If you want to style up your Apple Watch, a metal strap is a solid choice. Whether it's titanium, stainless steel, or aluminum, metal adds polish to the best Apple Watch models. There are plenty of metal bands compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch, too, including those for the Series 9 and the Ultra 2.
Our favorites include the Apple Milanese Loop; it's made of quality stainless steel, is comfortable against the skin, and elevates the Apple Watch's style. We also like Nomad's Silver Steel Band; it uses a classic metal link design and is available in titanium.
Before buying, note the size and model of your Apple Watch. Several bands come in different sizes that you'll need to specify at checkout. Make sure to also check out our guides to the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands, the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands, and the best designer Apple Watch bands.
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Staff Pick
Best overall
Apple's stainless steel band is as high-quality as a metal band gets, with a smooth texture that makes the band feel like a soft fabric against your skin.
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Staff Pick
Best titanium band
Available in titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum, this linked band from Nomad is high-quality luxury.
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Apple quality and style
Our favorite feature of this band from Apple (aside from its clean look) is the sleek butterfly closure that sits neatly under the bracelet when clasped.
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Best luxury linked band
This timeless design from Shinola Detroit is a beautiful and durable stainless steel linked band made with Shinola's consistently top-tier craftsmanship.
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Best color selection
This brushed stainless steel band is a great alternative to Apple's Silver Link Bracelet, and it has a nice weight to it that defies its low price tag.
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Best slim metal band
Available in a variety of shades, this elegant band transfers readily from day to night, and features steel mesh that's stylish and simple.
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For added shine
This band from Case-Mate is a fun and sparkly accessory perfect for special occasions, and it comes with extra links if you need to resize the band.
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Best Apple dupe
This band from Amazon is a low-price alternative to the Milanese Loop, with a similar design and a few additional color options at a tenth of the cost.
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Flexible and adaptable
This band's flexible reinforced chain link style sits nicely on the wrist, and it has a durable and elegant appearance. Plus, its lifetime warranty makes it a great investment.
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Honorable mention
This adapter lets you use your favorite metal analog watch band with your Apple Watch. It's easy to use and available in both black and stainless steel.
FAQs
What is the best metal Apple Watch band?
This depends entirely on your personal style, preferences, and intended wear. For instance, most metal Apple Watch bands are a quality everyday piece but if you want to keep the same band for both working out and going out, some metal bands are better than others.
Many colored metal bands feature a coating that degrades over time, so these should likely be reserved for day wear or special occasions. A titanium or stainless steel band is more versatile and may last longer for everyday wear.
Is it better to buy from Apple or a third party?
While Apple's bands often guarantee high-quality materials and a perfect color match to your Apple Watch face, they're not always better (but are, most often, more expensive). There are plenty of cheaper metal bands available via Amazon that are of similar high quality.
It's worth noting that with some cheaper metal bands, you may need to replace them quicker than you would with a higher-quality option from trusted brands like Apple or Nomad. This is because the metal, or its coating, may deteriorate with time.
Do all metal Apple Watch bands fit the Apple Watch Series 9?
Most of the bands featured in this list are compatible with any size Apple Watch, including the Series 9. However, it's important to check the listing to ensure your watch fits your chosen band. The face sizes between different Apple Watch models differ slightly, affecting whether the band clips smoothly onto your watch or is too big or small.
This is true for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well. While many of the Apple Watch bands above are compatible with the Series 7, Series 8, or Series 9, they aren't all compatible with the Ultra or Ultra 2. This is why checking the exact sizing options available is important before purchasing.
Does Apple still sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?
Yes, though both Series 9 and Ultra 2 have undergone a redesign that renders the blood oxygen monitoring unusable. This is in light of a patent dispute with the health technology company, Masimo, who originally filed a dispute saying Apple copied its blood oxygen sensing technology.
An original ruling by the International Trade Commission required Apple to pull both models from its online and physical Apple Store locations. Apple subsequently appealed the ruling and was allowed to temporarily sell both models while it awaited an additional ruling from the ITC.
The ITC denied Apple's request for a longer ban pause on January 17. Apple then announced that it developed a "software workaround" that would allow it to continue to sell the watches albeit without any blood oxygen sensing features.
Insider Reviews Tech Fellow
Eve was a former Tech Fellow with the Reviews team, focusing on consumer technology. She comes with background at a connected fitness tech startup, where she worked directly with consumers translating complex technological information into accessible, user-friendly material. She has also worked in public radio at WBUR Boston, where she produced segments on broadband internet access and smart-home technology. Prior to working at Insider, Eve has also worked in documentary film production for episodes of PBS' American Experience, museum operations in Prague, Czech Republic, and at a Persian/French bakery in Cambridge, MA. She double-majored in Art History and Peace and Justice Studies at Wellesley College, concentrating on visual media as it relates to representation and social activism. She was an editor for the Wellesley Review and is an Anchor Point Fellow. Reach out to her on Twitter @eve_montie.
