The Pixel Watch may no longer be one of the best Android smartwatches now that it's been replaced by the Pixel Watch 2, but it's still a great piece of kit.

Aside from being one of the most stylish and premium-looking smartwatches, it also packs some serious hardware, all backed by Google's best-in-class exclusive watch faces. The single hardware button also gives it a classic, elegant feel that's rare among smartwatches, and while the Pixel Watch may not boast the greatest battery life, it's a remarkable first effort.

That said, the default band options don't really offer much breadth in terms of style and design, which has led to a thriving aftermarket for third-party bands (as well as some strong offerings from Google itself). This curated list includes the best currently available across a range of styles, materials, and fits.

  • Polyjoy nylon band for Google Pixel Watch
    Polyjoy Stretch Nylon Band for Pixel Watch
    Best overall

    The Polyjoy Nylon band for Google Pixel Watch is everything you could ask for from a nylon band. It's stretchy, comfortable, and soft. The nylon design also means you can expect it to be durable and easy to wash.

  • Google Two-Tone Leather Band for Google Pixel Watch on a white background
    Google Two-Tone Leather Band for Pixel Watch
    Premium pick

    The Google Two-Tone Leather Band is a more sophisticated option for the Google Pixel Watch. This beautifully designed Italian leather band features two tones for the most elegant look. These bands are also available in light and dark colors to best suit your professional style.

  • Caseology Nano Pop for Pixel Watch pictured at an angle
    Caseology Nano Pop for Pixel Watch
    Best value

    Caseology delivers on its expert craftsmanship with the Nano Pop case and band for the Pixel Watch. Not only does this option make for a comfortable and sweat-proof band, but it also encloses your Pixel Watch, helping to protect it from dings and scratches.

  • miimall pixel watch silicone bands, pictured on the Pixel watch and separately
    Miimall Soft Silicone Sport Band for Pixel Watch
    Best set

    If you want a sports band for your Pixel Watch, the Miimall Soft Silicone Sport Band 3-pack is a durable set. The colorful bands are water-resistant and feature breathable perforations to help keep your wrist as cool and dry as possible. These bands are a little thinner than some other options, making them a great choice for smaller wrists.

  • Google Woven Band, positioned at an angle
    Google Woven Band for Pixel Watch
    $51 $60 Save $9

    Ready to add some color and design to your Google Pixel Watch? You can choose from a few color combinations and unique designs with a Google Woven band. The bands are made with recycled polyester yarn for a style that's comfortable and fashionable enough to be worn with many ensembles. They are also sweat- and water-resistant and come in one universal size.

  • Chofit Metal Band for Google Pixel Watch on a white background
    Chofit Metal Band for Pixel Watch

    While you'll have to pay a small fortune for Google's official metal link band, there are other Pixel Watch options, such as the Chofit Metal band. Beautifully crafted with polished, high-quality stainless steel, this thin band fits securely on your wrist with a fold-over clasp and easily locks into place with double lock buttons. It's also adjustable and designed for everyday use.

  • FitTurn Silicone Two-Pack Bands for Google Pixel Watch on a white background
    FitTurn Silicone Two-Pack Bands for Pixel Watch

    If the active-style silicone bands are your thing, you'll get the best value from the FitTurn Silicone Two-Pack Bands. These bands are made with premium soft silicone for ultimate comfort and come with a specially designed buckle clasp to fit your Google Pixel Watch perfectly. In addition, you can choose from a few color options, so you'll always have a unique backup band for your Pixel Watch.

  • kytuwy stretchy nylon band for the pixel watch on a white background
    Kytuwy Stretchy Nylon Band for Pixel Watch

    The Kytuwy Stretchy Nylon Band for Pixel Watch has everything that other nylon bands offer but with a more sophisticated design that uses magnetic fasteners to keep the band tight against your wrist. This means less chance of your wrist stretching it out or being too tight. There are also plenty of color options to choose from for ultimate customization.

  • hasdon stainless steel mesh pixel watch band, side angle
    Hasdon Stainless Steel Mesh Loop for Pixel Watch

    If you want something streamlined and fashionable that fits the metal bill without all the trouble of the different links, then the Hasdon Stainless Steel Mesh Loop is a great alternative. This band attaches easily to the Pixel Watch and provides plenty of style for those who need a more sophisticated look without dealing with kinks and other issues that occur with metal link watch bands. It's also available in a few colors.

  • TenCloud Stainless Steel Band for Google Pixel Watch, angled view
    TenCloud Stainless Steel Band for Pixel Watch

    The TenCloud Stainless Steel band is another classy and affordable option for your Google Pixel Watch. Made with high-quality stainless steel, this band is fully adjustable with removable links, so you can choose the perfect fit. This durable and polished band is available in glossy and matte black, silver, and rose gold.

  • Miimall Waterproof Sports Band for Google Pixel Watch pictured at an angled with a water splash in the bacground
    Miimall Waterproof Sports Band for Pixel Watch

    The Miimall Waterproof Sports band, like other active silicone bands, is sweat and water-resistant for all types of activities. This band is also designed with small breathable holes for optimal ventilation during exercise. Suitable for all, you can choose from various color combinations to make your Google Pixel Watch match your unique style.

  • spigen rugged armor pro pixel watch, side view
    Spigen Rugged Armor Pro for Pixel Watch

    Why buy a protective watch case separately when you can get one of the best alongside a rugged watch band? Spigen, known for making heavy-duty phone cases, as well as watches and other devices, has adapted its Rugged Armor Pro to the Pixel Watch with great success. It has a shock-absorbent raised layer around the watch face that fully encircles the watch for maximum protection. And the band itself is extremely durable.

One of the best watches deserves one of the best bands

Half of the fun of buying an expensive new smartwatch is customizing it to suit your aesthetic. Smartwatches are one of the modern accessories that are constantly visible, so you'll want one with some flair (or perhaps subtle, understated elegance), and given how the market for Pixel Watch add-ons has swelled, there are many options.

The Polyjoy band is a perfect example of form and function. It is made of comfortable, stretchy nylon, meaning it will fit well and keep your wrist comfortable, but it's also easy to wash and extremely durable. As a bonus, it comes in a bunch of fun and attractive colorways.

For a little more, Google's own Two-Tone Leather Band is a real fashion statement, made from supple Italian leather with stainless steel clasps to ensure your smartwatch is suitable for casual wear, as well as black tie functions.

If you prefer a soft, snug silicone option, the best value pick from Caseology is what you're looking for. It's naturally sweat-resistant, won't slide around on your wrist, and has a handy raised ridge around the watch face to keep it safe from bumps and impacts.

Speaking of keeping your Pixel Watch safe, if you want to go the extra mile, consider adding one of the best Google Pixel Watch cases for extra protection.