Now that the chilly of the autumn and winter months is upon us, it is time to presumably swap your Apple Watch band out from a lighter summer season band to at least one 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, giant show, and ample battery life, however the proper strap is vital to consolation, fashion, 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 provides a metallic loop possibility 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 perfect Apple Watch Extremely straps you should buy. (Observe 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 greatest Apple Watch Extremely strap proper now?
After years of use in varied actions and every day life, my decide for the perfect Apple Watch Extremely band general is Apple’s own Trail Loop strap. Regardless of testing many various bands, I stored returning to the Path Loop because of its supreme degree of consolation, customizable and versatile match, light-weight design, and worth. It is also included along with your Apple Watch Extremely 3 buy.
Learn on to find out about our different Apple Watch Extremely suggestions.
Greatest Apple Watch Extremely straps of 2025
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Why we prefer it: With previous Apple Watch purchases, I all the time moved on to straps from different producers, however Apple’s Watch Extremely 3 choices are compelling. After making an attempt two of the 4 accessible choices, the Path Loop is the band I hold returning to for every day use. Apple despatched alongside its small/medium Path Loop in Black/Charcoal, but it surely wasn’t giant sufficient for my wrist, so I bought a medium/giant one in Inexperienced/Neon, and it is excellent.
With the most recent two generations of Apple Watch, the corporate provides the watch in each titanium and black finishes, so fortunately, the Path Loop can also be accessible with the metallic {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 decide for the perfect Apple Watch Extremely band for most individuals. The Apple Watch Extremely 3 is superb for monitoring your metrics 24/7, that means the band have to 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 every day modifications.
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 just accessible in 4 fundamental colours, and it is priced at a relatively excessive $99. If you happen to don’t love material bands secured with Velcro, then it’s essential take a look at different choices. There are some low-cost material band choices on Amazon, however I’ve but to search 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 a superb metallic 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 may put on this metallic band 24/7.
The construct high quality, colourful FKM choices, and seamless magnetic clasp make this one among 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 metallic watch band that they will put on all day and evening whereas additionally monitoring their well being and wellness metrics. It appears to be like nice within the workplace or out on a run. The Nomad Stratos can also be accessible for an inexpensive $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 metallic bands, so if that’s the case, then this band will not be for you. You even have to make use of the included device to regulate the band to suit your wrist, so if you happen to aren’t snug managing hyperlinks, then a silicone or material band could also be greatest for you.
Lastly, the magnetic clasp is fast and simple to safe the band to your wrist, however it could not have the ability to stand up to energetic exercises with a number of arm actions. You additionally want to regulate the band to take care of a relentless connection of the again to your wrist for continued correct coronary heart charge 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 metallic 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 may put on it whereas exercising in rain, sleet, or snow, with no worries of harm. 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.
Control the Nomad web site, as a result of the corporate usually provides 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 if you happen to see a Restricted Version providing, it’s best to make your buy shortly. The corporate typically brings again common Restricted Version fashions, too.
Who it is for: If you happen to like Apple’s Sport Band, however desire a band that’s extra reasonably priced and has varied colour choices, then it’s best to think about a Nomad Sport Band. The FKM materials is extra substantial than what Apple provides, and the accessible 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 may typically be a little bit of a problem to shut securely. If you happen to take your watch on and off all through the day, this band could 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 fitted to all kinds of terrain. Put on it whereas monitoring your progress for marathon coaching, lounging at a summer season cookout, or throughout your every day actions round the home.
The band is available in six colours with inventive flecks. For added breathability, Apple additionally included compression-molded perforations — basically small holes throughout the band — to maintain it sturdy, light-weight, robust, and delicate.
Who it is for: Followers of Nike merchandise could take pleasure in having the model as a part of their Apple Watch equipment. The sports activities band appears to be like nice and is sweet for energetic Apple Watch wearers.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The one problem ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner identified in his testing is that the holes can gather 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 precise goal 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 may put on your watch constantly 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 robust stitching, the tri-glide buckle that simply fastens, and the general consolation. As he wrote in his review, “It is a strap that can 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 way of three units of fingers 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 a substitute, they’re rigorously crafted with high-quality supplies to maintain all your rugged adventures.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to want a strap as we speak, this isn’t the product for you because it takes time to construct the strap to 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 if you happen to expose it to excessive temperatures, daylight, oils, or chemical compounds. The buckle and lugs of the band are made from marine-grade 316 stainless-steel. The fabric is pre-curved out of the field, so it sits completely in your wrist, and the band has notches that enable 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 to be like 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 properly. You may select between silver or black {hardware} and extremely orange, black, or Atlantic blue for the band colour.
Nomad now provides a Rugged Band with titanium {hardware} that’s branded the Rocky Level Band. It’s accessible for $79 in six colours, together with a restricted version Carbon Black colour possibility.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The band is a bit thick and chunky, so it might probably energy by way of any problem, but it surely might not be snug so that you can observe your sleep. If you’re searching for a light-weight band, look by way of different choices on this listing.
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 engaging. Titanium bands for this titanium watch, nevertheless, are costly. Apple’s Silver Hyperlink Bracelet is $349, and others are priced over $300. Withit not solely provides an reasonably priced titanium metallic band possibility, but in addition has the perfect hyperlink adjustment design I’ve ever seen on a watch that permits you to take away or add hyperlinks in seconds with no instruments required.
Merely discover the hyperlinks with arrows, pull the highest hyperlink immediately 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 stainless-steel possibility. Withit additionally now provides black titanium, along with the pure titanium, with a view to assist the black fashions of the Extremely 2 and Extremely 3.
If you’re searching for an reasonably priced, elegant, and simple to regulate metallic band, then the Withit mannequin is an ideal possibility.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you don’t need a metallic band, then clearly this isn’t the mannequin for you. It is without doubt one of the greatest metallic watch bands I’ve ever examined and consists of all the pieces it’s essential modify 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 perfect Apple Watch Extremely strap is the Apple Path Loop strap for its materials selection and its general high quality. Listed below are the remainder of our high picks.
| Apple Watch Extremely strap | Worth | Materials | Compatibility | {Hardware} | Key feature |
| Apple Path Loop | $99 | Nylon weave | Extremely, Extremely 2, Extremely 3 | Titanium | Totally 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 | Totally 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 | Chrome steel lugs and buckle | Totally waterproof |
| Withit Titanium Band | $145 | Titanium | Apple Watch Extremely, Extremely 2 and Extremely 3 | Titanium | Easy band adjustment methodology |
The proper Apple Watch Extremely strap relies on what you prioritize. If you’d like a display protector, water resistance, and antimicrobial properties, there is a product for you.
| Select this Apple Watch Extremely strap… | If you’d like… |
| Apple Path Loop | One of the best band general for sleeping, exercising, and residing. It is free along with your Apple Watch Extremely buy too. |
| Nomad Stratos Band | The proper mixture of titanium and FKM for a metallic band look with the sturdiness and luxury of a rubber band for snug 24/7 put on. |
| Nomad Sport Band | One of the best various rubber band that is not made by Apple. |
| Nike Sport Band | One of the best band for train. It is light-weight, breathable, and wicks sweat and oils. |
| Zulu Alpha Apple Strap | One of the best 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 properly to strenuous train. |
| Withit Titanium Band | One of the best metallic band with an modern, no-tools-required hyperlink adjustment design. |
Everybody has their very own priorities and makes use of for his or her smartwatch, and the elements that I exploit when shopping for a band could also be totally different than yours. Nonetheless, listed below are a number of elements to contemplate, based mostly on our years of expertise testing wearables:
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Supplies: Apple Watch Extremely straps are usually made from silicone/rubber, material, leather-based, or metallic so first think about which materials you need your band made from. Your materials choice will doubtless additionally align along with your actions since you don’t want to put on a leather-based band if you happen to plan to swim or run along with your Apple Watch.
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Sleep or to not sleep: If you happen to plan to make use of your Apple Watch Extremely for sleep monitoring and put on it to mattress every evening, then you’ll wish to buy an particularly snug band. The Watch Extremely is the most important Apple Watch, so discovering a band that’s gentle and cozy is vital to sporting such a big watch to sleep. A metallic band is probably going not the most suitable choice for sleeping along with your watch. The brand new Vitals performance in WatchOS solely works if you happen to sleep along with your Apple Watch mounted in your wrist so to know your general well being and wellness it’s a good suggestion to sleep along with your watch on.
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Coronary heart charge monitoring: The Apple Watch Extremely has been confirmed to have some of the correct wrist-mounted optical coronary heart charge screens accessible as we speak, so if you happen to use your watch to trace your coronary heart charge, then you will need to discover a strap that helps a correct monitor match. If the band is simply too unfastened or raises the watch above your wrist then it is not optimized for coronary heart charge monitoring. You may as well use an exterior coronary heart charge monitor along with your Apple Watch Extremely, and if you happen to favor that possibility, then the snugness of the band will not be as essential.
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Worth: Apple provides a number of watch bands itself, however in nearly all instances the Apple branded straps are dearer than third get together straps. Apple’s bands are all of top of the range, however it can save you a number of cash by different makers to your watch band.
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Shade and magnificence: I do not know many individuals who’ve a single watch band that they all the time put on, and with the simple removing design you might wish to think about a number of bands to your Watch Extremely. It is nice to have a band for understanding 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, sporting them over the course of days or even weeks throughout our every day lives. That implies that others on our workers and I’ve worn these bands whereas working, exercising, sleeping, and doing all different every day actions. Listed below are a number of the key parts we consider with the watch bands:
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Consolation: I put on my smartwatches for greater than 18 hours a day and infrequently for twenty-four hours a day so the very first thing I take a look at 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 lightweight weight that makes sporting it a sheer pleasure.
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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 want the watch strap to final for at the least a yr or two below these circumstances and due to Apple’s continued lug design I really can put on bands for years to check out the sturdiness.
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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 want a band to be extra dependable than that. The clasp mechanism should deal with physique weight exercise flexure and surprising impacts that will occur in some conditions.
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Means to alter out: Apple’s slide in system is sensible and permits a person to shortly and simply change watch straps. Nonetheless, I bought some cheap bands on Amazon prior to now and they didn’t slide out and in of the lug system very properly. Thus, I take a look at the power 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 every day watch band because it provides the class of titanium with the consolation of FKM, and I not have to modify bands usually to satisfy my exercise wants and enterprise wants.
As the vacation season arrives, look to firms to launch new Apple Watch Extremely bands that make nice presents for household and buddies.
Sure, it’s. I put the watch by way of the Robust Mudder 15K, which has over 30 obstacles on land and in water, and the watch held up properly. The show did not also have a scratch on it. The Apple Watch Extremely is price it if you recognize you are going to put it by way of taxing environments, like grueling outside exercises or 15Ks, and also you wish to use it like an everyday smartwatch. If you’d like 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 exterior 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.
One of the best strap that we suggest for the Apple Watch Extremely is Apple’s personal Path Loop for its sturdiness, consolation, and flexibility. For the reason that band is waterproof, you may train with it outside or sweat up a storm in it and never have to fret about water harm. 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. Specifically, 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 wish to join with household, buddies, and emergency providers 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. Specifically, there is a a lot brighter display, a more recent processor, larger storage, and recycled titanium with the Apple Watch Extremely 2. The dimensions, 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 on the subject of this query. For Apple loops, bands for 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm instances are usually suitable with each other. Different producers could have totally different parameters on the subject of this. However usually, no, you can not put any band on the Apple Watch Extremely if you’d like the band to suit properly.
Newest updates
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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 decide for the perfect Apple Watch Extremely metallic band for an energetic way of life. We additionally eliminated two picks from the listing that we hadn’t examined: the Lelong band and the Casetify Real Leather-based Band.
Various Apple Watch Extremely bands price contemplating
Smartwatches Reviewed & In contrast