For instance, some third-party bands don’t fit in the slots on your Apple Watch as well as Apple’s first-party straps, so they can protrude and potentially malfunction as a result. Then there’s the trouble of spotting the right materials. While bands are inexpensive nowadays, that doesn’t mean they’re all good. Some might look good on the outside, but offer poor construction and cheap parts when you unwrap it.

Getting the right size is also important. Over the years, Apple has made it a little bit confusing when it comes to picking a band that fits your Apple Watch. In 2018, the company switched from 38mm and 42mm case sizes to 40mm and 44mm cases. Despite this, all bands designed for smaller Apple Watches will continue to fit generation over generation, while those designed for the larger model will also fit.

Apple made a similar change in the fall of 2021 with the announcement of the Series 7 Apple Watch. This time, the smaller watch size uses 41mm watch bands while the larger model uses 45mm. Like the previous change, the smallest case size of any series will work with the smaller watch band, and the largest model will fit the larger watch band.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that not all bands are for everyone. You can use an Apple Watch in many different ways, so it’s important to shop for a band that can strike a balance and accommodates every task and activity you’ll be performing while wearing it.

Below, we’ve highlighted a handful of bands that offer good materials, construction, and looks for whatever you need to use your Apple Watch for.

Choosing the right band for your Apple Watch isn’t easy, but it’s especially difficult if you’re looking for a band that works as well underwater as it does on dry land. Fortunately, Apple had this in mind, as the Apple Sport Band is a fantastic watch band for swimmers.

While the Apple Sport Band looks made out of silicone, Apple claims it’s a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer that is softer. This material works great underwater, and it drys quickly once you hop out. It’s also available in 41mm and 45mm varieties that will fit your watch regardless of your model.

You’ve got plenty of color options for this band as well. It’s available in White, PRODUCT(RED), Elderberry, Midnight, Slate Blue, Starlight, and Succulent.

The Apple Sport Band is a great pick for swimmers, but it is on the pricy side for what it is. If you’re looking for this type of watch band but don’t want to spend as much, the TreasureMax Sport Band has a similar look and feel at a lower price.

If your wrist happens to be on the larger side, we’ve got you covered. Carterjett’s Apple Watch band is made of silicone and is perfectly flexible. While it ships in sizes up to 10 inches, it can expand a bit, so you’re practically guaranteed a good fit.

It ships in a few colors, including black, red, blue, and a special glow-in-the-dark variant. It’s also pretty affordable at $25 and is available for both 41mm and 45mm watches, although you won’t be showing it off often due to its somewhat standard appearance.

Still, you can’t go wrong here if it’s a large Apple Watch strap you’re after.

It doesn’t matter how useful your Apple Watch is if you can’t wear it without irritating your skin. If this is a problem for you with certain watch bands, the Apple Sport Loop is the watch band for you.

The Sport Loop is made using a double-layer nylon weave and fastens using a hook-and-loop system, making it easy to adjust. The fabric is soft and breathable, and the dense loop side of the hook-and-loop is the side that contacts your skin, for a cushioned feel that doesn’t hold moisture.

When it comes to Apple-made watch bands, the Sport Loop is as affordable as they get. Even better, it’s available in a wide variety of colors. The Sport Loop comes in 41mm and 45mm varieties, with an X-Large variant on the 45mm model.

Metal watch bands look great, but they aren’t always the most comfortable, and they can be tough to adjust. The Apple Milanese Loop addresses both of these issues, with a great look and comfort and wearability you don’t often see in metal watch bands.

The Milanese Loop uses a stainless steel weave instead of big, chunky metal. This gives the band much more breathability than expected in a metal watch band. You might think this is thanks to new technology, but this band is based on a design from Milan near the end of the 19th century.

You don’t have to worry about a buckle, either. Instead of the buckle you’d normally see on a metal watch band, the Milanese loop uses a magnetic design. This makes the band infinitely adjustable, so finding a good fit is easier than other metal watch bands.

The Apple Milanese Loop is available in 41mm and 45mm versions. Color varieties are Graphite, Gold, and Silver.