The Apple Watch has been on the market for over a decade – that time has seen 11 generations of the core line, as well as the introduction of numerous separate lines, including the entry-level SE and the rugged Ultra.
Last week, Apple unveiled the next generation of its Watch line, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3.
What has remained constant is the Apple Watch’s status as a style icon, helped in no small part by the ever-growing selection of interchangeable bands.
Astute collaborations with labels like Nike and Hermès, as well as limited-edition and seasonal releases like the recent Pride collection, have cemented the Apple Watch’s fashion prestige and provided new buyers and long-time users with a range of personalization options.
Differences in material, pricing, and features mean there's a fitting Watch Band for nearly every purpose. The release of the new 2025 Apple Watch models also saw the announcement of all-new watch bands and colors.
Here, we break down all Apple Watch Bands for each 2025 Apple Watch model, as well as using a cellular plan with an Apple Watch.
Whether you’re planning a seafloor diving expedition or an appearance at the Met Gala, there’s an Apple Watch Band for the occasion. Here’s how to find the right one for your Apple Watch:
The Best Bands for the Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3
The Apple Watch Series 11, Series 10, and Apple Watch SE share the same casing sizes, meaning they’re compatible with the same range of Apple Watch straps. Here’s a guide to every Apple Watch Band for the SE and core line.
1. Sport Band
The Sport Band does what it says on the tin: it’s a lightweight, silicone strap ideal for sports and exercise. Capitalizing on the Apple Watch’s status as the world's best-selling fitness smartwatch, the Sport Band is made of a rubbery “fluoroelastomer” material that's stretchy and low-profile enough to remain comfortable during periods of intense movement, while staying firmly in place on even the sweatiest of wrists. A wide range of colors makes it suited for most day-to-day wear.
2. Sport Loop
If you only have room for one Apple Watch Band in your life, it’s hard to go wrong with the Sport Loop. A fabric alternative to the Sport Band, the Sport Loop is the lightest Watch Band yet, staying soft, comfortable, and discreet, even after months of wear. Just like the Sport Band, the Sport Loop is ideal for both strenuous exercise and casual wear, though its low-profile aesthetic and muted color scheme make it a more versatile wardrobe addition than the Sport Band.
3. Milanese Loop
A classier affair than the Sport Loop, the Milanese Loop echoes the slimline steel watches of the 1960s and 70s, fitted with a decidedly modern magnetic closure. This mixture of classic aesthetics and modern comfort is a recurring feature in Apple’s series of Hermès-designed Bands (below), though available in the Standard Milanese Loop for considerably less money.
4. Link Bracelet
The second stainless steel option for the Series 11 and SE 3, the Link Bracelet is a classic steel Watch Band of overlapping steel scales. While it may not be ideal for the gym or the run, having a spare metal watch band on hand is a simple way to ensure your Apple Watch is suitable for any occasion.
5. FineWoven
Made entirely from recycled waste products from Apple’s own manufacturing processes, the FineWoven Bands are a step towards minimizing some of the environmental impact of a new Apple Watch. A blend of recycled polyester and rare earth metals, the FineWoven brands are surprisingly light and soft to the touch. The suede-like band material is flexible and sturdy enough to be taken on a run or a hike, while the subdued color scheme makes them suitable for most outfits. The FineWoven Bands come in two variations: a sporty Magnetic Link option, and the smarter Modern Buckle, which has a pleasingly retro aesthetic. Note that, unlike most Apple Watch Bands, FineWoven options aren’t water-resistant.
6. Solo Loop
The minimalist Solo Loop is a closure-free Watch Band comprising a single continuous length of elastic silicone rubber. The easy-on-off Band is the most accessible Watch Band, suitable for all ages and mobility levels. While not as sturdy as the Sport Loop, the Solo Loop is extremely comfortable and available in a bold color palette, including several new colors announced alongside the release of the Apple Watch Series 11.
7. Braided Solo Loop
The Braided Solo Loop is also a single continuous band, with no traditional clasp or closure. Instead, the elasticated knitted yarn provides a stretchy yet secure fit for all wrist sizes. Ideal for those who would like the understated comfort of the Solo Loop but prefer a more textured material.
8. Nike Sport Loop
The latest product in Apple’s decades-long collaboration with the sportswear giants, the Nike Sport Loop is nearly identical to the regular Sport Loop. Some additional details include a quick-release pull tab, some subtle Nike branding, and the inclusion of recycled yarn from old Apple Watch Bands. In September 2025, Apple refreshed the line with several new color options.
9. Nike Sport Band
The Nike Sport Band is a more running-focused iteration of the Apple Sport Band. Like the Nike Sport Loop, the speckled band comprises partly of recycled old Watch bands, reformed into a light, fluoroelastane watch strap that stays secure on the wrist during a workout while offering excellent breathability via the multiple small holes that perforate the surface. Not one for trypophobia sufferers, maybe, but otherwise a highly comfortable and eye-catching Apple Watch Band.
The best Apple Watch Bands for the Apple Watch Ultra 3
1. Alpine Loop
A beefed-up version of the Sport Loop, the Apple Watch Ultra 3's Alpine Loop features a double layer of seam-free woven nylon, reinforced closures, and a titanium clasp and fittings. Like the Apple Watch Ultra itself, what the Alpine Loop lacks in discretion, it makes up for in durability. The Alpine Loop is available in a selection of muted colors, including terracotta, light blue, and black.
2. Trail Loop
Whereas the Alpine Loop is designed with hikers in mind, the Trail Loop is a more versatile all-rounder. Slimmer, softer, and with a simple velcro closure instead of a titanium clasp, the Trail Loop is a low-profile contrast to the heft of the Ultra 3's watch face. It stays comfortable and nearly unnoticeable during heavy exercise, cycling, or just lounging on the couch.
3. Ocean Band
A water-sports-specific Apple Watch Band, the Ocean Band is specifically targeted at a water sports, fishing, and diving crowd. The hyper-stretchy elastomer band and titanium buckle keep it securely attached during high-speed water sports and scuba dives. The Ocean Band is part of Apple’s renewed focus on the water sports market, along with the new depth sensor in the Apple Watch Series 11 and a number of water-oriented apps like Tides and Ocean+ in WatchOS 11 and the latest WatchOS 26. The Ocean Band is even available in an extra-long extended version for wearing over a wetsuit.
4. Titanium Loop
Proof that even the burliest adventure watch can smarten up for formal occasions, the Titanium Milanese Loop consists, according to Apple, of “aerospace-grade titanium mesh with a secure parachute-style buckle”.
5. Hermès En Mer
The Hermès En Mer Apple Watch Band reflects the Hermès Ultra 3's fusion of high-grade materials and outdoor-ready durability with the Parisian fashion house’s flair for innovative textiles, fine detail, and head-turning style. Originally designed for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Hermès En Mer bands have been re-released in a variety of new colors for the Ultra 3.
6. Hermès Scub'H Diving
An all-new band style for the Hermès Ultra 3, the Hermès Scub'H Diving Band is designed to withstand the most demanding watersports while remaining chic and fashion-forward. Built from the same high-performance elastomer as the Solo Loop, the Scub'H Diving Band retains Hermès' trademark elegance thanks to an embossed steel buckle and traditional closure.
The Best Bands for the Apple Watch Hermès
1. Hermès Bridon
Inspired by a horse's bridle, the Hermès Bridon is one of the more extravagant Apple Watch Bands currently on sale. The delicate knitted band’s ornate chevron pattern makes it a smart option, while lightweight materials, water resistance, and a steel buckle make it suitable for most outdoor activities as well.
2. Hermès Toile H
The Hermès Toile H is the quintessential Hermès watch strap: classic, slim, and patterned with the iconic Hermès check. This woven polyamide band lends even the latest Apple Watch an air of timeless grace, particularly when coupled with one of the dozens of Hermès-designed Apple Watch faces.
3. Hermès Twill
The slimmest Apple Watch band currently on the market, the Hermès Twill Band is an exercise in refinement. A pastel color palette and sleek steel buckle provide modern updates to a design based on centuries-old Hermès straps.
4. Hermès Kilim
A stark contrast to the nostalgic Hermès Twill or Bridon Bands, the Hermès Kilim is a bold, bright band of interlocking rubber elements, available in an array of colors. Marketed as the sportiest of the Hermès Apple Watch Bands, the Kilim’s large steel clasp and prominent Hermès “H” logo mean it also functions as a serious fashion statement.
5. Hermès Faubourg Party
Newly created for the 2025 Apple Watch Series 11, the Hermès Faubourg Party Band is a bold knitted design, featuring an all-over motif of the iconic Hermès Faubourg flagship store by artist Tibor Kárpáti.
6. Hermès Grand H and Grand H Fin
At $999, or more than four times the price of an Apple Watch SE, the Hermès Grand H is the most expensive Apple Watch Band in 2025. A classic steel watch bracelet, the Grand H Band is the ultimate formal Apple Watch accessory.
For those who prefer a slimmer profile, Hermès released the Grand H Fin in September 2025 for the Apple Watch Hermès Series 11, which is 6mm narrower than the classic Grand H Apple Watch Band.
A note on sizing
One issue with buying Apple Watch Bands online is that they all appear to be the same size. In reality, it’s essential to purchase the correct band for the casing size of your Apple Watch. Not every Band will fit every Apple Watch – it needs to be compatible with the casing. To find out the casing size of your Apple Watch, look on the back of the watch face, where the size will be displayed in millimeters (e.g. 46mm).
Once the casing size is known, it’s important to order the right band length. Most bands are available in small, medium and large sizes, details of which Apple provides on its website.
Third-party Apple Watch Bands
None of these options quite what you’re looking for? As the best-selling smartwatch for over a decade, the market is filled with countless third-party and aftermarket replacement Apple Watch brands. While the quality of non-Apple-made straps can vary dramatically, the sheer number means there’s a Band to suit every Apple Watch model, release year, and casing size.
BetterRoaming Cellular Apple Watch Plans
When buying a new Apple Watch, major considerations are choosing a size, a band, and whether to opt for a cellular+GPS model.
While a GPS-only Apple Watch requires a nearby paired iPhone to function fully, a cellular watch plan provides Apple Watches with the same level of mobile connectivity as an iPhone, able to make calls, texts, and access mobile internet.
BetterRoaming is one of a handful of selected Apple partners to offer standalone Apple Watch plans for cellular models. Find out more about the Apple Watch plans and try a 7-day free trial today.
All 2025 Apple Watch Bands Compared
Band name | Material | Compatible Watches | Closure | Price |
Sport Band | Fluoroelastomer | Series 11, SE 3 | Pin and tuck | $49 |
Sport Loop | Woven nylon | Series 11, SE 3 | Hook and loop | $49 |
Nike Sport Band | Perforated flurorelastomer | Series 11, SE 3 | Pin and tuck | $49 |
Nike Sport Loop | Woven nylon | Series 11, SE 3 | Hook and loop | $49 |
Milanese Loop | Stainless steel | Series 11, SE 3 | Magnetic | $99 |
Link Bracelet | Stainless steel | Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3 | Clasp | $349 |
Solo Loop | Silicone rubber | Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3 | None | $49 |
Braided Solo Loop | Silicone and plastic yarn | Series 11, SE 3 | None | $99 |
FineWoven Magnetic Link | Recycled polyester and rare earth elements | Series 11, SE 3 | Magnetic strap | $99 |
FineWoven Modern Buckle | Recycled polyester and rare earth elements | Series 11, SE 3 (42mm only) | Buckle | $149 |
FineWoven Modern Buckle | Recycled polyester and rare earth elements | Series 11, SE 3 (42mm only) | Buckle | $149 |
Hermès en Mer | Polyamide yarn | Ultra 3 | Buckle | $449 |
Hermès Toile H | Polyamide yarn | Series 11, SE 3 | Buckle | $349 |
Hermès Twill Jump Attelage | Polyamide yarn | Series 11, SE 3 (42mm only) | Buckle | $349 |
Hermès Kilim | Fluoroelastomer | Series 11, SE 3 (46mm only) | Buckle | $349 |
Hermès Bridon Single Tour | Polyamide Yarn | Series 11, SE 3 (46mm only) | Buckle | $349 |
Hermès Bridon Double Tour | Polyamide Yarn | Series 11, SE 3 (42mm only) | Buckle | $349 |
Hermès Faubourg Party | Polyamide Yarn | Series 11, SE 3 | Buckle | $449 |
Hermès Grand H | Stainless Steel | Series 11, SE 3 | Butterfly clasp | $999 |
Alpine Loop | Polyester, spandex and titanium | Ultra 3 | Hook and loop | $99 |
Trail Loop | Polyester, spandex, nylon and titanium | Ultra 3 | Pull tab | $99 |
Ocean Band | Fluoroelastomer and titanium | Ultra 3 | Buckle | $99 |
Titanium Loop | Titanium | Ultra 3 | Clasp | $199 |
Scub'H Diving | Elastomer | Ultra 3 | Buckle | $549 |
