With summer time in full swing, it is useful to have a smartwatch that may face up to wherever the hotter months take you. It is no secret that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a top-tier smartwatch with a rugged design, giant show, and ample battery life, however the best strap is vital to consolation, fashion, and flexibility. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 shares dimension and dimensions with the unique Apple Watch Ultra, and comes with one of many three premium Apple bands, every tailor-made to particular actions. Past Apple’s choices, there are many nice third-party bands for exercises, swimming, work, or formal put on.
I examined a number of choices and consulted ZDNET critiques and employees members’ suggestions to create this information to one of the best Apple Watch Extremely straps you should purchase. (Notice that the Apple Watch Extremely 2 is a 49mm watch, so bands match for the bigger Apple Watch Series 10, 45mm, additionally work with the Apple Watch Extremely 2.)
Additionally: The best Apple Watches
What’s the greatest Apple Watch Extremely strap proper now?
After years of use in numerous actions and each day life, my choose for one of the best Apple Watch Extremely band total is Apple’s own Trail Loop strap. Regardless of testing many alternative bands, I stored returning to the Path Loop due to its supreme stage of consolation, customizable and versatile match, gentle weight, and worth. It is also included along with your Apple Watch Extremely 2 buy.
Learn on to find out about our different Apple Watch Extremely suggestions.
Finest Apple Watch Extremely straps of 2025
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I solely used to purchase Apple Watch straps from third-party producers, however I lastly determined to provide Apple’s Watch Extremely 2 strap a shot. After attempting two of the three accessible choices, the Path Loop is by far my favourite band, and the one I hold returning to for each day use.
The Path Loop band is light-weight, sturdy, and cozy to put on. The Apple Watch Extremely 2 is superb for monitoring your metrics 24/7, that means the band have to be extraordinarily comfy for fixed put on to optimize knowledge. This band stands out for its skinny materials and adaptability to regulate to your physique’s each day adjustments.
Sadly, Apple’s official Path Loop band is just accessible in three primary colours, and extra bands are costly. There are some low-cost choices on Amazon, however I’ve but to search out one which matches the standard and luxury of Apple’s official band.
Apple Path Loop options: Materials: Nylon weave with titanium ends| Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely and Extremely 2, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colours: 3 | Band sizes: 130-180mm and 145-220mm wrist circumference
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With a number of completely different shade choices to go with your Apple Watch Extremely, these customizable sport bands from Nomad are wonderful for intense exercises and on a regular basis put on. The band is 100% waterproof, that means you possibly can put on the band in rain, sleet, sweat, or swimming swimming pools with no worries of injury. With a light-weight design that encourages air flow, in case your sport band will get moist, it will dry shortly.
We additionally advocate you regulate the Nomad web site, as a result of the corporate recurrently provides restricted version fashions with cool colours and kinds together with the one pictured above on an Apple Watch Collection 9. These promote out shortly, so if you happen to see a restricted version providing you higher make your buy shortly.
Additionally: Nomad just made the boldest Apple Watch accessory yet, and I expect it to sell out soon
Whereas these bands are sturdy and made to final, in addition they shut in your wrist utilizing the pin and tuck in loop closure methodology. This may generally be a little bit of a problem to shut securely, particularly one-handed. Should you take your watch on and off all through the day, this band might annoy you at occasions.
Nomad Waterproof Sport Band options: Materials: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, Collection 8, 7, 6, SE, and all earlier variations of Apple Watch | Colours: 13 | Band sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm
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With the Nike Sport Band, you are getting a bona fide Apple-branded sports activities band suited to all kinds of terrain. Put on it whereas monitoring your progress for marathon coaching, lounging at a summer time cookout, or throughout your each day actions round the home.
The band provides six colours with inventive flecks. For added breathability, Apple additionally included compression-molded perforations — primarily small holes throughout the band — to maintain it sturdy, light-weight, robust, and gentle. The one challenge ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner identified in his testing is that the holes can acquire mud and dust, taking a while to scrub.
Nike Sport Band options: Materials: Aluminum | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch fashions 38mm, 40mm, 41mm | Colours: 6 | Band sizes: match S/M (130-180mm) and M/L (150-200mm)
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This rugged watch strap was handmade within the UK with the precise objective of sustaining consolation in difficult environments. The Zulu Alpha Apple Strap options tubular bonded polyester webbing, which withstands abrasions higher than nylon. The fabric additionally dries shortly, so you possibly can put on your watch repeatedly and comfortably if it will get moist whereas in your wrist. Steel connectors, that are customizable in metal or black, are sewn into the straps for an ideal match.
Additionally: My search for the ultimate Apple Watch Ultra strap is over
ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes examined this band and appreciated the robust stitching, the tri-glide buckle that simply fastens, and the general consolation. As he wrote in his review, “This can be a strap that may little question outlast the Apple Watch Extremely itself.”
The strap is made to order and handmade, taking round 1.5 hours to finish and passing by means of three units of palms earlier than it ships out, so these straps aren’t mass-produced or gathering mud on a shelf earlier than they attain your door. As a substitute, they’re fastidiously crafted with high-quality supplies to maintain your entire rugged adventures.
Zulu Alpha strap options: Materials: Tubular bonded polyester webbing | Thickness: 1.2mm | Width: 22mm | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: All Apple Watches | Colours: 14 | Band sizes: 38mm / 40mm / 41mm or 42mm / 44mm / 45mm / 49mm
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I reviewed Nomad Rugged Straps in October 2022 and centered on their high-quality, versatile FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, which is antimicrobial and simply wiped down with cleaning soap and water. It will not get broken if it is uncovered to excessive temperatures, daylight, oils, or chemical substances as a result of the buckle and lugs of the band are product of marine-grade 316 stainless-steel. The fabric is pre-curved out of the field so it sits completely in your wrist, and the band’s notches enable sweat to run free with out getting trapped between your wrist and the band.
Additionally: Nomad Apple Watch Ultra bands: Waterproof bands as rugged as the watch
I wore the Rugged Band whereas I used to be operating, swimming, biking, and fly fishing, and on the finish of all of that exercise, the Nomad Rugged Strap nonetheless regarded model new. Avid swimmers will profit from a band this waterproof, and it is comfy sufficient for on a regular basis put on as nicely. You’ll be able to select between silver or black {hardware} and extremely orange, black, or Atlantic blue.
Nomad now provides a Rugged Band with titanium {hardware} that’s branded the Rocky Level Band. It’s a limited-edition band accessible for $80 in 4 shade choices, together with Sol, or yellow.
Nomad Rugged band options: Materials: FKM fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, Collection 8, 7, 6, SE, and all earlier variations of Apple Watch | Colours: 3 | Band sizes: 45 mm / 49 mm or 40 mm / 41 mm
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This waterproof band is accessible in a big selection of shade selections and substantial embedding of rhinestones. It comes with an 18-month guarantee and on the time of this writing, over 28,000 clients have rated it a mean of 4.5 stars.
The key to such excessive ranges of satisfaction lies within the band’s sizing. To make sure an ideal match, particularly for smaller wrist sizes or in-between wrist sizes, the corporate features a resizing instrument with the strap, in addition to an additional half hyperlink for individuals who fall in between. Don’t be concerned if you happen to’ve by no means used a resizing instrument earlier than, there’s an easy-to-follow video on the product web page. Some clients have even used the resizing instrument to regulate the hyperlinks of different watch straps.
Please word that this selection is at present out of inventory, nevertheless it ought to be accessible quickly.
Lelong band options: Materials: Stainless-steel | Waterproof: No | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely, SE, Collection 9 and all earlier Apple Watches | Colours: 10 | Band sizes: 38mm/40mm/41mm or 42mm/44mm/45mm/49mm
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As sweat-wicking and light-weight as a few of our favourite exercise straps are, there are occasions whenever you wish to gown up your Apple Watch Extremely, and a neon sports activities strap is not going to chop it for a black-tie occasion. For a top quality band you possibly can put on to work and out in town, this Casetify Real Leather-based band is a prime choice. Made with genuine Italian and German leather-based, the straps are deliberately designed for extended put on.
Casetify is understood for its huge assortment of cellphone instances and continues their method with extremely customizable watch bands. You’ll be able to choose from 4 completely different buckle shade or 9 leather-based band colours. This implies you possibly can personalize your watch strap for dinner events, work conferences, and weekend outings. You can even have two characters placed on the band for a further $7 to make it really private.
Casetify Real Leather-based Band options: Materials: Leather-based | Waterproof: No | Compatibility: All Apple Watch fashions | Colours: 9 | Band sizes: 38mm/40mm/41mm or 42mm/44mm/45mm/49mm
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The Apple Watch Extremely 2 is the best smartwatch available today, and its top-notch silver titanium materials is sturdy and enticing. Titanium bands for this titanium watch, nonetheless, are costly. Apple’s Silver Hyperlink Bracelet prices $349 and plenty of others priced over $300. Withit provides an reasonably priced titanium metallic band, and one of the best hyperlink adjustment design I’ve ever seen on a watch. It enables you to take away or add hyperlinks in seconds with no instruments required.
Evaluate: One feature makes this the best Apple Watch titanium band available
The grade-2 titanium watch band materials completely matches the Apple Watch Extremely and Extremely 2 and is even lighter than the stainless steel choice. The band is not unique to the Apple Watch Extremely sequence and in addition works with 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm Apple Watch fashions. The band has a DLC protecting coating, which causes it to look as new because the day it arrived for testing.
Withit Titanium Band options: Materials:Titanium Grade 2 | Waterproof: Sure | Compatibility: Apple Watch Extremely 2 & Extremely, 42/45/49mm Apple Watch fashions | Colours: 1
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We decided that one of the best Apple Watch Extremely strap is the Apple Path Loop strap for its materials selection and its total high quality. Listed here are the remainder of our prime picks.
Apple Watch Extremely strap | Worth | Materials | Compatibility | {Hardware} | Key feature |
Apple Path Loop | $98 | Nylon weave | Extremely and Extremely 2 | Titanium | Totally waterproof |
Nomad Waterproof Sport Band | $49 | FKM Rubber | Collection 1-8, SE, and Extremely | Rubber | Totally waterproof |
Nike Sport Band | $49 | Aluminum | 38mm, 40mm, 41mm | Aluminum | Light-weight for exercises |
Zulu Alpha Apple Strap | $97 | Tubular bonded polyester webbing | All Apple Watch fashions | Metal or black {hardware} | Tri-glide buckle system |
Nomad Rugged Band | $49 | FKM fluoroelastomer rubber | Collection 1-8, SE, and Extremely | Stainless-steel lugs and buckle | Totally waterproof |
Lelong band | $17 | Stainless-steel | All Apple Watch fashions | Stainless-steel hyperlinks | 18-month guarantee |
Casetify Real Leather-based Band | $60 | Leather-based | All Apple Watch fashions | Fashionable band for dressing up | |
Withit Titanium Band | $145 | Titanium | Apple Watch Extremely and Extremely 2 | Titanium | Light-weight titanium for dressing up and on a regular basis put on |
The suitable Apple Watch Extremely strap will depend on what you prioritize. In order for you a display screen protector, water resistance, antimicrobial properties, there is a product for you.
Select this Apple Watch Extremely strap… | In order for you... |
Apple Path Loop | The perfect band total for sleeping, exercising, and residing. It is free along with your Apple Watch Extremely buy too. |
Nomad Waterproof Sport Band | The perfect different rubber band that is not made by Apple. |
Nike Sport Band | The perfect band for train. It is light-weight, breathable, and wicks sweat and oils. |
Zulu Alpha Apple Strap | The perfect band with outstanding craftsmanship. Every strap is handmade and made to order. |
Nomad Rugged Band | An antimicrobial band with marine-grade {hardware}, good for swimming. It holds up nicely to strenuous train. |
Lelong band | A stunning band which you can simply alter to the dimensions of your wrist. It comes with an additional half hyperlink for individuals who are in between sizes. |
Casetify Real Leather-based Band | The perfect light-weight leather-based band. |
Withit Titanium Band | The perfect metallic band with an revolutionary, no-tools required hyperlink adjustment design. |
Everybody has their very own priorities and makes use of for his or her smartwatch, and the elements that I take advantage of when shopping for a band could also be completely different than yours. Nonetheless, listed here are a number of elements to think about, based mostly on our years of expertise testing wearables:
Supplies: Apple Watch Extremely straps are usually product of silicone/rubber, material, leather-based, or metallic so first think about which materials you need your band product of. Your materials choice will seemingly additionally align along with your actions since you don’t want to put on a leather-based band if you happen to plan to swim or run along with your Apple Watch.
Sleep or to not sleep: Should you plan to make use of your Apple Watch Extremely for sleep monitoring and put on it to mattress every evening, then you’ll wish to buy an particularly comfy band. The Watch Extremely is the biggest Apple Watch, so discovering a band that’s gentle and cozy is vital to carrying such a big watch to sleep. A metallic band is probably going not the most suitable choice for sleeping along with your watch. The brand new Vitals performance in WatchOS solely works if you happen to sleep along with your Apple Watch mounted in your wrist so to grasp your total well being and wellness it’s a good suggestion to sleep along with your watch on.
Coronary heart charge monitoring: The Apple Watch Extremely has been confirmed to have one of the crucial correct wrist-mounted optical coronary heart charge screens accessible at this time, so if you happen to use your watch to trace your coronary heart charge, then you need to discover a strap that helps a correct monitor match. If the band is just too free or raises the watch above your wrist then it is not optimized for coronary heart charge monitoring. You can even use an exterior coronary heart charge monitor along with your Apple Watch Extremely, and if you happen to choose that choice, then the snugness of the band is just not as vital.
Worth: Apple provides a number of watch bands itself, however in virtually all instances the Apple branded straps are dearer than third get together straps. Apple’s bands are all of top of the range, however it can save you a number of cash by taking a look at different makers in your watch band.
Coloration and magnificence: I do not know many individuals who’ve a single watch band that they all the time put on, and with the simple removing design you might wish to think about a number of bands in your Watch Extremely. It is nice to have a band for understanding and sleeping, and one other for going out in town or particular events.
At ZDNET, we prioritize hands-on testing of Apple Watches and their straps, carrying them over the course of days or perhaps weeks throughout our each day lives. That implies that others on our employees and I’ve worn these bands whereas working, exercising, sleeping, and doing all different each day actions. Listed here are a few of the key parts we consider with the watch bands:
Consolation: I put on my smartwatches for greater than 18 hours a day and sometimes for twenty-four hours a day so the very first thing I take a look at is the match, end, and luxury of the watch strap. One main purpose that I picked Apple’s personal Path Loop is the extraordinarily comfy design and lightweight weight that makes carrying it a sheer pleasure.
Sturdiness: On condition that I put on my Apple Watch Extremely 2 to trace all of my actions, it has to have the ability to face up to my extreme sweat and water from the rain and pool. I want the watch strap to final for no less than a 12 months or two beneath these situations and due to Apple’s continued lug design I truly can put on bands for years to check out the sturdiness.
Safety: A watch band needs to be trusted to maintain the $800 Apple Watch Extremely 2 on my wrist in all conditions. I had a Garmin watch fly off my wrist and disappear down the river whereas fly fishing final 12 months after I slipped on a rock and I want a band to be extra dependable than that. The clasp mechanism should deal with physique weight exercise flexure and surprising impacts which will occur in some conditions.
Capacity to vary out: Apple’s slide in system is sensible and permits a person to shortly and simply change watch straps. Nonetheless, I bought some cheap bands on Amazon prior to now and they didn’t slide out and in of the lug system very nicely. Thus, I take a look at the flexibility of the band to align correctly and get replaced seamlessly.
To make a protracted story brief, sure it’s. I put the watch by means of the Robust Mudder 15K, which has over 30 obstacles on land and in water, and the watch held up nicely. The show did not actually have a scratch on it. The Apple Watch Extremely is value it if you already know you are going to put it by means of taxing environments, like grueling out of doors exercises or 15Ks, and also you wish to use it like a daily smartwatch. In order for you each of these issues, that is the look ahead to you.
There are downsides to the watch although. For instance, the Apple Watch Extremely does not will let you see your knowledge on a desktop or the net. Regardless that you possibly can export the info into one other app, that is a further step that is not required for different GPS sports activities watches from firms like Garmin and Polar. The Apple Watch Extremely additionally loses battery extra shortly than different GPS sports activities watches, just like the Coros Vertix 2. For instance, once I went by means of the Robust Mudder 15K, my Coros Vertix 2 misplaced 5% of its battery over two hours and 40 minutes, whereas the Watch Extremely misplaced 24% of its battery in the identical time interval.
The perfect strap that we advocate for the Apple Watch Extremely is Apple’s personal Path Loop for its sturdiness, consolation, and flexibility. Because the band is waterproof, you possibly can train with it outdoor or sweat up a storm in it and never have to fret about water injury. It is informal sufficient to put on round the home or for train however is impartial sufficient to put on for dressier occasions.
There are just a few variations between the Apple Watch Extremely and the Apple Watch Extremely 2. Particularly, there is a a lot brighter display screen, a more recent processor, better storage, and recycled titanium with the Apple Watch Extremely 2. The dimensions, battery life, and sensors are the very same. Their costs are additionally the identical.
Additionally: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?
It is a good suggestion to examine the producer’s specs with regards to this query. For Apple loops, bands for 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm instances are usually suitable with each other. Different producers might have completely different parameters with regards to this. However usually, no, you can’t put any band on the Apple Watch Extremely if you need the band to suit nicely.
Various Apple Watch Extremely bands value contemplating
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