The Apple Watch Series 8 offers exceptional health features, such as its temperature sensor, irregular heart rhythm notification, ECG app, blood oxygen app, and always-on display. One of the most enjoyable parts of buying a new watch is choosing an Apple Watch band or two to personalize the watch to your favorite color, outfit, or mood.
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If you have a band from a previous model that you love, it may be compatible with the Series 8. According to Apple, bands for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases work for all three of those sizes; bands for 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases work for all three of that group. Keep in mind that the Series 8 comes in 41mm or 45mm.
While reusing old bands is always an option, a new Apple Watch could also mean a style refresh. Here are the best Apple Watch Series 8 bands out there, for the price-savvy, quality-seeking, eco-friendly customer.
Also: The 5 best Apple Watch models
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made of recycled plastics
- Comfortable
- Washable
- Breathable
Cons
- A reviewer pointed out that it's a little bulkier than their V1 model
More Details
Features:
- Compatible sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm
- Material: Recycled plastics
- Selling points: Washable and swim-proof
- Price: $36
This protective Apple Watch band is made from woven recycled polyester, meaning recycled single-use plastic like water bottles. The band is washable for infinite washes and it dries quickly. Your swim-proof Series 8 has a soulmate in this band, which happens to be perfect for swimming too. The fabric is silky, flexible, and breathable. It stretches, molds to your wrist, and doesn't detach easily. The price point on this watch is unbeatable and its other models are worth checking out too.
For each band sold, Braxley Bands plants one tree. The band ships from Texas on the day you order it.
Features:
- Compatible sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm
- Material: Flaxstic®, which is compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw
- Selling points: Waterproof, flexible, durable
- Price: $49.95
Six colors to choose from and all of them are compostable: Welcome to the Pela band. The company that made a name for itself with innovative phone cases extends its reach to watch bands too. This strap ships to you in recyclable, plastic-free packaging and biodegrades in a home composting environment or industrial composting facility when you're done using it. It's verified for child safety standards and is responsibly made without phthalates, BPA, cadmium, and lead.
more buying choices
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Buckle for a secure fit
- Fade-resistant
- Made of ocean plastic yarn
- Donation included with purchase
- Includes 1-year warranty
Cons
- Lack of tonality variation
More Details
Features:
- Compatible sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm
- Material: 99% ocean plastic yarn
- Selling points: Water-resistant, fade-resistant, swim-proof
- Price: $21.99
This band is frequently sold out on Amazon, with good reason: It comes to you in recyclable packaging and it's made with 99% ocean plastic yarn. Luckily, a few of the colors have been restocked, including Sea Moss, Trident, and Ocean Amulet. These colors are two-toned and woven into a wave pattern. That's the only downside to this band -- if you're more of a single-tone person, you'll have to find a two-tone option that matches your preferences. The bright side is that each option combines cohesively: If you want a blue band, you would go for Trident, and if you wanted a black band, you would go for Midnight Zone. Each watch has a buckle closure that's secure and snug.
LifeProof donates $1 to one of its nonprofit partners with every purchase.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comfortable material
- Protects the strap from common bacteria
- Wide range of colors
- Water and sweat do not stay under this band
- More size adjustment holes than the standard Apple option
Cons
- Some of the color choices could be improved
More Details
Features:
- Compatible sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm
- Material: Durable soft silicone
- Selling points: Antimicrobial, sweatproof, breathable
- Price: $26.10
This band has built-in antimicrobial protection, a standout feature. It keeps up with sweaty workouts and constant handwashing with its soft yet durable silicone material. Some reviewers likened the feeling of wearing this band to that of wearing a cloud. It's breathable to the max, easy to adjust, and buckles in snugly to your wrist with its quality buckle, lug, and clasp.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- High-quality wood
- The best Apple Watch band for sensitive skin
- Comes with pin removal tool
Cons
- May be snug or too tight for larger wrists
More Details
Features:
- Compatible sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm
- Material: High-quality wood
- Selling points: Hypoallergenic and polished
- Price: $28.99
High-quality wood types, including bamboo, maple, and walnut, combine into this unique watch strap. Each link is polished and perfected to suit sensitive skin, and each band has its own unique wood grain. The strap comes with a pin removal tool so that you can easily adjust the length. There are two color options, dark bamboo (pictured) and light bamboo, and both come with a silver clasp.
What is the best Apple Watch Series 8 band?
Here are the top five best Series 8 bands, along with their prices, compositions, and key features.
Apple Watch Series 8 band | Price | Made of... | Highlights |
Braxley Bands Earth V2 | $28 | Recycled plastics | Washable and swim-proof |
Pela Vine Band | $49.95 | Flaxstic®, a compostable bioplastic and flax straw material | Waterproof, flexible, durable |
LifeProof Eco-Friendly Band | $21.99 | 99% ocean plastic yarn | Water-resistant, fade-resistant, swim-proof |
Otterbox All Day Band | $26.10 | Durable, soft silicone | Antimicrobial, sweatproof, breathable |
EdwardKwok Wooden Watch Band | $28.99 | High-quality wood | Hypoallergenic and polished |
Which is the right Apple Watch Series 8 band for you?
Each of these bands is uniquely functional. Based on your life and needs, you might prioritize something like a compostable band over a leather band, or a swim-proof band over a metal Apple Watch band.
Here's a table of use cases for each of our favorite Apple Watch bands:
Choose thisApple Watch Series 8 band… | If you want… |
Braxley Bands Earth V2 | Swimproof, breathable quality |
Pela Vine Band | Compostable, soft comfort |
LifeProof Eco Friendly Band | Woven ocean yarn quality |
Otterbox All Day Band | Antimicrobial protection and comfort |
EdwardKwok Wooden Watch Band | Hypoallergenic wood |
How did we choose these Apple Watch Series 8 bands?
I chose these watch bands based on the following criteria and questions:
- Quality: Is the watch band breathable and comfortable? Does the Apple Watch strap retain moisture?
- Price: Is the band for your Apple Watch affordable? We wanted to offer a variety of band options, such as hook and loop fastener and an Apple sport band, but also be mindful of costs.
- Functionality: Can someone take off this band easily before they dive into the water -- or better yet, can they take this band with them?
- Materials: Apple's ethos includes environmental sustainability. If a customer bought an Apple Watch, they're presumably on board with environmentally-friendly initiatives. Does this band material align with sustainability?
How do I change out my band?
Apple Watch bands are designed to be easily removed and swapped. There's a band release button on the back of the watch face, and pressing it can allow you to easily slide out the band. When you slide in the new band, you should hear a click. For more detailed instructions, please check the Apple website.
How do I figure out the size of the dial?
On the back of your Apple Watch, you should see either a 41mm case specification or a 45mm case -- this is if you have the Series 8.
Also: Apple Watch 8 review
There are four other specifications that align with other models: 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, and 44mm. Knowing the size of your dial is important when purchasing a band because it'll help you figure out how you want your band to look in relation to the dial.
Do Apple Watch bands fit all series?
It depends on the sizing. You can use a band made for the Apple Watch from the first generation until the latest on whichever Apple Watch model you have as long as the band falls under compatible sizing.According to Apple:
- Bands for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases work for all three of those sizes
- Bands for 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases work for all three of those sizes.
The Series 8 comes in 41mm or 45mm.
Are there alternative Apple Watch Series 8 bands worth considering?
Absolutely. Depending on your personal tastes, you might find another band more to your liking. Here are a few honorable mentions:
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Introducing Apple Watch Series 8 Bands
As an enthusiast and expert in technology, particularly in Apple products, I can confidently provide information and insights about the Apple Watch Series 8 and its bands. With a deep understanding of Apple's ecosystem and a wealth of knowledge on the latest features and accessories, I can help you make informed decisions when it comes to personalizing your Apple Watch.
In this article, the author discusses various Apple Watch Series 8 bands, highlighting their features, materials, and prices. I will provide information related to the concepts mentioned in the article, including the health features of the Apple Watch Series 8 and the different bands available.
Apple Watch Series 8 Health Features
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers exceptional health features that are designed to monitor and improve your well-being. These features include:
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Temperature Sensor: The Apple Watch Series 8 is equipped with a temperature sensor that allows you to monitor your body temperature throughout the day. This can be particularly useful for detecting fever or changes in body temperature.
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Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification: The watch can notify you if it detects an irregular heart rhythm, which could be a sign of atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions.
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ECG App: With the ECG app, you can take an electrocardiogram right from your wrist. This feature is capable of detecting abnormal heart rhythms and can provide valuable data for your healthcare professional.
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Blood Oxygen App: The blood oxygen app measures the oxygen saturation levels in your blood, giving you insights into your overall health and fitness.
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Always-On Display: The Apple Watch Series 8 features an always-on display, allowing you to easily glance at the time, your notifications, and health information without needing to raise your wrist.
These health features make the Apple Watch Series 8 an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize their well-being and want to keep track of their health data effortlessly.
Apple Watch Series 8 Bands
Personalizing your Apple Watch is one of the most enjoyable aspects of owning one. The article discusses several bands that are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 8. Here are some details about the bands mentioned:
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Braxley Bands Earth V2: Made of recycled plastics, this band is comfortable, washable, and breathable. It is available in various sizes and is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 8. The price of this band is $36.
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Pela Vine Band: This band is made of Flaxstic®, a compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw material. It is waterproof, flexible, and durable. Each band is shipped in recyclable, plastic-free packaging and is designed to biodegrade in a home composting environment or industrial composting facility. The price of this band is $49.95.
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LifeProof Eco Friendly Band: Made with 99% ocean plastic yarn, this band is water-resistant, fade-resistant, and swim-proof. It comes in a wave pattern design and offers a range of colors. The price of this band is $21.99.
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Otterbox All Day Band: This band is made of durable soft silicone and features built-in antimicrobial protection. It is sweatproof, breathable, and comes in a wide range of colors. The price of this band is $26.10.
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EdwardKwok Wood Watch Strap: Made of high-quality wood, such as bamboo, maple, or walnut, this band is hypoallergenic and polished. It comes with a pin removal tool for easy adjustment. The price of this band is $28.99.
These bands offer a variety of features, materials, and price points, allowing you to choose the one that suits your style and preferences.
Choosing the Right Apple Watch Series 8 Band
When selecting an Apple Watch Series 8 band, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Here are some use cases for each of the mentioned bands:
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Braxley Bands Earth V2: Ideal for those who prioritize swimproof and breathable quality.
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Pela Vine Band: Suitable for individuals who value compostable materials and soft comfort.
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LifeProof Eco Friendly Band: A great choice for those who prefer bands made from ocean plastic yarn and want water resistance.
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Otterbox All Day Band: Perfect for users who desire antimicrobial protection and comfortable material.
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EdwardKwok Wood Watch Strap: Recommended for individuals with sensitive skin who prefer high-quality wood bands.
By considering these factors, you can choose the Apple Watch Series 8 band that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Alternative Apple Watch Series 8 Bands
In addition to the bands mentioned in the article, there are other bands worth considering for your Apple Watch Series 8. Here are a few honorable mentions:
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Ouheng 100% Genuine Leather Band: This band offers a classic and stylish look, made from genuine leather. It is available at a more affordable price point.
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Stretchy Solo Loop Bands: These bands provide a snug and comfortable fit, thanks to their stretchy design. They are available in various colors and offer a more casual look.
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Nike Sport Band for Apple Watch: Designed for active individuals, these sport bands are durable, lightweight, and available in vibrant colors. They are a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts.
These alternative bands offer different styles and materials, providing options for a wide range of preferences.
Conclusion
With the Apple Watch Series 8, you can enjoy exceptional health features and personalize your watch with a variety of bands. By understanding the features and characteristics of each band, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right one for your Apple Watch. Whether you prioritize functionality, sustainability, or style, there are bands available to suit your needs. Remember to consider factors such as comfort, price, functionality, and materials when selecting a band.
