice. Withit additionally now gives black titanium, along with the pure titanium, so as to help the black fashions of the Extremely 2 and Extremely 3.
In case you are in search of an inexpensive, elegant, and straightforward to regulate steel band, then the Withit mannequin is an ideal choice.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you do not need a steel band, then clearly this isn’t the mannequin for you. It is likely one of the finest steel watch bands I’ve ever examined and contains all the things you want to regulate the band to suit your wrist.
Withit Titanium Band options: Materials: Titanium Grade 2 | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely 3, 2 & Extremely, 42/45/49mm Apple Watch fashions | Colours: 2
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We decided that the most effective Apple Watch Extremely strap is the Apple Path Loop strap for its materials selection and its total high quality. Listed below are the remainder of our prime picks.
| Apple Watch Extremely strap | Worth | Materials | Compatibility | {Hardware} | Key feature |
| Apple Path Loop | $99 | Nylon weave | Extremely, Extremely 2, Extremely 3 | Titanium | Absolutely waterproof |
| Nomad Stratos Band | $179 | Titanium and FKM Rubber | Sequence 1-8, SE, and Extremely | Titanium | Steel and FKM for energetic put on |
| Nomad Sport Band | $60 | FKM Rubber | Sequence 1-8, SE, and Extremely | Rubber | Absolutely waterproof |
| Nike Sport Band | $49 | Aluminum | 38mm, 40mm, 41mm | Aluminum | Light-weight for exercises |
| Zulu Alpha Apple Strap | $86 | Tubular bonded polyester webbing | All Apple Watch fashions | Metal or black {hardware} | Tri-glide buckle system |
| Nomad Rugged Band | $60 | FKM fluoroelastomer rubber | Sequence 1-8, SE, and Extremely | Stainless-steel lugs and buckle | Absolutely waterproof |
| Withit Titanium Band | $145 | Titanium | Apple Watch Extremely, Extremely 2 and Extremely 3 | Titanium | Easy band adjustment methodology |
The precise Apple Watch Extremely strap is dependent upon what you prioritize. If you need a display screen protector, water resistance, and antimicrobial properties, there is a product for you.
| Select this Apple Watch Extremely strap… | If you need… |
| Apple Path Loop | The most effective band total for sleeping, exercising, and dwelling. It is free together with your Apple Watch Extremely buy too. |
| Nomad Stratos Band | The right mixture of titanium and FKM for a steel band look with the sturdiness and luxury of a rubber band for snug 24/7 put on. |
| Nomad Sport Band | The most effective various rubber band that is not made by Apple. |
| Nike Sport Band | The most effective band for train. It is light-weight, breathable, and wicks sweat and oils. |
| Zulu Alpha Apple Strap | The most effective band with outstanding craftsmanship. Every strap is handmade and made to order. |
| Nomad Rugged Band | An antimicrobial band with marine-grade {hardware}, excellent for swimming. It holds up effectively to strenuous train. |
| Withit Titanium Band | The most effective steel band with an revolutionary, no-tools-required hyperlink adjustment design. |
Everybody has their very own priorities and makes use of for his or her smartwatch, and the components that I exploit when shopping for a band could also be totally different than yours. Nevertheless, listed here are a number of components to contemplate, based mostly on our years of expertise testing wearables:
Supplies: Apple Watch Extremely straps are usually manufactured from silicone/rubber, material, leather-based, or steel so first take into account which materials you need your band manufactured from. Your materials choice will probably additionally align together with your actions since you don’t want to put on a leather-based band in the event you plan to swim or run together with your Apple Watch.
Sleep or to not sleep: Should you plan to make use of your Apple Watch Extremely for sleep monitoring and put on it to mattress every evening, then you will need to buy an particularly snug band. The Watch Extremely is the biggest Apple Watch, so discovering a band that’s gentle and cozy is essential to carrying such a big watch to sleep. A steel band is probably going not the best choice for sleeping together with your watch. The brand new Vitals performance in WatchOS solely works in the event you sleep together with your Apple Watch mounted in your wrist so to know your total well being and wellness it’s a good suggestion to sleep together with your watch on.
Coronary heart fee monitoring: The Apple Watch Extremely has been confirmed to have one of the correct wrist-mounted optical coronary heart fee displays out there at present, so in the event you use your watch to trace your coronary heart fee, then you need to discover a strap that helps a correct monitor match. If the band is just too free or raises the watch above your wrist then it isn’t optimized for coronary heart fee monitoring. You can even use an exterior coronary heart fee monitor together with your Apple Watch Extremely, and in the event you want that choice, then the snugness of the band just isn’t as necessary.
Worth: Apple gives a bunch of watch bands itself, however in nearly all circumstances the Apple branded straps are costlier than third get together straps. Apple’s bands are all of top quality, however it can save you plenty of cash by taking a look at different makers on your watch band.
Shade and elegance: I do not know many individuals who’ve a single watch band that they at all times put on, and with the simple removing design it’s possible you’ll need to take into account a number of bands on your Watch Extremely. It is nice to have a band for figuring out and sleeping, and one other for going out in town or particular events.
At ZDNET, we prioritize hands-on testing of Apple Watches and their straps, carrying them over the course of days or even weeks throughout our each day lives. That implies that others on our workers and I’ve worn these bands whereas working, exercising, sleeping, and doing all different each day actions. Listed below are among the key parts we consider with the watch bands:
Consolation: I put on my smartwatches for greater than 18 hours a day and sometimes for twenty-four hours a day so the very first thing I check is the match, end, and luxury of the watch strap. One main motive that I picked Apple’s personal Path Loop is the extraordinarily snug design and light-weight weight that makes carrying it a sheer pleasure.
Sturdiness: Provided that I put on my Apple Watch Extremely 3 to trace all of my actions, it has to have the ability to stand up to my extreme sweat and water from the rain and pool. I would like the watch strap to final for at the very least a yr or two underneath these situations and because of Apple’s continued lug design I really can put on bands for years to check out the sturdiness.
Safety: A watch band needs to be trusted to maintain the $800 Apple Watch Extremely 3 on my wrist in all conditions. I had a Garmin watch fly off my wrist and disappear down the river whereas fly fishing final yr after I slipped on a rock and I would like a band to be extra dependable than that. The clasp mechanism should deal with physique weight exercise flexure and surprising impacts which will occur in some conditions.
Capability to alter out: Apple’s slide in system is good and permits a person to shortly and simply change watch straps. Nevertheless, I bought some cheap bands on Amazon up to now and they didn’t slide out and in of the lug system very effectively. Thus, I check the flexibility of the band to align correctly and get replaced seamlessly.
Newest information on Apple Watch Extremely bands
Nomad simply launched the Stratos Band that mixes titanium and FKM rubber. After only a day of testing, it’s prone to grow to be my new each day watch band because it gives the magnificence of titanium with the consolation of FKM, and I not have to change bands usually to fulfill my exercise wants and enterprise wants.
As the vacation season arrives, look to firms to launch new Apple Watch Extremely bands that make nice items for household and associates.
Sure, it’s. I put the watch by means of the Powerful Mudder 15K, which has over 30 obstacles on land and in water, and the watch held up effectively. The show did not also have a scratch on it. The Apple Watch Extremely is price it if you understand you are going to put it by means of taxing environments, like grueling out of doors exercises or 15Ks, and also you need to use it like an everyday smartwatch. If you need each of these issues, that is the look ahead to you.
Additionally: I compared the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Garmin’s inReach satellite connectivity – here’s the winner
I only recently examined the new satellite connectivity functions on the Apple Watch Extremely 3 and confirmed that I’ll not go path operating, climbing, tenting, and fly fishing outdoors of mobile protection with out the Apple Watch Extremely 3. I used to be capable of ship textual content messages and my location to household with no subscription charges and thru a satellite tv for pc reference to ease.
The most effective strap that we advocate for the Apple Watch Extremely is Apple’s personal Path Loop for its sturdiness, consolation, and flexibility. Because the band is waterproof, you possibly can train with it open air or sweat up a storm in it and never have to fret about water injury. It is informal sufficient to put on round the home or for train however is impartial sufficient to put on for dressier occasions.
There are a couple of variations between the Apple Watch Extremely 2 and Extremely 3. Particularly, the addition of 5G and satellite tv for pc connectivity, that are important for individuals who use the communications options of their Apple Watch or need to join with household, associates, and emergency companies whereas off the grid. Their costs are additionally the identical.
There are a couple of variations between the Apple Watch Extremely and the Apple Watch Extremely 2. Particularly, there is a a lot brighter display screen, a more recent processor, larger storage, and recycled titanium with the Apple Watch Extremely 2. The scale, battery life, and sensors are the very same. Their costs are additionally the identical.
Additionally: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?
It is a good suggestion to examine the producer’s specs in the case of this query. For Apple loops, bands for 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm circumstances are usually appropriate with each other. Different producers might have totally different parameters in the case of this. However usually, no, you can’t put any band on the Apple Watch Extremely if you’d like the band to suit effectively.
Newest updates
October 2025: Since our final replace, Apple launched the Watch Extremely 3. On this replace, we examined and added the Nomad Stratos Band as our choose for the most effective Apple Watch Extremely steel band for an energetic way of life. We additionally eliminated two picks from the record that we hadn’t examined: the Lelong band and the Casetify Real Leather-based Band.
Different Apple Watch Extremely bands price contemplating
Smartwatches Reviewed & In contrast
