Which Apple Watch Band is Waterproof?
If you're wondering which Apple Watch band is waterproof, you're probably planning to take your Apple Watch on a sweaty workout, a swim, or even a wild surf session.
But not all Apple Watch bands can survive water.
Some can handle a deep dive.
Others… start to stink and fall apart.
In this guide, you'll find out which Apple Watch bands are actually waterproof, which materials matter most, and what to avoid if you're heading into water.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
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Most waterproof bands are made from silicone or fluoroelastomer.
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Apple’s Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band are top-tier waterproof options.
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Leather and metal bands are not waterproof – keep them dry!
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Third-party waterproof bands can be affordable and high quality.
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Clean your bands regularly to avoid grime, odor, and damage.
What Does “Waterproof” Actually Mean for Apple Watch Bands?
Let’s clear something up:
Apple doesn’t technically use the word “waterproof.”
Instead, it says water-resistant, which means the band and watch can handle some water — not deep sea diving forever.
But for most people, waterproof means:
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Safe in the pool
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Survives sweat
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Handles showers and rain
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Doesn’t stink or fall apart after water exposure
✅ That’s fair — if the band’s made from the right materials.
Silicone and fluoroelastomer are top-tier water-safe materials.
Leather and metal? Big nope.
Want to see waterproof bands now? Check out the Apple Watch Band Collection on WizeBand
💧 Pro Tip: Apple’s water-resistance info is here → support.apple.com/HT205000
Top Waterproof Apple Watch Bands Made by Apple
Apple’s own bands are often expensive – but they deliver when it comes to water protection.
Here are the best ones 👇
1. Apple Sport Band 💦
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Made of high-performance fluoroelastomer
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First of all, it’s built to last. Even better, it’s 100% waterproof—making it ideal for both everyday use and high-intensity water sports.
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Not only is it soft, but it’s also strong and, most importantly, durable—making it perfect for both comfort and long-term use.
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Because it dries quickly and is easy to clean, you’ll spend less time maintaining it and more time enjoying your activities.
✅ Perfect for: Swimming, workouts, everyday wear
2. Apple Ocean Band 🌊
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To begin with, it’s specifically built for diving and extreme sports, making it ideal for high-impact environments.
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Moreover, thanks to its tubular design, it won’t stretch—even under intense underwater pressure.
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More importantly, it uses a titanium buckle to stay locked on, ensuring it remains secure even during high-impact movements.
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Because it’s built with rugged materials, it handles saltwater and pressure effortlessly—ensuring long-term durability even in extreme environments.
✅ Best for: Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving
Mentioned in: 7 Best Series 9 Bands
3. Nike Sport Band 🏃♂️
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To start with, it’s made from the same high-performance material as the Sport Band, which means you get the same durability and water resistance.
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Additionally, it features added perforated holes, allowing for much better airflow compared to standard bands.
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As a result, it doesn’t trap sweat or moisture, keeping your skin cool and irritation-free—even during intense workouts.
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Most importantly, it’s easy to clean after a workout—just rinse and go, with no hassle or buildup of grime.
✅ Best for: Running, fitness, sweat-heavy sessions
4. Apple Solo Loop 🧼
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First of all, it features a one-piece band with a seamless design, which means there are no bulky parts or awkward joints to cause discomfort.
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In addition, it’s crafted from a water-resistant silicone blend, making it ideal for daily wear, sweaty workouts, or unexpected splashes.
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On top of that, it’s stretchy, comfy, and minimalistic—so you get all-day flexibility without sacrificing style or performance.
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Best of all, there are no clasps to trap water, which helps it dry faster and stay cleaner compared to traditional band styles.
✅ Ideal for: Daily use, low-impact water exposure
5. Apple Sport Loop ⚠️ Not Fully Waterproof
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To begin with, this band is made from woven nylon, a lightweight material known for its breathability and flexible fit.
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However, it’s important to note that it's water-resistant, not waterproof—meaning it can handle light splashes but shouldn’t be submerged.
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Additionally, it dries fast, which is great for quick air-drying, but it does absorb some water, especially during extended exposure.
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For that reason, it's better suited for casual workouts or dry activities where sweat and water exposure are minimal.
⚠️ Don’t use for swimming. Stick to silicone for that.
Best Waterproof Apple Watch Bands from 3rd Party Brands
You don’t need to spend a fortune to go waterproof.
These third-party Apple Watch bands are 100% water-safe and budget-friendly:
1. Nomad Sport Band
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To start, it’s made from premium fluoroelastomer, a high-performance material known for its strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear.
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Moreover, it’s rugged, thick, and built to last, making it a reliable choice for intense workouts, outdoor adventures, or everyday use.
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Even better, it’s both waterproof and sweatproof, so you never have to worry about moisture ruining your band.
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And to top it all off, it’s equipped with stainless hardware, which adds extra durability while also resisting rust and corrosion over time.
✅ Best for: Heavy use, durability, style
2. Spigen DuraPro Band
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To begin with, it’s made from flexible yet tough silicone, which means it bends easily without compromising on durability.
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In addition, it’s completely waterproof and shockproof, so it can handle everything from sweat to accidental drops with ease.
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Even more impressive, it offers a great grip for rough movement, making it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures, workouts, or active jobs.
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Best of all, it’s budget-friendly, giving you premium performance without the premium price tag—perfect for anyone looking to save without sacrificing quality.
✅ Great for: Adventurers, gym-goers
3. Carterjett Nylon Band
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To start, it’s crafted from woven military-grade nylon, which provides exceptional strength and long-lasting durability under daily use.
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That said, while it’s very water-resistant, it’s important to note that it’s not fully waterproof—so it’s better for light moisture rather than full submersion.
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Additionally, it features a Velcro closure and a secure fit, which means it stays firmly in place, even during movement or exercise.
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And as an added bonus, it dries quicker than leather, so you won’t have to deal with the discomfort of a soggy, slow-drying strap.
4. OUHENG Silicone Leather Hybrid
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To begin with, it features a hybrid design—leather on top and silicone underneath—which combines the look of a classic band with the comfort and performance of a sport band.
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In addition, it includes an inner waterproof layer, so while it’s not meant for swimming, it still holds up well against light moisture and sweat.
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Best of all, it’s both stylish and functional, making it a great choice for those who want a sleek look without sacrificing practicality.
⚠️ Not great for full submersion.
5. MIFA Waterproof Band
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To start, it’s made from 100% silicone, which means it’s fully waterproof, non-absorbent, and ideal for wet environments.
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Even better, it comes at a budget-friendly price, making it a fantastic choice for those who want durability without overspending.
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Not surprisingly, it’s great for swimming, as it holds up well in both chlorinated and saltwater conditions.
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Plus, it’s soft, flexible, and dries fast, so it stays comfortable during use and requires minimal maintenance afterward.
✅ Best for: Swimming, everyday water exposure
Apple Watch Band Materials: What’s Waterproof & What’s Not?
Best Bands for Swimming, Surfing, and Sweat
You need the right band for the right activity. Here’s your match:
🏊 Swimming
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When it comes to all-around performance, the Apple Ocean Band is the clear #1 choice—especially for swimming, diving, and extreme conditions.
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That said, there are also some solid alternatives worth considering. For example, the MIFA Silicone Band delivers excellent water resistance at a lower price, and the Nike Sport Band offers great airflow and durability for workouts and daily wear.
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Altogether, these options cover every need—from high-end adventure to budget-friendly fitness.
🏄 Surfing
- Once again, the Apple Ocean Band makes the list, and for good reason—it continues to outperform when it comes to durability and water resistance.
- Not only does it offer a secure fit, but it also includes a titanium buckle, which adds both strength and style.
- Even more impressively, it’s been wave-tested, meaning it’s built to stay on and perform in real-world ocean conditions, not just the pool.
🏋️ Sweat & Gym Workouts
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Nike Sport Band
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Nomad Sport Band for heavy training
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Breathable, dries fast, doesn’t trap sweat
How to Clean & Maintain Waterproof Bands
Yes, even waterproof bands get gross over time.
Here’s how to keep them clean 👇
✅ Do This:
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Rinse with warm water
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Use a mild soap
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Scrub gently with a toothbrush
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Pat dry and air dry
❌ Don’t Do This:
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Don’t use bleach or alcohol
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Don’t machine wash
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Don’t dry in direct sun
Got questions about which Apple Watch you have? Here's how to identify your model
What Happens If You Wear the Wrong Band in Water?
You wear leather in the pool once…
You never do it again.
❌ Leather Bands
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Soak up water
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Stretch and crack
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Smell bad
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Irritate skin over time
⚠️ Nylon Bands
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Can get soggy
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Take forever to dry
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Trap bacteria and smell
✅ Silicone / Fluoroelastomer
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No absorption
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Quick rinse
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No stink
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Stays comfy
Top Waterproof Bands Under $25
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean low quality.
Here are 3 solid picks under $25:
🤑 1. Adepoy Silicone Band
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~$10
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Basic but tough
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Great for workouts and daily wear
🤑 2. TOYOUTHS Waterproof Silicone Band
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Fun colors
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Waterproof + flexible
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Fits all Apple Watch models
🤑 3. Tefeca Breathable Band
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Hybrid breathable design
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Quick-drying
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Velcro for adjustable fit
Want more stylish picks? See our full list of top Apple Watch Series 9 bands
FAQs
🤔 Are all Apple Watch bands waterproof?
No.
Only silicone, fluoroelastomer, and some nylons are water-friendly.
💧 Can I shower with my Apple Watch band?
Yes — if it’s waterproof (like silicone).
Avoid showers with leather or stainless steel bands.
🌊 What is the best Apple Watch band for swimming?
Apple Ocean Band – hands down.
It’s built for underwater action.
🧽 How often should I clean my waterproof band?
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Weekly if you wear it every day
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After every swim (especially in salt or chlorine)
🥇 What’s the most durable waterproof Apple Watch band?
Nomad Sport Band and Apple Ocean Band are the toughest.
🔗 External Links (Add Naturally in Paragraphs 2–3)
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Apple’s Official Water Resistance Guidelines
👉 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205000
Use this when explaining water-resistant vs waterproof. -
CNET – Best Apple Watch Bands 2024
👉 https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-apple-watch-bands/
Use when discussing top picks and band comparisons. -
NYTimes Wirecutter – Best Apple Watch Bands
👉 https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-apple-watch-bands/
Use when mentioning third-party options like Nomad or Carterjett.
📺 Relevant YouTube Video Links
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Apple Ocean Band Waterproof Durability Test
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StFWVVnslFs
Showcases how well the Ocean Band handles water. -
Top 5 Waterproof Apple Watch Bands Reviewed
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjEtvzkBCg
Great companion to your budget and premium recommendations. -
Real-Life Waterproof Band Test (Apple + 3rd Party)
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET-zh1z3vlY
Perfect for showing the durability of silicone and fluoroelastomer bands.
✅ Summary
Not all Apple Watch bands are waterproof — and using the wrong one can wreck both the band and your skin.
Stick to bands made from silicone or fluoroelastomer, especially if you're swimming, surfing, sweating, or showering.
Want to keep your watch safe and stylish?
Check out the full collection of Apple Watch bands at WizeBand – where form meets function.
Blog Author section.
Emily Johnson
Emily is a seasoned writer and technology enthusiast with a passion for digital watches and wearable tech. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her readers.
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