The 8 Best Watch Bands for Working Out, Tested by Editors

ProsPerforated fluoroelastomerPin-and-tuck closureLightweight and low-profileMultiple colorway and size optionsConsOnly compatible with Apple WatchPerforations can trap small debris, so be careful of this if you train outdoorsThe Nike Sport Band is (and has been) the top recommendation for Apple Watch owners who are serious about their training, and the reason really is its material. Its fluoroelastomer build is stiffer and more sweat-resistant than basic silicone, and the perforations create ventilation to let moisture escape from both sides of the band. It really doesn’t allow sweat to pool underneath during your workouts and cause irritation after long sessions.The pin-and-tuck closure is as reliable as they come. You slide the end of the band through the loop, and the pin locks into one of the preset holes. The closure sits flat enough that you won't feel it pressing into your wrist uncomfortably during your workouts either.The Nike Sport Band also tops Apple's standard Sport Band aesthetically, in our opinion. Randomized color flakes make each band visually distinct, and the aluminum pin features a Nike Swoosh symbol. Though they are just cosmetic touches, they also signal that this band was designed for athletes. Additionally, the fit is firm enough to keep the watch locked against your skin during box jumps and sprint intervals but won’t leave a red mark on your wrist post-training, lending even further to its athletic build.At $49, it's priced similarly to the standard Apple Sport Band, making it an easy choice for an upgrade. The only real limitation is that it won’t work for Garmin users. This is solely an Apple Watch band. But if you’re locked in on Apple for workout data, we definitely recommend you lock in on this band, too.Read More: Best SmartwatchesFeatures at a GlanceMaterialFluoroelastomer with perforationsClosurePin-and-tuckCompatibilityApple Watch (38mm-49mm)Water ResistanceYesColorsMidnight black, blue ribbon, alpenglow pink, and veiled greyProsProtective case and band in one pieceTPU material is sweat-resistantAdjustable fit for wrists from 5.1" to 8.5"Regularly available for around $10-$20ConsAdds bulk and weight to the watch since it includes a caseThe case design may not appeal to everyone aestheticallyTPU isn't as breathable as perforated fluoroelastomerThe Spigen Rugged Armor Pro is a band and case combo that wraps your Apple Watch in a TPU shell then attaches to your wrist with an adjustable silicone-style strap. If you’re prone to accidentally slamming your watch into a dumbbell rack or door frame, the case design is likely the cheapest insurance policy you can find. The raised bezel edges protect the display from direct impacts, and the TPU absorbs shock better than aluminum.Since this is a budget pick, it’s not going to be the highest quality on this list, but it’s still quite functional. The TPU material is sweat-resistant and easy to clean—a quick wipe or rinse after training is all it needs—but it's not perforated or channeled like the Nike Sport Band or Nomad Sport Band, so airflow is limited. During longer sessions you may notice more moisture buildup underneath the case portion than with a standalone band. The adjustable pin closure works well, and the fit range covers virtually everyone.The value is hard to beat. The sale price regularly hits $10, so the Rugged Armor Pro costs less than any other band on this list by a wide margin—and no other band on this list comes with a case, too. And though it’s not the best-breathing, best-fitting, or most premium built on the market, it makes sense if you’re on a budget or particularly hard on your gear.Read More: Best Fitness TrackersFeatures at a GlanceMaterialTPUClosurePin-and-buckleCompatibilityApple Watch (40mm-49mm)Water ResistanceSweat-resistantColorsBlack, dark grayAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHook-and-loop closure allows micro-adjustmentsDouble-layer nylon weave is super lightweight82% recycled yarnBreathable enough for sweaty runsConsNylon absorbs moisture, so it takes longer to dry than rubber bandsHook-and-loop can collect lint over time if you’re not diligent about keeping it cleanIf you’re serious about logging mileage, you’re probably looking for a watch band with breathability, a lightweight build, and easy adjustments. The Sport Loop covers all three of these with its double-layer nylon weave. Plus, the hook-and-loop closure allows you to adjust on the fly in about two seconds. And during long runs when your wrists can swell from the increased blood flow, that matters.The nylon build includes dense loops on the skin side that cushion and ventilate. This band breathes better than rubber during long stints of cardio, which is why runners tend to prefer fabric bands for runs lasting longer than just a few short miles. Apple’s current version is made with 82 percent recycled yarn, so there’s a sustainability factor here as well, which is a plus.The dry time deserves a call-out, though. The Sport Loop stays damp much longer than fluoroelastomer bands after a particularly sweaty workout. Though this band doesn’t get heavy or uncomfortable when wet, so that’s a plus. But the nylon will still be damp even if you leave it out to dry during your post-workout shower and go to put it back on after. A rinse and a few hours long hang-dry solves this, but rubber bands don’t require this extra step. For a running watch band, the weight and infinite adjustability make it a better choice than any pin-and-tuck band.Read More: Best Apple Watch Ultra BandsFeatures at a GlanceMaterialDouble-layer nylon weaveClosureHook-and-loopCompatibilityApple Watch (38mm-49mm)Water ResistanceSweat and rain-resistantColorsAnchor blue, dark gray, forest, bright guava, blue mist, cantaloupeProsInternal air channels vent moistureFKM fluoroelastomer rubber is softer than Apple's fluoroelastomerWaterproof construction, band and claspDurable enough for daily wearConsPricier than Apple's Sport Band at $60, but the quality reflects thatLimited to Apple Watch compatibilityNomad’s Sport Band is made for men who work out daily and live to work up a sweat. If you're wearing stock bands, you’re likely used to moisture getting trapped between the band and your skin and know the relief that comes with taking your watch off post-workout. This wet environment can cause irritation, bacteria growth, and an odor that seems to linger no matter how hard you scrub your band. The Nomad Sport Band is built to fix this issue with internal air channels on the underside of the band. These grooves create space between the FKM rubber and your skin, creating room for airflow even when the band is snug to your wrist.FKM rubber is in the same materials family as the fluoroelastomer Apple uses, but it’s a bit softer and more flexible. It feels more natural on the wrist than Apple's Sport Band, which is a bit stiffer and less comfortable for all-day use. Nomad’s Sport Band uses a pin-and-tuck closure that stays flat and snug with an aluminum locking pin. It’s also fully waterproof, so you can shower with it after your session if you want to give it a good rinse—no worries about deterioration.The durability is a huge plus. Sweat can cause cheaper silicone bands to discolor and crack over months of daily use, but FKM rubber is resistant to this. That fact alone helps justify the $60 price tag, $11 more than Apple's own Sport Band. If you train hard and get sweaty often, the air channels and material quality here make the Nomad worth the added cost.Features at a GlanceMaterialFKM fluoroelastomer rubberClosurePin-and-tuckCompatibilityApple Watch (38mm-49mm)Water ResistanceYesColorsBlack, ultra orange, marine blue, ash green, stone, lunar gray, glow 2.0, naval blue, coastal rockAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTubular elastomer geometry can stretch over wetsuit sleevesTitanium buckle doesn’t corrodeMost secure closure systemExtension band availableCons$99 price tag is one of the highest, but you pay for the premium build hereBulkier than other options, which may not be necessary for casual gym-goersOnly compatible with Apple Watch 44mm and upThe Ocean Band was made purely for open-water swimming. Apple built it with a tubular elastomer construction, which is a hollow-core rubber that stretches under tension and rebounds to its original shape. It’s designed to stay locked on your wrist during surface swimming, lap swimming, and even scuba diving. The material resists both chlorine and saltwater, which will eat through the hardware on other bands within months.Another differentiator is the closure system. The Ocean Band uses a titanium buckle with a sliding adjustable loop instead of a pin-and-tuck or hook-and-loop—the most secure latch on this list. The titanium hardware is also corrosion-proof, which is a necessity for water materials. The band stretches over a wetsuit sleeve, and Apple sells a $49 extension band for thicker suits. For pool workouts you won't need any extenders, but the stretch means you can adjust the fit without fiddling with hole positions.The biggest question is if it’s worth $99. If you swim regularly—which we would classify as three or more pool or open-water sessions a week—we think it is. But if you’re more of an occasional swimmer and most of your workouts are gym-based, this definitely isn’t a necessary purchase. It’s less ideal for deadlifts and pull-ups due to the bulk that makes it durable in the water, so a lighter, lower-profile band would be more comfortable for gym-goers. This is definitely a specialist tool, and it’s the best at what it was made for.Features at a GlanceMaterialTubular high-performance elastomerClosureTitanium buckle with adjustable loopCompatibilityApple Watch (44mm-49mm)Water ResistanceYesColorsBlack, anchor blue, neon green with natural or black titanium finishesProsOne continuous loopStretches and breathesMaintains constant sensor contact10 sizes for a custom fitCons$99 price point is one of the highest on this listNo adjustments, you have to pick the size that suits you best and if you swell, things may get snugCan stretch slightly over time, especially with daily useOnly compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 and newerThe Braided Solo Loop ditches buckles, pins, and velcro for one continuous loop. It’s made from 16,000 polyester yarn filaments braided around ultra-thin silicone threads. All you have to do is stretch it over your hand to put it on. You won’t find any hardware pressing into your wrist during training, which you won’t get with any other product on this list.The braided polyester-silicone construction is better than solid rubber at breathing but still offers some water and sweat resistance. It won't dry as fast as fluoroelastomer after a heavy session, but it doesn't trap heat the way a tight silicone strap does, either. The constant, even tension around the wrist—with no tight spot at a buckle and no gap between holes—keeps the optical heart rate sensor in consistent contact with your skin. This means quite accurate heart rate data, especially during high-intensity intervals where a loose or shifting band could cause issues.The real catch is sizing. Apple offers up to 13 sizes, and you need to measure your wrist and use their printable sizing guide to find the right one. If you’re between sizes, we recommend you go smaller. The braid has some stretch to accommodate minor wrist swelling during workouts, but it could get too large and start sliding around after a few months once the material relaxes. The issue is that there’s no way to tighten it once it's on, so the sizing decision is permanent unless you buy a backup. At $99 that could be considered a gamble, but if you nail the fit, you've probably found the most comfortable band on the market.Features at a GlanceMaterialBraided recycled polyester yarn with silicone threadsClosureContinuous loopCompatibilityApple Watch Series 4 and newer (40mm-49mm)Water ResistanceSweat and splash-resistantColorsNeon yellow, turmeric, green gray, anchor blueAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDual-layer antimicrobial nylon fights odor and bacteriaDouble hook-and-loop fasteners for a more secure fitExtremely lightweightFits most Garmin modelsConsNylon absorbs moisture and dries slowly compared to other materials on this listLimited color options (mostly black and gray)On the Garmin watch market, the equivalent of the Apple Sport Loop is the UltraFit Nylon Strap, a lightweight, breathable, adjustable band made with athletes in mind. The dual-layer nylon weave is built with an antimicrobial treatment, which is important for folks sweating in it daily. Without antimicrobials, nylon bands can start to stink even with washing, and the bacteria buildup can cause skin irritation.The double hook-and-loop closure is definitely an upgrade to single-strap closures. Two points of contact distribute pressure more evenly and prevent movement better than a single velcro tab. You can adjust it with one hand, and the double closure system holds the band in place. And if you’re wearing it for sleep tracking too, it's also the most comfortable Garmin band to sleep in.It’s priced fairly, running around $40. Available in 20mm, 22mm, and 26mm widths to fit everything from the Forerunner 265 to the Fenix 8, this is a great option for Garmin die-hards.Read More: Best Garmin WatchesFeatures at a GlanceMaterialDual-layer antimicrobial nylon weaveClosureDouble hook-and-loopCompatibilityGarmin watches (20mm, 22mm, or 26mm width)Water ResistanceSweat-resistantColorsBlack, grayProsQuickFit click-on system to swap bandsSilicone dries almost instantlyTraditional buckle closure is reliableAvailable in multiple colors and sizesConsLess breathable than some other Garmin band optionsRuns around $40 to $50 for the official Garmin version, which is also higher than other Garmin optionsFor Garmin users specifically seeking a silicone band that won’t absorb water, you’ve found it. Made for athletes who lean heavily on sports like swimming and paddleboarding in their training regimens, the QuickFit Silicone Band dries in seconds and won’t retain any of the moisture. The silicone is smoother on the skin than nylon too, which means it won’t cause as much irritation if it does occasionally rub on your wrist during high-intensity training.The QuickFit system is Garmin's click-on mechanism. All you do is press two spring-loaded pins, slide the band off, and snap a new one on to change bands. The entire swap takes about five seconds, so you don’t even have to wear this band all day if you’d prefer to mix it up with a nylon alternative after your swim session.The traditional buckle closure is typically more secure than hook-and-loop closures when it comes to water activities—velcro-style closures can loosen when they soak up water. However, this option is less adjustable than the UltraFit. But we’d opt for it if your primary concern is a band that handles water without soaking through. At $40 to $50, it's priced pretty comparably to Apple bands as well.Features at a GlanceMaterialSiliconeClosureTraditional buckleCompatibilityGarmin watches (20mm, 22mm, or 26mm width)Water ResistanceYesColorsBlack, graphite, whitestone, and about 20 more color optionsLauren Keary is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and fitness/nutrition writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is an ex-collegiate rower, and received her M.A. in magazine journalism and B.A. in literary journalism. She has nearly a decade of professional journalism experience and has covered topics all across the wellness and lifestyles spaces. Her bylines include Fortune, BarBend, Outside Magazine, Evening Standard, BuzzFeed, Modern Luxury, Women's Running Magazine, TripSavvy, San Diego Magazine, Orange Coast Magazine, Fitt and FoodBeast. When she's not writing or editing, you can catch her walking with her dog and an iced vanilla latte (half sweet) beachside or catching a flight.Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear, tech, running shoes, and more. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He holds a B.A. in Sport Management and is a Certified Beer Server, having previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.