Compatibility guide

Finding the perfect strap shouldn’t require a degree in mechanical engineering.

Whether you’ve just unboxed the latest Apple Watch Series 11, upgraded to the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra, or you’re still reliably tracking miles on a classic Garmin, one question always comes first: Will it fit?

We believe your smartwatch should be as versatile as your lifestyle. But with the industry split between traditional watchmaking standards and new, high-tech proprietary connectors, the "right fit" isn't always obvious.

We’ve built this guide to be your definitive resource. We have analyzed the connection mechanisms of every major brand on the market to help you shop with total confidence. Below, you will find the world of smartwatches divided into two categories: the Universal Standard used by the majority of the industry, and the Proprietary Ecosystems engineered by brands like Apple, Google, and Fitbit.

Not sure where to start? Flip your watch over—most models have their size and series engraved directly on the back of the casing. Once you have your model name, use the tables below to find your match

Can’t find your watch in the guide? Don’t worry! Just reach out to our customer service, and they’ll help you further. 

The universal standard: Quick Release straps

Many of the world’s leading smartwatch brands utilize a standardized connection system known as the Quick Release pin. If your smartwatch uses this system, you are not locked into buying straps specifically branded for your device. Instead, you simply need to know the width of your watch's lug (the space where the strap attaches to the watch case).

⚠️ Important note on brand compatibility

Brands like Samsung, Garmin, Huawei, Suunto, and Polar produce watches that use standard Quick Release pins, but they also manufacture premium lines that use their own proprietary connections. Always check your specific model name before purchasing. (We cover proprietary connections, such as the Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and Garmin QuickFit, further down this guide).

20mm Quick Release compatibility

The 20mm width is one of the most common sizes for sleek, everyday smartwatches. If you own any of the models below, any standard 20mm Quick Release straps will fit your device perfectly.

→ Tip: Unsure how to measure? Simply take a ruler and measure the inside distance between the two "horns" (lugs) on the watch case where the strap connects. 

22mm Quick Release compatibility

Watches designed for outdoor activities, or those featuring larger, more rugged displays, typically utilize a wider 22mm Quick Release straps connection for added stability.

Proprietary systems

While many manufacturers stick to the traditional watchmaking "Universal" standard, some of the industry’s biggest players—such as Apple, Samsung, Google, and Fitbit—have developed their own proprietary connection systems.

These "bespoke" connectors are often designed to ensure a more seamless integration between the strap and the watch case, or to provide extra security for high-performance athletes. However, for the consumer, it means you must choose a strap specifically engineered for that brand's locking mechanism.

In the sections below, we demystify these unique systems to ensure you find the perfect match for your specific device.

Apple Watch: The "Slide-and-Click" ecosystem

Apple revolutionized the industry with its proprietary sliding lug system. One of the most impressive things about the Apple Watch is that despite many design changes over the years, the connection mechanism has remained largely backward-compatible.

To find your strap size, simply look at the engraving on the back of your watch case (near the heart rate sensors).

⚠️ The "42mm Paradox": Essential reading

This is the most common point of confusion for Apple Watch owners.

• If you have a legacy watch (Series 1, 2, or 3): 42mm was the "Large" size.
• If you have a modern watch (Series 10 or 11): 42mm is now the "Small" size.

Always check your Series before purchasing to ensure the lug fits flush with your case.

Track 1: The small case series

If your watch is listed below, all straps in this category are interchangeable. For example, a strap bought for a Series 4 (40mm) will fit perfectly on a Series 11 (42mm).

→ See our collection of Apple Watch 38 - 42mm straps. 

Track 2: The large case & Ultra series

This category covers the larger displays and the rugged Ultra line. Interestingly, even the 49mm Ultra can use straps from the older 42mm Series 3, though "Ultra-specific" straps are usually wider to match the watch's beefier profile.

→ Pro Tip: If you own an Apple Watch Ultra, you can technically use any "Large" (Track 2) strap. However, for intense activities like diving or climbing, we recommend straps with reinforced titanium connectors specifically designed for the 49mm case to ensure maximum security. 

→ See our collection of Apple Watch 42 - 49mm straps.

Garmin: The heavy-duty QuickFit system

Garmin’s ecosystem is uniquely divided into two camps. As we covered in the "Universal Standard" section above, Garmin’s lifestyle and running watches (like the Venu, Vivoactive, and standard Forerunner series) use universal Quick Release pins.

However, for their premium outdoor, tactical, and multisport watches—such as the Fenix, Epix, and Instinct lines—Garmin developed their proprietary QuickFit system.

What is QuickFit?

Unlike standard pins that need to be removed from the watch, the QuickFit system utilizes a heavy-duty spring-loaded latch. The metal bar stays permanently attached to the watch case, and the QuickFit strap simply snaps onto and off the bar with a satisfying click. This provides unmatched security for extreme sports.

Garmin’s QuickFit system comes in three distinct sizes. The easiest way to know which size you need is to look at the letter at the end of your watch model (e.g., "S" for Small, "X" for Extra Large).

→ See our collection of Garmin straps and accessories, for all different models and QuickFit  sizes.

QuickFit 20 (20mm)

Designed for Garmin's smaller-profile premium watches. If your Garmin model ends in an "S", this is almost certainly the strap you need.

QuickFit 22 (22mm)

The standard size for Garmin's flagship multisport watches. If your Fenix or Epix model has no letter after the number, it uses a QuickFit 22 strap.

QuickFit 26 (26mm)

Built for Garmin's largest, most rugged devices featuring massive batteries and displays. If your watch model ends in an "X", or is part of the ultra-endurance lines, you need the extra-wide QuickFit 26.

→ ⚠️ Crucial Warning on Cross-Compatibility: Do not confuse Quick Release 20mm/22mm with QuickFit 20/22. While they share the same millimeter width, the connection mechanism is completely different. A standard 22mm Quick Release strap will not attach to a Fenix 7, and a QuickFit 22 strap will not attach to a Venu 3. 

Wait - where does my Garmin Lily fit into this?

This is an excellent question, and one that any Garmin watch strap guide would be incomplete without. The Garmin Lily series actually breaks from Garmin’s usual attachment system, and is neither quick release nor QuickFit…kind of. It breaks down like this:

• Garmin Lily uses a proprietary attachment system (sometimes called saddle screw) which is not shared with any other Garmin watch.
• Garmin Lily 2 does use quick release straps, but they’re uniquely 14mm wide. The same is true for the different versions, Lily 2 Classic and Lily 2 Active. 

Fitbit: The custom clip ecosystem

While Fitbit (now owned by Google) dominates the health-tracking market, their strap compatibility is notably complex. Fitbit rarely uses the universal Quick Release system. Instead, they design custom, flush-fitting connectors that snap directly into the body of the tracker.

The most important rule for Fitbit owners: Never assume a strap from an older generation will fit a newer generation. You must identify your exact model name to find the correct replacement strap.

To make this easy, we have categorized the Fitbit lineup into their cross-compatible "Families." You can also see our collection of Fitbit straps and accessories, for all the different models. 

The modern smartwatch family (Versa & Sense)

Fitbit standardized the connection mechanism for their recent flagship square-faced smartwatches. They utilize a simple push-button release mechanism. If you own any of the four models below, the straps are 100% interchangeable.

→ Note for older Versa owners: The original Versa, Versa 2, and Versa Lite use a completely different pin-based system and cannot use straps designed for the Versa 3 or 4. 

The advanced tracker family (Charge series)

The Charge series is the world's most popular fitness band, but the connection clips have changed over time. The mechanism is a snap-in latch on the underside of the tracker.

→ If you are upgrading from a Charge 4 to a Charge 6, you will unfortunately need to purchase new straps, as the connectors are entirely different sizes. 

The slim tracker family (Inspire & Luxe)

For their thinnest, most jewelry-like trackers, Fitbit uses miniature connection systems designed to sit flush against the wrist.

⚠️ A note on the Google Pixel Watch: Although Google owns Fitbit (and integrates Fitbit software into the Pixel Watch), the Google Pixel Watch uses a completely different, twist-and-lock proprietary mechanism. Fitbit straps will not fit a Google Pixel Watch.

Google Pixel Watch: The Twist-and-Lock system

When Google introduced the Pixel Watch, they completely bypassed traditional watch pins in favor of a proprietary "twist-and-lock" mechanism. The connector operates very much like attaching a lens to a professional camera: you press a small release button on the watch case, slide the strap into the groove, and twist it until it clicks securely into place.

Because the strap connector is designed to seamlessly curve into the pebble-like glass of the watch face, Pixel Watch straps are completely unique to this device and cannot be swapped with any other brand. Therefore, make sure to shop for Google Pixel Watch straps and accessories, specifically designed for your model. 

For the first two generations, Google only offered one watch size. However, with the release of the Pixel Watch 3, a larger option was introduced, creating two distinct compatibility tracks.

Track 1: The 41mm ecosystem

If you own any of the earlier Pixel Watches, or the smaller version of the newest generation, your straps are fully interchangeable. The curve of the connector remains identical across these models.

Track 2: The 45mm ecosystem

With the introduction of the larger Pixel Watch 3, Google engineered a wider twist-and-lock connector to match the new casing.

⚠️ Important Sizing Note: The 41mm and 45mm straps are not interchangeable. Because the connector must perfectly match the curvature of the watch case, a 41mm strap will not lock securely into a 45mm watch, and vice versa. Always verify your Pixel Watch 3 size before purchasing.

Suunto: The hybrid approach

Suunto is highly respected in the ultra-endurance community, and like Garmin, their strap compatibility is split. Suunto has progressively moved toward the Universal standard for their modern watches, but their legacy and specialized outdoor watches still rely on heavily customized proprietary connectors.

The universal Suunto ecosystem

If you own one of Suunto's recent flagship watches, you are in luck—they utilize standard Quick Release pins.

• 22mm Quick Release: Suunto Vertical, Suunto Race, Suunto Race S, Suunto 9 Peak, Suunto 9 Peak Pro, and Suunto 5 Peak.
• 24mm Quick Release: Suunto 9 Baro, Suunto Spartan Sport.

→ See our collection of Suunto straps and accessories, both for the universal and proprietary versions. 

The proprietary Suunto ecosystem

For their classic tactical and multi-sport watches, Suunto uses molded straps that integrate seamlessly into the watch casing. These often require specific screw bars rather than spring-loaded pins.

Samsung: The great divide 

For years, Samsung was the champion of the "Universal Standard." However, with their recent releases, Samsung has completely fractured their ecosystem by abandoning traditional watch pins in favor of their proprietary Dynamic Lug system.

Understanding this split is vital, as mixing up these tracks is the number one reason customers return Samsung watch straps. There are now three distinct, non-interchangeable ecosystems in the Samsung lineup.

→ No matter if you have a Samsung smartwatch that uses universal straps, or one that uses the proprietary Dynamic Lug, we have a large collection of Samsung Galaxy Watch straps and accessories. 

Track 1: The Legacy 20mm ecosystem (up to Watch 7)

For all mainline smartwatches up to the Galaxy Watch 7 series, Samsung utilized a standard 20mm lug width.

The "One-Click" clarification: Starting with the Galaxy Watch 6, Samsung introduced bands with a push-button "One-Click" mechanism. Despite the button, the connection point on the watch itself is still a standard 20mm lug. This means you can use older 20mm standard-pin straps on a Watch 7, and you can use One-Click straps on an older Watch 4.

(Note: These bands will NOT fit the newer Galaxy Watch 8 or Ultra series).

Track 2: The Watch 8 Dynamic Lug system

With the release of the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, Samsung officially retired the 20mm quick-release pin. They introduced the proprietary Dynamic Lug System to allow the watch to sit flatter on the wrist.

This is a rail-based mechanism: you press a button on the strap, slide it directly into the watch's casing, and it locks into place without the use of spring bars.

Track 3: The Ultra Dynamic Lug system

When Samsung launched the massive, rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra, they engineered an even wider, heavy-duty version of the Dynamic Lug system specifically designed to secure the heavier titanium body during extreme sports.

⚠️ Crucial Compatibility Warning: The Dynamic Lugs on the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra are not the same width. A Watch 8 band will not securely lock into a Watch Ultra, and an Ultra band will not fit a Watch 8. You must purchase bands specifically engineered for your exact watch tier.