The Upeak Sport Strap is so comfortable I forgot I was wearing my Apple Watch – but it’s not the most premium band out there

A comfortable sports strap at a low price

Upeak Sport Strap on Apple Watch, leaning on plinth on desk with pink background
(Image: © Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Upeak Sport Strap is a very comfortable band suitable for all kinds of sporting activity. I was especially impressed by its secure fit, even when loosely fastened, and how quickly it dries. It might not be as durable or as premium as the very best Apple Watch bands, but for the price it offers great value for money next to big-brand alternatives.

Pros

  • +

    Very comfortable

  • +

    Dries quickly

  • +

    Cheap

Cons

  • -

    Not the most premium

  • -

    Not best for formal occasions

  • -

    Picks up debris easily

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Upeak Sport Strap review

The Upeak Sport Strap is an Apple Watch band designed for physical activity, and for those who want something light and comfortable. It adopts a fairly typical sports band aesthetic, with its silicone material and perforated holes.

There are multiple colorways available, from monochromatic shades to more vibrant, multi-hued combinations, so there’s a good match for everyone. The Charcoal variant I had was understated, making it suitable for all sorts of occasions.

It feels reasonably durable, although it’s perhaps not as tough as some of the best Apple Watch bands out there. It also picks up blemishes and small scratches relatively easily too.

It installs quite easily into an Apple Watch. I did notice a small amount of play, wobbling very slightly from side to side within the strap recess, although not enough to cause a problem or warrant concern.

The Upeak Sport Strap is pleasingly light and reasonably thin. It’s also quite pliant with a small amount of elasticity, meaning you can stretch it slightly to adjust on your wrist.

These aspects help to make it very comfortable. The multiple fastening holes ensure an easy fit, while the material is soft enough to prevent irritation occurring. In fact, I could barely feel it on my wrist at times, which is always a good sign in a watch strap.

Despite this, the Upeak Sport Strap also offers a good amount of grip. Even when I had it relatively loose on my wrist, my Apple Watch still didn’t move around. The buckle is equally secure, so I wasn’t worried about it coming loose. This makes it great for physical activity, and means you don’t need an uncomfortably tight fit to keep it stable.

What also supports physical activity is how the Upeak Sport Strap deals with sweat and water. It stays comfortable even when drenched, without rubbing on the skin or causing irritation. Even better is just how quickly it dries, and a small dab of a towel is all that’s required in the most extreme cases.

One drawback of the Upeak Sport Strap, though, is just how easily it picks up debris, such as dust and hair, thanks to the sticky nature of the silicone. This can be hard to remove without the aid of a brush or lint remover.

Despite this, the Upeak Sport Strap remains good value for money at under £10. The comfort levels and ease of use are great, so even though it mightn’t be the most premium Apple Watch band out there, it still makes for the ideal workout partner.

Upeak Sport Strap on Apple Watch on wrist

(Image credit: Future)

Upeak Sport Strap review: Price & specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Price

£9.99

Materials

Silicone

Band size

Adjustable

Compatible with

38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm

Resistances

Sweat and water

Sustainable aspects

Not stated

Close-up of buckle on Upeak Sport Strap on wrist

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Upeak Sport Strap?

Buy it if…

You want supreme comfort
Regardless of what you’re doing, the Upeak Sport Strap remains comfortable in all situations.

You want to save money
Many equivalent sports bands, especially those from the big brands and Apple itself, are considerably more expensive.

Don't buy it if…

You want minimal upkeep
Thanks to the sticky nature of the Silicone, dust and debris stick easily to the Upeak Sport Strap, which can be awkward to clean.

You want something formal
Despite being relatively understated, it still isn’t among the most premium or elegant of Apple Watch straps.

Upeak Sport Strap review: Also consider

Nike Sport Band
If you’re after something more premium, then the Nike Sport Band is a good choice. It’s made from fluoroelastomer and is comfortable and breathable no matter what kind of activity you’re up to. It’s also durable, and the range of colors, including a Pride option, mean there’s a variant for everyone. We think it’s one of the best Apple Watch bands for working out with.

Lewis Maddison
Reviews Writer

Lewis Maddison is a Reviews Writer for TechRadar. He previously worked as a Staff Writer for our business section, TechRadar Pro, where he had experience with productivity-enhancing hardware, ranging from keyboards to standing desks. His area of expertise lies in computer peripherals and audio hardware, having spent over a decade exploring the murky depths of both PC building and music production. He also revels in picking up on the finest details and niggles that ultimately make a big difference to the user experience.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
The Apple Watch SE using the Slate Milanese Loop band
I tested the stylish Apple Milanese Loop watch band – here's my verdict on whether it's worth that hefty price tag
A side view of the magenta-colored Apple Braided Solo Loop attached to a light pink Apple Watch on a woman's wrist.
Apple Braided Solo Loop review: I loved the fit and performance, but the high price was an instant turn-off
Amazfit Active 2
In 10 years, this $99 Amazfit Active 2 is the closest I've come to ditching my Apple Watch
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro before a red candle
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro review: One big upgrade that comes at a price
Amazfit Active 2
I ditched all my strength training plans for a $99 smartwatch – here's what happened
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active being worn in a park.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active review: Too many corners cut
Latest in Smartwatches
Garmin Instinct 3 in Neotropic Green
"I'm an idiot": Garmin user reveals how fixing one setting completely changed their training after months of making no progress
A garmin forerrunner 55 on an orange background with the phrase lowest price
Sprint! The best cheap Garmin for runners is back down to its lowest-ever price
Half-Life running on a smartwatch
This Redditor installed a game engine on their smartwatch, and now it runs Doom, Quake, and Half-Life
Apple watch pair with iphone
I've been wearing an Apple Watch for 10 years – these are the 5 settings I change right out of the box
Garmin Instinct 3 next to the Apple Watch Ultra 2
New figures claim the smartwatch market just shrunk for the first time ever, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is to blame
Garmin Forerunner 265S
One of the best Garmin running watches just dropped to a great low price at Amazon
Latest in Reviews
Alienware 27 AW2725Q monitor on desk displaying a scene from Cyberpunk 2077
I played games with Alienware's new 27-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I don't want to see another LCD panel
MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip on a creative's desk with screen open
I've reviewed the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) - and it remains the best 15-inch laptop I'd recommend for most people
Samsung Music Frame on a table beside some books and a vase
I spent six weeks listening to the Samsung Music Frame and it kept missing the beat
GlocalMe KeyTracker
When I tested this global tracker, it trounced the Apple AirTag in so many ways
Groov-e Boston DAB radio on a wooden table
I tested this affordable DAB radio and, sadly, its tinny output made me think of every car garage I've ever been to
An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D on its retail packaging
I've reviewed three generations of 3D V-cache processors, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the best there is