The best aftermarket Apple Watch bands you can buy right now

The iVAPO/eLander stainless steel link band

The Best: iVAPO/eLander's stainless steel link band

This band —  sold under various brand names —  is much like Apple's link bracelet, though it comes with a more standard clasp. It's available in silver, black, gold, and rose gold, and at press time had 77 Amazon reviews with average 4.5-star rating.

The silver variant is only available in a 42-millimeter version for $32.99, while the other colors are also available as 38-millimeter models. Gold goes for $37.68/$37.99 (38mm/42mm) compared to $37.98/$37.98 for rose gold and $36.62/$37.71 for black.

A note about quality

This should go without saying, but since we are showcasing $30 bands for a $350-and-up watch, the quality on these bands is nowhere near that of Apple's own accessories. Regardless of how you feel about the pricing on official Apple Watch bands, they were designed in tandem with the watch itself, and they fit and match the device accordingly.

We have used the top-rated, unsanctioned Apple Watch band in this list — the iVAPO/eLander stainless steel band — and while we would have no problems recommending it at its bargain price, it should be noted that the accessory does not slide into the Apple Watch as reassuringly as Apple's own bands.

Apple's site notes that "the grooves in each case are precision engineered and CNC machined to ensure a perfect fit with any band." Needless to say, cheap knock-off bands were not built with the same level of craftsmanship.

However, after sliding the band into place on the Apple Watch, we never had issues with the stainless steel accessory becoming unexpectedly unattached, and inserting the band did not leave any visible scratches or blemishes to the device itself.

As a cheap way to accessorize and differentiate your Apple Watch, we believe budget-minded consumers will be generally satisfied with this level of quality.

The Rest

Plusinno's leather band is a standard buckle-style band, available in brown or black. It comes with band adapters —  so you can swap any other watch band in —  and had 44 Amazon reviews with an average 5-star rating at press time.

Both 38-millimeter and 42-millimeter models go for $24.77 with free shipping.

Oittm's milanese loop-style band features a stainless steel mesh design similar to Apple's own milanese loop, but it uses a more traditional clasp rather than magnets. At press time, it had 183 Amazon reviews with an average 4.5-star rating.

Both 38-millimeter and 42-millimeter models go for $29.99 with free shipping.

Ottim's stainless steel folding clasp band is reminiscent of any stainless steel link band that you've ever seen, and is available in silver, black, rose gold, and gold color options. At press time, it had 183 Amazon reviews with an average 4.5-star rating.

Both 38-millimeter and 42-millimeter silver versions goes for $35.99, while gold, black, and rose gold go for $46.99. All versions are available with free shipping.

Rotibox's 24-millimeter stainless steel bracelet is a smaller link bracelet style for those who prefer narrower watch bands. At press time, it had 48 Amazon reviews with an average 4.5-star rating.

Both 38-millimeter and 42-millimeter models go for $41.99 with free shipping.

Pomarks's stainless steel band with butterfly buckle is another narrower band, available in both black and silver variants. At press time, it had 33 Amazon reviews with an average 5-star rating.

Both 38-millimeter and 42-millimeter black variants go for $38.99, while silver models go for $36.00 and all are available with free shipping.

Bonus: adapters for normal watch bands

Luvvit makes band adapters, available in both polished stainless and space black, that will allow any standard watch band to work with the Apple Watch. Just unscrew the two screws that hold the pin in place, insert the pin through the band of your choice, and screw it back into the clip mechanism.

Both 38-millimeter and 42-millimeter models go for $14.99 with free shipping.