The best Apple Watch bands of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Nomad’s sport band is like a more sophisticated version of Apple’s classic sport band. It is designed for intense workouts and everyday wear. Plus, it’s 100% waterproof, so you can wear it as you exercise in rain, sleet, or snow without worrying about damage. Its lightweight design that encourages ventilation has also solved my sweaty gym wrists (if you know, you know). 

If you’re looking to purchase a sport band or you love Nomad’s bands, we recommend keeping an eye on their website because the company regularly offers Limited Edition models with cool colors and styles (including the one pictured above on my Apple Watch SE). These historically sell out quickly, so if you see a limited edition offering, it’s smart to make your purchase quickly.

I tested the Nomad Sport band in the limited edition glow-in-the-dark Glow 2.0 design, and I was impressed with how similar it felt and performed to my original Apple sport band. Although not every sport band features this fun glow, they all offer the same features. 

Also: Nomad’s glow-in-the-dark iPhone case just sold out, but its alternatives are just as good

When I tested the Nomad sport band, I liked the durable yet comfortable material, the numerous color options available, the customizable adjustability, and the overall look of the band. Getting the band initially secured was a little difficult, but over time, I got it on and off quickly. It’s a nice upgrade from the standard Apple band, and should work for most people. Since it offers more notch options, it felt more secure on my wrist than the Apple sport band, and I felt it stayed cleaner than my Apple band typically does. 

I only have two issues with this band. The first is that after a few weeks of wear, the coating on the stainless steel pin started coming off, although it isn’t noticeable unless I look very closely. Secondly, despite the numerous color options, I wish Nomad offered more, like some softer pastels.

Nomad sport band customers on Reddit said they liked the quality, color options (including limited edition designs), and overall value of the band. Some customers said the band did not sit flush with the Apple Watch Ultra, and one customer said the stainless steel pin broke off their band (although they reported customer service promptly replaced their purchase). 

Nomad Sport Band features: Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch | Band sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm

Since I began exploring Apple watch bands, I’ve been searching for one that I can use to dress up my everyday look. This Burga watch band offers a two-tone stainless steel strap and an easy clasp closure. The inside is designed for comfort, and the band can support everyday wear and tear.

When I tested this Burga watch over a few weeks, I was immediately impressed with its overall appearance. It looked expensive and of quality, echoing the same look as a non-smart watch. It has a nice weight, and it was easy to follow the adjustment instructions to fit it to my wrist. 

Throughout testing, I received several compliments on this band — which doesn’t often happen despite the number of products I test through my work, and I was happy with the affordable luxury look it gave my Watch SE. I had no issues with tarnishing or chipping after my few weeks of wear, although I was careful around water, did not wear the band while applying lotion, makeup, or perfume, and used a jewelry cloth to wipe it down every few wears or so. I also did not wear this band during intense workouts, but it was fine during my casual walks, usually 3-5 miles daily. 

With proper care, this watch band offers great value. It looks much more expensive than it is, and it is worth the money if you’re looking to switch up your look for a special occasion or a few times a week. It is slightly pricier than bands made of less expensive materials but significantly less expensive than titanium options. 

Current Burga customers said they liked this watch band’s overall design and quality, with some saying it looks and feels like an affordable luxury.  

Burga Stainless Steel Two-Tone Apple Watch band features: Material: Stainless steel | Waterproof: No | Compatibility: All current Apple Watch models | Band sizes: 42mm/44mm/45mm/49mm or 38mm/40mm/41mm

Nomad’s slim sport band is a thinner version of the brand’s sport band. Though it features a similar design, material, and overall feel, the slim band has a thinner construction and a smaller overall look on the wearer’s wrist. 

Like the classic sport band, the slim band is 100% waterproof, features a lightweight design that encourages ventilation, and is made of the same durable material. I was able to test the slim sport band for several weeks with my Apple Watch SE in starlight, and I liked how similar in color and feel it was to the Apple-issue sport band that came with my watch. 

When I tested the band, I was also impressed with how secure the stainless steel pin kept the watch despite its more delicate profile. I prefer the slim band over Nomad’s classic sport band for everyday wear, though I can understand why this style may not be the best for someone with larger wrists or a desire for a more prominent watch band. 

Like the sport band, it was a little tough to put on at first, but it became easier to do so the more I wore it. I have also seen some chipping on the stainless steel pin’s coating, and like with the sport band, I wish there were more color options. Since the slim band is my preferred style, it’s a bit of a disappointment that there are only four color options, especially when the larger sport band has quite a bit more and limited edition offerings. I’d love to see more punchy colors and some soft pastels in the slim band — it’s a great option for often smaller women’s wrists. 

Regardless of my feelings about the color selection, I enjoyed testing the slim band, and since then, I’ve been frequently wearing it in my daily activities. 

Nomad Slim Sport Band features: Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 9, 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch Band sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm

Spigen’s Liquid Proband is both an Apple watch strap and a case in one. Simply pop in your Apple Watch and fasten it to your wrist — you don’t have to deal with sliding any bands in. The Liquid Pro is available in crystal clear and black space clear colors. 

It is made of soft silicone for comfort, fastens with a traditional buckle, and features a unibody design. I wasn’t expecting to like this band and case combo as much as I did. While I don’t think I’d consider this for myself for everyday wear, this is a great option for kids thanks to its all-in-one approach or for those looking to minimize the appearance of their watch thanks to the crystal clear design. 

When I tested this watch band over a few months, I liked how easy it was to pop my watch in and out of this case yet how secure it remained. I also liked that the built-in case provided extra protection around my watch. The watch band itself is pretty comfortable overall, though the silicone wasn’t extremely malleable and is still a bit stiff. I predict that over more daily wear, it will eventually contour more to one’s wrist, but it definitely needs breaking in. 

Spigen Liquid Crystal Pro Apple Watch features: Material: Silicone | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch | Band sizes: 40mm/44mm/45mm

Nike’s flagship sports band is the athletic brand’s take on the classic Apple sports band. With a similar overall design and thickness, the Nike band deviates in its ventilation and color options. You can wear it while training, cooking, or cleaning around the house. 

The band features six colors with flecks randomly strewn across. For added breathability, compression-molded perforations (a.k.a. small holes across the band) keep it durable, lightweight, strong, and soft. 

Review: Apple Watch Series 9 

ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner tested the Nike band on the Apple Watch Series 9 when it first launched and said he was impressed with how the watch remained secure during intense workouts without squeezing his wrist too much. However, one potential issue for some is that the numerous holes can collect dust and dirt, which could take some time to clean. 

Verified customers from Best Buy said they liked the Nike sport band’s overall value, quality, and ease of use. They also said they liked the multicolor options and built-in ventilation. 

Nike Sport Band features: Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch models 41mm / 45mm (can also find 38mm, 40mm) | Band sizes: fit S/M (130-180mm) and M/L (150-200mm)

If you’re looking for a super adjustable yet comfortable Apple Watch band option for more rugged wear, the Zulu Alpha strap may suit you. Handmade in the UK and designed for comfort in challenging environments, the Zulu Alpha Apple Strap features tubular bonded polyester webbing, which withstands abrasions better than nylon does. The material also dries more quickly, so you can wear your watch with less downtime or more comfortably if it gets wet while on your wrist. Metal connectors, which you can choose in steel or black, are sewn into the straps for a perfect fit.

Also: My search for the ultimate Apple Watch Ultra strap is over

ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes tested this band with his Apple Watch Ultra and said he liked the strong stitching, the tri-glide buckle that fastens with ease, and the overall comfort. “This is a strap that will no doubt outlast the Apple Watch Ultra itself,” he said in his review. 

What’s even better? The strap is made to order and made by hand, taking around 1.5 hours to complete. Before shipping to you, three pairs of hands evaluate the Alpha strap. These straps aren’t mass-produced or gathering dust on a shelf before they reach your door. Instead, they’re carefully crafted with high-quality materials to sustain your rugged adventures. 

Zulu Alpha strap features: Material: Tubular bonded polyester webbing | Thickness: 1.2mm | Width: 22mm | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: All Apple Watches | Band sizes: 38mm / 40mm / 41mm or 42mm / 44mm / 45mm / 49mm