The best Apple Watch accessories for 2024
Whether you’re sporting an older model or just got one of Apple’s latest watches, you’re probably eager to wear it every day as part of your tech kit and wardrobe. But did you know you can make your Apple Watch even better? With the right accessories, your Apple Watch can be customized to fit your style and needs perfectly. From a stylish new Apple Watch band to a charger that keeps your watch running all day, there’s something for everyone. To help you take your Apple Watch to the next level, we dive into the best Apple Watch accessories to suit every budget in this buying guide.
The best Apple Watch accessories for 2024
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Apple’s latest watches don’t come with power adapters, which seems to be a common theme with most smartwatch and smartphone purchases, so you’ll have to dig for one in your closet or get a new one to charge it. Anker’s 30W Nano 3 is a great choice because it’s compact, foldable and has ActiveShield 2.0, an improvement on Anker’s temperature monitoring technology. In short, it means that the charger will keep an eye on its temperature to prevent overheating or damaging your device while it’s on. It has enough water to charge your Apple Watch quickly and efficiently, and enough to charge your iPhone whenever you need to turn it off and use it for that.
$20 at Amazon
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Apple Watch chargers are a little different than Lightning cables in the sense that you probably only have one of the former and many of the latter. Those who travel or travel frequently should consider getting a second Apple Watch charger, that way you’re not caught out if you forget to pack yours before a long weekend trip. Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro fast charger is a great option.
You can simply sit your timepiece on the module to charge it, but it also flips over so you can use watch mode on the Nightstand while powering on your bedside table. To support different watch sizes and protective cases, the pad also has a dial below it that allows you to adjust the height of the charging module. Plus, the attached USB-C cable that runs underneath the pad is four feet long, giving you more placement flexibility than other chargers.
$60 at Amazon
Spigen
Most Apple Watch stands you’ll find a place to attach to the magnetic charging pad that comes with your watch. But if you want to keep that in your travel bag, or simply want a second charger, we recommend Spigen’s ArcField stand. It has a built-in wireless charger for your Apple Watch, with a weighted, non-slip base that prevents everything from moving around on your nightstand. Attached to the charging station is a 6.6-foot USB-C cable, so you’ll need to provide an adapter with a USB-C port. We also like that it comes with an assortment of rubber bands that you can use to find the right position and viewing angle for your particular Apple Watch. That means this stand works with all Apple Watches, even the physical Apple Watch Ultra.
$37 at Amazon
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Spigen’s thin Apple Watch cases are always the opposite of a wearable display, but they still give you an extra layer of protection. Spigen also makes protective cases for AirPods Pro, with included key chains at a budget-friendly price, so you can keep all your Apple devices protected. While a bumper like this adds a lot of bulk to your Apple Watch, it’ll be more appropriate if you’re on the quirky side.
$15 at Amazon
ZAGG
Just like you would protect your iPad or iPhone, an affordable screen protector can make all the difference. Zagg’s InvisibleShield line is a reliable one that provides shatter protection, clarity and enhanced touch sensitivity. If installed correctly (Zagg provides clear instructions and all the tools you need to do so), you’ll likely forget you have a screen protector on your watch. This accessory blends almost seamlessly with the Watch’s stainless steel or aluminum hardware, and if you accidentally insert the screen, the protector should take all the damage.
$15 at Amazon
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
If you want to use the Nightstand mode of the portable Apple Watch while charging, a stand or holder can make that process much easier. There are many options in this space, but Elago stands have more personality and are more affordable to boot. The W series of the product comes in several fun designs, including that of a retro handheld gaming system, an old Mac and line characters. They’re not the sturdiest ladders out there (they’re mostly made of lightweight plastic, which makes them prone to slipping when you pull on the charging cord), but they’ll add some fun to your space — and for a price tag of just $15, what more could you ask for?
$15 at Amazon
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Anker’s line of 15W, Qi2-certified charging accessories are worth a look if you need to upgrade from a slow wireless charger. This 3-in-1 model is especially useful for those who don’t like to have multiple charging pads or different accessories for their frequently used devices. It can power an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time, and it folds up to about the size of a deck of cards when you’re not using it. It’s best to get a charger cable and a 40W power brick in the box, so you’ll have everything you need to get high charging speeds right from the jump.
$110 at Verizon
OYODSS
One of the easiest ways to personalize your Apple Watch is to pick up a few wristbands that match your style. As with iPhone cases, you can easily turn to Apple’s first-party options — but you’ll spend more money in the long run if you do. It’s easy to find great Apple Watch bands online in a variety of styles and materials, such as sports bands (to get the most out of your Apple Fitness workout routine), wristbands and leather bands. When it comes to the basic silicone band or sports brands, you can find packs of three to six bands for less than $20 but the quality can be questionable. Check out the top-rated brands on Amazon if you insist on getting the best bang for your buck. You can also use FakeSpot’s Amazon integration to get an idea of how reliable product reviews are.
$8 at Amazon
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