The best Apple Watch bands for any type of user in 2022 – AppleInsider

The Apple Watch Ultra is the first model with a larger 49mm case. The Apple Watch SE released in 2022 and the Apple Watch Series 8 are available in 41mm and 44mm size variants. The strap size situation remains the same – smaller watches will fit the smaller lug standard that Apple set at launch, and larger ones remain compatible with the larger lug.

The Apple Watch Ultra will fit existing standard 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm bands. That said, we’ve found that very few non-matching third-party bands have lugs ever so slightly larger than the standard. These usually come from generic, unpronounceable brands that have too many adjacent consonants in the company name.

Our roundup of bands includes different case materials, styles, and at least one that’s made from recycled materials.

The Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch features a black carbon coating over grade 2 titanium. This titanium version is 99% pure and resists corrosion better than other grades.

The coating, which the company calls a diamond-like carbon coating, is scratch resistant. The wristband includes a tool for users to adjust the length.

It’s available for the Apple Watch Ultra size at 49mm, as well as all other versions of the Apple Watch, for $249.95.

Nomad also has a Sport band for the Apple Watch that comes in different colors, and the Ultra Orange variant is the only limited-edition option.

The Sport Band is 100% waterproof and is made from FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, a class of synthetic rubber designed to perform at high temperatures and resistant to oils. It is also antimicrobial and can be easily sanitized with soap and water.

The regular Sport Package costs $59.95 and a slimmer Sport Slim option can be had for the same price. There are options for the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra and a variant that supports all other Apple Watch models.

Nomad also offers a series of leather straps for the Apple Watch using 100% waterproof leather and FKM fluoroelastomer rubber.

The leather, Heinen leather from Germany, features interior ventilation channels to help reduce sweat buildup. It is designed for the Apple Watch, but the product listing does not mention the Apple Watch Ultra.

Another band from Nomad is an attractive stainless steel option with a diamond-like carbon coating for scratch resistance.

It is made from 316L stainless steel, sometimes referred to as A4 stainless steel or marine grade stainless steel. It has a magnetic clasp and a tool to adjust the length, and this strap is available for the Apple Watch Ultra and all other models.

The steel band can be had for $149.95 in both silver and graphite.

Officially licensed by Lucasfilm, the band features 3D elements inspired by Darth Vader’s black armor, such as his helmet, chest plate and Imperial crest.

Made with sweat and UV resistant silicone, this smartwatch strap is strong yet smooth. Download the MobyFace app to unlock 20 exclusive watch faces included with purchase.

This band costs $59.95 and is available for all Apple Watch models. Promo code VARIANT15 directly discounts the band at MobyFox by 15%, while the company sells it for $39.90 through MobyFox on Amazon.

MobyFox has other collections of popular movie groups, including those from MARVEL. For example, the band “I am Groot” features the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy character, officially licensed.

Made with sweat and UV resistant silicone, this smartwatch strap is durable yet smooth. Download the MobyFace app to unlock 20 exclusive watch faces included with purchase.

This band is available for $45.00 (save 15% with promo code VARIANT15) and supports all versions of the Apple Watch.

The 41mm Qira bracelet from Juuk is available in various finishes including polished, brushed, rose gold, and more.

Each link of the 316L stainless steel bracelet is a pyramid. It fits wrists from 142 mm (5.59 inches) to 200 mm (7.87 inches). All bracelets come with a small screwdriver to remove the link.

This trendy band can be purchased for $169.99, but the company is offering a 15% discount using the code ENDOFSUMMER22.

Arrow & Board’s Simple Band is made in small batches in Texas. Each side is a piece of vegetable tanned leather that will soften over time and acquire a patina.

It’s available for Apple Watch 40mm/41mm and 44mm/45mm case sizes, so Apple Watch Ultra support isn’t here. Regardless of the size customers choose, the band is available for $79.

The company claims that this medium brown band can match almost any outfit. Each side is a piece of vegetable-tanned leather that will soften over time and develop a patina, though the company says this band takes longer to create than its other offerings.

It’s available for Apple Watch 40mm/41mm and 44mm/45mm case sizes for $119.

This wristband is made of soft antimicrobial silicone with an adjustable clasp for added security. It features striped details on the outer band and a sporty wave design on the inner band to provide airflow against the skin.

The product listing says it’s available for all Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra. However, the sizes to choose from are 45mm/44mm/42mm for the Ultra and 41mm/40mm/38mm. Either way, it can be purchased for $39.95 on Amazon.

The Nato Eco strap is made from recycled water bottles, a recycled woven label and recyclable stainless steel hardware. It has a multi-passage design for added security.

Sizes to choose from are 45mm/44mm/42mm and 41mm/40mm/38mm, and can be purchased for $49.95 through Urban Armor Gear on Amazon.

The Lowry Cuff is made of full grain leather with a soft leather lining. It has an opening for the Apple Watch optical pulse sensor at the bottom, so features using it won’t be affected.

Marine grade stitching is the same durable type found in parachutes, sails, etc. This bracelet is designed for wrists from 125 mm to 215 mm.

It’s compatible with Apple Watch models and sells for $89.95. Promo code PQ15 brings the price down to $76.46, however, at Pad & Quill.