The best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands match the watch’s outdoor capabilities with rugged designs for active use.

Below are some of the top options from Apple and trusted brands like Nomad, Zagg, and Otterbox. There’s a variety of leather, titanium, nylon, and rubber options to choose from, and they can fit anyone’s style. 

Among the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands, our top pick is the Nomad Rugged band, a strap made of durable rubber with stainless steel buckles and a breathable, lightweight design. For a budget option, we recommend the sturdy and affordable Spigen DuraPro Flex band.

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• The Nomad Rugged Band compliments the rugged watch with a durable, waterproof elastomer, features stainless steel buckles, and has a comfortable, yet snug, fit.

• The Trail Loop from Apple has a woven nylon design that’s lightweight yet hardwearing and great for users who spend time hiking or cycling.

• The Spigen DuraPro Flex is a premium woven nylon band for under $30. It also features an easy-to-use buckle clasp and uses a tough yet lightweight fabric.

• Aquatic-minded Ultra 2 users 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.

• 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.

• The All Day Comfort Microbial band from Otterbox is one of the most comfortable bands we’ve worn, featuring soft, sturdy rubber that’s pleasant to wear even during intense workouts. It also comes in 11 different colors to fit anyone’s style.

• 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 an edge for durability.

• 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 style.

• 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.

• 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.

• Zagg may be a screen protector brand, but it also makes premium Apple Watch bands. The Highland is a quality nylon strap perfect for bike rides, hikes, and outdoor runs.

• Urban Armor Gear’s Apple Watch Band is a perfect Ultra 2 companion. It features durable yet soft silicone, a stainless steel clasp, and a textured interior for a comfortable, secure fit.

What to consider when shopping

The most important thing to keep in mind while shopping is how you intend to use your Apple Watch Ultra 2, the best Apple Watch for outdoor use. 

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 is a solid choice for users who want something 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? 

This depends on your own personal preference and use case. There are many 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. 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 withstand extreme wear and tear and are sometimes more durable in construction than those intended for the Apple Watch Series 9. However, this isn’t always the case since plenty of Series 9 bands are also highly durable.

Can you use an Apple Watch Series 9 band with the Apple Watch Ultra 2? 

Yes and no. Some bands 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.

For picks suited to the Series 9, see our guide to the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands.