The top Apple Watch model for adventurers is, without a doubt, the Apple Watch Ultra, and the latest model, the Ultra 3, has received several impressive upgrades. From a bigger and brighter display to new satellite functionalities, this already feature-rich watch is ready to accompany you anywhere. The problem is, not all the best Apple Watch bands can keep up with this larger, more heavy-duty option. That’s why I’ve carefully reviewed and selected five Apple Watch Ultra bands that pair seamlessly with this excellent smartwatch.
TL;DR – These are the top Apple Watch Ultra Bands
When selecting the best Apple Watch Ultra bands, comfort, durability, and a secure fit are essential. The straps need to keep pace with everything you plan to do while wearing the watch, whether you’re scaling the side of the mountain, lifting weights at the gym, or exploring the ocean floor. The last thing you want to do is lose your expensive watch due to a lackluster band that wasn’t up to the challenge.
All of the bands I have chosen are made with the Apple Watch Ultra in mind. Some bands even include an additional bumper to add protection to the already rugged titanium case. In contrast, other bands feature ultra-comfortable, lightweight, and breathable materials for the not-there watch feeling. Perhaps you’d like to dress up the smartwatch for special occasions? I’ve found a band that’s durable with a bit more stylish flair. Check them out below — and once you’ve decided on a band, you may also want to check out the best Apple Watch faces.
1. Nomad Rugged Band
Best Apple Watch Ultra Band
If you’ve invested in the Apple Watch Ultra, chances are you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast and want a band ready to keep up on all your adventures, from camping and hiking to swimming and sailing. Luckily, Nomad’s Rugged Band is built tough, and as a bonus, it costs significantly less than Apple’s own Ultra Watch bands. That means you can splurge on one of the best Apple Watch cases for an extra dose of protection.
The Nomad Rugged Band uses FKM fluoroelastomer rubber, a material that can withstand extreme temperatures and excessive exposure to sunlight, is resistant to oils and chemicals, and is waterproof. So, anywhere you take the Ultra, the band will hold up just as well, if not better. Plus, it’s super easy to clean. Even with its impressive durability, the band remains lightweight and flexible, featuring ribbing for extra breathability to combat sweat.
Beyond the fluoroelastomer rubber, the band is equipped with a rugged marine-grade 316 stainless steel buckle and lugs for an ultra-secure fit that won’t budge when scaling rock walls or biking mountain trails. That’s important because the last thing you want to do is lose your almost $800 Apple Watch Ultra off the side of a cliff. Sure, there aren’t the micro-adjustments some loop bands offer, but the sizing is still very flexible.
The entire design of the Nomad Rugged Band is sleek and simple, matching perfectly with the aesthetics of the Ultra. It comes in three colors: blue, orange, or black. You can even choose the color of the lugs and buckle: black or silver. Just be prepared for the band to feel a little clunky on smaller wrists, which isn’t shocking given the size of the Apple Watch Ultra.
2. Spigen Rugged Armor Pro
Best Budget Apple Watch Ultra Band
The Spigen Rugged Armor Pro is a case and band combo that adds an extra dose of protection to the already rugged Apple Watch Ultra. While some might think full-body coverage would raise the price tag of this watch band, it’s actually wildly affordable and a fraction of what any of Apple’s own Watch bands go for.
With a unibody TPU case that wraps the Apple Watch Ultra’s bezel and body, the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro absorbs bumps and drops and prevents scuffs, scratches, or worse. Sure, the Ultra has a titanium body, but it’s nice to have an extra layer of protection to keep this expensive timepiece in pristine condition. Cutouts for all the essential controls and sensors ensure the Watch works just as great with the case installed. So, it will never need to be removed, even for charging.
Attached to the case is a band made of the same rugged TPU material, which makes swapping bands a more challenging task than your average Apple Watch band. Still, the band is lightweight and flexible, while a tang buckle keeps the band securely on your wrist. Admittedly, the Spigen Rugged Armor Pro is a little clunky with a unique look, but if you're serious about protection for a great price, it’s the best Ultra Watch band option out there.
3. Apple Watch Alpine Loop
Most Comfortable Apple Watch Ultra Band
The fluoroelastomer rubber and TPU used on the first two bands of this guide are durable and flexible, but when it comes to overall comfort, fabric is hard to compete with. Apple’s own Alpine Loop band is the ideal fabric option, thanks to its rugged design that still feels great on the wrist.
The Apple Watch Alpine Loop features a two-layer design. Its soft, breathable, and lightweight with a spandex and polyester inner layer that rests comfortably on your wrist. On the outer layer are stitched loops of high-strength yarn with a ladder design that delivers a very outdoorsy look. The four band color options also reflect that expedition style, with color options like Terra Cotta and Indigo.
The ladder loops also serve as the fine-grain attachment points for the G hook that secures the band. Made of corrosion-resistant titanium, the G hook is strong, and the loops hold up equally well over time. It just may take some time to get used to taking it on and off. After the band is secure, it won’t loosen, ensuring it stays in place whether you're rock climbing or swimming. If you do decide to take the Alpine Loop in water, it dries quickly. Plus, due to its high-quality construction, this band will last longer compared to other fabric alternatives.
4. Apple Watch Milanese Loop
Most Fashionable Apple Watch Ultra Band
Most Apple Watch bands, especially those designed for the Ultra, tend to lean more towards a sporty look rather than a fashionable one. That won’t always fly at the office or in more formal settings. For those occasions, the Apple Watch Milanese Loop is the best Watch band for the job. It offers a sleek and simple design paired with impressive durability.
While the traditional Milanese Loop is made of stainless steel, the Ultra received a special edition crafted from 95% recycled aerospace-grade titanium mesh to match the watch’s case, and is available in a natural or black finish. Titanium makes the band lighter than the stainless steel option and is corrosion-resistant. It also does a better job at hiding scuffs and scratches, so don’t be afraid to wear this band for lighter workouts or outdoor activities. Even with the extra durability, the band still looks premium, and it should, given the high price tag; it’s twice as much as the stainless steel Milanese Loop.
The unique, smooth mesh design of the Milanese loop is surprisingly breathable, flexible, and won’t snag on clothes or accidentally pluck arm hair. The titanium mesh is paired with a parachute-style buckle, which keeps the watch more secure than the stainless steel Milanese Loop’s magnetic closure. However, you do lose out on micro adjustments.
5. amBand M1 Sport Case Band
Best Protective Apple Watch Ultra Band
Sure, the Apple Watch Ultra is already built tough, but a little extra protection doesn’t hurt. The amBand M1 Sport Case Band features a raised bezel bumper and tempered glass 9H screen protector, providing impressive all-around coverage of the smartwatch. There are still clicky buttons and cutouts for access to essential controls, and the screen remains just as responsive with the screen protector installed.
While the bumper adds some bulk to the watch, it's not heavy, is great for preventing bumps and scrapes from damaging the watch, and gives off a cool tactile look reminiscent of G-Shock watches. A durable and comfortable TPU band attaches to the case, meaning you won’t be relying on the Ultra’s band slots. However, it does take more effort to remove the case than your typical Apple Watch band. Luckily, the case doesn’t need to be removed for charging.
The band remains secure on your wrist with a long-lasting stainless steel buckle, and there are numerous holes for ample adjustability based on wrist size or personal comfort. Typical of TPU material, the band can become a little sweaty during intense workouts or in hot weather, while over time, some lighter-colored bands may discolor. Still, the amBand M1 Sport Case Band is an absolute beast when it comes to protecting your Apple Watch Ultra from bumps, scratches, and more, and is especially well-suited for outdoor activities or physically demanding jobs.
How to Choose an Apple Watch Ultra Band
If you’re not in love with the band that your Apple Watch Ultra came with, you can swap it out for something else. There are seemingly endless band options available, and below, I go over what to look for when selecting a band for yourself.
Material and Use
Many Apple Watch Ultra bands are made of fluoroelastomer rubber, a highly durable rubber that’s resistant to oil, sun, sweat, and chemicals. This material holds up great over time, is extremely flexible, comfortable for all-day wear, and easy to clean. However, it’s not the most breathable band option.
Cheaper Ultra bands often feature TPU, a firmer and stiffer plastic material that holds its shape well. While not as durable as fluoroelastomer, TPU still withstands sweat, water, and lighter chemicals well and is extremely difficult to tear, but over time, the material is likely to degrade. It also isn’t great for breathability. Still, whether you opt for fluoroelastomer or TPU, these materials are ideal for outdoor adventures and exercise, and in many cases can even work well in office environments.
When comfort is your top priority, nylon is the ideal choice. It’s lightweight and breathable, making the material ideal for hotter environments or super sweaty workouts. Just know that this material may be more challenging to clean and will have a damp feel until it dries. While most nylon is durable, certain chemicals and excessive abrasion can cause it to deteriorate quicker than fluoroelastomer or TPU. Still, it’s great for almost all types of workouts, but might be a bit too casual for formal or semi-formal occasions.
For a dressier, more stylish look, leather can be a great option, especially when going with a high-quality full-grain option. Full-grain leather holds up exceptionally well over time and develops a lovely patina that only enhances the appearance. However, when it comes to outdoor adventures, water, and sweat, leather is not a great option. So, for exercise, you’ll want to stick to other materials.
Metal bands are similar to leather in that they offer a more formal, fashionable look compared to most Apple Watch Ultra bands. Stainless steel and titanium are durable enough to keep up with the Ultra, but cheaper plated and alloy metals will erode or chip quicker than you’d expect. Just be prepared for metal to add some heft to the watch band, so you’ll probably only want to wear them during lighter workouts.
Closure
Given the rugged nature of the Apple Watch Ultra, your band must remain securely on your wrist. For that reason, magnetic clasps or hook-and-loop closures may not be the best options for the super adventurous; if the band gets caught on something, it can be ripped off, or the Velcro-type material can lose strength.
A typical watchband tang buckle or pin-and-tuck are types of closures that provide the most secure fit. However, you lose the ability for micro adjustments and instead rely on pre-made holes on the belt itself. Another unique closure featured in this guide is a G-hook, which loops into high-strength woven loops. When installed properly, it can be just as secure, if not more secure, than a tang buckle or pin-and-tuck closure.
The Milanese Loop band on this guide features a parachute buckle, which has arms that fold over and lock into place. Under tension, things remain secure while there’s often a button to release the band and adjust the size quickly. Another popular closure you may come across is the butterfly. It has two arms that fold into each other, and it looks quite dressy, but the butterfly clasp won’t be as secure as a parachute buckle
Size
The Apple Watch Ultra retains the same 49mm case size, so even with the larger screen, the Ultra 3 is the same size as the Ultra and Ultra 2. That means, for the best fit, you’ll want a watch band that offers lugs with a width of 49mm. However, smaller band sizes, including 44mm and 46mm, are compatible with the Apple Watch Ultra. You just won’t get that edge-to-edge look.
Beyond ensuring the lugs fit the case size, the band must fit your wrist. If you have smaller wrists, the 49mm case size may already feel clunky, so finding the right size band is a must. You don’t want a big tail getting in the way and flopping around or something too tight that doesn’t have enough give. Measuring your wrist size is the easiest way to determine your best band length. If you don’t have a tape measure or ruler, smaller wrists tend to be between 130 mm and 150 mm, while larger ones fall between 180 mm and 210 mm. Always opt for a size that falls right in the middle of your wrist size for the best results.
Danielle is a Tech freelance writer based in Los Angeles who spends her free time creating videos and geeking out over music history.
