This Apple Watch band got some exciting new color options in 2025 – I tested it out to see if its still a top-class strap

Apple Solo Loop review

If you ever get fed up with fastening up your Apple Watch every morning, the Apple Solo Loop is sure to liberate you from frustration. The Apple Solo Loop is as simple as it gets – a plain Apple Watch strap that slips straight onto your wrist – no buttons, buckles or the like to contend with here. And although it’s not quite the perfect strap, it’s still a favorite of mine – here’s why.

Firstly, the absence of any fastening features is a big time saver. Sure, that means this watch is non-adjustable – not ideal if you’re sharing your Apple Watch with another person, for instance, but the ability to just slip it on was a plus for me overall. Simply check out Apple’s size guide on its website and find the fit that works for you. Easy as you like.

I tried out the Size 6 edition and found it to be both snug and secure – just as all the best Apple Watch bands should be. But there were more design aspects that I loved. Firstly, this band is made from liquid silicone rubber – a material that felt comfortable on my skin and smooth to the touch. It’s also both swimproof and sweatproof, making it totally workout-ready.

And there’s more. This band comes in a variety of eye-catching colorways, including Northern Lights (neon green), Periwinkle (a blue-ish purple) and Peony (pink). These colors were added in Spring 2025 – just after I picked up the far less adventurous black variant. I know. I’m still not over it.

But look, I’m going to have to burst the Apple Solo Loop’s bubble for a second. It's pretty prone to picking up loose fibers and dust, which means it may need a bit of a clean every few days – something that won’t bother you with a model like the Apple Nike Sport Loop. On top of that, the closed nature of this band means it’s not the most breathable, so it’s not the best suited for runs or gym sessions.

One more thing – this isn’t the cheapest Apple Watch band on the market, carrying a list price of $49 / £49. Sure, that’s in line with the more affordable first-party options, like the Apple Sport Band, for instance. But it’s worth noting that there are some more budget-friendly third-party options out there, like the Upeak Sport Strap and Yoohoo Adjustable Metal Strap – both of which you can often get for less than £10 in the UK.

So when all’s said and done, I think it’s fair to say that the Apple Solo Loop is a very solid option for anyone seeking out a new Apple Watch band. It’s comfortable, easy to fit and vibrant (if you want it to be), not to mention the fact it's both swim and sweatproof. Sure, it’s not as breathable or dust-resistant as some of its rivals, but in the end, the Solo Loop is still worthy of my recommendation.

Apple Solo Loop review: price & specs

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