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You probably have an Apple Watch if you have an iPhone. It is the best fitness tracker for iPhone owners. It has over a third of the market share. Even if the iterative improvements on last year's Series 7 didn't blow any minds, it's still one of the most durable, comprehensive, and comfortable connected Wearables available for the money.
I have never cracked an Apple Watch screen or case. I would consider an extended warranty plan from Apple given the high prices for watch repairs. If you turn it down, these screen protectors and cases can help prolong the life of your alarm clock, sleep tracker, and timer. We included some of our favorite accessories.
Is it still undecided which Apple Watch to get? We have a buying guide for that, and you can check out our other Apple guides.
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You may have bought an Apple Watch for its fitness features. I would like to recommend my favorite strap if that is the case. The woven nylon sport strap is comfortable and wicks sweat away from my skin. As my arms swell or shrink with activities, I can loosen or tighten the Velcro. It comes in a variety of colors that will match your watch. If you swim or do other underwater sports, you will probably be better served by the silicone sports band.
You wear a watch on your wrist. Real estate is counted every millimeter. This is my favorite bumper because it is cheap and attractive, and it protects your watch from stray bumps and bangs throughout the day. It is made from a matt thermoplastic urethane that is extremely thin and fits well on my 41-mm Series 7. The dark green color can be seen in the images on the website. I would stick with darker shades if possible, as reviews say that the lighter colors show dirt very easily. The Spigen Thin Fit is a very nice, minimal case. It is a bit pricier and the plastic is not as soft to the touch.
The most expensive screen protectors are not always the best. I tried screen protectors from Spigen and Zagg, but when I pushed or pulled a case on over it, the thin films peeled off or bubbled almost instantly. It was easy to apply and look invisible once it was on. I like the small rubber installation pad, it held the watch more securely in place than other installation plates. Even if it is easy to use, I recommend watching the short instructional video first. Even if you mess up, it includes several replacements.
I would probably wear the silver Milanese loop all the time if I didn't use the Apple Watch to track activities. It comes in a variety of colors and is made from a type of steel. The clasp is magnetic, which makes it easy to adjust the size.
Cloth straps are comfortable, but they aren't very formal. Silicone straps trap sweat. I need to wash my straps and let my wrist breathe occasionally if I don't want to get a rash. Leather isdurable. It is comfortable and will mold to your skin. It is more stylish and professional looking than either cloth or silicone.
Bluebonnet is a small Texas-based company that makes Apple Watch straps. I was impressed by the quality of the leather and the build of the Apple Watch inserts and buckle. It was perfect for my Series 7. If you have a smaller wrist, you will need to punch yourself an extra hole or two in the band. If you want to avoid using a knife, get a leather hole punch or take it to a shop.
This one from OtterBox is my favorite Silicone band I have tried. The soft-touch silicone is $10 less than the Apple version. I like the variety of colors in the band and the fact that you can match the color of your case to the color of the band. I would probably wash it and let it air out.
If you are like me, your Apple Watch is constantly pinging with notifications, with everything from text messages to map directions. If you have a protective case that doesn't fit, it can vibrate from your watch. Even if they show damage more easily, I prefer the softer cases. The best case so far is the one made from recycled plastic by Otterbox. The case has no back, which makes it easier to align the watch's back with different magnetic charging stands.
We like LifeProof's eco-friendly accessories and watch band straps and cases. The nylon strap with a buckle is not very expensive. It is made from 99 percent recycled plastic and comes in a fully-recyclable packaging. The bright colors and wave patterns make it a plus. Water.org and the Reef Coral Alliance get $1 of every purchase from LifeProof.
You may need a break-in period. I wore the strap for a week and then cinched it too tightly and cut my wrist. This is definitely a viable option if you want to make your accessories quick.
The Apple Watch has a short battery life. If you have spent a lot of time out and about, you have to carry the proprietary charger with you everywhere you go.
Satechi's power bank has a dock for the Apple Watch that you can place on the body of the bank, and you can also charge your phone next to it. The reviews editor says that the body is a little plastic, considering the price, and that you have to be careful about placement. This is a very convenient solution. For more options, read our guide.
I have tried several charging stations for the Apple Watch and was happy with the Satechi Trio. It took up a lot of space on my desk and bedside table. My favorite charging station right now is the base station from nomad. It is 4.25 x 6.5 inches, which is noticeably smaller and more elegant. The padded leather surface on my devices is much easier to use. You can be a little more flexible about placement.
I keep it on my bedside table at night and the ambient light sensor dims the LEDs when it gets dark. It charges very quickly. After 45 minutes, my Series 7 is back to 100 percent after I put it on the charger. Check out our guide to the best wireless chargers for more options.
Some of the compatible accessories for the Apple Watch are duds. I tried a few and didn't like them.
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