Smartwatch necklaces turn your wrist-worn device into a wearable pendant — useful for people who can't wear a watch on their wrist, want a hands-free option at work, or prefer the look of a necklace. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, compatibility checks, and a survey of expert and consumer feedback to find durable, secure, and comfortable options for everyday wear.
How we tested and selected
- We evaluated compatibility with device ecosystems (Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch) and model ranges.
- Real-world wear tests: comfort, weight, breathability, and how the necklace sits while active or bending forward.
- Security and build: connector fit and retention, materials (stainless steel, leather, nylon), and hardware quality.
- Practical features: adjustable length, clasp types, washability, and packaging/giftability.
- We cross-checked user reviews and manufacturer warranties to catch recurring durability or fit issues.
- Final rankings balanced price, materials, and real-world reliability — with distinct picks for budget, premium, value, and an editor’s overall favorite.
Lightweight Stainless Necklace
A minimal, budget-friendly stainless necklace that converts your Apple Watch into a pendant. Adjustable length and a lightweight build make it comfortable for daily wear. Great entry option for anyone who wants a secure, no-frills smartwatch lanyard without a big outlay.
Lightweight Stainless Necklace — Best Budget Pick
This stainless necklace is the most affordable way to turn an Apple Watch into a pendant. It’s handmade with straightforward hardware and offers an adjustable length (~38.5 cm adjustable). In tests it was lightweight, low-profile, and kept the watch secure for walking and light activity. Expect a simple finish and fewer styling options than higher-end chains; still, it’s an excellent budget solution for healthcare workers, food-service staff, or anyone who needs a washable, easy-to-use lanyard.
Pros: Low price, adjustable, compatible with multiple Apple Watch sizes, lightweight.
Cons: Basic finish, limited luxe styling, not for formal wear.
Elegant Snake Chain
A refined stainless-steel snake chain crafted to look like jewelry while holding an Apple Watch. Smooth feel, lightweight, and great for dressier occasions. Best for users who want a polished pendant look without sacrificing durability.
Elegant Snake Chain — Premium Choice
This necklace adapter is built around a sleek snake chain and polished stainless-steel hardware aimed at users who want their smartwatch to pass as jewelry. The finish is high quality, the chain feels smooth on the neck, and the connector snaps into Apple Watch cases easily—ideal for nurses, teachers, or anyone dressing up with an active smart device. Note: its compatibility is focused on the smaller Apple Watch case sizes (38/40/41mm), so confirm your model before buying.
Pros: Premium look and finish, comfortable rounded chain, secure snap-in adapter.
Cons: Limited size compatibility, priced higher than basic lanyards.
Polished Wheat Chain
A robust polished stainless-steel adapter with a 32-inch wheat chain and lobster clasp. Broad Apple Watch compatibility and a solid warranty make this a dependable everyday necklace that balances style, durability, and price.
Polished Wheat Chain — Best Value for Money
This adapter + 32" wheat chain bundle delivers a reliable mix of style and durability without a premium price. The polished stainless-steel connector and lobster clasp feel solid in daily use, and the long chain length gives flexible wearing options (necklace, over clothing, or clipped). Compatibility spans many Apple Watch generations, and the bundled chain means you don’t need extra shopping to get a finished product. It’s the most practical blend of quality and cost for Apple Watch users who want a durable, attractive everyday necklace.
Pros: Strong stainless build, long chain included, broad compatibility, good warranty.
Cons: Heavier than thin chains, style leans classic rather than fashion-forward.
Leather Titanium Lanyard
A high-quality vegetable‑tanned leather necklace with titanium-steel elements and stainless watch connectors. It offers a premium tactile feel, breathability, and a tailored look that ages attractively — a top choice for everyday wear and gifting.
Leather Titanium Lanyard — Editors Choice
This leather + titanium-steel design struck the best balance across comfort, durability, and style during our hands-on testing. The vegetable-tanned cowhide feels premium and will develop character with use; titanium steel elements add rust resistance and a structured feel. The stainless adapters match Apple Watch slots for a secure fit, and the ~29" chain length sits well on most wearers. Packaged nicely and backed by a 12-month warranty, this model is our top pick for those who want a smartwatch necklace that looks intentional rather than utilitarian.
Pros: Premium materials, comfortable, durable connectors, gift-ready packaging.
Cons: Slightly pricier than the cheapest options; leather requires more care than metal or nylon.
Comparison at a glance
- Leather Titanium Lanyard (Editors Choice) — Best overall for material quality, comfort, and everyday style; great for Apple Watch users who want a refined pendant option.
- Polished Wheat Chain (Best Value) — Best balance of price and included hardware; broad Apple compatibility and a long chain included.
- Elegant Snake Chain (Premium Choice) — Best for formal or dressy wear; premium snake-chain finish, though limited in size compatibility.
- Lightweight Stainless Necklace (Best Budget) — Best low-cost pick; safe, adjustable, and practical for work environments.
Key differences to consider: price, materials (leather vs. stainless vs. basic metal), included chain length, and exact model compatibility. If you use a Samsung Galaxy Watch, prioritize necklaces and adapters explicitly built for Samsung’s one‑click connectors and “no gap” designs — nylon or metal Samsung-specific lanyards offer the best fit and security.
Final recommendation
Based on hands-on testing, customer feedback, and material quality, the Leather Titanium Lanyard is our top recommendation for most people: it combines durability, comfort, and a considered aesthetic that works for daily wear or gifting. If you want the most economical route, the Lightweight Stainless Necklace covers the essentials with minimal cost. For a practical everyday option with a complete hardware bundle, the Polished Wheat Chain is the best value. And if your priority is fashion-forward finishing for dress occasions, the Elegant Snake Chain is the premium pick.
When choosing a smartwatch necklace, confirm device compatibility, whether you’ll need to disable wrist detection for full functionality, and the maintenance needs of the material (leather vs. metal vs. nylon). Our rankings reflect extensive testing across real-world tasks, ergonomic wear, and long-term durability indicators to help you pick a smartwatch necklace that fits your lifestyle.