Best Apple Watch Bands: What 300 Owners and a 96-Band Test Say

The best Apple Watch band for most people is the fabric Sport Loop for everyday wear and sleep, plus a rubber Sport Band for the gym and water. That is the answer from about 300 owner comments on Reddit, and Wirecutter's test of 96 bands mostly agrees, with cheaper alternatives for each.

Which size band fits my watch?

There are only two groups. Small bands fit 38, 40 and 41 mm watches and the 42 mm Series 10 and newer. Large bands fit 44, 45, 46 and 49 mm (Ultra), and the old 42 mm Series 1 to 3. Inside a group, bands swap freely; the size is engraved on the back of the watch. Each band on Apple's band store lists the cases it fits.

Is the Sport Loop more comfortable than the Sport Band?

Owners in the biggest thread picked the fabric Sport Loop about three to one. It is light, closes anywhere with Velcro so it is never between two holes, and does not squeeze the wrist at night. The rubber Sport Band's common complaints are fixed holes and a rash underneath; owners fix the rash by washing the band once a week with water and a drop of dish soap.

When is the rubber Sport Band better?

Water. The fabric loop stays wet, dries slowly and can start to smell after workouts. If you swim, sweat a lot or wash your hands all day, the rubber band wipes dry in seconds. That is why most owners end up with both: the loop for every day and sleep, the rubber band for the gym. The loop can go in the washing machine in a small mesh laundry bag.

What about the Solo Loop, Trail Loop and Milanese Loop?

The Solo Loop has no clasp and stretches over time, so owners buy one size smaller than what feels right in the store. The Trail Loop is a slimmer, softer Sport Loop for the larger watches. The Milanese Loop is the one band for everything on the Ultra subreddit: it dries fast and its magnet keeps your exact size, though it can pull arm hair and snag sleeves.

What do testers recommend instead of Apple's bands?

Wirecutter picks the Spigen Lite Fit instead of the Sport Loop, Groove Life instead of the Sport Band, the Barton Cordura hybrid as one band for everything, and Waloo's magnetic mesh and the Kades link bracelet instead of Apple's metal bands. They disagree with owners on one: Nomad's sport band felt too stiff to the testers.

Are cheap Amazon bands worth it?

Most owners say yes, try a few styles first and then buy the good version of the one you like. The weak spot is the metal connector: when a new band arrives, slide it in, give it a firm tug and make sure it clicks. Original Apple bands also sell second-hand on r/AppleBandMarket.

Q: What is the most comfortable Apple Watch band? A: For most owners, the fabric Sport Loop: light, breathable and adjustable to any size.

Q: Which Apple Watch band is best for swimming? A: A rubber band such as the Sport Band, because it does not soak up water and dries in seconds.

Q: Do old Apple Watch bands fit new watches? A: Yes, if both are in the same size group: small (38 to 42 mm Series 10 and newer) or large (44 to 49 mm and the old 42 mm).