The Best Apple Watch Bands for Exercise and Active Use

There is no lack of choices when it comes to Apple Watch bands. This market leader and various third-party vendors offer a wealth of options that range from elegant to sporty, with just about everything in between. Good Apple watch bands for fitness and other active pursuits should feel comfortable, hold up during physical activity, and look nice enough to keep the wearer from having to change the band for work or dinner later.

Take a moment to sort through some of the best Apple Watch bands for an active lifestyle. These bands are supportive, sweat-resistant, and ready for your next adventure.

CNET ranked this sporty watch band as its best overall choice. Two layers of nylon offer cushioning and durability, but the fabric’s still breathable, so this watch can travel from the gym to work. Apple sells the watchband for $49, and it comes in several colors, including black, white, yellow, red, and blue.

People who engage in sports with the potential for physical content or even construction workers might decide they need more than a comfortable and durable watch band. This watch band comes with a protective case that can absorb shocks and protect the screen in case of impact. The Subcase band and protective case sell for $22.

Apple partners with Nike to market this band out of a synthetic rubber called fluoroelastomer. Manufacturers use this material to hold up in harsh environments, and the design makes the watchband durable, soft, and strong. Apple sells this watchband for $49, and it comes in black, red, navy blue, and gray. The band’s unique closure system ensures a secure fit.

According to Statista, Apple considered adding a more rugged watch for extreme sports and activities to its line earlier in 2021, but this speculation has not borne fruit yet. Still, the company markets its existing line as good choices for athletes, and so far, they lead the overall smartwatch market.

Last year, Apple sold almost 40 million smartwatches, compared to about 28 million in 2019. Huawei ranked second last year with about 11 million watches sold. Other leaders in this market include Samsung and Fitbit.

Most commonly, people who wear their smartwatch during physically demanding sports or other activities complain of scratches to the watch’s face and damage to its inner workings. For such small devices, the repairs can generate surprisingly expensive bills. For instance, even just getting the screen replaced may cost hundreds.

Apple’s newest smartwatches hold up better against water and dust than they used to. Still, getting dropped or banged around during strenuous activities may damage their delicate components and screens. Buying a band/case combination might offer one solution to help protect the device.

In addition, customers should pair their watches with an Upsie smartwatch warranty. Upsie’s warranties ensure peace of mind by providing quick access to certified smartwatch technicians and protection against all sorts of damage, including accidental damage.

Some highlights of Upsie protection include:

Upsie also offers protection plans for other popular smartwatch brands, smartphones, PCs, tablet computers, and much more.