This magnetic silicone band keeps Apple Watch stylish

Most folks have their favorite materials when it comes to Apple Watch bands, like classic leather, stainless steel or smooth silicone.

I’ve been testing an unusual silicone band with magnets in it — SwitchEasy’s MagEasy Skin Silicone Magnetic Apple Watch Band.

It’s a comfortable, stylish, durable and convenient silicone band available in the Cult of Mac Store. The easy-on, easy-off magnetic closure keeps it secure on your wrist. But it’s not without minor drawbacks.

— David Snow, Cult of Mac writer.

SwitchEasy Skin Silicone review

As I said in a post when the band first arrived in the Cult of Mac Store, the SwitchEasy Skin Silicone Magnetic Watch Band is a jack-of-all-trades sort of a strap.

Short of the most formal occasions, it won’t look out of place anywhere. You can take it on a hike without worrying about sweat harming it. Or you could wear it to the office. The magnetic closure works great, but there is a possible drawback to it having to do with Apple Watch functionality.

A magnetic Apple Watch band that comes in 4 colors

SwitchEasy sent me the black and starlight colors to try, but the band also comes in pine green and pink. The lighter colors catch the eye the most and make sense for casual wear, whereas the classic black one would blend right in with your tuxedo. The pine green has a cool, dark look to it.

The band feels durable. Its lightweight silicone feels good on the skin. And at the same time, the magnets give it texture, a bit like the links of a stainless steel band.

It’s stylish as well as waterproof and sweatproof. So you can wear it in the shower without a thought. And don’t worry about your sweaty wrist making it gross as it might do to a leather band. Silicone is no fuss, no muss.

Strong magnetic closure (that can mess with Apple Watch compass)

The band’s strong magnetic closure keeps it secure on your wrist while also making it super-easy to put on or take off. Once you fasten it, it stays in place very well. So well, in fact, you’ll want to readjust it a bit if you make it too tight, because it will leave little dents in your skin.

And, unlike a buckle, it’s just a quick flip to take it off. Any part of the band sticks magnetically to any other part, so the band snaps in place on any size wrist.

However, there is one possible downside to the magnets. If you like to use the compass built into Apple Watch, you might heed Cupertino’s warning about its own magnetic bands affecting the compass sensor. It’s possible this band would throw off the compass, too. I found the compass read a bit differently from normal when I wore a Skin band, indicating I faced east when I actually faced north.

SwitchEasy Skin band features:

• Strong magnetic closure ensures a stable fit.

• High-quality silicone material is durable and soft on the skin.

• Lightweight band is waterproof and sweat-resistant.

• Designed exclusively for Apple Watch.

• Comes in pink, starlight, pine green and black colors.

• Fits all Apple Watch series: Sizes are 38mm/40mm/41mm and 42mm/44mm/45mm/49mm.

Price is right, though not the cheapest

If Apple made a band like this one, it would cost at least $49 — substantially more than what SwitchEasy charges ($30). Currently, the closest item Apple makes is the Leather Link, which goes for $99 because of the leather. That said, there are silicone-link-style bands out there for less than SwitchEasy’s. It’s difficult to say without trying them if they’re as good, however.

The MagEasy Skin band is a good buy for anyone who likes silicone’s smooth and cool touch on the skin. The magnets not only make for a convenient closure, but they add a bit of texture and a distinctive visual look.

And if you’re concerned about Apple Watch’s compass not working perfectly, you can always wear another band when you know you’re going to use the compass.

Price: $29.99

Where to buy: Cult of Mac Store

SwitchEasy provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

★★★★☆