If you own an iPhone, you’ve likely considered getting an Apple Watch. It’s the best smartwatch and fitness tracker for iPhone users, letting you make calls, send texts, pay for purchases, and more without reaching for your phone. But the watch is only as good as the accessories that support it. The right band can make it comfortable enough to wear all day and night for sleep tracking. A charging stand will remind you to keep it topped up. A protective case might save you from a shattered screen. To help you upgrade your setup, I, along with a few WIRED colleagues, tested chargers, bands, cases, and more. And given the exorbitant cost of watch repairs, AppleCare is also worth considering.
Best Apple Watch Band: Nike Sport Loop
At checkout, you can choose a band for your Apple Watch. I find textile and metal bands more comfortable and fashionable than fluoroelastomer ones, which can be rigid and irritate your skin. The Nike Sport Loop has been my everyday band for six years, and I’ve purchased it in two colors: navy blue and black. It’s made from recycled polyester, Spandex, and nylon, making it soft, breathable, and easy to hand-wash. The Velcro pull tab offers maximum adjustability and can be fastened with one hand. Apple doesn’t advertise water resistance, but I’ve swum with it multiple times; after rinsing and air drying, it looks brand new. The yarn is reflective for nighttime running, though the effect is subtle. This band comes in five colors and three case sizes, so it fits most versions of the Apple Watch. If you prefer leather, Konsu NYC makes a gorgeous strap as well. For more options, check out our guide to the best Apple Watch bands.
Best Charging Stand: Nomad Stand One Max
The Nomad Stand One Max is a splurge, costing even more than the Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand, which reviewer Simon Hill picks as his top choice. But its minimalist design may justify the price. It’s compact enough not to overcrowd a nightstand, and with the cable tucked away, it looks sleek. It supports fast Apple Watch charging, plus Qi2 25-watt charging for iPhones and MagSafe devices. The angled charging pad holds your phone in portrait or landscape orientation, while the Apple Watch puck enables Nightstand mode. It comes in three colors and includes a durable, braided 6.6-foot USB-C cable. The downside is that no power adapter is included. Nomad’s 40W Slim Power Adapter ($25) is an easy addition, but it raises the cost of an already pricey charger.
Best Portable Charger: Anker MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch
A fully charged Apple Watch should last all day, but I don’t always remember to top it up, so I keep a power bank as backup when I’m out. 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, it also has a built-in USB-C cable and a USB-C port that provide up to 30 watts to your phone or other small device. It’s available in white, black, teal, and pink to add a bit of whimsy.
Best Apple Watch Case: Hontao Ultra Thin Case
Unlike a phone, a watch sits on your wrist, so every millimeter of space matters. If you want a thin, affordable, and attractive bumper that guards against bangs and scratches, this is my favorite. It’s made from a matte thermoplastic urethane (TPU) that is extremely thin and fits a 41-millimeter watch well. I have and like the dark green color, but reviewers warn that lighter shades show dirt easily, so I’d stick with darker options.
Runner-up: 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.
More Accessories WIRED Likes
LK screen protector: Like bands, the best screen protector isn’t always the most expensive. I tried pricier options from Spigen and Zagg, but they peeled or bubbled when I pushed or pulled a case over them. This protector, also made from TPU, was easy to apply and looks invisible once on. I particularly like the small rubber installation pad, which held the watch more securely than other installation plates. Even though it’s easy to use, I recommend watching the short instructional video before applying. And if you mess up, it comes with several replacements.
Twelve South band hanger: Even the most restrained among us likely have at least two bands: a nylon sport loop for everyday wear and a titanium or steel band for dressing up. You could keep spare bands in a shoebox, but I like this wall mount from Twelve South. It’s incredibly easy to install; bands slot neatly into a compressive groove at the top. Each holder fits up to six bands, and you can easily add more if your collection grows.
Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch ($89): As WIRED reviewer Simon Hill notes in his best USB-C cables guide, this cable is overpriced. However, it’s undeniably handy because it charges both your iPhone and Apple Watch. It’s Kevlar-reinforced, and the braided finish is nice. You can also charge your AirPods on the charging puck.
Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand ($90): Even though Apple markedly improved Apple Watch battery life in 2025, it still won’t last longer than 24 hours on a single charge. If you own an iPhone, AirPods, and an Apple Watch, a 3-in-1 station keeps everything organized, reduces cable clutter, and ensures your devices are always ready. Reviewer Simon Hill says the Belkin 3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand is the best money can buy. Its Qi2 certification allows fast-charging for an Apple Watch Ultra and Series 7 or newer, but it’s compatible with all other Apple Watches too. Hill appreciates the chrome aesthetic; its treelike structure suspends two gadgets midair (MagSafe-compatible), with a spot for an AirPods case on the circular band.
Insta360 X5 360 Camera ($550): Overlay your fitness stats over your video while filming with the Insta360 X series. Simply connect the camera to the Insta360 app and authorize it to connect to Apple Health. The X5 also connects to Garmin and GPS devices. It’s great for vloggers showing their fitness journey.
Avoid These Accessories
Zagg InvisibleShield GlassFusion Screen Protector ($30): There’s no earthly reason this screen protector should be so expensive. It also bubbled within several days.
What We’re Testing Next
I’m currently testing the Anker Prime Wireless Charging Station and retesting the Anker MagGo Power Bank.
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable band, a reliable charger, or a protective case, there’s an accessory on this list that can elevate your Apple Watch experience. For even more recommendations, check out our guides to the best Apple 3-in-1 chargers and the best Apple Watch bands.
