{"id":85,"date":"2021-10-10T14:53:59","date_gmt":"2021-10-10T14:53:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/engadget.vip\/?p=85"},"modified":"2021-10-10T14:53:59","modified_gmt":"2021-10-10T14:53:59","slug":"the-best-apple-watch-accessories-you-can-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/?p=85","title":{"rendered":"The best Apple Watch accessories you can buy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It didn\u2019t take long for the Apple Watch to become perhaps the most ubiquitous wearable. Even more so than the iPhone, the Apple Watch is a device you can truly make your own with the right accessories. It is, after all, a watch, and like traditional timepieces it\u2019s meant to reflect your personal style. While the most obvious way to customize your Apple Watch is with funky bands, there are cases, stands, wireless chargers and other accessories you can buy that can inject a bit of you into all aspects of Apple Watch ownership. We tested out a bunch of Apple Watch accessories to see which are worth your money.<\/p>\n

Spigen Thin Fit case<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Valentina Palladino \/ Engadget<\/figure>\n

While plenty of us use cases to protect our smartphones from drops and scrapes, you may not think to do the same for your smartwatch. After all, a device that\u2019s literally strapped to your body isn\u2019t as prone to accidental drops as a device that moves in and out of your pocket all day. Chalk it up to me being clumsy, but I\u2019ve knocked my Apple Watch on more door frames than I\u2019d like to admit. For less than $25, a case is a good option if you don\u2019t want to take any chances with that $279-plus smartwatch on your wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cCases\u201d are basically bumpers that surround the edges of the Apple Watch, and some of them even cover the screen. I personally prefer a bumper-style case because, if I\u2019m going to cover the display, it\u2019ll be with a dedicated screen protector. Spigen\u2019s line of Apple Watch cases are solid and they come in two different levels of bulk. The Rugged Armor series has a shock-absorbent layer and raised bezels, making it especially well suited for those who prioritize protection over fashion. Spigen\u2019s Thin Fit series is more my speed: It sits flush against the Watch\u2019s display, but still gives you an extra layer of protection. You can even choose a color that matches your Watch to help it blend in. Two added perks of Spigen\u2019s cases are that they snap on quickly and easily, and they\u2019re quite affordable at around $14 a piece.<\/p>\n

Buy Spigen Thin Fit at Amazon – $14<\/p>\n

Zagg InvisibleShield screen protector<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Zagg<\/figure>\n

If you don\u2019t want the extra bulk that comes with a case, a screen protector will give you at least a bit more of a safeguard than sporting a naked Watch. Zagg\u2019s InvisibleShield line is a reliable one that provides shatter protection, clarity and enhanced touch-sensitivity. When installed properly (Zagg gives you clear instructions and all the tools you need to do so), you\u2019ll probably forget you have a screen protector on your Watch. These blend in almost seamlessly with the Watch\u2019s hardware, and if you do accidentally ding the screen, the protector should take all of the damage.<\/p>\n

Buy Invisible Shield screen protector at Amazon – $10<\/p>\n

Anker Nano Pro 20W charger<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Anker<\/figure>\n

The latest Apple Watches don\u2019t come with power adapters, so you\u2019ll have to dig one out of your drawer or get a new one to charge it up. Choosing the latter is probably best since Series 7 owners will get a new, USB-C-toting cable, so you\u2019ll need an Anker\u2019s 20W Nano Pro is a good pick because it\u2019s compact and has a few safety features built in. Inside is a dynamic temperature sensor that helps prevent overheating, plus a power tuner chip that helps adjust output based on your device. That second feature is likely more important than the first if you\u2019re primarily using this tiny brick with your Apple Watch, but both will be handy if you ever need to use it with your iPhone. What\u2019s more, the Nano Pro can fast charge iPhone 13s, providing a 50-percent top-up in only 25 minutes, and you can get one that matches the color of your handset if you wish.<\/p>\n

Buy Anker Nano Pro 20W at Amazon – $20<\/p>\n

Apple MagSafe Duo charger<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Apple<\/figure>\n

Apple makes one of the more elegant solutions to charging your iPhone and Apple Watch while traveling. The $129 MagSafe Duo has spaces to wirelessly charge both devices and folds up into a neat square when not in use. The Apple Watch pad flips upward as well, allowing you to use the gadget in Nighttime mode while it\u2019s charging. While this accessory does come with a USB-C to Lightning cable to provide power to the system, it does not come with an AC adapter so you will have to remember to pack your own.<\/p>\n

Buy MagSafe Duo at Amazon – $129<\/p>\n

Belkin Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Valentina Palladino \/ Engadget<\/figure>\n

Apple Watch chargers are a bit different than Lightning cables in the sense that you probably have only one of the former and many of the latter. Those who travel or commute often should consider getting a second Apple Watch charger, that way you\u2019re not stuck if you forget to pack your one and only before a long weekend trip. Belkin\u2019s Boost Charge Pro portable fast charger is a great option, particularly for those who have a Series 7. The square pad uses Apple\u2019s new fast-charging module, so it\u2019ll be able to power up the Series 7 from 0 to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes.<\/p>\n

You can simply sit your timepiece on the module to charge, but it also flips up so you can use the Watch in Nightstand mode while it\u2019s powering up on your bedside table. To support different Watch sizes and protective cases, the pad also has a dial on its underside that lets you adjust the height of the charging module. Plus, the attached USB-C cable that tucks away on the bottom of the pad is four feet long, giving you a bit more placement flexibility than other chargers.<\/p>\n

The main drawback is its $60 list price, but those strapped for cash should consider Anker\u2019s version, which is very similar to Belkins and only $43. It won\u2019t fast-charge the Series 7, but it will power up the device just like it would a Series 6 or earlier. I also prefer how the attached USB-C cable coils up into the base on this one \u2013 it\u2019s a bit neater than Belkin\u2019s solution.<\/p>\n

Buy Boost Charge Pro at Belkin – $60
\nBuy Anker Foldable Charging Dock at Amazon – $43<\/p>\n

Bellroy Compact Tech Kit<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Bellroy<\/figure>\n

You\u2019ll likely have your Apple Watch strapped to your wrist while traveling, but it\u2019s a good idea to have a pouch or case that can hold the gadget along with any accessories you need when you\u2019re not wearing it. Bellroy\u2019s Compact Tech Kit is an attractive option not only because of its minimalist design, but the multiple loops and pockets on the inside. It can easily hold your Apple Watch charging cable, an AC adapter and a few extra bands, and you\u2019ll still have space for things like AirPods, a Lightning cable for your iPhone and even a larger power adapter for your laptop. If you don\u2019t mind something a bit more utilitarian, Bagsmart\u2019s small travel organizer is a good option that also costs just $17.<\/p>\n

Buy Compact Tech Kit at Bellroy – $55
\nBuy Bagsmart small travel organizer at Amazon – $17<\/p>\n

Apple Watch stands<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Valentina Palladino \/ Engadget<\/figure>\n

If you want to use the Apple Watch\u2019s handy Nightstand mode while it\u2019s charging, I\u2019ve found that Watch holders can make the experience much better. My Watch often topples over or rolls about when I simply trust it to sit on its side next to my bed, but that\u2019s easily fixed with a stand. Elago\u2019s stands may be simple, but they have a lot of personality, coming in colorful dome shapes and in the forms of retro tech. The biggest problem with them, particularly the dome stands, is that they can be prone to sliding around on your desk or nightstand if there\u2019s any tension on your charging cable. But they hold the Apple Watch well and, at under $15, they\u2019re affordable ways to inject more personality into your accessory game.<\/p>\n

We previously recommended Spigen\u2019s $11 S350 stand as another basic option, but we\u2019d now opt to upgrade to the PowerArc ArcField wireless charger. Coming in at $37, this one looks almost identical to the S350 stand but it comes with an Apple Watch charging module built in, plus an attached, 6.6-foot USB-C cable. It also comes with a few rubber pads of different heights, allowing you to adjust the stand to the right height based on your Watch\u2019s size and if you have a case protecting it. While it costs more than a standard silicone stand for your Apple Watch, it\u2019s worth it for the additional charging power \u2013 plus if it does become your main home charger, that frees up the charging cable that came with the Apple Watch to be your on-the-go option.<\/p>\n

Buy Elago dome charging stand at Amazon – $10
\nBuy Elago W6 charging stand (iPod) at Amazon – $13
\nBuy Spigen PowerArc ArcField wireless charger at Amazon – $37<\/p>\n

Apple Watch bands<\/h2>\n
<\/figcaption>Valentina Palladino \/ Engadget<\/figure>\n

You probably made your way to this guide because you already have an Apple Watch that you\u2019re ready to deck out. But if you haven\u2019t made the purchase yet, consider using the Apple Watch Studio to customize the timepiece to your liking. Doing so will let you choose the precise band style and color you want, and there are definitely a few that are worth getting directly from Apple. Both the Sport Band and the Sport Loop are good basic options for everyday and exercise use, but you can find alternatives for much less elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Apple\u2019s packs of three to six bands for less than $20 but the quality may be questionable. Look for brands with many high ratings on Amazon if you insist on getting the best bang for your buck. You can also use FakeSpot\u2019s Amazon integration to get an idea for how trustworthy a product\u2019s reviews are.<\/p>\n

A few reputable brands that make Apple Watch bands are Spigen, Elago and Casetify. Spigen\u2019s Silicone Fit band feels the most similar to Apple\u2019s Sport Band. The material is soft, comfortable and it\u2019s a hair thinner than Apple\u2019s. The biggest difference is that you\u2019ll pay around $10 for one of Spigen\u2019s bands as opposed to $50 for one of Apple\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Buy Apple Watch bands (5 pack) at Amazon – $20
\nBuy Spigen Silicone Fit band at Amazon – $10<\/p>\n

Elago\u2019s Sport Bands are made of fluoro-rubber material, so they\u2019re a bit thicker and more substantial than Apple\u2019s standard silicone band. They also have traditional buckle closures, giving them a style that better transitions from workouts to workplaces. They are a good option if you like the simplicity of Apple\u2019s own bands but don\u2019t want to shell out $50 for one.<\/p>\n

Casetify occupies the opposite end of the spectrum, offering printed and customizable Apple Watch straps that truly stand out. They come in metal, leather, silicone and recycled plastic and you can get as specific as you want. There are plenty of solid colors to choose from as well as dozens of floral and animal prints. Casetify also has trendy collaborations with Disney, Netflix\u2019s Squid Game<\/em> and other pop-culture heavyweights, and even bands you can personalize with your recipient\u2019s name or initials. While Casetify\u2019s straps are on the expensive side, ranging from $40 to $72, it\u2019s a price worth paying if you absolutely must have a band that fits your style to a tee.<\/p>\n

Buy Elago sport band at Amazon – $19
\nShop Casetify Apple Watch bands<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It didn\u2019t take long for the Apple Watch to become perhaps the most ubiquitous wearable. Even more so than the iPhone, the Apple Watch is a device you can truly make your own with the right accessories. It is, after all, a watch, and like traditional timepieces it\u2019s meant to reflect your personal style. While […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":87,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[124,98,123,127,133,131,104,126,92,129,125,130,65,87,128,96,82,132],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=85"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/85\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/87"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=85"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=85"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/engadget.vip\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=85"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}