Nomad Tempo Apple Watch Band ZDNET's key takeaways The $49 Nomad Tempo watch band fits nearly every Apple Watch It comes in four colors and is breathable and flexible for active lifestyles It lacks a truly neutral color option, and some may not want an FKM band. View now at Nomad Goods Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Nomad just launched a new Apple Watch band that's eerily similar to the former Sport Slim band, and its colors are so bright that they may just stop traffic. I'm not even kidding. The new Tempo watch band comes in four colors. The muted options, Black and a purple Dusk, are great for moody looks. But Lumen (a yellow-green sour candy color that almost makes me pucker) and Crush (an orange-based red) pack a bold punch you can see from a mile away (probably). This makes them the perfect band for outdoorsy individuals like runners and hikers, or similarly active or on-the-go individuals. The Tempo band fits watches from 41mm all the way up to the Ultra models. It features a design similar to the popular Sport Band, which has a thicker and chunkier look -- although I am a big fan of it as well. If you are looking for the classic sporty look, Nomad's Sport Band is back in the Glow 2.0 colorway -- a fluorescent green that glows in the dark. Also: The best Apple Watch Ultra bands: Expert tested What I love about the Tempo band is its slightly sleeker and skinnier appearance, which I think is perfect for smaller wrists or an elevated look. But don't let the small frame fool you. This band is still comfortable to wear, breathable, and flexible. When I put the Tempo band on, I was surprised at just how malleable it actually is -- even more so than my Slim Sport Band, which took some time to conform to my wrist. The Tempo band (41mm/42mm) in Dusk from the side. Kayla Solino/ZDNET The Tempo band already fits like a pair of good jeans, and the Dusk color is the perfect spooky pop as we head into the early fall season. The pin is easy to pop on and off but still remains secure, and Nomad says the bands are "built with versatility and performance in mind," specifically for "everyday users and top-performing athletes alike." I'm not a top-performing athlete in anything besides maybe shopping (I am, in fact, ZDNET's deals and shopping editor), but I can easily see the Tempo band's duality. It is great during workouts (it doesn't get too hot and is easy to clean) while still being stylish and comfy enough for everyday. Also: Should you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 11? Here's how it compares to older models Nomad's Bone color is my favorite for everyday wear, so I am sad to see it missing from the Tempo band's lineup. Black, while neutral, is harsh, and a true neutral like white or taupe would really round out the practicality of this collection for the everyday user. I am also extremely impartial to the color pink, and would consider unhinged activities to obtain a light pink or hot pink variation of the Tempo band. (Nomad, if you're reading this … call me.) Notice how bright the Tempo band is in the Crush (red) and Lumen (yellow-green) shades. Kayla Solino/ZDNET The Tempo band's encompassing greatness is supported by its FKM construction. The low down on FKM FKM, the abbreviation for Fluorkautschukmaterial, or more commonly known as Fluoroelastomer, is a synthetic rubber material made from chains of PFAS. It's durable and can withstand more extreme elements, like UV rays, aging, wear and tear, and, of course, the skin cells, dirt, and other grime that can accumulate on a watch band. Because of these factors, FKM bands are a great option for outdoor activities or active individuals. Nomad's Tempo band is made of FKM. However, some individuals (including plenty of Reddit users and Nomad fans) feel that FKM may not be the safest option for smartwatch bands. If this is you, I'd consider watch bands made of leather, metal, or other materials. Part of the FKM debate stems from recent research. A December 2024 study from the University of Notre Dame suggests that fitness trackers and smartwatch bands are the latest consumer products found to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) -- aka, "forever chemicals." CNET: Apple watch lawsuit claims some bands contain harmful 'forever chemicals "We are confident that all of our FKM products are safe to wear daily. That being said, we have been working with our supply chain to develop a PFAS-free FKM, which gives all the benefits of FKM with zero PFAS present. We introduced this material for our Tempo band and will be rolling it out across our band lineup over the next few months," a Nomad spokesperson for the brand told ZDNET. ZDNET's buying advice If you're looking for an Apple Watch band that can handle workouts and daily wear, I highly recommend any of Nomad's sport bands, particularly the new Tempo design. It's a good size for those with smaller wrists or those wanting a slimmer look, and it has all the same careful design elements as Nomad's larger strap options. It is also available to pair with nearly every Apple Watch model. If you're looking for a more neutral color beyond black, you'll want to look elsewhere or wait for Nomad to release new colors.