For a few weeks now, I've been using a new accessory for the Apple Vision Pro from Belkin. It is called the Belkin Head Strap, and it provides a strap across the top of your head at the same time that you use Apple's Solo Knit Band as a strap around the back of your head. I really like this device, which is currently only sold by Apple and costs $50. It would make a good present for someone who uses an Apple Vision Pro, or a good present for yourself.
When Apple first introduced the Vision Pro to the world on June 5, 2023, Apple let select members of the press try out pre-release versions of the device. Many of them were offered the opportunity to wear the device using both the Solo Kint Band around the back of their head and, at the same time, a second strap across the top of their head. But when Apple started selling the Vision Pro this past February, that top strap was not included. Instead, Apple included a Dual Loop Band as an alternative to the Solo Knit Band. The Dual Loop Band has a simple strap around the back of your head and a simple strap for the top of your head.
I'm not a fan of the Dual Loop Band because it is not nearly as comfortable as the very nice Solo Knit Band. Moreover, I guess I have a good head shape for the Solo Knit Band because I've been using it for most of this year, and I've never found the Apple Vision Pro uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I have heard complaints from others who say that the Vision Pro with just the Solo Knit Band seems too heavy and needs more support. To address that concern, I know that many folks use the SoloTop, a $30 device sold on Etsy that allows you to wear a second Solo Knit Band (which you must purchase from Apple for another $100) across the top of your head. That seemed like overkill for me since I'm really fine with just the Solo Knit Band, but I have remained curious whether an alternative band arrangement would be an improvement.
A few months ago, I purchased the ANNAPRO Head Strap for Apple Vision Pro for $36 on Amazon. I haven't yet posted a review of that product because I have mixed feelings about it, but I will try to post something soon. Nevertheless, using that product made me continue to wonder if there was a better band solution for the Vision Pro.
Belkin announced the Belkin Head Strap on November 7, 2024. Here is how Belkin described the product:
The Head Strap enhances comfort and stability for Apple Vision Pro users with its ergonomic and adjustable design. It is thoughtfully engineered with reinforced seams, a secure locking mechanism, and additional stabilization points to keep Vision Pro firmly in place on the user with weight evenly distributed. The easily adjustable strap ensures a precise fit for a wide range of head sizes.
It seems that Apple worked closely with Belkin to create the Belkin Head Strap. For example, Jason Snell of Six Colors—one of those people I referred to early as a member of the press who got to try a pre-release version of the Vision Pro in 2023—says that "during Apple's initial Vision Pro demos in June 2023, the devices were equipped with a combination of a Solo Knit Band and an over-the-head band that was extremely similar to the experience with the Belkin Head Strap." And I've also noticed that the Belkin Head Strap is currently only sold in Apple Stores, further evidence of a special arrangement between the two companies. The product has been "out of stock" since Day 1 on Belkin's own website, and I haven't seen it sold on Amazon or anywhere else yet. Regardless of whether Apple, Belkin, or both designed this product, it is excellent, and it looks like the type of product that Apple would make.
Here is what the two sides of the Belkin strap look like before you extend the strap to make it longer:
Attaching the Belkin Head Strap to an Apple Vision Pro is easy. You do have to disconnect the power cord to do so, but once that is done, you simply pull the tabs on the Solo Knit Band to disconnect it, slide on the Belkin Head Strap, reconnect the Solo Knit Band, and then reconnect the power cord. The instructions that come with the Belkin product don't even need to include words:
When the strap is on your head, you can adjust the strap to fit the size of your head. The strap stays in place because of a hook-and-loop system that reminds me of Apple's Sport Loop Band for the Apple Watch. This makes it easy to get the right fit.
Once you determine the best size, you won't need to adjust the strap again unless you want to change how it fits.
The Belkin Head Strap works really well. First, it better distributes the weight of the Vision Pro by putting some of the weight on top of your head. Second, the soft, stretchy nylon fabric is comfortable, so it feels good on your head. I may not mind using only the Solo Knit Band with my Vision Pro, but I prefer also using the Belkin Head Strap.
Third, the strap is a good color and fabric match for the Apple Vision Pro. I hesitate to emphasize that advantage too much because you always look somewhat goofy when you wear a Vision Pro, but at least this strap won't make you look any worse.
Finally, Belkin is a reputable company that has been making accessories for Apple products for a long time. Consistent with that reputation, this strap seems durable and well-made.
Unlike the ANNAPRO Head Strap that I plan to review in the future, the Belkin Head Strap will not help you use a Vision Pro without the light shield on. And while I don't use Apple's Developer Strap—a $299 accessory that adds a USB-C port to a Vision Pro and is only sold to registered Apple developers—my understanding is that you cannot use the Belkin Head Strap at the same time that you use Apple's Developer Strap.
Apple obviously considered including a strap like this with the Vision Pro. I do not know why they decided against including it with the device and then (presumably) reconsidered and chose to work with Belkin to ensure that this product was available. But I'm very glad that this product is now available, and I now plan to use it whenever I use the Solo Loop Band.
Head shapes are different, so what is comfortable for one person won't be for another. Thus, it would be silly for me to say that this is the right product for everyone who uses a Vision Pro. But I suspect that most people would like the Belkin Head Strap. If you feel like you need better support for the weight of the Vision Pro, this might be the perfect product for you. Even if you are like me and don't mind using just the Solo Knit Band, this product is still worth considering as a potential improvement.
Click here to get the Belkin Head Strap from Apple ($49.95).