The Best Apple Watch Accessories to Enhance Your Wristwear (2024)

Since the release of the first Apple Watch in the Spring of 2015, the Silicon Valley powerhouse has steadily refined its digital timepiece, introducing a growing number of onboard sensors and injectingthe modern smartwatchwith an ever-growing number of features and functions. And though the Apple Watch already offers an immense amount of utility right out of the box, when it’s equipped with the right add-ons, it’s capable of lending itself to an even wider range of uses and applications, from surfing to motorcycle riding.

With the benefit of a half-decade for third-party manufacturers to develop and produce various upgrades and offerings for the Apple Watch, the cutting-edge smartwatch now boasts an enormous array of cases, chargers, bands, and other items made specifically for the Apple-branded product. From bracelets that add style points toruggedized protective casesthat transform the watch into a bonafide piece of mil-spec hardware, below we’ll be counting down our picks for the best Apple Watch accessories.

how did Apple Watch accessories get popular?

There’s no denying that the Apple Watch is a cutting-edge piece of gear, it was primarily developed for what we’d describe as a fairly uneventful day-to-day existence. It offers an enormous amount of convenience and manages to cram an impressive amount of tech into such a compact package, however, it wasn’t designed to withstand much abuse. This is particularly unfortunate considering one of the Apple Watch’s main selling points is its ability to temporarily replace your smartphone, allowing you to stay connected toyour GPS directions, music playback control, calls, and texts, without having to carry a phone on your person.

Because of this, a myriad of aftermarket companies has produced an array of different protective cases for the Apple Watch, engineered specifically to house the Apple gadget and fortify it from impacts or the elements. Likewise, there are also dozens of bracelets and bands that are designed to stand up to more abusive situations than your average daily commute entails.

Why Do you need Apple Watch accessories?

Whilethe customizableface does allow for some personalization options, as a whole, the stock Apple Watch doesn’t offer much in the way of self-expression. The bands offered by Apple don’t do much to help this situation either. Luckily, regardless of your personal style preferences, there’s no shortage of attractive aftermarket bands available through third-party manufacturers, from rugged military-style NATO bands to elegant metal H-link bracelets.

Lastly, there are also Apple Watch accessories designed to make ownership easier or more convenient, through the use of more mobile-friendly charging devices, organized storage and transportation solutions, and so on. No matter your routine, there’s almost certainly an Apple Watch accessory that lends itself to your lifestyle.

what to look for

Now that you have a decent understanding of why you should consider upgrading your Apple Watch and a few of the different types of accessories that are currently available, let’s explore some of the finer points to consider when in the market for Apple Watch accessories.

Material:Whether it’s a band or a protective outer case, an accessory’s durability and ability to protect the watch will largely boil down to the type of construction used. Considering these cases are literally protecting your investment—of at least $400 for the latest Series 6 generation—it’s well worth paying attention tothe material(s) used. Manufacturers that use quality materials will very seldom fail to advertise or mention that in an item’s description.

Protection:This is a fairly important area, as it pertains to the level of protection afforded by an Apple Watch case. This can be in regards to water or weatherproofing, as well as drops and impacts. And while it isn’t too difficult to find a case that affords robust protection, you want one that still allows for complete functionality and one that doesn’t provide protection at the cost of being unreasonably bulky or cumbersome.

Utility:In addition to the possible applications afforded by a better-protected Apple Watch, some accessories are able to allow for even more functionality. This can be turning alaptop or tablet—or even a keychain–into a charging station, or providing a means of organizing charging cables, bands, and other smartwatch peripherals.

Style:The Apple Watch has a fairly simple and understated aesthetic designed to blend in more than it was to turn heads. By opting for a new bracelet or case from a third-party company you can make the watch your own, adding your own personal stylistic touches through your choice of material, color, buckle, finish, and so on.

Manufacturer:It can be extremely difficult to get a sense of fit and finish and overall quality merely through photos and an online description. This is especially important when dealing with leather items and other accessories where attention to detail and craftsmanship hugely affect the end product. So, while it usually does come at a bit of a financial premium, opting to go with a more reputablehigh-end brand, is usually a great way to ensure you’re getting a quality, well-made product.

Lookseven Watch Strap Connector

Best Strap Connector: Sometimes, the most simple and straightforward accessory designs are also the most useful, case in point is this affordable little add-on from Lookseven. This item acts as a strap connector for the Apple Watch Series 1-8, allowing you to swap bands, thereby opening up the door to near-endless style and bracelet possibilities. Sold in six colors, this product is made from stainless steel, is compatible with all quick-releaseApple Watch straps, and is secured via an easy-to-use spring configuration.

Compatible Models: Ultra, Series 1-8
Material: Stainless steel

elago W3 Stand

Best Retro Stand: For all of you retro Apple fans out there, this stand from elago is designed to look like an old Apple monitor, and it’s compatible with every Apple Watch model and size. The screen of your watch fits perfectly in the screen, and you’ll have your own mini monitor to enjoy. It’s also made with scratch-resistant silicone, so you don’t have to worry about scuffing it up, and it makes the perfect gift for any Apple fan.

Compatible Models: Series 1-8
Material: Silicone
Ports: 1 USB

Otterbox Exo Edge

Best Clear Case: As one of the aftermarket brands most frequently recommended (and sold) directly by Apple, it’s hard to go wrong with almost anything made by OtterBox, and the Fort Collins company’s Exo Edge Case for the Apple Watch is far from an exception. Offered in seven colors and compatible with stainless steel, aluminum, andtitanium housings, this premium case sports a solid raised-bezel design with smooth bumpers that protect the display. Furthermore, the design of the case itself was also penned to complement the design language of the Apple Watch, with a clear option to enhance this even more.

Compatible Models: Series 7-8
Material:Polycarbonate and TPE
Protection:Smooth bumper, solid bezel

Twelve South ActionBand

Best Case for Working Out: The ActionBand from Twelve South kicks the Apple Watch’s workout-friendly features up a notch, with a soft and stretchy cotton band that’s designed for working out. Although this case is supremely comfortable, it’s still kept protected by a frame that locks the watch in place. If you want to adjust the strap, the construction allows you to move it up to your forearm, and it even comes with an extra wristband to keep your other hand dry during workouts.

Compatible Models: Series 4-8, SE
Material: Terry cotton

DSPTCH Apple Fidlock Watch Strap

Best Strap: Undoubtedly one of the coolest Apple Watch accessories currently on the market, this strap bestows the smartwatch with a more tactical band and buckle setup. Replacing the standard strap is a 3/4″ herringbone nylon webbing item that’s now secured via a quick-releasing, magnetic Fidlock Hook 20 Flat Buckle. Furthering themilitary-inspired feelof this item is the array of mil-spec colors the band is offered in, including coyote, OD green, multi-camo, and safety orange, just to name a few.

Compatible Models: SE (44mm)
Material: 20mm herringbone nylon webbing
Hardware: Fidlock hook 20 flat buckle

Satechi USB C Magnetic Charging Dock

Best Charging Dock: For as widely adopted and ubiquitous as the Apple Watch has become, finding somewhere to charge the smartwatch when you’re away from your home or office can be tricky. Rather than schleppingaround charging cables, Satechi has introduced a clever charging solution that transforms any laptop or mobile device with a USB-C port into a 5W Qi charger for the Apple Watch. This portable charger is MFi-certified, boasts a magnetic charging module, and sports an aluminum finish.

Compatible Models: Series 1-8, SE
Connection Type:USB-C

Nightwatch Magnifying Clock Dock

Best Nightstand Attachment: While the convenience of the Apple Watch is well understood at this point, sometimes the size of the screen can make it hard to read from afar (especially if you’re just waking up). This dome-shaped magnifying attachment makes your screen appear bigger, letting you use your Apple Watch like a normal clock while it’s charging/resting. You can simply tap the top of the dome, and your watch will wake up.

Compatible Models: Series 1-8
MagSafe?: Yes

Satechi Quatro Wireless Power Bank

Best Power Bank: For those looking for a compact means of juicing up their Apple Watch on the go, you really can’t do much better than Satechi’s Quatro Wireless Power Bank. Equipped with a potent 10,000mAh battery—enough to fully replenish an Apple Watch’s battery multiple times over—this fast charging bank features a sleek and travel-ready design that’s powerful yet portable. And, because this power bank can be recharged via any USB port, finding somewhere to charge it is a breeze.

Capacity:10,000 mAh
Connection Type: USB-C
Features: Fast charging

Nomad Base One Max

Best MagSafe Charger: This MFi-certified MagSafe portable charger from Nomad gives you 15W of wireless charging power that works with any Apple Watch model (and it can even charge your phone). It comes in this sleek black metal and glass design that will blend in pretty much anywhere, with a weighty body that’ll keep your devices secure. So if you need the perfect desk or nightstand charging companion, this is worth a look.

Power:15W
Material: Metal and glass

AURA Strap 2

Best Health Tracking Case: We all know how great the health-tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch are, but it never hurts to monitor your workouts and health with more functions. In comes the Aura 2, a case designed to work in tandem with Apple’s HealthKit, and enhance your workouts with detailed reports and tracking. This case also provides you with personalized workout advice based on your body and exclusive content through Aura’s app.

Compatible Models: Series 1-8, SE
Features: Water-resistant, syncs with Apple Health, stretchable strap, personalized fitness tracking
Battery Life: Up to 6 months

Nomad Titanium Band

Best Titanium Band: An understated yet thoroughly top-shelf classic metal band constructed from genuinehigh-grade titanium, NOMAD’s Titanium Band is a lightweight, yet highly durable and corrosion-resistant bracelet that is compatible with every generation of the Apple Watch. Also offered in an all-black variant, this band features 20 titanium links—which can be removed or adjusted via the included tool sold with this item—and buckles with custom stainless steel lugs. The use of titanium for the clasp also allows it to be incredibly thin without being prone to bending under stress.

Compatible Models: Ultra (49mm), Series 1-8, SE
Material: Grade 2 titanium
Features: DLC scratch-resistant, adjustable length, magnetic clasp

Wristcam Video Watch Band

Best Camera Band: Want the fun and portability of an action camera (almost) in the palm of your hand without having to hold it? Then the Wristcam Video Watch Band is at your service. It houses an 8MP outward-facing camera capable of 4K images and 1080p video, a 2MP selfie camera, and comes with 8GB of built-in storage. It also has IP68-rated water and dust resistance, so you can take it on adventures to capture POV footage without worrying about damage. Also, if you’re traveling and need to join a live video chat, the selfie camera lets you work from more places.

Compatible Models: 42/44/45mm
Storage:8GB
Cameras: 8MP capable of 4K images and 1080p videos, 2MP selfie camera
Connection Types: Bluetooth and WiFi
Features:IP68 water and dust resistance