After a demanding workout, it’s validating when your watch notices the effort you exerted. Wearing a fitness tracker during your strength workouts, whether you’re deadlifting or rowing or powering through a bodyweight routine, is like having a personal coach on your wrist keeping track of your progress and your overall health, too. Fitness watches make it easier than ever to get deep insights into your workouts and performance.
Some features to look for when shopping for a watch for workouts include heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen testing, recovery time estimates, and sleep and stress tracking. Bonus features include GPS tracking for outdoor efforts, music integration to keep you entertained, and downloadable meditation and workout sessions to mix up your strength sessions.
Keep in mind the size and comfort of fitness watches as well (though these characteristics can sometimes be tricky to gauge online). Most brands have generous return policies, but always check before you buy. You don’t want your watch getting in the way of pushups or floor routines. The good news? Fitness watches and trackers are generally more affordable than the beefier mountaineering and cycling watches while still offering some of the same metrics.
Below, we’ve detailed the specs and benefits of six of the best fitness watches and trackers for strength workouts.
The Best Fitness Watches for Strength Workouts in 2022
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For a tick of a secondhand a few years back, it seemed like smartphones might make sports watches obsolete. Quickly, however, athletes and outdoorsmen realized that the best adventure-focused watches meant less fiddling with your phone and more of what you headed outside to do in the first place.
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Our favorites are long-lasting, stylish, and pack in easy-to-use features that enhance your time outdoors instead of forcing you to focus on tech when you’re heading outside to unplug. For those reasons, the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition is our top overall pick. Most adventure watches retail under $1,000 and we highlight watches at a range of price points and share options from fully analog to the most connected, digital options available.
What You Should Look for in an Adventure Watch
Adventure watches can be analog, digital, or a hybrid, but the best ones are waterproof, durable, and provide metrics such as altitude, humidity, navigation, and, of course, time. Smart adventure watches go further and bring maps, GPS route tracking, and biomarker monitoring to your wrist. Here are the key features to compare when shopping.
Mapping
Many watches incorporate built-in maps, which allow you to leave the phone at home or at least reference it less often. The combination of internal compass and readable maps right in the watch turn these timepieces into powerful navigation devices whether you’re out for a run or embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip. Most offer downloadable maps as well, meaning they work without being tethered to a phone or data connection. The mapping features often include powerful route-building tools so you can lay out runs, bikes, and hikes at home and easily follow them out in the field. Most of the map packages are free but Garmin also offer a premium mapping package for a $50 annual charge that, like other subscription mapping services such as OnX and Caltopo, adds property ownership layers and more detailed contour lines.
Solar Charging
Solar recharging of watch batteries has been around since the 1970s, but the tech has drastically improved and is showing up in high-end adventure watches to extend the relatively short battery life of these energy-hogging digital watches. Solar charging easily keeps traditional watches and smartwatches running few features charged indefinitely—given cooperative weather. In high-consumption modes, you’ll likely need to supplement with charging from an external power source. But no matter how you run them, the solar charging capability will extend the battery’s runtime and is worth paying a bit extra if you hate dealing with low battery warnings or spend time away from reliable power on multi-day excursions.
Cellular Connection
The more mainstream smartwatches (most of the Apple and Samsung offerings) can access wireless data networks without tethering to your phone. Most fitness-first watches from brands such as Suunto and Garmin do not, meaning you’ll either need to keep your phone on you for messaging and other connected apps and download maps for offline use. Having a data connection for your phone makes it much more capable but it also drains the battery faster and almost always requires an additional line of data on your wireless plan which usually costs around $10 per month.
Why You Should Trust Me
After refusing to wear a watch for a decade (figured my phone had the time), backpacking and backcountry hunting made me appreciate using my phone less for telling time, navigation, and tracking. Since then, I’ve tested many of the major releases from brands like Garmin, Suunto, Timex, and Casio. The Garmin Fenix 7x is my current go-to but I also cycle in the Suunto 9 Peak and Nixon Regulus for certain outings.
Best Overall Outdoor Watch: Garmin Fenix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
Garmin Fenix 7X Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition
Courtesy Garmin
This is the GPS watch for the outdoor athletes that want it all. Garmin has a bewildering array of full-featured tracking watches for racers and adventurers, but the Fenix 7x Pro Sapphire Solar edition brings together fitness tracking and navigation features as well as any watch to-date. To get the most out of the significant investment here, you’ll need to value the robust fitness tracking features from sleep monitoring to ECG heart rhythm monitoring to stress and endurance scores to help you dial in your training. For outdoor adventurers, it’s the maps and navigation tools that seal the deal. The GPS uses multi-band tech for maximum accuracy and you get altitude and compass readings like any good outdoor watch. But the mapping stands out with premium features such as golf course maps, ski area maps, suggested routes back to your start, and even turn-by-turn directions for at-a-glance wayfinding when you’re moving fast.
CASE: Titanium/polymer
FEATURES: Touchscreen, Bluetooth, GPS, LED light, solar charging
SIZE: 51mm
STRAP: Silicone
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
Courtesy Casio
Best Rugged Watch: Casio G-Shock Mudmaster
Casio’s G-Shock line has defined military-grade rugged dependability in the adventure watch category for decades. The display is digital but this watch has an analog feel with no email notifications in sight but all the essentials such as date, time, temperature, altitude, compass, and solar charging for near-infinite operation away from power sources. Buttons are large, protected, and easy-to-use in any conditions and though the watch looks chunky, it’s fairly slim and streamlined as far as outdoor watches go. And while this isn’t a full-featured fitness tracker watch, it does add in a Bluetooth connection option to record routes, step counts, and elevations.
CASE: Carbon fiber/resin
FEATURES: Bluetooth, shock/mud resistant, LED backlight
SIZE: 55.4mm
STRAP: Resin
Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Courtesy Suunto
Best Outdoor Smartwatch: Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar
Suunto’s new Vertical packs their best fitness and navigation features into their latest flagship outdoor watch. One big improvement over earlier watches from Suunto is the addition of solar charging to minimize the annoyance of needing a charge when you most need your watch. (That said, the Vertical and similar watches take a charge quickly if you just need enough juice to track your next ride or run.) The other major feature rollout is free downloadable maps—that don’t rely on your phone or cell signal—that are easily readable on the 49mm face.
CASE: Titanium/polymer
FEATURES: GPS, solar charging, free maps
SIZE: 49mm
STRAP: Silicone
Coros Apex 2 Pro
Courtesy Coros
Best Hiking Watch: Coros Apex 2 Pro
Coros owns a smaller share of the GPS smartwatch category, but their Apex 2 Pro stands out for delivering most of the great tracking features from Garmin and Suunto but in a slim, understated watch that doesn’t get in the way. The price tag is also about half of what you’d pay for many of the other watches, yet it still includes built-in free and interactive mapping. The battery life is excellent but the GPS tech isn’t as robust as other brands’, so tracking and navigation don’t have quite the same pinpoint accuracy.
Seeking a wear-everywhere outdoor watch with luxury Swiss styling and rugged dependability? Neverest is Norqain’s ode to Everest and the intrepid spirit of sherpas. The GMT watch boasts an anthracite grey dial with gold cracks running across the surface to mimic the crevasses found on Everest. Daytime hours are indicated in white and night-time hours in black. The knurling on the edge of the ceramic bidirectional-rotating bezel makes adjustments easier when fingers are cloaked by gloves. Moreover, the automatic-winding NN20/2 movement is visible through the sapphire glass case back, and you can engrave the plate on the left side of the case. Perhaps the biggest selling point is Norqain’s partnership with Butterfly Help Project: 10 percent of all Neverest watches are donated to the charity in Nepal, which aids families of sherpas who’ve lost their lives while guiding, giving their children access to education.
CASE: 316L stainless steel case
FEATURES: Anti-reflective, scratch-proof, double-domed sapphire glass; open case back; 200m water resistance; anthracite glacier dial with golden cracks that mimic crevasses on Mt. Everest; 70-hour power reserve
SIZE:41mm
STRAP: Stainless steel, rubber
More Adventure Watches We Love
Best Tactical Outdoor Watch: Nixon Regulus Expedition
Courtesy Nixon
Nixon’s Regulus watch blends tactical with practical. This updated version stands out for keeping things ultra-simple and staying easy to read and operate in any conditions. The all-digital display doesn’t try to cram too much in. The numbers are large and displays are uncluttered unlike many outdoor watches that try to pack too much into a readout. Likewise, the buttons are large and easy to operate with cold, wet, or gloved hands. You won’t be consulting topo maps on the display, but there is basic journey tracking for runs and hikes and the battery lasts for years. Plus, you get all the essentials such as temperature, altitude, and compass—which can all be made primary displays in the same simplified readout format as time and date.
Best Stylish Outdoor Watch: Casio Pro Trek Solar x Pendleton
Courtesy Casio
While a bit less chunky and rugged than its G-Shock siblings, the Pro Trek delivers most of the same features and thus is a great choice for guys that want a rugged, outdoor-minded watch but with a more streamlined design. The Pro Trek is slimmer and lighter and because it’s less overtly tactical, and works better as an everyday wear watch than the G-Shock line. The Pendleton collab we’re featuring here has a unique patterned band with great style for outdoorsy guys. Beyond the aesthetics, you get a combination of analog timekeeping and digital date display. Use the buttons to toggle from date to the other essential readouts: altitude, compass bearing and temperature. Because of the streamlined feature set, this isn’t a battery hog smartwatch, but just in case, this Pro Trek augments battery power with solar charging.
CASE: Stainless steel/resin
FEATURES: Barometer, solar charging, auto LED backlight
SIZE: 51.6mm
STRAP: Fabric
Best Budget GPS Outdoor Watch: Suunto Race
Courtesy Suunto
This new release from Suunto provides most of the same features as the Vertical but with a more digestible price tag for folks that don’t want to spend nearly $1,000 on a GPS smartwatch. The AMOLED display delivers better contrast than the more-common LCD displays, and makes reading the offline-ready maps a joy while out on a hike or run. The biggest difference from the Vertical is the lack of solar charging, but the battery life is still excellent for a GPS watch and, for many, the need to charge a bit more frequently will be worth the savings of several hundred dollars over the Vertical and similarly priced GPS watches. The Race’s battery life depends greatly on how many tracking features are enabled. With absolutely everything on from 24/7 heart-rate monitoring to notifications, you’ll get an estimated 40 hours, while in a stripped-down standby mode, the device should make it about 26 days on a single charge.
CASE: Stainless steel or titanium (an additional $100)
Best Minimalist Outdoor Watch: Timex Ironman x The James Brand
Courtesy Timex
The Timex Ironman, first released in 1986, was one of the original sports watches, adding lap timing to the digital watch basics of time and date. The INDIGLO backlighting comes on with the touch of a button for nighttime visibility, and you can time up to 30 laps in the built-in memory, a functionality that hasn’t changed much in nearly 40 years. Rather than trying to keep pace with more high-tech watches, this Ironman collaboration with The James Brand leans into retro with bright colors, a lightweight fabric band, and low-profile face that’s unobtrusive on the wrist but stands out from the crowd.
Best Analog Sports Watch: Citizen Promaster Altichron
Courtesy Citizen
If you want the reliability of a fully analog watch, but still need outdoor-oriented features such as altitude, it’s hard to beat the rugged Promaster Altichron from Citizen. While most of the watches on our list deliver the ABCs (altitude, barometer, compass) digitally, the Promaster Altichron manages altitude, date, and time through more traditional watchmaking engineering for a classic look and reliable functionality. And despite being a higher-end watch brand, the price tag is still less than most of the top-end GPS watches.
CASE: Stainless steel
FEATURES: Compass, 32,000 feet altimeter, solar charging
SIZE: 47mm
STRAP: Polyurethane
Best Analog-Digital Hybrid Watch: Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar
Courtesy Garmin
Garmin leads the GPS smartwatch category with feature-rich, tech-heavy watches such as their Fenix 7x, but their Instinct has an interesting hybrid design that combines analog time hands with digital display. Despite a lower price tag, there’s also solar charging and a ton of tech here. Pay without a wallet using Garmin Pay, track outings and view it all on your smartphone, and receive email, text, and other notifications on your wrist.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
Looking to do some more working out from home? It’s great do be able to just roll outta bed and get your reps in without having to leave the house. No more dealing with crowds and ridiculous subscription fees. But you do gotta take some things into account, like how much space you got to work with. And with the space you got, you gotta get gear that can fit.
One of the best items for working out at home is an item that can be used in any home and those are resistance bands. From the most lavish homes to the most compact apartments, you can use resistance bands anywhere you want. And now that the weather is getting warmer, you can use them outside as well as inside. They are amazing.
What are resistance bands? They are stretchy bands, usually made with rubber or even nylon, something stretchy and durable. You hook them up to a doorframe or something like that, or you use them on their own to help add more resistance to workouts. Hooking them up to door frames can even make them good replacements for free weights.
Using resistance bands is great for the convenience. You can do so many different workouts with them and you’re not just limited to upper body workouts. You can get the whole body going for a sick workout any day of the week. You’ll be getting nice and ripped just in time for beach season, all from the comfort of your own home.
The Kinds Of Workouts You Can Do With Resistance Bands
One of the best things about Resistance Bands is the variety they offer up in your home gym. It’s not like picking up a dumbbell where you’re only getting your arms worked out. You can do a whole bunch of different workouts and focus on different kinds of goals.
For example, you can use them to do the kinds of heavy-duty workouts needed for strength training. Heavy-duty resistance to really bulk those muscles up with bands that just won’t break. Or you can do lightweight training to sculpt your body. Even go for rehab workouts so you can come back from an injury to the best of your abilities. It’s even great for highly specific goals like training your arm to become a better pitcher in baseball.
Not to mention the amount of variety it offers you in the broad strokes of getting your home gym fully equipped for full-body workouts. You can do arm day and leg day without having to go to a different piece of equipment. If you’re new to the workout game, you can use them to assist you in doing pullups, so your whole body weight isn’t making it too difficult on you.
Whether you are working out your core or your arms or legs or you just want to stretch before you hit the road for a long run, resistance bands are hard to beat. They are incredibly durable and offer a variety of workout options hard to find anywhere else, especially for a home gym. So if you want to get a set for your home, check out the best resistance bands we have picked out for you guys below.
Types of Resistance Bands
With resistance bands, you pretty much have two options to work with. You got the ones that can be hooked up to a doorframe or a wall or whatnot, giving you more options to work with when it comes time to workout. Or you can get the free bands, smaller options that are to be used in tandem with other workouts to give them just a little more of a kick. The ones that get hooked up to something can be used in both ways, but the ones that don’t come with a hookup system and are to be used on their own are useful for only that kind of system. It all depends on what you’re looking to do. Build up the body or tone the body.
Average Price Range
One of the best things about resistance bands is that, for the most part, they don’t cost too much. You can find a lot of them for around $13 to $40. Some higher end ones can be grabbed at around $80 or thereabouts. But generally speaking, these won’t break the bank and will end up giving your home gym quite the range of workout possibilities. That’s a lot of bang for your buck.
What Else To Look For
When it comes to picking up resistance bands for your home gym, you got a lot of options to work with. Like anything in the fitness world, there are a lot of options. So you gotta try to find the best. The ones that are affordable yet incredibly durable. Well made so you don’t end up getting hurt during a workout. And we have found some of the best out there for you guys. So all you gotta do is scroll on down to pick up the one that works best for you.
The Men’s Journal Pick For Best Resistance Bands: VEICK Resistance Bands Set
At a bare minimum, watches for running allow you to keep track of how far and how fast you run. But the tech inside these little wrist gadgets has become quite advanced, and today’s models can display a vast range of info: your altitude and vert, sleep and stress levels, ECG and blood oxygen, and exact location, for example. Not every runner needs that wealth of data, but diving into the details can help you track your performance, improve your runs, and get a clearer picture of your overall health.
To take the guesswork out of which watch to get, we’ve rounded up seven of the best watches for running, each with different features. Training for a trail marathon? There’s a watch for that. Want to listen to your favorite playlist on your lunchtime jog? There’s a watch for that, too. Read on for our top picks.
The Best Watches for Running 2022
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Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the popularity of home gyms has skyrocketed. In fact, many Americans won’t be returning to the traditional gym anytime soon. So how do you bring the gym to you? Whether you’re a dedicated living room lifter or simply want a quick pump between Zoom meetings, adjustable dumbbells are a home gym essential.
Are Adjustable Dumbbells Worth It?
If you’re trying to build up a solid home gym for yourself, then you should absolutely have adjustable dumbbells. They allow you to get a wide range of weights without taking up much space in your home.
At the same time, they still deliver the same workout benefits as traditional dumbbells—and those go beyond just building muscle. According to the American Heart Association, the strength and resistance training that dumbbells provide can deliver a surprising range of health benefits. With dumbbells in your home gym, you can do all kinds of workouts that’ll build up the strength of your arms and upper body and help you elevate your overall fitness.
How to Choose an Adjustable Dumbbell
There are a vast range of adjustable dumbbell options on the market today. To choose the right one, first consider the weight range you need. Different models will offer different minimum and maximum weights, as well as different weight increments. Beginners should start with lower weights, while expert lifters will likely want a heavier set.
You’ll also want to keep in mind the amount of storage space you have. While most sets are pretty compact, they do vary a bit in size, and since they’re heavy, you’ll probably want to store them on the floor close to where you’ll be working out. Finally, consider your budget—depending on their features and weight ranges, adjustable dumbbells can cost anywhere from less than $100 to several hundred dollars.
Below, we’ve rounded up top adjustable dumbbell sets from brands like Bowflex, NordicTrack, Flybird and more.
When you need to throw all your gear into one place, there’s nothing simpler than a duffel bag. At their most basic, duffel bags are glorified stuff sacks, but today’s models also come with smaller storage pockets, waterproof and ripstop fabrics, comfortable carrying handles, and locking zippers—some even have built-in wheels to save your shoulders. Sizes typically range from 30 liters to 60 liters and up (such as the 95-liter North Face duffel bag below), which provides storage volume for a variety of packing scenarios.
Here’s our list of the best new and notable duffel bags currently on the market. Whether you’re packing for a multi-day outdoor expedition or escaping to a new city for the weekend, these bags will go the distance.
The Best Duffel Bags for Men 2022
Kuiu Waypoint 10400 DuffelCourtesy Image
1. Kuiu Waypoint 10400 Duffel
Made by hunting and apparel brand Kuiu, this massive 170-liter duffel will fit your sleeping bag, backpack, apparel, camera, electronics, food, all the other gear you’re bringing on your expedition (you could probably crawl inside it if you wanted). The waterproof nylon exterior has a TPU coating to keep your items dry, while the polyester ripstop liner won’t break down or snag against the bag’s contents. A water-resistant lid pocket allows you to separate muddy boots and soggy clothing from the rest of your belongings, and plenty of grab handles make it easier to lug around.
Separate your stinky gear from everything else with a duffel that’s purpose-built for travel. Unlike typical muted duffel bags, Baboon to the Moon offers nine bright monochrome colors so you can easily spot your bag on the luggage carousel. With room for five-plus days of clothing, this 60-liter bag is ideal for longer road or plane trips and fits in most overhead bins. An ultra-wide opening makes it easy to stuff, and four pockets organize your goods. The exterior OM Stardust Ballistic material is extremely durable, and it’s waterproof for extra protection.
Black Diamond Stonehauler Pro 30L DuffelCourtesy Image
3. Black Diamond Stonehauler Pro 30L Duffel
Whether you’re portaledging on a big-wall climb or catching a red-eye flight, the Stonehauler can withstand all types of abuse. It’s made entirely from recycled 600-denier and 1500-denier SuperGrid Body material that resists dirt and punctures, and the padded interior won’t rip when it’s stuffed with cams or trekking poles. A padded exterior-access sleeve stores a laptop, and you can wear it as a pack or carry it by the handle. Some users have one in every size as their travel organization system.
Going on a fishing trip? Throw your waders, rods, reels, tackle, net, and more into the Seaker bag. With its molded EVA bottom, waterproof pockets, and super tough water-resistant materials, it was built specifically for adventurous angling. Activate the backpack straps to carry it from the car to the boat, and use the daisy chain and carabiner attachments to secure it on deck. A waterproof pocket and a water-resistant one can store your electronics, ID, and fishing license while you cast.
Best for overnight getaways and budget-conscious travelers, the new Mariveles duffel stows 32 liters’ worth of essentials. This boxy duffel is pretty simple, but it’s still a smart carry-on. One main compartment (accessed with a top zipper) and a small side pocket keep your stuff sorted, and standard webbing handles are sturdy and reinforced for confident carrying. Sewn from remnant nylon material, no two duffels look the same.
Give your back a break. This 40-liter Osprey duffel is equipped with two wheels that can smoothly roll over sidewalks and other surfaces on the way to your next destination. Two exterior pockets hold fast-stash items, and the locking push-button handle won’t pop out as you’re lifting it overhead or loading it into a car. It’s collapsible for easy storage once you’re home, and the PFC-free, DWR-coated polyester is not only tough and protective, it’s made from recycled water bottles, so it’s better for the earth, too.
Reminiscent of vintage luggage, the 65-liter Okavanga Duffel features a cotton canvas exterior and leather straps. A shoulder strap pad provides cushion for comfy hauling—especially helpful when the high-capacity bag is full. The long cylindrical compartment includes two stow pockets and a zippered outside pocket for easy access. Between the green and white colorways, the latter will get dirty faster, but that just adds to the bag’s old-school character, right?
Wear it as a backpack, hold it from the top handle, or swing it around by its side handle. The middle zipper splits this bag for easy packing access, a chest strap helps distribute weight in backpack mode, and all the straps tuck away for a fidget-free carry. This duffel is made from a 100-percent regenerative nylon yarn derived from fishing nets and other nylon waste from Norway. Plus, the Army-green color hides dirt and scuffs collected during your travels.
The North Face Large Base Camp DuffelCourtesy Image
9. The North Face Large Base Camp Duffel
Whether you’re visiting a ski resort or jetting to see family, you can pack everything you need for a week-long trip in here. Slip your luggage ID in the water-resistant window compartment on top, and stuff everything else inside through the D-zip opening. Four compression straps cinch it down when it’s overloaded, and a secure-zip mesh pocket keeps smaller items from getting lost in the black hole. For a cavernous 95-liter bag from one a top outdoor brand, this price is unbeatable.
REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling DuffelCourtesy Image
10. REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel
We’ll say it again: Duffel bags with wheels will save your back so your muscles are fresh for adventuring. The sturdy chassis and larger-than-usual wheels can handle gravel and heavy loads packed within the bag’s 87-liter storage volume. Piggyback clips let you connect other luggage, and three handles help you maneuver the bag over rougher terrain or onto your mode of transportation. It weighs nine pounds when empty and stands 30 inches tall.
You could dunk this waterproof bag in the ocean and your stuff would stay dry. Its laminated, high-density nylon is impenetrable, and the HydroLok zipper completely seals out moisture. Tough MetalLock hardware doesn’t wear out, even after rugged use. Six lash points create endless carrying strategies, while thick straps make the load more comfortable to haul. Keep your valuables tucked inside two stowaway mesh pockets on the inside.
Once you’ve slipped on a pair of premium, cushioned, no-slip running socks, you can never go back to the low-quality junk. While other clothing essentials like tees and shoes get most of the attention, quality running socks are also essential for top performance.
The right pair of socks will help keep your feet comfortable no matter how far you’re running or how challenging the weather. Although they might seem simple, there are several key features to look for when shopping for running socks. Breathable fabrics will keep your feet from overheating when it’s warm, and materials like merino wool can trap heat to keep them from freezing when it’s cold. Compression socks can help alleviate running aches and pains like shin splits and tight leg muscles, and running socks come in a variety of lengths, from knee-high to no-show.
To help guide you, we’ve rounded up top pairs including Injiji running socks, Feetures running socks, and more. It’s time to finally give this workout essential the attention it deserves—check out our list of the best running socks for men below.
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Apple Watch bands might be the most important accessory for those of us who have decided to strap a small computer to our wrists every day. While the watch itself gets most of the attention (and rightly so, it’s an incredible piece of technology), finding the right band will make the watch more comfortable, functional, and stylish, too. In other words, a good band is essential.
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options to suit every taste and budget. Here, we rounded up our favorite Apple Watch bands on the market right now.
The Best Apple Watch Bands
Apple Solo LoopCourtesy Image
1. Apple Solo Loop
The old classic from the watchmaker itself is still a solid bet if you’re looking for a simple Apple Watch band. The silicone rubber is easy to clean, it comes in just about the entire rainbow of colors, and it isn’t too busy. One caveat: It isn’t adjustable, so make sure to consult Apple’s size guide to get the band that fits your wrist.
If Apple’s silicone band is too wide for you, this band makes an ideal alternative. The silicone material won’t get soggy during a sweaty workout or run, and it’s adjustable for a fine-tuned fit.
As you’d expect from a Nike/Apple collaboration, this band is durable and built to withstand lots of heat, sweat, and movement. The cutouts keep the band light and breathable and also give it a sleek, high-tech look.
This bracelet is a cut above your typical stainless steel band. It’s made from titanium, so it’s ultralight and extremely durable, and to make it even tougher, it’s DLC coated to resist scratching. It also comes with a clever magnetic closure—a neat upgrade over the typical folding clasp you see on most metal watch bracelets. Don’t need titanium? There’s a stainless steel version, too.
Speidel’s original Twist-O-Flex was released back in the late ’50s, but it looks right at home when paired with an Apple Watch. This stainless steel bracelet stretches and flexes almost like an elastic strap, but it offers the durability and sleek aesthetics of a metal band. The Twist-O-Flex was a midcentury hit, and it’s still a functional and stylish pick today.
INI Enhanced Adjustable Leather StrapCourtesy Image
6. INI Enhanced Adjustable Leather Strap
This Apple Watch band uses magnets to stay clasped tightly, and its dozens of locking grooves provide a range of sizes to fit any wrist. It’s easy to put on and wear, and the functional design gives it a unique look, too.
With its streamlined shape, this strap from Bellroy combines a futuristic look with the classic style (and comfortable feel) of leather, and the standard clasp makes it easy to adjust. It’s also available in several colors to match any outfit.
German designer BandWerk is a leader in upscale Apple Watch bands that elevate your watch from a tech gadget to a stylish accessory. The Zurich strap features stitched, subtly textured ostrich leather for a premium feel, and it even comes with a free Milanese sports strap—perfect for workouts and pool sessions.
SDVL Elastic Braided Apple Watch BandCourtesy Image
9. SDVL Elastic Braided Apple Watch Band
Everything about this band is easy. It’s easy to slide on, easy to look good in, and easy to wear thanks to its lightweight breathability and stretchy elastic-nylon fabric. Plus, it’s available in all kinds of colors and patterns.
SIRUIBO Stretchy Nylon Solo Loop BandCourtesy Image
10. SIRUIBO Stretchy Nylon Solo Loop Band
If you’re looking for an Apple Watch band that offers a happy medium between elasticity and adjustability, this band from SIRUIBO is an excellent option. The elasticized nylon fabric has plenty of flexibility, so it won’t constrict your wrist, and the fully adjustable strap ensures a snug fit.
Apple International Collection Sport LoopCourtesy Image
11. Apple International Collection Sport Loop
This Apple Watch band is a mix of function and flair—it comes in color schemes that represent 22 international sporting federations (including the United States). In addition to the patriotic colorways, the woven nylon band is lightweight and lets moisture out more easily than most straps of its type.
