The 11 Best Apple Watch Ultra Bands in 2026
From fine leather to titanium, these bands will take your Ultra to the next level.
Reviewed by Ryan BrowerSenior Gear and Commerce Editor
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JUST LIKE BUYING a regular Apple Watch band, an Apple Watch Ultra band helps further customize and allow for multiple situations to wear your favorite fitness tracker or smartwatch. The caveat to buying an Apple Watch band for the Ultra model though is not all Apple Watch bands will fit on the rugged, larger sport watch (though most do).
In terms of band compatibility, Apple Watch bands in large-width models like 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm are the only sizes that will fit on the Apple Watch Ultra 1, 2, or 3 models. Then there's the standard Apple Watch Ultra band size (49mm) which is how big the Trail Loop, Ocean Band, Milanese Loop, and Alpine Loop are (the four band models you get to choose from when first purchasing your Apple Watch Ultra—the Milanese is an extra $100 though).
Best Apple Watch Ultra Bands
- Best Apple Watch Ultra Band Overall: Nomad Goods Sport Band
- Most Comfortable Apple Watch Ultra Band: Apple Watch Ultra Alpine Loop Band
- Most Versatile Apple Watch Ultra Sport Band: Nike 46mm Sport Band
- Best Apple Watch Ultra Band for Outdoors: Apple Watch Ultra Trail Loop Band
- Best Apple Watch Ultra Band for Water: Apple Watch Ultra Ocean Band
- Best Brown Leather Apple Watch Ultra Band: Nomad Goods Modern Band
It's no secret the editors and writers at Men's Health are watch junkies, and since the original Apple Watch Ultra released, many of our members have worn it, the Ultra 2, and the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 as their go-to smartwatches. Our Ultra fandom has led to a bevy of band models we like to swap out on a day-to-day basis
Remember that when you buy an Apple Watch Ultra, you get to choose from the Trail Loop, Ocean Band, Alpine Loop, or Milanese Loop as the band you get with your purchase. All four of these are definitely worth buying, but they are also each $99 when bought separately (the Milanese is $199 though). When testing the best Apple Watch Ultra bands, we found a number of leather straps and metal bands worth highlighting, as well as several rugged straps that are well under $60 and worthy of adding to a collection.
What we're saying here is this: Every Apple Watch Ultra user is going to have a band they personally enjoy using. To reflect this notion, we've curated the best Apple Watch Ultra bands of all types of materials and designs so you can find the one that best suits the purpose of the band you're looking to buy. Whether it's for sport or everyday use, the bands and straps below have excellent utility and a premium level of style.
What to Consider
Type of Use
Many Apple Watch Ultra bands can be used for different purposes, but some have specialty purposes. For example if you're looking for a water-resistant band that's good for aquatic activities, then the Ocean Band is the best choice. If you're looking for a hiking band, then the Trail Loop caters the most toward what you'd want. For business or wearing out on the town, something like the Sandmerc Titanium Band, the Nomad Goods Modern Band, or the Apple Leather Link is the way to go.
All that means that band/strap material is a big factor, just like for any watch. Leather is best reserved for work and dress occasions. Silicone/rubber is great for water activities and general active uses. Nylon is a good bet when you want something secure and aren't anticipating sweating a ton. And metal bands are best for dressier events and the office.
When to Buy Cheap
Sometimes buying the more affordable band alternative works, but there are usually sacrifices to be made when trying to save money—namely in the comfort category. Specific design notes, like the use of hard stitching or the use of cheaper band material, can scratch the skin and creates rashes if you're not careful. Buying a cheaper watch band might be ok for wearing in short periods of time casually, but if you're wearing the band all day or wearing it for intense workouts, you might find the sacrifice in comfort is not worth the money saved.
How We Selected
Over the years we've reviewed every single Apple Watch Ultra that's come out, and have found it to be our favorite Apple Watch. That means we've also tested endless amounts of Apple Watch accessories along the way. The Men's Health editors and writers thoroughly researched and tested a wide variety of Apple Watch Ultra bands in every day situations, at the office, during travel, in the ocean, and of course during intense weight training sessions and runs.
The guide below represents all of the best Apple Watch Ultra bands for all types of uses in 2026.
Best Deal
Nomad Goods Sport Band
Pros
- Under $60
- Cool sporty and rugged design
- Perforated holes for breathability
- 100% waterproof
Cons
- Popular colors sell out fast
Nomad Goods has an awesome array of Apple Watch Ultra bands to choose from. From its leather and metal band models to its rugged and sport band models, the brand makes sure not to go overboard on price while still delivering a unique design that's comfortable and bound to last.
Our favorite band from Nomad Goods right now is the Sport Band, as its design is made to wear for the toughest workouts or as an everyday watch. The band is 100% waterproof, made from a flexible rubber that doesn't dig into your wrist. Ventilation holes are cut into the band for breathability, and a custom aluminum closure pin is added for a locked-in feel. The Sport Band is offered in many different colors, with Limited Edition color drops happening on the regular too.
Read More: Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 Bands
Apple Ultra Watch Alpine Loop Band 49mm
Pros
- One of four options you can choose when buying the Ultra
- Zero stitching in the band that could cause discomfort
- Two-layer textile design stretches over wrist comfortably
- Band dries out fast if it gets wet
Cons
- Expensive when bought separately
One of the four choices you get with an Apple Watch Ultra purchase, the Alpine Loop is an outdoor-ready band made with two textile layers and a cool titanium G-hook to secure the band in place. The best argument for choosing this band is it has zero stitching—so you won't have any weird itching or rubbing that other stitched band designs can give.
Read More: Best Apple Watch Bands
Nike 46mm Sport Band
Pros
- Perforated holes in band for breatheabilty
- Sweat-resistant and waterproof
- Comes with Nike wallpapers to download for your watch
Cons
- Only comes in two colors
- Some might prefer a 49mm band width, and the Nike band is only 46mm
Made from a high-grade stretchy synthetic rubber and designed with perforations, the Nike Sport Band is the perfect band for general workouts and cardio activity. The material doesn't absorb sweat, so you never have to worry about it smelling, and the perforations actually add a level of breathability so you don't feel like you're trapping heat on your wrist anytime you decide to do a HIIT workout or go for a long run.
Although this band comes in a 46mm width, it still looks great on the Apple Watch Ultra. When testing, we noticed the 46mm bands are still big enough to fit the Ultra's case size, so even though it's not the Ultra's standard 49mm size, the width of the band still looks good with the watch. What makes the Nike watch band even better is it comes with Nike's own special wallpapers that can be downloaded to your watch.
Read More: Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review
Apple Watch Trail Loop Band 49mm
Pros
- One of four options you can choose when buying the Ultra
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Super secure strap
Cons
- Expensive when bought separately
The most trail-ready Apple Watch Ultra band is, of course, the Trail Loop. It's made from woven nylon that's breathable and tough as nails, making it perfect for everything from hiking to mountain biking. It's easy to strap on, and the velcro stays secure even when the band gets sweaty or wet. We also noticed the band dries out quickly too when wet, which is a plus. Lastly, the trail loop is breathable and soft, so you won't get any discomfort while wearing mid-activity.
Read More: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Vs Series 10
Apple Watch Band Ultra Ocean Band 49mm
Pros
- One of four options you can choose when buying the Ultra
- Tubular design that fits onto wrist perfectly
- Lightweight and great for swimming and diving
Cons
- Expensive when bought separately
- Best suited for aquatic activities only
The Ocean Band has long been the star of the show in terms of Ultra Watch band selections. This unique and stylish option is made with a high-performance elastomer and cut with tubular holes that let it stretch over the wrist for the perfect fit. As the name suggests, the Ocean Band is totally suited for aquatic activity, and it highlights the Apple Watch Ultra's phenomenal 200-meter water resistance that makes it suitable for even diving. If you're into water sports, or you like to spend time fishing or on a boat, then the Ocean Band is one to keep with your Ultra whenever you want to throw it on.
Read More: Best Smartwatches
Sandmarc Titanium Edition Apple Watch Ultra Band
Pros
- Great design that doesn't try and hide the Ultra's rugged nature
- Band weighs only 2-ounces
- Strong grade 2 titanium
Cons
- Expensive
There are a few good metal watch bands out there for the Ultra, but the best one we've found in terms of looking sleek but still accentuating the watch's rugged design notes is the Titanium Watch Band from Sandmarc. It's made with grade 2 titanium that's strong and lightweight, making it a solid choice for formal wear and for outdoor adventuring. There are also grade 4 and grade 5 options, but they're pricier.
The band itself only weighs two ounces, so you won't have to worry about your wrist getting tired, and a nice touch we noticed Sandmarc added is a film to the titanium to help prevent scratching.
Apple Apple Watch Band Leather Link 45mm
Pros
- Comfortably magnet lock
- Clean look that's great for business settings
- Same Apple Watch integration as the four standard options (despite being 45mm)
Cons
- Sells out fast
The Leather Link from Apple is an office-ready strap that's comfortable yet refined. It works by snapping on over itself and attaching via magnets. The design ensures a locked-in fit without any burden of scratchy stitching or skin-prodding clasps. Some might prefer the brown leather version of this band, but really we found there were other brown leather Ultra bands on the market (see below).
The best investment is to go with the midnight band (all-black), that way you can wear it more with your business casual attire.
Nomad Goods Modern Band
Pros
- A good value
- Ideal fit and weight
- Leather ages beautifully
- Very durable
Cons
- Not meant for wet conditions or active pursuits
From the cool aesthetic to the tremendous fit, the Modern Band does it all, and stylishly we might add. The vegetable-tanned leather evolves over time, creating a nice and personalized patina. Made in the USA, the band is treated to some nice steel accents that add a little pop, plus durability.
We've loved wearing it over the years and often forgot that we were even towing around a smart watch (that's a compliment). Of a modern design, the band is the perfect thickness and weight was never an issue in our testing. Best, after even a couple of weeks, the band's look changed thanks to the weathering of the material.
Overall, this band outclassed the rest and did so at a price that's pretty agreeable. This particular band also is not meant to get wet but did ok when there was some moisture.
amBand Bands Case Screen Protector 49mm
Pros
- Under $30
- Comes with a 9H-rated screen protector
- Strong plastic band
- Worked well at keeping water from getting underneath the screen protector
Cons
- Band can cause some discomfort when worn for multiple hours at a time
A rugged Apple Watch Ultra case and screen protector combo for under $30? Count us in. This strong TPU plastic band is scratch-resistant and tough as heck, battling drops and dings like the best of them; and the screen protector is made with a 9H-rated plastic that can resist some of the gnarliest scratches from rocks and other hard objects.
When testing, we found it was great at keeping water out from in-between the screen and watch face. The plastic cutouts for the Ultra's buttons to go into were also smooth and easy to use. Another fun thing about this band: You can scan a QR code inside the box to get a special watch face to pair with the band.
Spigen DuraPro Flex Designed for Apple Watch Ultra
Pros
- Great price
- Nylon construction holds up well in all types of activity
- Dries out fairly quickly when wet
Cons
- Barebones design
The DuraPro is an all-fabric band that's simple and easy for active wear. The velcro attachment combined with the metal clasp ensures the watch stays locked in place, and the fabric material of the band itself doesn't rub or cause any discomfort.
While Spigen doesn't note exactly what the fabric is made from, it's likely made mostly of nylon. We found the watch band performed well at staying in place when it got wet during a workout, and afterward, we noticed it dried quicker than expected. If you're looking for a simple band you can beat up and wear down, this under $25 option is an ideal choice. Set your expensive bands aside and use this when you anticipate heavy wear and tear.
Urban Armour Gear Active Series Nylon Ultra Watch Band
Pros
- Velcro and stitching reinforcements added for durabilty
- Cool rugged style
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Band tends to trap heat more when worn for multiple hours on end
UAG makes a strong nylon-woven watch strap for the Apple Watch Ultra. It features a hook and loop fastener, with strong velcro and metal hardware to ensure your Ultra stays in place. The strap design has a more rugged style than the barebones fabric straps you can buy for cheaper, and the added stitching reinforcements of the UAG provide better durability.
Simply put, this is an elevated nylon band you can wear for outdoor sport or for everyday wear and not have to worry the slightest bit about it breaking a part or not staying snug on your wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Apple Watch Ultra use a different band?
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a 49mm width band to match its 49mm case size. No other Apple Watch will take the 49mm band; however, if you have an old Apple Watch band you can attach it to your Apple Watch Ultra as long as it's a 42mm, 44mm, or 45mm width. Apple Watch bands less than 42mm will not attach to any Apple Watch Ultra model.
Are Apple bands better than third-party bands?
The Apple Watch Ultra bands made by Apple are pretty amazing (think Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, Ocean Band, etc.), however, there are several third-party bands made by brands that are worth buying. We recommend staying away from any cheap Ultra bands from third-party brands though, because you're likely to find something of not very good quality or comfort. Plus, you just made such a nice purchase to acquire an Apple Watch Ultra. Why slap on a cheap band that will water down its iconic rugged look?
If you are unsure of what third-party bands to go with, stick to any of the ones we mention above—Nomad Goods, Sandmarc, Urban Armor Gear, Spigen, and Nike.
John Thompson is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include attending concerts, spending time outside, and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.
He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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