The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built for the outdoors, featuring a rugged, durable design, multi-day battery life, and an ultra-bright screen. It's one of the best Apple Watches but only delivers on that utility if it's sporting a suitable band. Though new purchases come with one of Apple's options, you can easily swap for something else.
Some of our favorites include the Nomad Rugged Band. This strap is made of durable rubber, uses stainless steel buckles, and features a breathable, lightweight design. We also like the Apple Trail Loop. This classic Ultra band is made of soft nylon that's breathable and comfortable, especially while active.
Below are 12 of the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands including picks from Nomad, Zagg, and Apple. There's a variety of leather, titanium, nylon, and durable rubber to choose from, and they can fit anyone's style. For picks suited to the Series 9 or SE, see our guide to the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands.
Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands
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Staff Pick
A quality trail companion
The Trail Loop from Apple has a woven nylon design that's lightweight and durable, and great for users who spend time hiking or cycling.
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Staff Pick
For divers, surfers, and kayakers
Surfers, kayakers, and swimmers need the Ocean Band from Apple. It's made of comfortable, durable rubber and is elastic making it easy to slip on over a wetsuit sleeve.
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Staff Pick
Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear
The All Day Comfort Microbial band from Otterbox is one of the most comfortable bands we've worn, featuring soft, durable rubber that's pleasant to wear even during intense workouts. It also comes in 11 different colors to fit anyone’s style.
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A rugged watch needs a rugged band
The Rugged Band uses durable, waterproof elastomer, features stainless steel buckles, and has a comfortable, yet snug, fit.
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A rugged strap that's easy to take on and off
Urban Armor Gear's band has a hook-and-loop clasp system, making it easy to find a snug, secure fit. It's also made of nylon, giving it a highly durable edge.
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No seams for the perfect all-day fit
The Alpine Loop from Apple has a woven design that's essentially one continuous band. This helps reduce chafing and hot spots, and it's available in three color options.
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A silicone band with plenty of color options
This band from Barton is made of durable silicone which is perfect for the Ultra-wearing gym-goer. Plus, it's available in 19 different colorways which goes great with anyone's personal style.
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Nylon utility on a budget
The Spigen DuraPro Flex is a premium woven nylon band for under $30. It also features an easy-to-use buckle clasp and uses durable and lightweight fabric.
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Vintage leather for the Ultra 2
The Ultra 2 also looks great outfitted in leather and this band from Bandwerk gives off a truly vintage leather style that goes perfectly with the Ultra 2.
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Stylish, durable titanium
The Nomad Titanium Band does a great job of classing up the Ultra 2 when it isn't in the backcountry. It's designed with heavy-duty yet lightweight titanium that's both stylish and tough.
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Durably rugged recycled nylon
Zagg may be a screen protector brand but it also makes premium Apple Watch bands. The Highland is a quality nylon strap that's perfect for bike rides, hikes, and outdoor runs.
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A comfortable active band that’s stylish enough for the office
Urban Armor Gear’s Apple Watch Band is a perfect Ultra 2 companion as it features durable yet soft silicone, a stainless steel clasp, and a textured interior for a comfortable, secure fit.
What to consider when shopping for the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 band
The most important thing to keep in mind while shopping is how you intend to use your Apple Watch Ultra 2. For example, if you plan on using it for outdoor activities only, you probably shouldn't invest in a leather band as your daily go-to. Instead, something made of woven nylon or rubber would be best.
However, leather bands are a solid choice for Ultra 2 users who want a band they can swap to while in the office or out to dinner. The same goes for metal bands.
You'll also want to ensure that if you're buying a third-party band, it comes from a reputable company. Brands like Nomad or Otterbox are well-known and respected, so it's more likely that whatever you buy from them will be of higher quality.
FAQs
What are the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands?
Ultimately, this depends on your own personal preference and use case. There are several quality Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands made of various materials that are perfect for a range of users. Athletes may want something made of rubber or nylon, while those who want to add more style to the wearable can opt for leather or metal.
Can the Ultra 2 use any Apple Watch band?
Yes, so long as it's the right size. Make sure to double-check the sizing of any band you buy for the Ultra 2, and that it can fit with the watch's 49mm case. Many of the best Apple Watch bands vary in size and are intended more for the Series 9 or SE.
Do keep in mind that any band compatible with the original Apple Watch Ultra will also work with the Ultra 2. This means that any of the best Apple Watch Ultra bands can also be considered Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands.
Is it better to buy a band from Apple band or a third-party option?
This depends on the third party. Apple's in-house options are known for their durability and are among the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands you can buy, but there are still several third-party brands that are trusted.
An easy way to decipher which third-party brand is reliable to buy from is whether you recognize the brand name or not. Of course, even known third-party brands may offer the occasional sub-par product, but a good rule of thumb while shopping is to buy from trusted companies.
Are Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands more durable than other Apple Watch bands?
They can be, yes. Many Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands are designed to hold up to extreme wear and tear and are sometimes more durable in construction than those intended for the Apple Watch Series 9. This isn't always the case, though, as even the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands are highly durable.
Can you use an Apple Watch Series 9 band with the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Yes and no. Some bands that are sized for the smaller case size of the Apple Watch Series 9 will not work for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Similarly, bands sized for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will likely be too big for some Series line models. It's important to check the sizing of both the watch band you're purchasing and your Apple Watch to confirm the correct fit.
Fitness Tech Editor, Insider Reviews
Rick Stella is the fitness tech editor for the Insider Reviews team. He reviews and reports on all forms of wearables like activity trackers and smartwatches, as well as a variety of other fitness-related wearables. Rick has over ten years of experience covering the verticals of health & fitness, outdoors, and consumer technology.When he's not putting digital pen to digital paper, Rick enjoys seeing live music, playing soccer, catching up on Netflix shows, and riding his bike. An Oregonian for much of his life, Rick now resides in Brooklyn, NY.He can be reached at rstella@businessinsider.com or on Twitter @RickStella.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test health, fitness, and outdoor products.
