From 9to5Toys:
You may have noticed that Apple introduced, upgraded and announced a slew of new products this morning. Amidst the craze of today’s moves was the unveiling of new Apple Watch Bands, including the much sought-after Nike Sport. You may recall that up until today, this popular band was only available with the Series 2 Nike+ model.
The bad news for consumers? Apple continues to charge rather outlandish prices for its official watch bands with prices topping out at $689 for the Hermès double cuff. To help lend a hand, we’ve rounded up some of the best third-party alternatives to today’s new releases to help you save some cash. Head below for the full list.
First thing, let’s talk quality. Obviously, Apple’s official watch bands are going to be made from top-grade materials. There is no doubting that. But for a fraction of the price, you can pick up multiple alternatives that can be easily swapped out for different looks. There are also a number of trusted third-party accessory makers cranking out beautiful alternatives that you’ll find down below. I have upwards of 15-20 bands at this point from reviews, and the vast majority have stood the test of time through workouts and daily use.
This morning’s news also delivered three new traditional Sport Band colors, including Camellia, Pebble and Azure. This is an area that we’ve covered heavily in the past with prices starting below $12. For example, this highly-rated option goes for $10.99 Prime shipped and it includes two different band lengths for a custom fit. You have a choice of six different colors here, with more options available from other brands.
Thankfully there are a number of trusted brands out there that are cranking out beautiful alternatives to Apple’s official leather add-ons. Pad & Quill certainly comes to mind with its full-grain straps that start at $100 and go up to $250 for a Hermès-like cuff. We’ve long been a fan of P&Q’s products, and its leather bands follow suit. Nomad also makes a gorgeous $60 strap and Incase offers a similar clean look for the same price.
Be sure to follow @9to5Toys on Twitter and like us on Facebook, as we regularly see deals on these popular watch bands. What are your favorite Apple Watch alternatives on the market today? Drop us a comment down below and let us know!
