The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of the best smartwatches you can buy and its compatibility with different bands may be one of its best features. Even those designed for previous generation Apple Watches, like last year’s Series 8 or the 2nd Generation SE, are compatible with the Series 9.
Our favorites include the Apple Milanese Loop; this stainless steel band features a timeless design that classes up any Apple Watch. We also like the Nomad Waterproof Sports Band; it has a rugged, waterproof design perfect for active users who spend time outdoors.
Below are 21 of the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands from brands like Apple, Nomad, Hermes, and Lifeproof. No matter what you consider the best Apple Watch, these can improve how it looks and feels. Grab one of the best Apple Watch screen protectors to further protect your watch, too.
Sport bands
The Series 9 is a premium fitness tracker, making it the perfect companion for one of the best Apple Watch bands for working out. Apple does offer a selection of different sports bands when purchasing the Series 9, but there are a variety of others from brands like Lifeproof or Nomad.
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The best sport band
Lightweight, breathable nylon
Best Apple Sport Band alt
Best eco-friendly
Classy with a dash of sporty
Breathable, sweat-resistant, and comfortable
A sweatband that can also hold your Apple Watch
Leather bands
While the Series 9 excels as a sporty smartwatch, this doesn’t mean it can’t clean up well. And the best method for doing so is by donning one of the best leather Apple Watch bands.
They’re durable, stylish, and fit a variety of use cases, making them some of the most versatile strap options on the market. And although Apple stopped selling leather products, several other brands still offer premium leather options.
Best leather band overall
A premium leather option
It’s as if Apple’s Sport Band was leather
Budget leather that looks great
A timeless leather design that styles up any Apple Watch
Metal bands
Metal is a classic watch band material that has the capability of turning the Apple Watch into a stunning timepiece. They’re great for an office setting, while on a date, or just whenever you feel like upping your fashion sense.
The best metal Apple Watch bands include picks from Apple, as well as other brands like Shinola or Nomad.
Stylish design from Italy
An easy way to style up your Apple Watch
Classic stainless steel at a good price
Retro appeal in a metal watch band
Beautiful rose gold finish
Designer bands
The cream of the Apple Watch band crop is the wide range of designer bands available for the Series 9. Apple’s partnership with Hermes is a great place to start to find quality, stylish designer bands but there are several other best designer Apple Watch bands from brands like Kate Spade and Coach, too.
Hermes and the Apple Watch, a quality duo
Stylish, sparkly gold
Classy, chic designer style
Understated designer look
How to organize your Apple Watch Series 9 band collection
Have you amassed a sizable collection of Apple Watch bands? Because there are so many styles to choose from, and they’re so easy to swap in and out, it makes sense to have multiple Apple Watch bands to suit the occasion. For workouts, you may want to use a sport band; for a night out, switch to a metal or leather band. Our favorite way to organize Apple Watch bands is with Twelve South’s TimePorter. Each holds up to six bands, and you can easily affix it onto a surface via the included 3M Command Strip.
What to look for when shopping for an Apple Watch Series 9 band
It’s important to first think about how you’ll use your Apple Watch to decide what band is best. Active users may want to choose a sports band first, while those who spend a lot of time in the office should opt for a leather, metal, or designer band.
Another key consideration is the various features native to certain bands. Do you want a magnetic closure or an elastic band? Do you want a wider strap or something a bit more narrow? Keep these questions in mind while shopping to ensure the band fits your preferred wear style.
FAQs
What is the best Apple Watch Series 9 band?
This depends entirely on how you use your Apple Watch since not every band is perfect for every situation. For instance, if you work out a lot, you probably don’t want to buy a leather strap as your daily driver.
Some straps and materials are more versatile than others and can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, a woven nylon band is a great workout strap that can also look good in an office setting. Classifying any Apple Watch Series 9 band as the ultimate best just comes down to how it’s used.
Is there a difference between an Apple band and those sold by third parties?
There isn’t a big difference between bands sold by Apple and those offered by trusted third-party companies outside of the actual branding. Some Apple bands can be more durable, but this isn’t a strict rule for every strap.
When looking for a third-party strap, you must shop from a trusted brand. These include sellers like Nomad, Otterbox, and Lifeproof, among others. There are plenty of lower-quality third-party brands that sell Apple Watch straps that look incredibly similar to something from a trusted band. While these may be cheaper, they likely won’t last as long.
Where are Apple’s leather watch bands?
Apple announced it would no longer sell any leather products so it can reduce its carbon emissions. The decision impacts its Apple-branded leather watch bands, as well as the designer options from Hermes that it sells through its store.
Apple will now substitute a new suede-like material called FineWoven to replace the discontinued leather options.
Do Apple Watch Series 9 bands work with the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Yes and no. While bands compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9 may work with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it’s important to check the sizing before purchasing. The case size difference between the two models is large enough that some bands may be too small for the Ultra 2 or too big for the smaller, 41mm Series 9.
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