7 magnificent metal bands for your new Apple Watch

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metal-bands-Apple-Watch
Metal bands are the perfect Apple Watch upgrade.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

There’s no better way to upgrade your new Apple Watch than with a high-quality metal band. And there are so many terrific options out there to suit any budget.

We’ve rounded up seven of our favorites from big brands like Juuk, Speidel, and Rilee & Lo. Prices start at just $11.99

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Best metal bands for Apple Watch

Juuk-Qrono-colors
My favorite band for Apple Watch.
Photo: Juuk

Juuk Qrono

I gushed about Juuk’s outstanding Qrono band in my full review. It’s by far the best I’ve used with Apple Watch, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you have the budget, it’s a no-brainer.

What’s great about the Qrono is that it’s made from aluminum, not stainless steel, so it’s wonderfully lightweight. It also has small links that wrap around your wrist and make it delightfully comfortable.

The band is easily adjustable and hard-wearing; I’ve been using mine for around five months and it still looks as good as new. It’s also easy to take off, thanks to a simple squeeze-to-release clasp.

You can get yours in gray, obsidian, or silver from the Cult of Mac Store.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $139

juuk

Juuk Vitero

The Vitero is another aluminum option from Juuk that ticks all the right boxes. It’s inspired by classic race cars, hence its sporty design, and it’s a little more noticeable than the Qrono.

The Vitero is also lightweight and comfortable, and a joy to wear. An included tool makes it easy to remove its links for the perfect fit. And again, it uses a squeeze-to-release clasp that’s simple to open.

Get yours in granite, silver, ruby gray, and ruby silver from the Cult of Mac Store.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — from $119

Rilee & Lo spices up your Apple Watch with sexy, sleek stainless steel watch bands.
A stretch-link band for just $24?!
Photo: Rilee & Lo

Rilee & Lo Stretch-Link

If you don’t want to have to worry about removing links yourself, or even opening and closing a clasp, Rilee & Lo’s spectacular Stretch-Link band is ideal. Just slide it on and it’s good to go.

The Stretch-Link uses high-end stainless steel links that are held together by flexible strings. It’s incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, and looks particularly great when you’re dressed up in formal gear.

This band is a steal at $24. And you can currently pick up a matching Stretch-Link Bracelet for just $12 extra.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $24

Link Wiplabs
Super-smooth links that won’t pinch your skin.
Photo: Wiplabs

Wiplabs Link Bracelet

Crafted from super-sturdy 316L stainless steel, the Wiplabs Link Bracelet is built to last a lifetime. It sports smooth links that feel great against your skin, and it promises not to pinch or pull out your hairs.

This band is water- and rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it deteriorating over time. And it looks terrific in black or silver.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $69.99

Speidel-metal-Apple-Watch
Speidel knows how to make great Apple Watch bands.
Photo: Speidel

Speidel Stainless Steel

Speidel’s Stainless Steel band is a more traditional metal bracelet, with chunky links and a shiny finish. It’s brilliantly robust and ideal for those who want a weighty band they won’t forget they’re wearing.

The band ships with a link removal tool that makes it easy to adjust, and it looks great on Apple Watch. It’s available in silver or black, and it’s surprisingly affordable.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store — $39.99

Okppa-Apple-Watch-band
Just like Apple’s. A fraction of the cost.
Photo: Okppa

Okppa Stainless Steel Loop

This gorgeous stainless steel loop band is a great alternative to Apple’s, and it’s available at a fraction of the price. It’s well-made, highly adjustable, and just as sturdy as you need an Apple Watch band to be.

The band boasts a 5-star rating on Amazon and comes in a number of color options, including black, gray, silver, and rose gold. It’s also compatible with all generations of Apple Watch.

Buy from: Amazon

JETech-Apple-Watch-band
A simple stainless steel band that won’t disappoint.
Photo: JETech

JETech Stainless Steel Band

This JETech band is another that’s perfect for those going for the traditional metal band look. It’s well-built with a familiar folding clasp, and it’s easily adjustable for different wrist sizes.

The band has a 4.5-star rating after a whopping 2,400 reviews, and it’s a steal at under $30.

Buy from: Amazon

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