Do you know the differences between the Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band? We know that the Apple users are often confused between the two band options and we are here to help.
The Apple Watch Sport Loop has a better design with attractive color combinations that the Sport Band. Moreover, the Sport Loop is far more comfortable to wear than the Sport Band when it comes to physical activities or exercises. However, if you are looking for a less flashy strap, then Apple Watch Sport Loop will do the job perfectly for you.
But that’s not all. Read on for a detailed Sport Loop vs Sport Band comparison on different key points including material & design, size & colors, comfort, and price.
Before we dive deep into the comparison, we highly recommend that you get one of the following Apple Watch Band Organizers to keep your favorite bands protected from the elements.
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Let’s dive into the Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band comparison for now.
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: Design & Material
| Sport Loop | Sport Band | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Woven Nylon | Fluoroelastomer |
| Method to Wear | Hook-and-loop fastener | Pin-and-tuck closure |
| Lugs | Standard | Standard |
Let’s talk about the Sport Loop first. So, the Apple Watch Sport Loop has a similar design to the Apple Watch Ultra Trail loop. The Sport Loop also has a hook-and-loop fastener system which is very convenient to use. Moreover, the Sport Loop comes with 5 Velcro straps to make sure that the watch is secure on your wrist. The quality of velcro straps is excellent and you won’t have any trouble with them.
The Apple Watch Sport Loop is made from Woven Nylon which is stretchable and feels very soft on the wrist. When you wear the Sport Loop for the first few days, you might feel that the Sport Loop isn’t as soft as the Solo Loop. However, the Sport Loop gets softer after you have worn it for a few days. So, the material is great and it’ll definitely give you a premium feel.
Apple Watch Sport Band is made from Fluoroelastomer material which is very durable. The Sport band comes with a pin-and-tuck closure system which is convenient to use. The material is less stretchable than the Sport Loop. However, it is still a pretty soft band for your Apple Watch.
Both of these Apple Watch bands don’t feature titanium lugs which you can get with other bands like the Trail or Alpine Loop. But this is justified given the lower price tag of these Apple Watch bands which we’ll talk about later in this comparison.
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: Size and Color
| Sport Loop | Sport Band | |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Storm Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Product Red, Elderberry | Red, Olive, Sky, Midnight, White, Bright Orange, Starlight, Elderburry, Slate Blue, Succulent |
| Band Sizes | 2 (Regular, XL) | 3 (S/M, M/L, X/L) |
| Suitable for Wrist Size | 130 mm to 245 mm | 130 mm to 245 mm |
| Compatible with | 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 49mm Cases | 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 49mm Cases |
The Apple Watch Sport Loop is available in 2 sizes and it fits wrists from 130mm to 245mm. The regular size is available for both 41mm and 45mm cases. However, the XL size of the Sport Loop is suitable only for the 45mm case. The Sport Loop is availalbe in 5 different colors.
The two streaks of colors on edge of the Sport Loop make the design very attractive. The color combinations have been chosen by Apple to suit your taste. Our favorite colors for the Apple Watch Sport Loop are Midnight and Starlight as they give a minimalist, yet fashionable look.
The Sport band, on the other hand, comes in 3 sizes and a lot more colors. It can also fit wrists from 130mm to 245mm depending on the size chosen. There are 10 colors available in total. Sky and White are our favorite colors for the Apple Sport Band.
One important thing that you should consider while choosing a size for the Sport Loop or Sport band is that both of these Apple Watch straps offer different sizes for 41mm and 45mm Apple Case sizes. For instance, there are two S/M sizes available for the Sport Band. The S/M strap for the 41mm case fits 130-180mm wrists whereas the S/M strap for the 45mm case will fit wrists of 140mm-190mm.
The difference in strap sizes for both cases is not that big, but it can become crucial if you have a very small wrist or a very large wrist. In those cases, the 10mm can make all the difference. So, make sure that you choose a strap size for the right case.
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: Comfort
From a comfort stand point, we are confident that Sport Loop is slightly ahead. Although the Sport Loop is less comfortable and less stretchable than the Solo Loop, it still is softer than the Sport Band and it would fit snug on your wrist, thanks to the hook-and-loop fastener. The Sport loop is designed to be worn during sports and other physical activities. So, you can wear it all day long without any hassle.
The Sport Band is not uncomfortable either as its from a soft Fluoroelastomer material as well. The pin-and-tuck closure system makes the Sport loop an easy to wear strap. However, it might not be as comfortable as the Sport Loop during activities like running or swimming.
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: Pricing
| Sport Loop | Sport Band |
|---|---|
| $49 | $49 |
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: Which one is better for you?
If you are looking for an Apple Watch strap that you can wear during your exercises and other physical activities, then Apple Watch Sport Loop is ideal for you. The hook-and-loop fastener system with velcro straps ensure a snug fit. And the Apple Watch Sport Loop is way more comfortable than the Sport Band,
However, if you don’t want an Apple strap as flashy as the Sport Loop, then go for Sport Band. The pin-and-tuck closure is convenient to use and you won’t regret it after wearing it for all-day long.
At SmartwatchRepublic, our wearable experts keep sharing their expertise on the Apple Watch and its accessories so you can make an informed decision. You can also find custom Apple Watch band comparisons on our website like the Apple Watch Ultra Trail Loop vs Alpine Loop if you are confused between other Apple Watch bands.
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: FAQs
Which is better sport band or Sport Loop?
The Sport Loop is better than the Sport Band in terms of comfort and material. Moreover, the design and color combinations of the Sport Loop make it a far better Apple Watch Strap than the Sport Band.
Is Apple Watch Sport Loop sweat proof?
No, Apple hasn’t listed the Sport Loop as sweat proof. If you need a sweatproof strap, go for the Apple Watch Solo Loop instead.
Is Sport Loop waterproof?
No! The Apple Watch Sport Loop isn’t waterproof. But it doesn’t mean it cannot handle water at all. Although the Sport Loop absorbs moisture, it will quickly dry off. However, if you need a swimproof band, get yourself the Apple Watch Solo Loop.
Does Apple Sport Loop stay on?
Yes, the Apple Sport Loop stays on pretty well. The hook and loop fastener system with velcro straps ensure that the Strap stays snug on your wrist.
Does the Sport Loop get sweaty?
Yes, the Sport Loop does get sweaty as the Nylon material absorbs moisture off your wrist. However, you can wash it after a few days of use to make sure it doesn’t smell.
Can you shower with Sport Loop?
You can shower with the Sport Loop. However, since the sport loop isn’t waterproof, you should avoid this practice.
Does the Apple Watch Sport Loop get dirty?
Yes, the Apple Watch Sport Loop does get dirty as all other Apple straps do. The Starlight and Product Red Sport Loops may look even more dirty due to the color combinations. But a delicate wash after a week or two would make your Sport Loop as good as new.
Is Apple Sport Loop velcro?
Yes, the Apple Sport Loop features 5 Velcro straps to ensure that the Strap remains snug on your wrist.
Is Apple Sport Loop worth it?
Yes, the Apple Sport Loop is worth the $49 you invest on it. The comfort, design, colors, and durability make it worth your investment into a quality strap.
Is Apple Sport Loop washable?
The Apple Sport Loop isn’t waterproof. Yet, you can wash it sometimes to clear the dirt. The recommended way to clean the Sport Loop and other Apple straps is to use a lint-free cloth. You can also dampen the cloth with water for a better clean. You can get more information on cleaning the Apple Watch Straps from the official Apple Guidelines.