Running can be both rewarding and exhausting. With your heartbeat racing and sweat dripping down your wrists, you wouldn’t want to think about anything else. And just then you notice your skin around your Apple Watch starting to itch and tingle, all thanks to the sweat accumulating around it. Too much of a distraction, right?
The wrong strap or band can pull the focus out of running, and not to mention that the situation can get very uncomfortable.
So, here we are with the list of the best Apple Watch bands for running or for the gym.
For this, we picked bands and belts that met the following criteria:
- The band is comfortable.
- It needs to dry off quickly.
- The material should be breathable.
- Avoid trapping sweat.
- The clips and hooks should not rust easily.
Let’s begin.
1. Yanch Soft Silicone Sport Band
- Compatible with: Series 4, 3, 2 and 1
With over 70% positive rating, the silicone bands from Yanch is the first product on our list. They look almost identical to the original Apple Watch band, and many users have verified this claim. These bands come with watch lugs, which makes them easier to install. Furthermore, the bands have a pin-and-tuck mechanism, making it easy to wear or to take off.
As far as the user reviews are concerned, users have reported that the bands work as advertised and thus are perfect for workouts. They do not collect dust or sweat and are easy to clean. Plus, they dry off quickly.
The bands come in two sizes – 38mm(S) and 40mm (M), and you can pick the one that is suitable for your wrist. All you need to do is pick up one, and your morning runs will be sorted.
The Yanch silicon bands are compatible with Apple Watch Series 1 through 4.
2. Apple Nike Sport Band
- Compatible with: Series 6 and SE
Are you looking for a well-ventilated band? If yes, your search ends with the Apple Nike Sport Band. These are comfortable bands that come with a ton of perforations for the moisture to escape, thus making them breathable and comfortable to wear during your morning runs or strenuous workouts in the gym. Above all, they are stylish and trendy and keeps up with the premium look of your smartwatch.
Other than that, they are durable and are easy to clean. And, these are also available in multiple colors including a cool pride edition.
Alternatively, you can have a look at the Skylet Sport Bands, if you are looking for a more affordable option.
3. Apple Watch Sport Loop Band
- Compatible with: Series 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1
Another lightweight alternative to the original Apple’s original band is the one by Apple itself. Made of double-layer nylon weave, they are not only comfortable but also super flexible. The good thing about these bands is that the material doesn’t smell odd even if you sweat or do high-intensity sports workout.
The user reviews have been positive so far for this product, with users praising its durability, comfort, and above all, the ease with which you can put it on (or take it off).
The only concern is that it’s a tad expensive. Well, to be honest, that’s the case with most Apple products.
4. Carterjett Nylon Replacement Strap
- Compatible with: Series 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1
If flexibility and sweat absorption are two of your primary requirements, then you can’t go wrong with the Carterjett Nylon sport strap for your Apple Watch. These are extremely flexible and contours easily to the shape of your wrist. Secondly, they absorb sweat and water and don’t trap them under the strap.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is to wash them regularly. Unlike the standard pin and tuck mechanism, this strap comes with a watch-like buckle, which secures your smartwatch in place.
This Apple Watch Band is apt for running and it has attracted a fair amount of reviews from its user base, thanks to its comfort and flexibility.
The bottom line is if you are looking for superior sweat absorption and an affordable price tag, this is the one that you should buy.
5. Adepoy Soft Silicone Band
- Compatible with: Series 6, 5 4, 3, 2, 1, including Apple Watch SE
If you’d like the design simplicity of the stock band, but would like it to be a little bit more comfortable, you should give the Adepoy bands a shot. These Apple Watch bands are also made for running. They are quite sturdy and don’t fall off at the slightest pretext. Plus, the stainless steel buckle has proven to be good on sensitive skin as well.
The crux of these bands is the wide and evenly placed holes which allow for more airflow. So far, the user reviews have been pretty good, with over 86% positive reviews.
The band comes in many color alternatives and also comes with a year-long warranty.
6. Ruiboo Nylon Sport Loop
- Compatible with: Series 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1
If the price of the Carterjett nylon band is a little too much for your taste, you can try out the Ruiboo Nylon Sport Loop. These nylon have proved to be immensely easy to wear, thanks to the velcro closing mechanism. The best part is that these bands are comfortable and the flexibility of the material is the cherry on top.
The feature which you’d like most is that it doesn’t make your wrist sweat. The thin Velcro straps are secure and thanks to them, you’ll get an exact fit.
These sports edition bands are available in many different colors, and I am quite smitten by the yellow variant. And again, they do not cost as much as their Apple counterparts.
7. Hotflow Silicone Sport Wristband
- Compatible with: Series 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, including Apple Watch SE
Last but not least we have the silicone bands from Hotflow. For just under $10, these bands are super affordable and functional. Thanks to all the holes in the band, you do not have to worry about sweat underneath the bands. And the colorful perforations make the deal even sweeter and adds to the looks of the band.
For the price, they are both comfortable and flexible and works as advertised. And thanks to these features it has attracted its share of user reviews.
Get Running, Get Pumping!
What people say is true about the Apple Watch bands — they do not come cheap. And if you are someone who likes to change the straps frequently, then third-party straps seem like a viable option.
Of course, somewhere down the line, you’ll have to bite the bullet when it comes to durability. But hey, they cost almost half as the original counterparts.
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
Read Next
How to Enable Low Power Mode on Apple Watch running watchOS 9
Even if you're remotely familiar with the tech space, you would be aware that the Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches out there.
6 Best Apple Watch Series 6 Silicone Replacement Bands
All Apple Watch Series 6 smartwatch owners know that the stock strap wears off after some time.
6 Best Leather Bands for the Apple Watch Series 6
The sleek and slim look of the Apple Watch Series 6 means that you can wear it everywhere, be it to your swimming sessions or an informal meeting with a
6 Best Sports Bands for the Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 is as hardcore a smartwatch as it is a fitness tracker.
6 Best Leather Apple Watch Bands
The Apple Watch is a great accessory if you use an iPhone.
11 Best Apple Watch Bands for Women
There's no dearth of bands and straps for the Apple Watch.
5 Best Rugged Bands for Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is the most rugged smartwatch from Apple.
6 Best Pixel Watch Bands for Everyday Use
The Pixel Watch is a good workout companion and a fashion accessory at the same time.
DID YOU KNOW
The Watch Series 3 (cellular) lets you make phone calls through the eSIM.
