The 5 Best Apple Watch Ultra Bands We Tried This Year

Apple Ocean Band

Pros

• Just a great do-it-all band
• Durable rubber build
• Doesn't look or feel cheap
• Comfortable to wear exercising

Cons

• Less breathable than true sport bands

For everything water-focused or sweat-drenched, I'd go with the Ocean Band. It is specifically made for ocean activities—sailing, snorkeling, and the like—so it's obviously the best option for anyone on the water. But, I also think it's the frontrunner for the Watch Ultra 2's generalist band of the year. After months with the Ultra, it was still the one we liked the most overall at the end of our testing period.

Since it's made of rubber like a typical sport band, you don't have to worry about keeping it clean or keeping it safe. The titanium finish on the clasps classes up the joint a little bit, so it doesn't look or feel cheap whatsoever. The only fault I found is that it's not incredibly perforated, so it'll feel a bit more restrictive than your typical sport bands.

SandMarc Leather Apple Watch Ultra Band

Pros

• Leather is high quality
• Nice stainless steel accents
• A handful of nice color options
• Affordable for leather

Cons

• Quite tech-y looking for a leather band

If you want a fancy leather band, the options are slim. (Mostly because Apple itself has removed leather from all its accessories.) In all my searching, all my touching watch bands, this was one of the best leather options I could find.

Here's the thing, it's an objectively nice band. The leather is decent quality, but the way the look comes together without any accents or distinguishing features gives it a tech look that I don't love. Without any stitching, the look is significantly more tech-y than the average leather watch band. Not necessarily a bad thing, but for a fashion band, it could be an issue.

Lucrin Magnetic Band for Apple Watch Ultra

Pros

• No fuss magnetic strap
• Stylish leather
• Over a dozen colors to choose from

Cons

• Expensive

If you want something that combines the luxury of leather with the convenience of magnetics, this is the Ultra band to get. It comes at a bit of a premium price, but leather goods maker Lucrin delivers with it's cal leather magnetic band.

It's seriously hard for me to go back to a band that requires fiddling with my fingers. Some of our favorite bands for our Apple Watch Series 10 are magnetic. None of them are as chic as this one. Plus, there's so many color options to choose from and they all look great.

Nomad Sport Band

Pros

• Breathable durable rubber material
• Lightweight and secure
• Nice color options
• Entirely waterproof

Cons

• Look is a bit heavy duty, could be more sleek

When it comes to finding a breathable and durable sport band, we really like this option from Nomad. Weirdly, the true sport band is what the Watch Ultra 2 market lacks. And until Nike bucks up and makes a band to fit the big-boy 49mm face, Nomad is your best bet.

Across the board, this band is really good. The fluorocarbon rubber watch band doesn't get dirty or nasty, nor does it sustain any water damage. The aluminum closure pin is sturdy and lightweight. Plus, there are tons of color options to satisfy your own taste. I like it in an outdoorsy safety orange.

Apple Trail Loop

Pros

• The perfect all-purpose band
• Durable titanium finish
• Easy to keep clean
• Plenty of accent color options

Cons

• Not great for workouts, the nylon will feel a bit hot

For the last option, we turn once again to Apple. Listen, they make the watch. It only makes sense the bands would be the best. The watch bands that Apple comes out with almost always look the best and they tend to last. Since the Watch Ultra 2 is more of a specialized adventure watch, the bands follow suit.

The trail band is great for general outdoorsing—on the slopes, on the trail, or at the campsite. The nylon weave is lightweight, durable, and pretty easy to keep clean. For pretty much anything that's not under water or having you drenched in sweat, this is the band.

What Size is My Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Thankfully, this is an easy answer. There is only one size! Every Apple Watch Ultra is 49mm. Whenever you're looking for an Apple Watch Ultra band, all you have to is make sure the band is compatible with 49mm watches.