When it comes to wearables like smartwatches and fitness bands there are a few ways that you can customize them. Of course, you have the software options like choosing wallpaper backgrounds, custom watchfaces and display content, but we’re more interested in the physical side of customization this time around.
Most devices — such as the Moto 360, Pebble and more — allow you to personalize them by installing a custom wristband. That is, you can remove the stock wristband completely and swap it out with one of your own choosing, be it leather, stainless steel or polyurethane. This is awesome because it also allows you to tailor the device for the kinds of things you’re going to use it for.
For instance, you might want to use the Moto 360 as a fitness tracker but that slick, stainless steel band is going to get scuffed up, dirty and downright uncomfortable while you sweat. Knowing that, you could easily remove the stock band and replace it with a rubbery polyurethane one that’s more friendly for exercise activities.
Finding the best of the best is always a real chore, which is why we decided to scour the internet to find some of the best wristbands for smartwatches, fitness bands and wearables.
The Best Wristbands for Smartwatches, Fitness Bands and Wearables
Whether you’re looking for something to better compliment your style, or a wristband that’s more comfortable to wear, we got you covered.
Keep in mind, when it comes to wristbands for smartwatches each device has it’s own restrictions and dimensions, which means that it’s possible some of the ones we talk about here are not going to apply to your device. That said, you should be able to easily find something similar if not exactly like it.
Hirsch Sailcloth Effect Performance Strap
This bad boy is available in 20, 22, or 24mm sizes which means you should be able to choose the one that best fits your device. It’s comprised of a calf leather material with the unique “sailcloth” finish that is both scuff and scratch resistant. It’s waterproof up to 985 feet (300m) and durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear.
What’s most interesting about the design is the solid black body with colored stitchings. The two colors offer a nice contrast that looks remarkable on the wrist. Of course, you’ll want either a solid black or stainless steel watch to go along with this band, although admittedly stainless steel might not mesh completely.
There are several color variations to choose from including red, orange, yellow and blue. As an added option, you can choose between a silver, matte steel or black finish for the buckle.
This strap will set you back £69.00 or roughly $107 USD.
Dodo Premium Leather Strap
The Dodo Premium Leather strap is an official band for the Moto 360. However, since the Moto 360 uses a standard 22mm strap size it should fit just fine on a wide variety of devices. It’s comprised of high-quality Pergamena leather, and it looks absolutely stunning. What’s most important, is that it’s extremely comfortable on the wrist.
You can pick up one of these for $59.99 through the official Motorola website, in one of several colors: blue, green, red and tan (yes they’re all leather).
Truffol Replacement Band for Pebble
The Truffol Replacement Band was designed specifically for Pebble smartwatches, however it comes in a 22mm size so it should work fine with most others on the market. It’s one of the most suitable stainless steel wristbands for smartwatches we could find.
It’s comprised of brushed stainless steel links, with buffed accents for style. It comes bundled with a band removal fork and link remover for free, which is always a plus.
This watchband will set you back about $40 at regular price.
Phalanx Black Canvas Strap
If you don’t like full leather, rubber or plastic style bands then this one might be for you. The Phalanx Black Canvas is padded and backed with leather, however the face of the band is a unique cloth canvas. It includes two keepers — the small band that the strap slides into — one sewn and the other floating. The buckle is made of a brushed stainless steel.
The Phalanx wriststrap comes in three sizes: 18, 20, and 22mm. You can also find it in an olive drab color if you don’t like the black.
All of the Phalanx canvas bands no matter the size will set you back $32.
Assorted Fossil Straps for Ladies
Now ladies, we know how difficult it is finding wearable devices that match your excellent style. Let’s face it, some of the smartwatches and wearables out there are just way too masculine looking. That said, it doesn’t matter what brand smartwatch you have, if it offers support for custom wristbands then you’re in luck.
Check out these assorted women’s Fossil wristbands that would work great for smartwatches. All of them cost about $25, which means they won’t break the bank and there are dozens of designs and styles to choose from. Of course, finding one that best matches your smartwatch might be something of a chore but we have confidence in you.
Sizes range all the way from 14 to 20mm, though the smaller sizes won’t fit most wearables.
Sony’s Wristbands for SmartWatches
Sometimes the best thing to do is to take inspiration directly from another device. In this case, we’re going right to the source and recommending Sony’s official wristbands for SmartWatches. It happens to be one of the best flexible rubber bands out there, and it’s downright comfortable (seriously, give it a try). To add to that, the rubber works out great for outdoor and exercise activities that have you breaking a sweat.
Sony offers the band in several colors including grey, black, mint, pink, purple and turquoise. It’s also $20 at it’s normal price, so it’s more than reasonable for a replacement or additional band.
Heavy Mesh Stainless Wristband for Smartwatches
Strapped for Time is a great place to look for replacement wristbands for smartwatches and wearables. If you haven’t been there before there are tons of different styles, band types and sizes to choose from.
One of our favorites is the Heavy Mesh Stainless Steel wristband that would look fantastic with most smartwatches. It’s comprised of a mesh based stainless steel, that looks a lot like chainmail (bonus geek points awarded). It’s available in 18, 20 and 22mm sizes and even includes the spring pins for an additional $2.
As for the price, it’s a reasonable $36.95 for one of these.
GasGasBones Aquatimer Strap
GasGasBones has some excellent replacement bands and watch straps available. We chose one of their more promising nylon straps, the Aquatimer. Keep in mind these are handmade in England, so they may take a while longer to get to you after ordering.
The Aquatimer strap is made for diving. It comes in 20, 22 and 24mm sizes in the colors black, tan, green and blue. When ordering you can choose a wrist size that best matches your wrist, the color, the lug size and also whether or not you want additional springbars.
This wristband is £17.00 or about $27 USD.
Do You Have Any Wristbands for Smartwatches to Recommend?
That’s our list! Now that you have seen our custom picks, what do you think? Do you like the wristbands for smartwatches that we’ve included or is there something missing? Do you know of a few additional wristbands that work or look great? Feel free to share below!