Apple Watches are marvellous tools and we talk a lot about them on the wearables channel here at TechRadar, but one thing we don't discuss enough is the variety of straps you can get, both from Apple and third parties, to pair with them.
After all, as much as the best Apple Watches come loaded with fitness tools to make the most of your workouts, medical services to help you diagnose conditions like hypertension, and almost as many communications features as a regular phone, watches in general are as fashionable as they are utilitarian.
Most Apple Watches come with a silicone Sport Loop or similar, with Apple Watch Ultra models arriving with a choice of Ocean, Trail and Alpine straps. These are great for activity and daily wear, but there are plenty of other choices out there if you're looking for more of the best Apple Watch bands. Instead of sticking with the same old silicon strap, make 2026 the year you smarten up your look with bands for every occasion, from workouts to weddings.
If you want a garish color for your Apple Watch Ultra 3 to go with your obscenely bright running gear, Apple does its Ocean band in a blinding Neon Green. Ultra users could opt for a third-party option for smarter office and evening wear – the WITHit Titanium Band for Apple Watch, which blends into the titanium of the watch. It also comes in smaller sizes for Apple Watch Series 11 users, as well as a stainless steel variation.
Apple's Braided Solo Loop is a popular choice, as a stretchable yarn with silicon elements making it a great choice for both comfort and activity. Apple has recently released a Black Unity Braided Solo Loop in 42mm and 46mm sizes for $99.
Alternatively, if you want to go for something a little more classic, you can opt for a leather watch strap and pair it with an analog-style watch face. The WITHit Cut-Edge Oiled Leather Band for Apple Watch is a good value pick as is the Casetify 2-in-1 Italian leather band, which comes in your choice of black or a stunning vibrant red (my favorite). Or, if you're happy with silicone, the anime-inspired Solo Levelling Shadow IGRIS watch band stands out, patterned in a futuristic Tron-style blue.
Check out the bands in full below. I've labelled each one with different case sizes, so you'll know which bands to buy with which watches.
The best Apple Watch bands for 2026
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Matt is TechRadar's expert on all things fitness, wellness and wearable tech.
A former staffer at Men's Health, he holds a Master's Degree in journalism from Cardiff and has written for brands like Runner's World, Women's Health, Men's Fitness, LiveScience and Fit&Well on everything fitness tech, exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
Matt's a keen runner, ex-kickboxer, not averse to the odd yoga flow, and insists everyone should stretch every morning. When he’s not training or writing about health and fitness, he can be found reading doorstop-thick fantasy books with lots of fictional maps in them.
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