Pixel Watch 5 comes with ‘2nd Gen Active Band’ – here’s what changed, and why you should care

Google’s Pixel Watch 5 ships with an “Active Band” just like all prior generations, but now with a “2nd Gen” version that’s made from a new material.

Like sporty bands seen on the Apple Watch, Google’s “Active Band” for Pixel Watch has been made from a material called fluroelastomer. It’s a much more durable material, both in use and over time. Where silicone bands start to show age after a year or even just a few months, fluroelastomer can last years. If you own both an “Active Band” and an “Active Sport Band” for Pixel Watch, you’ll notice this firsthand. The latter is made from silicone and wears down much faster.

But, for the new “2nd Gen Active Band,” Google is moving its default Pixel Watch 5 strap over to a new material.

That new material is Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR), which Google says gets a “soft-touch coating” on top. This material seems to be popping up in diving watches, but it’s not used in any other major smartwatches as far as we can tell. It’s generally considered to be in the same class as fluoroelastomer, but with a key difference being that it (essentially) does not contain PFAS.

PFAS – better known as “forever chemicals” – have been a controversial part of the use of fluoroelastomer in watch bands. While generally considered safe, Apple was actually sued in 2025 over the use of this material, and the company is planning to phase out the use of PFAS in its products, though Apple Watch bands still use fluoroelastomer today.

Does it make a difference?

After spending the past few years with a first-gen “Active Band” on my wrist most of the time, I was intrigued to see if there’s a noticeable difference this time around. Put simply, no, it feels exactly the same as the existing band. Not a shock, but still great news as I’ve really enjoyed the existing material. While I do worry that Google’s “soft-touch coating” may wear with time, it sounds like Google is reasonably confident it’ll stand the test of time, as it’s been preparing for this switch for a “few years,” a spokesperson mentioned to 9to5Google.

You also can’t see a difference side-by-side. The white band pictured is the first-gen Active Band, while the green is the newer version.

And, as suspected, Google did make this switch as least partially as it and the rest of the industry move away from materials that contain PFAS. Apparently, HNBR brings a “more than 99% reduction in PFAS,” while also improving the sustainability of these bands. That leftover percent shouldn’t be any cause for alarm – PFAS earned the nickname “forever chemicals” for a reason, they tend to stick around and show up everywhere, even if they weren’t intended to be there in the first place – the PFAS research rabbit hole is deep and depressing; you’ve been warned.

So, in short: Google has replaced the material its Active Band is made from. It’s a good thing for you, for the planet, and for everyone else. Woo!

Pixel Watch 5 is available for pre-order now, with the second-gen Active Band included with your purchase. The new “Canyon” color pictured at the outset of this post is exclusive to the 41mm variant.

Pixel Watch 5:Google Store | Amazon | Best Buy

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Pixel Watch 5 comes with ‘2nd Gen Active Band’ – here’s what changed, and why you should care

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