The Apple Watch has been the most popular smartwatch since its advent in 2015. In fact, it's been so popular that it hasn't just been outselling every other smartwatch, but in 2019 the Apple Watch actually outsold the entire Swiss Watch industry, which includes manufacturers like Rolex, Swatch, TAG Heuer and Tissot. Naturally, with more Apple Watches out in the work, more people are looking for accessories — such as new bands, cases and chargers — to make their Apple Watch feel more personal. And boy, there's a lot out there.
The good news is the Apple Watch hasn't changed that in the past years. It still looks mostly the same and chargers the exact same way, for example. There are really only two things to remember when shopping for an Apple Watch accessory. First, the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5, Series 6 and the SE all have the same size body, so the same case or protective screen will work with all of them. (The outlier is the Series 3, which shares the older design of the Series 1 and Series 2, both of which Apple doesn't make anymore.) And second, if you're shopping for a band, make sure to get the correct size. All the latest Apple Watches — except the Series 3 or older — come in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm.
If you're in the market for a new band for your Apple Watch, the truth is that Apple sells a lot of great ones. Some of them are exclusives, like the all-new Solo Loop ($49) and Braided Solo Loop ($99), and need to be purchased directly from Apple. However, Amazon also sells many of the same bands for a little cheaper. (Check 'em out here.)
The Chargers
Twelve South Forté
The Forté elevates and positions your Apple Watch at a 40-degree angle, making it easy to see the time while it chargers. This makes it ideal for your nightstand or workstation accessory for your home office. It's also an elegant combination of chrome and leather.
Buy Now: $60 (Adorama) Buy Now $60 (Twelve South)
Belkin Boost Charge Power Bank 2K
This is portable power bank that's specifically designed for your Apple Watch. It's tiny enough to easily fit in your pocket, but most importantly it's capable of added up to 63 hours of juice to your Apple Watch.
Satechi USB-C Magnetic Charging Dock
This accessory is ideal for anybody who has a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air (or really any other USB-C laptop). It plugs directly into the side USB-C port and adds a spot to charge your Apple Watch. No charging cable needed.
Twelve South TimePorter
This is a neat travel case for your Apple Watch. In addition to having for you to carry a number of different bands, charging cable and wall adapter, it also has a magnetic charging disc integrated into the lip of the case; this way you can fit a small power bank inside and charge your Apple Watch while on the road.
Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock
For those who just want the most elegant charging dock that Apple itself makes— this is it. It comes with an extra USB to Lightning cable that plugs into and powers the charging dock.
Cases & Protection
Invisible Shield GlassFusion+
Invisible Shield is probably the best known screen protection manufacturer and the GlassFusion+ is the perfect way to extra scratch resistance to your Apple Watch — especially if you have an aluminum model, which scratches the easiest.
Caseology Nero
The Nero adds a protective TPU bumper around your Apple Watch. It's bespoke and easily snaps on to your Apple Watch. It's available in two different colors: black and pink.
Buy Now: $11+ (40mm, Amazon) Buy Now: $11+ (44mm, Amazon)
Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear Case
The Hybrid Clear Case adds even more protection because, in addition to the bumper around the case, it also has clear screen cover to protect against scratches. Again, it's very slim and barely adds any bulk to your Apple Watch.
Buy Now: $20 $11+ (40mm, Amazon) Buy Now: $20 $13 (40mm, Amazon)
OtterBox Exo Edge Case
OtterBox and Apple teamed up on an exclusive case for the Apple Watch. It wraps around the Apple Watch's bezels, but doesn't guard the screen against scratches. The neat thing is that it's available in a number of different colors, including blue, gray, black, pink, beige and orange.
Catalyst Impact Protection Case
The Impact case by Catalyst is a rugged case and band that adds military-grade drop protection without being super bulky. And the case doesn't get in the way of the side button or rotating crown dial. It comes complete with a breathable sports band that buckles.
Buy Now: $50 (40mm, Catalyst) Buy Now: $50 (44mm, Catalyst)
