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With the heat of summer and time to get outside and active, you may want to swap your Apple Watch band for something flexible, comfortable, and waterproof. It's no secret that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a top-tier smartwatch with a rugged design, large display, and ample battery life, but the right strap is key to comfort, style, and versatility. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 shares size and dimensions with the original Apple Watch Ultra , and comes with one of the three premium Apple bands, each tailored to specific activities. Apple also offers a metal loop option for $100 additional fee. Beyond Apple's options, there are plenty of great third-party bands for workouts, swimming, work, or formal wear.
I tested several options and consulted ZDNET reviews and staff members' recommendations to create this guide to the best Apple Watch Ultra straps you can buy. (Note that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a 49mm watch, so bands fit for the larger Apple Watch Series 11, 45mm, also work with the Apple Watch Ultra 3.)
After years of use in various activities and daily life, my pick for the best Apple Watch Ultra band overall is Apple's own Trail Loop strap . Despite testing many different bands, I kept returning to the Trail Loop thanks to its supreme level of comfort, customizable and flexible fit, lightweight design, and price. It's also included with your Apple Watch Ultra 3 purchase.
Read on to learn about our other Apple Watch Ultra recommendations. In our most recent update, we replaced the Zulu Alpha strap with the Aulumu C03 strap for the best Apple Watch Ultra band for custom lengths.
Why we like it: With past Apple Watch purchases, I always moved on to straps from other manufacturers, but Apple's Watch Ultra 3 options are compelling. After trying two of the four available options, the Trail Loop is the band I keep returning to for daily use. Apple sent along its small/medium Trail Loop in Black/Charcoal, but it wasn't large enough for my wrist, so I purchased a medium/large one in Green/Neon, and it's perfect.
With the latest two generations of Apple Watch, the company offers the watch in both titanium and black finishes, so thankfully, the Trail Loop is also available with the metal hardware matching the watch body color.
Who it's for : The Trail Loop band is lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear, making it my pick for the best Apple Watch Ultra band for most people. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is excellent for tracking your metrics 24/7, meaning the band must be extremely comfortable for constant wear to optimize data collection. This band stands out for its thin material and flexibility to adjust to your body's daily changes.
Also : I compared the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Garmin's inReach satellite connectivity - here's the winner
Who should look elsewhere : Unfortunately, Apple's official Trail Loop band is only available in three basic colors, and it's priced at a rather high $99. If you don't like fabric bands secured with Velcro, then you need to look at other options. There are some low-cost fabric band options on Amazon, but I have yet to find one that matches the quality and comfort of Apple's official band.
Apple Trail Loop features: Material: Nylon weave with titanium ends| Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colors: 3 | Band sizes: 130-180mm and 145-220mm wrist circumference
Why we like it: I love the professional look and styling of a good metal watch band, but they are not designed for an active lifestyle where you wear your Apple Watch to track workouts and sleep. Nomad's new Stratos hybrid band combines Grade 4 titanium with colorful FKM links between the titanium, so you can wear this metal band 24/7.
The build quality, colorful FKM options, and seamless magnetic clasp make this one of my new favorite bands for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Who it's for : The Nomad Stratos watch band is perfect for those who want an elegant metal watch band that they can wear all day and night while also tracking their health and wellness metrics. It looks great in the office or out on a run. The Nomad Stratos is also available for a reasonable $179, that is far less expensive than most titanium Apple Watch bands.
Also : I've worn my Apple Watch Ultra for 2 years - here's what it looks like now
Who should look elsewhere : Some people don't like metal bands, so if that is the case, then this band is not for you. You also have to use the included tool to adjust the band to fit your wrist, so if you aren't comfortable managing links, then a silicone or fabric band may be best for you.
Lastly, the magnetic clasp is quick and easy to secure the band to your wrist, but it may not be able to withstand active workouts with lots of arm movements. You also need to adjust the band to maintain a constant connection of the back to your wrist for continued accurate heart rate tracking.
Nomad Stratos features: Material: Titanium and FKM Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colors: Two for metal links and three for FKM interior | Band size: 130-200mm wrist circumference
Why we like it: With several different colors to accompany your Apple Watch Ultra, these sport bands from Nomad are customizable and made for intense workouts as well as everyday wear. The band is 100% waterproof, so you can wear it while exercising in rain, sleet, or snow, with no worries of damage. With a lightweight design that encourages ventilation, if your sport band gets wet, it won't stay wet for long or cling to oil.
Keep an eye on the Nomad website, because the company regularly offers Limited Edition models with cool colors and styles (including the one pictured above on an Apple Watch Series 9). These historically sell out quickly, so if you see a Limited Edition offering, you should make your purchase quickly. The company sometimes brings back popular Limited Edition models, too.
Who it's for : If you like Apple's Sport Band, but want a band that is more affordable and has various color options, then you should consider a Nomad Sport Band. The FKM material is more substantial than what Apple offers, and the available color options are fantastic.
Also: Nomad just made the boldest Apple Watch accessory yet, and I expect it to sell out soon
Who should look elsewhere : While the bands are durable and made to last, they also close on your wrist using the pin and tuck-in loop closure method, which can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to close securely. If you take your watch on and off throughout the day, this band may annoy you at times.
Nomad Sport Band features: Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch | Colors: 9 | Band sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm
Why we like it: With the Nike Sport Band, you're getting a bona fide Apple-branded sports band suited for all sorts of terrain. Wear it while tracking your progress for marathon training, lounging at a summer cookout, or during your daily activities around the house.
The band comes in six colors with artistic flecks. For added breathability, Apple also included compression-molded perforations -- essentially small holes across the band -- to keep it durable, lightweight, strong, and soft.
Who it's for : Fans of Nike products may enjoy having the brand as part of their Apple Watch kit. The sports band looks great and is good for active Apple Watch wearers.
Who should look elsewhere : The only issue ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner pointed out in his testing is that the holes can collect dust and dirt, taking some time to clean.
Nike Sport Band features: Material: Aluminum | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch models 38mm, 40mm, 41mm | Colors: 6 | Band sizes: fit S/M (130-180mm) and M/L (150-200mm)
Why we like it: I like just about everything about Apple's Trail Loop band, but taking it off and on requires me to fully release the Velcro and slide the watch over my hand. The Aulumu C03 band lets you secure the band in a similar fashion, but after you have the end secured to the perfect length, you can easily release the magnetic buckle piece to remove it. Set the watch on your wrist, wrap the loose end around, and snap the band back in place. It's an innovative quick-release system that functions with a lovely nylon band.
Who it's for: This is a perfect band for those who want an ultra-comfortable fabric band but don't like the hassle of releasing the full piece of fabric every time they take it off. If you like to workout with your Apple Watch Ultra, then you will appreciate the comfort and security of the band as well.
The ultra-fine nylon fiber is more comfortable than the Trail Loop band provided by Apple, and has been tested for its extreme wear resistance.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a band with colors and a personal style beyond black or gray, then you should look elsewhere.
Aulumu C03 strap features: Material: Titanium alloy and nylon | Length: 160-205 mm | Weight: 32 grams | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: All 42-49mm Apple Watch models | Colors: 2
Why we like it: I reviewed the Nomad Rugged Strap in October 2022, highlighting its high-quality, flexible FKM fluoroelastomer rubber. FKM rubber is antimicrobial and easily wiped down with soap and water. It won't get damaged if you expose it to high temperatures, sunlight, oils, or chemicals. The buckle and lugs of the band are made of marine-grade 316 stainless steel. The material is pre-curved out of the box, so it sits perfectly on your wrist, and the band has notches that allow sweat to run free without getting trapped between your wrist and the band.
Also: Nomad Apple Watch Ultra bands: Waterproof bands as rugged as the watch
Who it's for : I wore the Rugged Band while I was running, swimming, biking, and fly fishing, and at the end of all of that activity, the Nomad Rugged Strap still looks brand new. Avid swimmers will benefit from a band as waterproof as this one, and it's comfortable for everyday wear as well. You can choose between silver or black hardware and ultra orange, black, or Atlantic blue for the band color.
Nomad now offers a Rugged Band with titanium hardware that is branded the Rocky Point Band. It is available for $79 in six colors, including a limited edition Carbon Black color option.
Who should look elsewhere : The band is a bit thick and chunky, so it can power through any challenge, but it may not be comfortable for you to track your sleep. If you are looking for a lightweight band, look through other options in this list.
Nomad Rugged band features: Material: FKM fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch | Colors: 3 | Band sizes: 45 mm / 49 mm or 40 mm / 41 mm
Why we like it: The Apple Watch Ultra 3's silver titanium body material is durable and attractive. Titanium bands for this titanium watch, however, are expensive. Apple's Silver Link Bracelet is $349, and others are priced over $300. Withit not only offers an affordable titanium metal band option, but also has the best link adjustment design I have ever seen on a watch that lets you remove or add links in seconds with no tools required.
Simply find the links with arrows, pull the top link directly out and away from the band, rotate the link 90 degrees, and then slide out the link adjacent to it.
Review: One feature makes this the best Apple Watch titanium band available
Who it's for : The grade 2 titanium watch band material perfectly matches the Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 titanium color models and is lighter than the stainless steel option. Withit also now offers black titanium, in addition to the natural titanium, in order to support the black models of the Ultra 2 and Ultra 3.
If you are looking for an affordable, elegant, and easy to adjust metal band, then the Withit model is a perfect option.
Who should look elsewhere : If you don't want a metal band, then obviously this is not the model for you. It is one of the best metal watch bands I have ever tested and includes everything you need to adjust the band to fit your wrist.
Withit Titanium Band features: Material: Titanium Grade 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 3, 2 & Ultra, 42/45/49mm Apple Watch models | Colors: 2
We determined that the best Apple Watch Ultra strap is the Apple Trail Loop strap for its material choice and its overall quality. Here are the rest of our top picks.
The right Apple Watch Ultra strap depends on what you prioritize. If you want a screen protector, water resistance, and antimicrobial properties, there's a product for you.
Everyone has their own priorities and uses for their smartwatch, and the factors that I use when buying a band may be different than yours. However, here are several factors to consider, based on our years of experience testing wearables:
Materials : Apple Watch Ultra straps are generally made of silicone/rubber, fabric, leather, or metal so first consider which material you want your band made of. Your material selection will likely also align with your activities since you do not want to wear a leather band if you plan to swim or run with your Apple Watch.
Sleep or not to sleep: If you plan to use your Apple Watch Ultra for sleep tracking and wear it to bed each night, then you are going to want to purchase an especially comfortable band. The Watch Ultra is the largest Apple Watch, so finding a band that is light and comfortable is key to wearing such a large watch to sleep. A metal band is likely not the best option for sleeping with your watch. The new Vitals functionality in WatchOS only works if you sleep with your Apple Watch mounted on your wrist so to understand your overall health and wellness it is a good idea to sleep with your watch on.
Heart rate monitoring: The Apple Watch Ultra has been proven to have one of the most accurate wrist-mounted optical heart rate monitors available today, so if you use your watch to track your heart rate, then you must find a strap that supports a proper monitor fit. If the band is too loose or raises the watch above your wrist then it's not optimized for heart rate tracking. You can also use an external heart rate monitor with your Apple Watch Ultra, and if you prefer that option, then the snugness of the band is not as important.
Price: Apple offers a host of watch bands itself, but in almost all cases the Apple branded straps are more expensive than third party straps. Apple's bands are all of high quality, but you can save lots of money by looking at other makers for your watch band.
Color and style : I don't know many people who have a single watch band that they always wear, and with the easy removal design you may want to consider multiple bands for your Watch Ultra. It's great to have a band for working out and sleeping, and another for going out on the town or special occasions.
At ZDNET, we prioritize hands-on testing of Apple Watches and their straps, wearing them over the course of days or weeks during our daily lives. That means that others on our staff and I have worn these bands while working, exercising, sleeping, and doing all other daily activities. Here are some of the key elements we evaluate with the watch bands:
Comfort : I wear my smartwatches for more than 18 hours a day and often for 24 hours a day so the first thing I test is the fit, finish, and comfort of the watch strap. One major reason that I picked Apple's own Trail Loop is the extremely comfortable design and light weight that makes wearing it a sheer joy.
Durability: Given that I wear my Apple Watch Ultra 3 to track all of my activities, it has to be able to withstand my excessive sweat and water from the rain and pool. I need the watch strap to last for at least a year or two under these conditions and thanks to Apple's continued lug design I actually can wear bands for years to test out the durability.
Security: A watch band has to be trusted to keep the $800 Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist in all situations. I had a Garmin watch fly off my wrist and disappear down the river while fly fishing last year after I slipped on a rock and I need a band to be more reliable than that. The clasp mechanism must handle body weight workout flexure and unexpected impacts that may happen in some situations.
Ability to change out : Apple's slide in system is brilliant and allows a user to quickly and easily change watch straps. However, I purchased some inexpensive bands on Amazon in the past and they did not slide in and out of the lug system very well. Thus, I test the ability of the band to align properly and be replaced seamlessly.
Apple recently held its annual WWDC event , and we are likely to see new Apple Watch models in the coming months. There are always new band options released from Apple with new watches, so stay tuned for these new products.
Yes, it is. I put the watch through the Tough Mudder 15K, which has over 30 obstacles on land and in water, and the watch held up well. The display didn't even have a scratch on it. The Apple Watch Ultra is worth it if you know you're going to put it through taxing environments, like grueling outdoor workouts or 15Ks, and you want to use it like a regular smartwatch. If you want both of those things, this is the watch for you.
Also: I compared the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Garmin's inReach satellite connectivity - here's the winner
I just recently tested the new satellite connectivity functions on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and confirmed that I will no longer go trail running, hiking, camping, and fly fishing outside of cellular coverage without the Apple Watch Ultra 3. I was able to send text messages and my location to family with no subscription fees and through a satellite connection with ease.
The best strap that we recommend for the Apple Watch Ultra is Apple's own Trail Loop for its durability, comfort, and versatility. Since the band is waterproof, you can exercise with it outdoors or sweat up a storm in it and not have to worry about water damage. It's casual enough to wear around the house or for exercise but is neutral enough to wear for dressier events.
There are a few differences between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3. Namely, the addition of 5G and satellite connectivity, which are essential for those who use the communications features of their Apple Watch or want to connect with family, friends, and emergency services while off the grid. Their prices are also the same.
There are a few differences between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Namely, there's a much brighter screen, a newer processor, greater storage, and recycled titanium with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The size, battery life, and sensors are the exact same. Their prices are also the same.
Also: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?
It's a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications when it comes to this question. For Apple loops, bands for 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm cases are generally compatible with one another. Other manufacturers may have different parameters when it comes to this. But generally, no, you cannot put any band on the Apple Watch Ultra if you want the band to fit well.
June 2026: We continue to use the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but since our last update, we have been wearing and testing the Aulumu C03 band that offers the comfort of nylon with a slick, quick-release mechanism. Aulumu also sent along its C01 titanium alloy band for testing.
October 2025: Since our last update, Apple launched the Watch Ultra 3. In this update, we tested and added the Nomad Stratos Band as our pick for the best Apple Watch Ultra metal band for an active lifestyle. We also removed two picks from the list that we hadn't tested: the Lelong band and the Casetify Genuine Leather Band.
The amBand is an Amazon best-selling strap that costs about a fourth of the price of the Apple Trail Loop and offers all-around protection. This band is excellent for running, as it has precise cutouts that fit perfectly around the Ultra and protect it with brushed metal. The raised bezel and 9H screen protector mean that the screen can resist scratches from the hardest pencil. The 316L stainless steel buckle will never chip or rust and fits 5.71-inch to 8.74-inch wrists.
This sports band comes in a plethora of fun colors, including coral, bean paste, and mint green. It's made of waterproof silicone and is less than $10.
The Spigen DuraPro fits 6.3-inch to 8.3-inch wrists comfortably, is made of super lightweight fabric, and has a zinc alloy buckle.
