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I’m willing to pay a premium for Apple Watch because I think it’s a great product – arguably the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. But when it comes to accessories, it’s just the opposite. Apple charges way too much for things like wristbands, wireless headphones, and charging stations.
Read more: Apple Watch SE Review: Everything You Really Need In A Smartwatch, For Less Money
Fortunately, there are some great, affordable alternatives. Whether you are traveling and want a portable charger or are looking for a more stylish band, there are plenty of options for you and your Apple Watch. Tons of them, in fact – the sheer number of choices can be mind-boggling.
That’s why we decided to cut the noise and highlight some of the best. If you’re looking for the best Apple Watch accessories, read on. I have tried some of them myself; others that I include based on user reviews or other factors. I will update this list periodically.
Cheap Apple Watch Bands
With easy-to-swap straps, Apple Watch can quickly change both its appearance and function. A leather strap for work. (One day.) A sports band for the gym. (Finally.) A Milanese loop for the theatah. (Sigh.)
Buy any of these products from an Apple Store and you will pay between $ 30 and $ 150. How absurd is that? Here are some examples of Apple Watch bands you can get for less – in some cases way Less.
Winmy
A Milanese buckle is a metal mesh strap with a magnetic closure. It’s one of the easiest bracelets to put on (and to fit your wrist), and it’s a very dressy option too.
Apple charges $ 149 (!) For its version, but there are countless options available on Amazon in the $ 10 to $ 15 range. I’ve linked to one of them below, but it’s just representative of what’s out there. Whatever you do, don’t pay Apple $ 149.
Fullmosa
A disappointment about Milanese curls: over time, they can chew through the armholes of coats and sweaters. So if you want a dressy look without this hassle, or if you just don’t like the feel of the metal on your wrist, go for a leather strap.
Like this one: Fullmosa (via Amazon) sells a large assortment of calfskin Apple Watch bands, most of them priced at $ 12- $ 15. You can choose from a dozen different colors, many with one or two curl color options.
Again, this is just one product among dozens. I chose it because the 6,500+ user reviews average around 4.5 stars.
Youkex
The original Apple Watch sport band is fine, but I’ve always liked the look of the Nike version – the one with all the holes. Turns out you can get one for as little as $ 7 (maybe even less), in your choice of color combinations. And the options don’t end there; just search on Amazon for “Apple Watch silicone band” or “sports band” and you’ll find a generous assortment – many of them priced at $ 15 or less.
Booyi
If you don’t want a silicone strap, but want something that’s both trendy and good for exercise, consider a sports buckle. It’s like a woven nylon version of the Milanese buckle, with a hook-and-loop closure in place of metal and magnets.
Below I have linked to one that is only $ 8, but you might also be able to find multi-packs in the $ 15 to $ 20 range. Apple’s price for a single: $ 49 and up.
My colleague Shara Tibken notes that the Velcro doesn’t last as long on these cheaper bands, but even if you have to replace it every, say six months, you’re still one step ahead.
Discover bigger Apple Watch bands you can get from Amazon.
Cheap Apple Watch Chargers
Traveling with an Apple Watch can be a problem as you need to charge it almost daily. That means unplugging your charger from the bedside table setup in place, then hoping it doesn’t get lost along the way.
A better bet: take a portable charger. Not a laptop support, notice, the one that uses the original Apple charger, but a rechargeable power bank with its own Apple Watch magnetic charging module.
Granted, it can also be a bit tricky, as you will probably need to recharge the charger after a few uses. But leave it plugged into your laptop or any other USB port, and it will be good to go in the evening.
As with choosing an external battery for your phone, the higher the battery capacity, the more charges you will receive. But before you settle on a Belkin or Griffin charger from the Apple Store and spend at least $ 60, check out some of the other options.
Olort
Already traveling with a power bank? Simply plug it into one of its USB ports (or any powered port) and, presto, on the Apple Watch charger. To be clear, this has no power of its own; It is only a pluggable charging base for the watch. It is also one of the cheapest and most compact designs I have seen. (You can get a charging cable for a few dollars more, but then you have more cord clutter.)
Calculation
About as compact as Apple Watch portable chargers, this lighter looking little guy from Zippo packs a 1,000mAh battery – good for a few recharges, depending on how low your watch battery is.
One notable plus: The charger itself plugs directly into a USB port for charging, so you don’t need to bring an extra cable, which most of these things use.
Here is more Apple Watch chargers available on Amazon.
Cheap Apple Watch Headphones
One of the best things about the Apple Watch (if you have Series 3 or later) is the built-in storage for music and podcasts. To enjoy it, you will need a pair of wireless headphones.
Like maybe AirPods? No doubt, they match your Apple Watch well. They also cost $ 159 or $ 249 for AirPods Pro, so no thanks. (On the positive side, there is AirPods deals that occur regularly, you may be able to get a lower price.)
I’d definitely start by going through CNET’s roundup of the best sports headphones, which includes my top pick for runners, the AfterShokz Aeropex. But these are expensive too, and we’re here to talk (uh, listen) cheap. So take a look at these affordable Bluetooth headphones that can pair perfectly with your watch – and our roundup of the best cheap AirPods alternatives. Here is a first choice:
Sarah Tew / CNET
These almost sound too good to be true, from the sweat-wicking headphones that sound great to the charging case that supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging. The EarFun Air has a list price of $ 60, but they’re often on sale for $ 10 to $ 15 less. As of this writing, for example, a 20% off coupon is available on the Amazon product page.
OK, these are my picks for inexpensive – but still great Apple Watch accessories. What would you add to this list?
This article is periodically updated with the best new Apple Watch accessories.
Check this out:
Comparison between Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6
13:38
Read more: All the latest Amazon coupons
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