According to WIRED writer Boutayna Chokrane, the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch and best fitness tracker for iPhone owners, enabling calls, texts, and payments without reaching for a phone. But the watch is only as good as the accessories that support it. Chokrane and her WIRED colleagues tested chargers, bands, and cases to find the accessories worth the money.
"I'm a firm believer that your Apple Watch is only as good as the accessories that support it." — Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED
Bands: Comfort for All-Day Wear
The right band can make the watch comfortable enough to wear all day and night for sleep tracking, WIRED reported. Chokrane described the Nike Sport Loop as her everyday band for six years, bought in navy blue and black. Made from recycled polyester, Spandex, and nylon, it is soft, breathable, and easy to hand-wash. The Velcro pull tab makes it as adjustable as a band can get, and it fastens with one hand. Apple does not advertise water resistance, but Chokrane has swum with it multiple times; after rinsing and air drying, it looked brand new. The yarn is reflective for running at night, though subtle. The band comes in five colors and three case sizes, compatible with most Apple Watch versions. For leather buyers, Konsu NYC makes a strap, according to the guide.
Charging Stands: Nomad Stand One Max
The Nomad Stand One Max is a splurge, costing even more than reviewer Simon Hill's top pick, the Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand, but its minimalist design is arguably worth the extra spend, WIRED reported. It is compact enough not to overcrowd a nightstand, and with the cable tucked away, it looks sleek. It is one of WIRED's favorites for fast Apple Watch charging, along with Qi2 25-watt charging for iPhones and MagSafe devices. The angled charging pad supports a phone in either portrait or landscape orientation, and the Apple Watch puck allows for Nightstand mode. It comes in three colors and includes a durable, braided 6.6-foot USB-C cable. The only downside is the lack of an included power adapter; Nomad's 40W Slim Power Adapter costs $25 as an add-on, increasing the cost of an already pricey charger.
Portable Chargers: Anker MagGo Power Bank
Because she does not always remember to top up the Apple Watch, Chokrane carries a power bank for backup. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill, who specializes in smartphone accessories, says the compact Anker MagGo Power Bank is the best portable Apple Watch charger. It delivers 5 watts and supports Nightstand mode. With a 10,000-mAh battery capacity, its built-in USB-C cable and USB-C port offer up to 30 watts to a phone or small device. It comes in white, black, teal, and pink.
Protective Cases: Thin Bumper
Unlike a phone, a watch is worn on the wrist, so every millimeter of real estate counts, WIRED reported. For a thin, affordable, and attractive bumper that protects the watch from bangs and scratches, Chokrane's favorite is a matte thermoplastic urethane (TPU) case that is extremely thin and fits a 41-mm watch well.
AppleCare: Warranty Recommendation
Chokrane also recommended getting AppleCare, Apple's extended warranty plan, given that service pricing for watch repairs is exorbitant. The article also points readers to WIRED's guides to the Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers and Best Apple Watch Bands for more smart accessories.
Accessory Comparison
| Accessory | Key Features | Price Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nike Sport Loop | Recycled polyester, Spandex, nylon; five colors; three case sizes | No advertised water resistance |
| Nomad Stand One Max | Qi2 25W charging; 6.6-ft braided USB-C cable; three colors | No adapter included; $25 adapter add-on |
| Anker MagGo Power Bank | 5W watch charging; 10,000-mAh battery; 30W USB-C | Colors: white, black, teal, pink |
| TPU bumper case | Matte thermoplastic urethane; fits 41-mm watch | Thin and affordable |
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