Apple Watch Series 6 recently launched as the brand’s latest flagship wearable alongside the more affordable Apple Watch SE. This time around, Apple is still shipping the same silicone band with purchase while charging $49 for additional styles. But because this is 9to5Toys, we’re here to round up all of the best third-party Apple Watch Series 6 bands to help you mix up the look for less. Thankfully, the slug hasn’t changed on this year’s models, so the latest Watches will continue to work with all watch bands on the market. With quite an expansive collection of offerings out there, it’s tough to find the perfect style. So be sure to head below where you’ll find all of our top picks starting at just $5.
Starting with Apple’s official Series 6 Watch Bands
Before we get to some of the more value-friendly offerings, Apple’s in-house stable of Apple Watch bands are certainly worth considering for your Series 6 or SE. You’ll still find that sport bands and loops sell for $49 and are available in a wide range of colors. Ranging from (Product)RED and Nike editions to other bright colors, there are a selection of options to choose from alongside much the same variety from Apple’s sport loop bands. See the entire selection here for $49, which includes the Pride Edition Sport Loop.
Some of the most popular options in Apple’s stable of Series 6 Watch bands enter in the form of its leather loop. Having originally launched at $149, the pricing has been reduced to $99 following September’s keynote event. That 33% price cut makes it a compelling option for those hoping to strap on a leather band. Available in three colors, including black, Meyer Lemon, and Saddle Brown. Milanese Loop sits at the same $99 price tag with a selection of various colors, as well. Don’t forget about Apple’s new Solo Loops, either.
Going above $100 gets into the high-end of Apple’s official offerings. The Modern Buckle comes in various finishes for $149 followed by Hermès straps from $339 and up. Apple’s much-maligned Space Black Link Bracelet tops out at $449.
Sport bands offer the best value
Leaving the first-party selection of brands, going with a silicone sport offering delivers the best overall value. Amazon has a large selection of colors starting at $5, including recreations of Apple’s basic silicone band and the popular Nike options.
Among all of the notable brands, BRG makes some of the more well-regarded and budget-friendly silicone bands out there which are available in several colors. They also pair with an optional bumper case that can be put on during any situations which might get your Apple Watch all scuffed up.
Is a sport loop band calling your name instead? Check out this offering from Witzcom which enters at a cost-effective price point while still coming in a variety of colors. These aren’t going to be quite up to spec with Apple’s official offerings, but the much more affordable prices are sure to make these notable alternatives for people who regularly swap out bands.
Getting into the more premium options in this category brings us to Nomad, which offers mid-range pricing at $40 and up. We’ve found them to be a quality middle ground between budget brands and Apple’s official offerings. While the prices are more in line with first-party bands, subtle differences in stylings make Nomad’s inventory worth a look.
Are you interested in a Pride-style band? Particularly the one Nike is now shipping? Well, you might consider checking out this third-party alternative we recently reviewed as part of our Tested with 9to5Toys series. It’s a fraction of the cost of a pricier alternative and certainly looks close in style.
Plenty of leather option in the best Apple Watch Series 6 bands
There are two schools of thought for those trying to escape Apple’s higher-priced leather Series 6 watch bands. The best Series 6 budget option comes in nearly 15 different colors, including more traditional shades like brown, black, and gray. There are also more unique offerings like blue, red, and pink. Of course, with a budget price tag comes equally low-cost materials, which may not stand the test of time. But overall, ratings are solid here.
Stepping up to more premium offerings brings us to third-party manufacturers like Pad & Quill. They’ve been cranking out quality options crafted out of high-end materials for some time now with prices from $80 across several different styles. So whether you’re looking something more unique like the Lowry Cuff or basic like the Pilot’s Band, Pad & Quill has you covered.
Of course, other veterans in this category also have you covered with their mix of high-end stylings and wallet-friendly prices. Nomad also has a nice selection of leather bands that we recently featured in another Tested with 9to5Toys review.
Recreating the Hermès look
And in the same vein as the leather offering, there are plenty of straps out there that aim to replicate the Hermès look at a much more affordable price tag. These third-party offerings start at around $15 for the cuff-style bands. Check out the entire selection of available bands here for more ideas if you’re looking to show off Hermès style without breaking the bank.
Of course, there’s still plenty of drama surrounding Apple Watch band pricing here in the United States. What are your thoughts on Apple’s pricing scheme? There’s certainly an opportunity to lower prices, even by 20% and Apple would assuredly still enjoy a solid margin.
FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links
Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!
