If you want to style up your Apple Watch, a metal strap is a solid choice. Whether it’s titanium, stainless steel, or aluminum, metal adds polish to the best Apple Watch models. There are plenty of metal bands compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch, too, including those for the Series 9 and the Ultra 2.
Our favorites include the Apple Milanese Loop; it’s made of quality stainless steel, is comfortable against the skin, and elevates the Apple Watch’s style. We also like Nomad’s Silver Steel Band; it uses a classic metal link design and is available in titanium.
Before buying, note the size and model of your Apple Watch. Several bands come in different sizes that you’ll need to specify at checkout. Make sure to also check out our guides to the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands, the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands, and the best designer Apple Watch bands.
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Best overall
Best titanium band
Apple quality and style
Best luxury linked band
Best color selection
Best slim metal band
For added shine
Best Apple dupe
Flexible and adaptable
Honorable mention
FAQs
What is the best metal Apple Watch band?
This depends entirely on your personal style, preferences, and intended wear. For instance, most metal Apple Watch bands are a quality everyday piece but if you want to keep the same band for both working out and going out, some metal bands are better than others.
Many colored metal bands feature a coating that degrades over time, so these should likely be reserved for day wear or special occasions. A titanium or stainless steel band is more versatile and may last longer for everyday wear.
Is it better to buy from Apple or a third party?
While Apple’s bands often guarantee high-quality materials and a perfect color match to your Apple Watch face, they’re not always better (but are, most often, more expensive). There are plenty of cheaper metal bands available via Amazon that are of similar high quality.
It’s worth noting that with some cheaper metal bands, you may need to replace them quicker than you would with a higher-quality option from trusted brands like Apple or Nomad. This is because the metal, or its coating, may deteriorate with time.
Do all metal Apple Watch bands fit the Apple Watch Series 9?
Most of the bands featured in this list are compatible with any size Apple Watch, including the Series 9. However, it’s important to check the listing to ensure your watch fits your chosen band. The face sizes between different Apple Watch models differ slightly, affecting whether the band clips smoothly onto your watch or is too big or small.
This is true for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well. While many of the Apple Watch bands above are compatible with the Series 7, Series 8, or Series 9, they aren’t all compatible with the Ultra or Ultra 2. This is why checking the exact sizing options available is important before purchasing.
Does Apple still sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?
Yes, though both Series 9 and Ultra 2 have undergone a redesign that renders the blood oxygen monitoring unusable. This is in light of a patent dispute with the health technology company, Masimo, who originally filed a dispute saying Apple copied its blood oxygen sensing technology.
An original ruling by the International Trade Commission required Apple to pull both models from its online and physical Apple Store locations. Apple subsequently appealed the ruling and was allowed to temporarily sell both models while it awaited an additional ruling from the ITC.
The ITC denied Apple’s request for a longer ban pause on January 17. Apple then announced that it developed a “software workaround” that would allow it to continue to sell the watches albeit without any blood oxygen sensing features.
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