WIRED Recommends $550 Apple Watch Accessories, From Bands to 10,000-mAh Chargers

Q: Why did WIRED explicitly warn Apple Watch owners to avoid this one widely popular screen protector?

WIRED warned Apple Watch owners away from Zagg’s InvisibleShield GlassFusion because, in its testing, it was both overpriced and unreliable in use. The editors said the protector tended to bubble and peel, especially when a case was pushed or pulled over it. That matters on an Apple Watch because the small curved display leaves little margin for installation problems, and bubbling can quickly make a screen protector look bad or reduce usability. WIRED’s reviewers also found that cheaper TPU film alternatives performed better. They said those lower-cost protectors were easier to apply, stayed in place more effectively, and were nearly invisible once installed. In other words, Zagg’s product failed the value test: it cost more but delivered a worse real-world experience. So the warning was explicit because WIRED did not see GlassFusion as just a mediocre buy, but as a product that underperformed on the two things buyers want most from a screen protector: clean installation and lasting adhesion.

Q: Are you risking expensive smartwatch repairs by ignoring this simple and nearly invisible everyday protection upgrade?

Yes—if you wear your Apple Watch daily and skip a basic screen protector and slim bumper, you are increasing the chance of a costly repair. WIRED’s testing found that one of the most practical upgrades is a thin TPU screen protector paired with a thin TPU bumper case. The reason is simple: the Apple Watch sits on your wrist, where it regularly hits doorframes, gym equipment, counters, and other hard surfaces. A protector will not make it indestructible, but it can reduce everyday scratches and minor impact damage while remaining nearly invisible once applied. That matters because Apple Watch repairs are expensive. Outside warranty coverage, screen or display damage can run into the hundreds of dollars, and repair costs can climb even higher on premium models such as the Ultra. Apple’s standard warranty generally does not cover accidental screen damage, which is why WIRED also recommends AppleCare. The risk is higher on aluminum models that use Ion-X glass, which is more prone to scratching than the sapphire crystal used on some higher-end versions. People who work out often, travel, work with their hands, or use sleep tracking around the clock are more exposed to this kind of wear. WIRED’s advice is also selective: it specifically warns against Zagg’s InvisibleShield GlassFusion, saying it is overpriced and prone to bubbling. The takeaway is not to buy any protector at any price, but to choose a low-profile TPU option that applies cleanly and disappears in daily use.

3 articles · Updated · WIRED · Aug 15

WIRED’s latest Apple Watch guide names top picks across bands, chargers, cases, screen protectors and storage after staff testing aimed at finding accessories worth the money.
Nike’s Sport Loop led the band recommendations, while Nomad’s Stand One Max was picked as the best charging stand and Anker’s MagGo Power Bank as the best portable charger with a 10,000-mAh battery.
Protection and organization also featured prominently: WIRED favored a thin TPU bumper case, a low-cost TPU screen protector that resisted bubbling, and Twelve South’s wall-mounted band holder.
Prices ranged from budget accessories to a $550 Insta360 X5 camera, and the guide also urged buyers to consider AppleCare because Apple Watch repair costs can be high.