When it comes to Apple Watch accessories, we consider ourselves experts. There are two main reasons for this: The first is that we've been in the smartwatch accessory business for more than a decade at this point, and in that time we've seen and tested many products. We have worked closely with manufacturers all over the world to evaluate what they offer and produce, with the express purpose of creating a stylish range of high-quality products for our customers.

The second reason, which is closely related to the first, is that it has allowed us to get a lot of feedback from our customers. We've learnt what they love and what they don't like. We've learnt which products they prefer based on their lifestyle and why they do so.

We have therefore decided to use this vast knowledge to create a guide that will hopefully help you make the best decision when choosing your next Apple Watch strap. We will discuss selected examples from our vast catalogue of options and discuss their pros and cons so you can make the most informed decision.

See our collection of all Apple Watch straps.

Best Apple Watch straps in test

Below you'll find a quick rundown of our findings when it comes to which Apple Watch strap is the best and why. If you want more information, don't worry - further down the guide, we go into more depth on each model and explain each detail in more detail.

And while you're reading all our options and explanations, keep in mind that a strap isn't the only accessory on the market for your Apple Watch. For example, you can find several chargers that both keep the battery full and help you display your watch, as well as Apple Watch covers and screen protectors to protect it from daily wear and tear and accidents.

Apple Watch leather straps

Leather straps are a classic and timeless solution, closely related to the standard analogue watch straps. Leather is known for its durability and for adapting to the wearer over time, providing both comfort and a great vintage look. Leather is also a material that most people are familiar with, as it is often used for both clothing and furniture.

See leather strap for Apple Watch.

Benefits:

• Elegant and timeless aesthetic, suitable for both casual and formal settings
• Develops a unique patina over time, adding character and personality
• Comfortable and breathable, moulds to the wearer's wrist for a custom fit

Disadvantages:

• May require more maintenance to keep clean and prevent wear and tear
• Less water resistant compared to synthetic materials like silicone or nylon
• Can be more expensive than other straps, especially when it comes to high-quality leather

Apple Watch nylon straps

Similar to leather, nylon straps have positive associations for most people. While it may not be as timeless as genuine leather, nylon has three key elements that make up a good watch strap: comfort, softness and reliability.

See nylon strap for Apple Watch.

Benefits:

• Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear all day
• Water-repellent and quick-drying, ideal for an active lifestyle

Disadvantages:

• May lack the premium look of leather or metal straps
• Can absorb sweat and odour over time if not cleaned regularly
• Limited options for formal use compared to more traditional materials

Apple Watch sports straps

As the name might suggest, a sports strap for Apple Watch is a strap made specifically for sports, exercise and training. Despite the somewhat anonymous name, a sports strap is actually made of soft, flexible silicone and is therefore always comfortable - no matter how hard you work out. It also has a special and reliable fastening mechanism that makes it even more reliable.

See sports strap for Apple Watch.

Benefits:

• Very comfortable and flexible, adapts well to wrist movements
• Water-resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for sports and water activities
• Available in a wide range of colours and designs for personal expression

Disadvantages:

• Can attract dust and fluff more easily than other materials
• May cause skin irritation for some users, especially in hot weather
• Less formal appearance, potentially limiting use in professional settings

Apple Watch metal straps

A material that may not seem like the most obvious choice when it comes to watch straps, but is nonetheless incredibly popular due to its robustness and style, is metal. A metal watch strap, primarily made of stainless steel or titanium, is more versatile than it may sound and can come in a variety of colours and design options.

See metal strap for Apple Watch.

Benefits:

• Premium, luxurious look suitable for formal and professional settings
• Exceptional durability and longevity, resistant to wear and tear
• Adjustable joints for a customised fit

Disadvantages:

• Heavier than other strap materials, which may be uncomfortable for some users
• May be prone to scratching, especially on polished surfaces
• May not be ideal for intense physical activities or sports

Braided Apple Watch straps

Another popular option is the braided watch strap for Apple Watch, which may sound a little more unreliable and strange than it actually is. These straps are made from breathable nylon webbing, which has then been braided together to create not only a cool look, but a strong, flexible and snug fit.

See braided strap for Apple Watch.

Benefits:

• Eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials
• Unique texture and appearance for a stylish, casual look
• Breathable and comfortable to wear all day

Disadvantages:

• May stretch or lose shape over time with frequent use
• Limited colour options compared to other strap materials
• Can be harder to clean thoroughly than smooth material

A closer look at the best Apple Watch straps

Now that the brief overview is done, let's dive deeper into the best options. When reading through these options, make sure to keep yourself, your preferences, your needs and your style in mind. After all, this is as much a strap for you as it is a strap for your Apple Watch, and it should fit you both perfectly.

See all our straps for Apple Watch SE 40mm.

With tradition in focus - leather straps for Apple Watch

A leather strap for your Apple Watch is an excellent choice that seamlessly combines functionality with style. The timeless look of leather adds a touch of sophistication to your wearable technology and makes it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The natural properties of leather provide a comfortable fit that moulds to your wrist over time, creating a personalised experience.

Leather straps are remarkably durable and can withstand daily wear and tear, while developing a unique patina that tells your personal story. This aging process enhances the character of the strap and makes it more attractive as time passes. For the fashion-conscious user, leather offers versatility in colour and finish, allowing you to express your individual style or match different outfits.

Choosing a leather strap is also an expression of a certain lifestyle - one that values quality, craftsmanship and a connection to traditional materials in our increasingly digital world. It's a perfect balance between the advanced technology of Apple Watch and the classic elegance of fine leather.

With comfort in mind - nylon straps for Apple Watch

Nylon straps for your Apple Watch are a perfect blend of modern functionality and sporty aesthetics. The synthetic nature of nylon gives your wearable technology a modern edge, making it ideal for an active lifestyle and casual settings. Nylon's inherent properties provide a lightweight and flexible fit that adapts to your wrist movements and ensures all-day comfort.

These straps have impressive durability and can easily withstand daily use and intense physical activities. Unlike leather, nylon resists water, sweat and moisture, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts or those living in humid climates. The quick-drying nature of the material means your strap stays fresh and odour-free, even after intense exercise.

For the style-conscious user, nylon straps offer a wide range of vibrant colours and patterns that make it easy to match your mood or outfit. The versatility of the material means you can seamlessly transition from a morning jog to a casual day out without missing a beat. Nylon's strength-to-weight ratio is remarkable and provides robust protection for your Apple Watch without taking up too much space.

Choosing a nylon strap reflects a lifestyle that values practicality, durability and modern design. It's the perfect complement to the Apple Watch's cutting-edge technology and provides a sporty yet sophisticated look that's ready for any adventure. Whether you're climbing mountains or navigating city streets, a nylon strap ensures your Apple Watch keeps pace with your dynamic lifestyle.

With exercise in mind - sports straps for Apple Watch

Silicone straps for your Apple Watch are the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Silicone's soft, pliable nature provides a gentle touch against your skin, making it ideal for all-day wear. Unlike leather or metal, silicone's flexibility allows it to conform to the contours of your wrist, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit during various activities.

These straps are characterised by their durability and resilience, so they can easily withstand daily use and intense physical activities. Silicone's water-repellent properties make it an excellent choice for swimmers, surfers and anyone who frequently comes into contact with water. The non-porous nature of the material means it is resistant to sweat and oils, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Silicone's heat-resistant properties ensure your strap stays comfortable even in hot weather, unlike metal, which can get hot to the touch. The material is also remarkably easy to clean - a quick wipe or rinse is usually enough to keep it fresh and new.

Choosing a silicone strap reflects a lifestyle that values comfort, functionality and low maintenance. It's the perfect companion for Apple Watch's innovative technology and provides a sporty and stylish look that's ready for any situation. Whether you're working out at the gym, lounging by the pool or going about your daily routine, a silicone strap ensures your Apple Watch keeps up with your active and versatile lifestyle while providing unrivalled comfort.

See all our Apple Watch 44mm straps.

With style in focus - metal straps for Apple Watch

Metal straps for your Apple Watch exude a sense of timeless elegance and premium craftsmanship. The solid, weighty feel of metal on your wrist adds a touch of luxury to your wearable technology, making it perfect for formal occasions and professional settings. Unlike leather or nylon, metal straps have a cool, smooth texture that feels sophisticated against the skin.

These straps have unrivalled durability and can withstand years of daily use without showing signs of fatigue. The inherent strength of metal provides excellent protection for your Apple Watch, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritise longevity in their accessories. The material's resistance to water, sweat and environmental factors ensures your strap retains its lustre even in challenging conditions.

For the style-conscious user, metal straps come in a variety of finishes - from polished stainless steel to brushed aluminium or even rose gold - so you can match your watch with your personal style or other metal accessories. The sleek, minimalist aesthetic of metal straps complements the Apple Watch's modern design, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look.

Choosing a metal strap reflects a lifestyle that values precision, durability and refined taste. It's the ideal combination for Apple Watch's cutting-edge technology and provides a premium look that goes perfectly from day to night. Whether you're closing business deals or attending gala dinners, a metal strap ensures your Apple Watch is an expression of understated luxury and technological prowess.

With reliability in mind - braided straps for Apple Watch

Braided straps for Apple Watches are a perfect blend of style and functionality. Made from recycled yarn, they appeal to eco-conscious users while being durable and comfortable. The unique texture adds a touch of sophistication that suits both casual and formal settings. These straps are highly breathable, making them ideal for an active lifestyle.

Their flexible nature ensures a good fit and adapts to the movement of the wrist throughout the day. The braided straps are available in different colours and allow for a personalised look. They're also easy to clean and maintain, making them suitable for busy people. By choosing a braided strap, users combine modern technology with a timeless, artisanal aesthetic that reflects a lifestyle that values both innovation and craftsmanship.

With adventure in mind - straps for Apple Watch Ultra

Finally, we will look at a strap without focusing on the material and style of the strap itself, but rather on the watch it fits - which is an Apple Watch Ultra strap. The reason why these straps are treated as a separate topic is quite simple: they use a non-traditional size in the Apple Watch ecosystem, namely 49 mm. Additionally, the Apple Watch Ultra series of watches, whether it's the first, second or third model, is built to be their most outdoor and nature-focused watch and therefore requires a strap that works accordingly.

See all our Apple Watch Ultra 2 straps.

Most popular Apple Watch straps at Lux-Case.ie

Now that you've heard what we have to say, let's take a look at what our customers think - based on what they buy. Below you'll find our three most popular straps for Apple Watch based on sales.

• A sturdy silicone strap with a solid stainless steel attachment. Not only is this strap reliable and stylish, making it suitable for many different occasions, it's also easy to adjust to size.
• A thin and stylish stainless steel strap in a variety of cool colours. This strap is perfect if you're interested in something lighter and more design-focused, where you want your Apple Watch to feel like jewellery or a stylish accessory.
• A more traditional, heavy-duty metal strap made of titanium steel. This strap gives you a good weight on the wrist (while being comfortable), secure fastening and a timeless look. A perfect choice for those who want an accessory that gets the job done and gives you a sleek, sophisticated look.

Methodology and sources

As we mentioned at the beginning, we have used our experience in Apple Watch accessories to create this guide. This experience means that we have seen, tested, bought and sold thousands of different Apple Watch straps over the years and learnt what's good and what's not.

Add this to the invaluable feedback we've received from customers, and we've developed a deep understanding of which straps are the best - and we've built our collection of products to reflect this.

You can read more about Apple Watch here: https://www.apple.com/uk/watch/

You can also read another great guide to choosing an Apple Watch strap here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/apple-watch-bands-we-like/