Featured in this article
Best Sport BandNike Sport LoopRead more$49
Apple
Best Charging StandBelkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging StandRead more$110 $100 (9% off)Amazon
Best Portable ChargerAnker MagGo Power Bank for Apple WatchRead more$90 $63 (30% off)Amazon
Best Apple Watch CaseHontao Ultra Thin CaseRead more$8Amazon
It's a great time to buy an Apple Watch. In fact, if you have an iPhone, you probably already have one. It's the best smartwatch and the best fitness tracker for iPhone owners. It dominates the smartwatch category, and Apple just upgraded all three models in the lineup.
It's also one of the easiest and most fun Apple products to accessorize. There are tons of different watch faces and bands to swap in and out for different moods. Screen protectors, cases, and straps can help extend the life of your watch; they can also help dress your wearable up or down. To make your search easier, here are the best Apple Watch accessories that we at WIRED have tested firsthand. I also suggest getting AppleCare, which is the company's extended warranty plan, given that service pricing for watch repairs is exorbitant.
Still haven’t decided which model to get? Read our Best Apple Watch guide, and check out our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers and Best Apple Watch Bands for more smart accessories.
Updated April 2026: I refined our picks and added new products, including the Anker MagGo Power Bank. I added an Honorable Mentions section and updated product information, prices, and links.
Jump toAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronBest Sport Band
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Nike
Sport Loop
$49Apple
When you buy your Apple Watch, you get to choose which band you get at checkout. Both WIRED editor Adrienne So and I find textile and metal (stainless steel or titanium) bands to be more comfortable and fashionable than fluoroelastomer bands, which tend to be rigid and can irritate your skin. I love the Nike Sport Loop so much that it's been my everyday band for six years, and I ended up buying it in two colors: navy blue and black. Made from recycled polyester, Spandex, and nylon, it's soft, breathable, and easy to hand-wash. The Velcro pull tab makes it as adjustable as a band can get, and it's easy to fasten with one hand. Apple doesn't advertise any water resistance, but I've swum with it multiple times; after rinsing it off and letting it air dry, it looked brand new. The yarn is reflective if you're running at night, though it is subtle.
It comes in five colors and three case sizes, which makes it compatible with most versions of the Apple Watch. If you're shopping for a leather band, Konsu NYC makes a gorgeous strap, too. For more recommendations, check out our Best Apple Watch Bands guide. —Boutayna Chokrane
Best Charging Stand
Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBelkin
3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand
$110 $100 (9% off)Amazon
$110 $100 (9% off)Best Buy
$110Belkin
Even though Apple has markedly improved the battery life on the Apple Watch in 2025, it still won't last for longer than 24 hours on a single charge. If you have an iPhone, AirPods, and an Apple Watch, a 3-in-1 charging station keeps everything organized, reduces cable clutter, and ensures your devices are always charged and ready to go. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill—who specializes in smartphone accessories—says the Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand is the best money can buy. Thanks to its Qi2 certification, it can fast-charge an Apple Watch Ultra and Series 7 or newer, but it's compatible with all Apple Watches. Hill also appreciates the chrome aesthetic of this particular stand; it's a tree-like stand that suspends two gadgets in midair (MagSafe-compatible), with a spot for the AirPods case on the circular band. —Boutayna Chokrane
Best Portable Charger
-Reviewer-Photo-(no-border)-SOURCE-Simon-Hill.jpg)
Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAnker
MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch
$90 $63 (30% off)Amazon
$90Anker
$90Walmart
A fully-charged Apple Watch should last all day, but since I don't always remember to top it up, I always carry a power bank for backup when I'm out. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill says the compact Anker MagGo Power Bank is the best portable Apple Watch charger. It can deliver 5 watts and supports Nightstand mode. It has a 10,000-mAh battery capacity, and its built-in USB-C cable and USB-C port offer up to 30 watts to your phone or small device. Plus, it comes in white, black, teal, and pink for whimsy. —Boutayna Chokrane
Best Apple Watch Case
Courtesy of HontaoSave to wishlistSave to wishlistHontao
Ultra Thin Case
$8Amazon
Unlike a phone, a watch is worn on your wrist, so every millimeter of real estate counts. If all you want is a thin, affordable, and attractive bumper that will protect your watch from bumps and bangs throughout the day, this is my favorite. It's made from a matte thermoplastic urethane (TPU) that is extremely thin and fits a 41-mm watch well. The dark green color I tried is well represented by the images on the website. However, reviews say the lighter colors show dirt very easily, so I would stick with darker shades.
★ Alternative: The Spigen Thin Fit ($15) is also a very nice, minimal case. But it's a bit pricier, and the plastic is not as soft to the touch. —Adrienne So
Best Screen Protector
Courtesy of AmazonSave to wishlistSave to wishlistLK
Apple Watch Screen Protector
$10Amazon
As with straps, the best protector is not always the brand-name option or the most expensive one. I tried screen protectors from Spigen and Zagg, but when I pushed or pulled a case on over them, the thin films peeled off or bubbled almost instantly. This screen protector—also made from TPU—was easy to apply and looks invisible once it's on.
I particularly like the small rubber installation pad, which held the watch much more securely than other installation plates. Even if it's reasonably easy to use, I recommend watching the short instructional video before putting the screen protector on. Don't worry—if you mess up, it includes several replacements. —Adrienne So
Best Band Storage
Courtesy of Twelve SouthSave to wishlistSave to wishlistTwelve South
TimePorter Watch Band Wall Mount
$27Amazon
$30Twelve South
$40Apple (2-Pack)
Even the most restrained and minimalist among us probably have at least two bands: a nylon sport loop for everyday wear, and a titanium or steel band for when you have to dress up.
You could always keep your spare bands in a shoebox on your dresser, but I really like this hanger from Twelve South. The wall mount is incredibly easy to install—just make sure you're not hanging it upside down and stick it on your wall. The bands slot neatly in a compressive groove at the top. Each holder fits up to six bands, but you can easily add more if your collection is bigger than mine. —Adrienne So
Best Earbuds
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Ryan-Waniata.jpg)
Photograph: Ryan WaniataSave to wishlistSave to wishlistBeats
Powerbeats Pro 2
$250 $200 (20% off)Amazon
$249Walmart
$250Apple
Not only are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 the best workout earbuds if you have an Apple Watch, but they are also the best workout earbuds, period. They even have a heart rate monitor that's built off the one used in the Apple Watch. If you already own an Apple Watch, this feature is superfluous, as iOS will prioritize the Apple Watch's more sophisticated readings over the earbuds. But if you run with third-party fitness apps like Nike Run Club or Peloton, you will find the extra data useful.
On top of that, the buds are crazy comfortable, sound great, have excellent noise canceling, and have most of the aforementioned Apple-exclusive features, like hands-free Siri (no Adaptive Audio, however, sad). The case also sports wireless charging and, unlike many of Apple's other products, it comes in bright, fun colors. Our test unit is Electric Orange, but I find the Hyper Purple to be just as good. —Adrienne So
Best Workout App
Courtesy of AppleSave to wishlistSave to wishlistApple
Fitness+
$10Apple
I am guessing you wanted an Apple Watch in part because you needed a fitness tracker. Most great fitness apps work on the Apple Watch, like Strava, Peloton, or Nike Run Club. However, if you're firmly ensconced in the Apple walled garden, the best fitness app is probably Apple's Fitness+, which seamlessly interacts between the Watch, the iPhone, and the Apple TV+.
I like it mainly because it's included with my family's Apple One subscription, but it's also incredibly convenient. There is now coaching for outdoor walks and runs (although there is another Apple app I use for this, which is Podcasts). The workouts are non-intimidating, and a lot of them are very short. Those five minutes when I was not responding to your Slack? I was probably doing a five-minute core workout! Sorry, it's just hard for me to sit still! For more fitness apps and services, check out our roundup. —Adrienne So
More Accessories We Like
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Simon-Hill.jpg)
Photograph: Simon HillNomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch for $85: As my colleague Simon Hill says in his Best USB-C Cables guide, this Nomad cable is way too expensive. However, it is undeniably handy—pack a single cable for your iPhone and your Apple Watch. It's Kevlar-reinforced, and the braided finish is nice. You can also charge your AirPods on the charging puck as well as your Apple Watch. —Adrienne So
Insta360 X5 360 Camera for $550: You can overlay your fitness stats over your video while filming with the Insta360 X series. Simply connect the camera to your Insta360 X5 and authorize the Insta360 app to connect to Apple Health. The Insta360 X5 also connects to Garmin and GPS devices. Great for any vlogger showing the world their fitness journey. —Adrienne So
Avoid These Accessories
Zagg InvisibleShield GlassFusion Screen Protector for $30: There is no earthly reason why this screen protector should be so expensive. It also bubbled within several days. —Adrienne So
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Boutayna Chokrane is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, covering consumer products and online trends. She specializes in fitness equipment, beauty tech, apparel, and more. Before joining the Gear team, she was a music editorial fellow at Pitchfork. She also worked as a freelance journalist, covering fashion, arts, and ... Read MoreProduct Writer & Reviewer
Adrienne So is a senior commerce editor for WIRED, where she reviews health and fitness gear. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish and runs, rock climbs, and sings karaoke in her free time. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, two ... Read MoreSenior Commerce EditorTopicsShoppingbuying guidesApple WatchAccessories and PeripheralssmartwatcheswatchesWearablesappleThe Best MagSafe Wallets to Keep Your Cards Safely in One PlaceThese convenient and slim magnetic wallets are the ones you’ll want to stick to the back of your smartphone.Louryn StrampeThe Best Barefoot Shoes for Walking or RunningOur favorite zero-drop, minimalist footwear will let you feel the ground beneath your feet.Scott GilbertsonThe 12 Best Coffee Subscriptions of 2026 to Keep You WiredThese services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee picks right to your door—each with its own twist.Matthew KorfhageWhich Sonos Speakers Should You Buy?From smart speakert so soundbars, Sonos makes the best streaming speakers you can buy. These are my personal favorites.Ryan WaniataThe Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac HealthThese chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.Michael SawhThe Best Pillows for Every Style of SleeperWe’ve spent over a year testing the best pillows to support your noggin, whether you snooze on your side, on your back, or in a tangle of blankets. Nena Farrell Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian ChokkattuThe Right Mattress Can Erase Your Back PainIf you're struggling with chronic back or shoulder pain, these mattresses could change your life Nena Farrell The Best Camera Bags, Straps, and BackpacksTote your photo and video gear around in style. We tested more than 100 packs and rounded up our favorites.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having FunFrom weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.Chris HaslamThe Best Portable Chargers for All Your DevicesKeep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.Simon HillThe Best Base Layers for Every AdventureWhether you’re layering up for winter cold or looking for an ultralight summer system, I’ve tested and found the best base layers for all your outdoor adventures.Scott Gilbertson
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