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The best Apple Watches you can buy: Expert tested
Aug
It’s no secret that Apple dominates the smartwatch market. Since the Apple Watch is available in over five different variants, it can be a challenge to figure out which model is right for you, whether you are buying one for the first time or upgrading.
While the Apple Watch started out as a fitness tracker that was slightly more sophisticated than a Fitbit, it has steadily expanded to become an expansive health monitoring device and a handy tool for fast access to information and apps. It can now check your heart rate, carry your boarding pass for a flight, identify a song that’s playing nearby, open your garage door, alert you when it’s about to rain, and guide you to breathe when you get stressed — and those are just a few examples.
Also: The best smartwatches: Expert tested
What is the best Apple Watch right now?
I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch every day since the first model launched in April 2015, and I’ve tried nearly every version since then. I’ve used and tested the various Apple Watch models to manage text messages, hike long trails, run countless smart home apps, manage cooking timers in the kitchen, remind me of important tasks, and a lot more. Based on my years of testing, my pick for the best Apple Watch overall is the Apple Watch Ultra 2, thanks to its large screen, over 24-hour battery life, and emergency siren. Read on to find out which Apple Watch is best for you.
The best Apple Watches of 2024
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Best Apple Watch overall
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Larger, brighter, more useful screen
- Over 24-hour battery life
- Super durable
- Emergency Siren
Cons
- Too big for small wrists
- Double the price of the base Apple Watch Series 9
More Details
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers more exclusive features than any other Apple Watch model. The most notable and useful difference between the Ultra and the other Apple Watch models is the larger, brighter, flatter screen that’s covered by a sapphire crystal face and surrounded by a titanium case to considerably increase the amount of wear and tear it can handle. It’s also IPX6 dust resistant, works underwater up to 100 meters (328 feet), and has military grade (MIL-STD 810H) certification for ruggedness. Plus, the Ultra 2 can handle high altitudes, shocks, vibrations, and temperatures as low as 4 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Review: I spent a week with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and here’s what stood out the most
ZDNET contributing writer Matthew Miller also tried out the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when it was released last year, and said he enjoyed the watch “for its long battery life, brighter display, expanded connectivity, and new watch bands” while also being impressed by the improved mental health functionality via the Mindfulness app.
The Ultra 2 adds more exclusive features as well, including a programmable Action Button with a variety of workout and adventuring functions (it can also simply activate the flashlight), dual-frequency GPS that can overcome interference from mountains and skyscrapers, and dual integrated speakers that are much louder for taking phone calls, playing music, or interacting with Siri.
Many Amazon reviewers who have bought this watch say that it’s the best Apple Watch model they have ever used, calling out the watch’s quality and large 49mm screen with 3,000 nits of brightness in particular. Beyond that, the Ultra offers one key addition to the Apple Watch Series 9 lineup: an emergency siren (activated by holding down the Action Button), which belts out an 86-decibel sound pattern that can be heard up to 600 feet (180 meters) away. This can help if you get lost or take a fall on a hike, to ward off wild animals, or to scare off attackers.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 tech specs: Display Size: 49mm | Battery life: Up to 72 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Features: Sturdy titanium case and sapphire crystal face, enhanced safety features including a built-in siren, dual-frequency GPS, works up to 100 meters underwater
Apple Watch Series 9
Best Apple Watch for most people
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Brighter screen
- Full array of health sensors
- Hands-free double-tap gesture
- More accurate Siri commands
Cons
- Cellular connectivity costs extra
- Not as durable as the Ultra 2
More Details
The Apple Watch Series 9 can track activity, steps, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen (lung function), wrist temperature, sleep, and environmental sound levels (to protect your hearing), all of which customers who have reviewed the watch say “make day to day living so much easier.” And it uses algorithms and machine learning to spot dangerous patterns and alert you to seek medical attention if needed. There are now many stories of people who’ve had life-saving experiences with health alerts from an Apple Watch.
Read the full review: Apple Watch Series 9: Why you shouldn’t settle for the less expensive models this year
In my hands-on testing, there are two big upgrades in the Apple Watch Series 9. The first is a 2,000 nit display that is double the brightness of last year’s S8. The second is the new S9 SiP processor, which has a 30% faster GPU and processes machine learning twice as fast. This makes everything quicker, makes the animations smoother, and enables features like the new double-tap gesture and faster and more accurate Siri commands.
Also: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Should you upgrade?
If you want the latest health sensors and safety features, great battery life (especially if you want to do sleep tracking), and you don’t need the extreme features in the Ultra 2, then you can save a lot of money by going with the aluminum model of the Apple Watch Series 9 starting at $399. However, if you decide you want the tougher stainless steel finish (starting at $699) then I’d say skip that and go straight to the Ultra, because for $100 more you get a lot of extra features. The one exception to that might be if you have a smaller wrist.
Apple Watch Series 9 tech specs: Display size: 41mm or 45mm | Battery life: Up to 36 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Features: New features include a 2x brighter display, double-tap gesture, new pink color, robust S9 processor, and all the best health sensors Apple has to offer
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
Best Apple Watch for kids and first-time buyers
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family Setup for kids and older adults
- Health and location tracking
- Fall and crash detection
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not as durable as other Apple Watch models
- Cellular connection requires a monthly fee
More Details
Starting at $249, what I found amazing about the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is how many of the same health and safety features from the Series 8 and the Ultra it actually includes. It’s easier to talk about what’s not included in the SE — it doesn’t track blood oxygen, do ECG heart checks, or check your temperature. And while the face looks just like the Series 8, the screen is actually about 20% smaller, and it also doesn’t have an always-on display.
Still, it includes nearly everything else, and the cellular connectivity is only a $50 add-on for the SE (compared to a $100 add-on for the Series 8). Like the Ultra and the Series 8, adding a cellular connection will also cost you about $10/month with your wireless carrier. Even if you go with the cellular version and opt for the larger 44mm Apple Watch SE over the smaller 40mm version, you’ll still only top out at $329.
Also: Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Apple Watch SE (2020): Should you upgrade?
That makes it a great smartwatch to give to someone who doesn’t have an iPhone, such as a child or an elderly family member, using Apple’s Family Setup. With cellular connectivity, they can use the Apple Watch to make and receive phone calls, get text messages, dictate replies to texts, and connect to online info like the weather.
You can even set it up from your iPhone as long as they are in your Apple family group. If you are connecting an elderly relative who has health issues, the added health sensors in the Series 8 might make it worth the peace of mind to upgrade. Customers who have reviewed the watch also agree that it offers excellent value for the price, especially if you are new to the Apple Watch family.
Apple Watch SE tech specs: Display size: 40mm or 44mm | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Storage capacity: 32GB | Features: Most affordable Apple Watch, family setup for kids and older adults, health and location tracking, and fall and crash detection
Apple Watch Series 7
Best Apple Watch for unique colors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes in unique blue and green colors
- Good deal if you buy used or refurbished
- Has most of the latest health features
- Water, dust, and crack resistant
Cons
- Shorter battery life than the Series 8 or Series 9
- Display isn’t as bright as the Series 9
More Details
When it first launched in fall 2021, the Apple Watch Series 7 brought key upgrades including a 20% larger screen, fast charging (0% to 80% in 45 minutes with a USB-C cable), a more durable face that’s made out of crystal and is 50% thicker than the previous model, and IPX6 dust resistance. Those are features that still aren’t available on the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen.
With the SE now holding down the entry-level Apple Watch market, it’s best to think about buying the Series 7 in comparison to the SE. If you just want a low-cost entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem and an easy purchase, then you can buy a new SE and quickly get started. A new Apple Watch Series 7 costs nearly the same price as the Series 8, so it’s much better to get the Series 8. However, you can find a refurbished Series 7 for $200-$250 on places like BackMarket and RefurbMe. Amazon also sells refurbished models, and the overall reviews from customers who bought a previously owned Apple Watch Series 7 were positive, with no complaints on battery life or the condition of the watch.
There are really only a few great reasons to buy the Series 7 at this point. The first is if you want the additional health features (heart and lung tracking) for an Apple Watch you’re giving to an elderly relative, or if you want the extra durability for an Apple Watch you’re giving to a kid. The other big reason to buy the Series 7 is that it comes in two really nice colors — green and blue — that Apple no longer offers for the Series 8. But again, if you’re going to get a Series 7, I’d recommend getting a refurbished one.
Apple Watch Series 7 tech specs: Display size: 41mm or 45mm | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Storage: 32GB | Features: Large display, fast charging, health-focused features, and more durable than the SE
Apple Watch Hermès
Best Apple Watch for dressing up
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality, stylish bands
- Exclusive Hermès watch faces
- Includes an extra Sports Band in the box
Cons
- Expensive for what you get
- Same features as regular Series 9
More Details
If you’re looking to splurge on a designer smartwatch, the Apple Watch Hermès is a chic option for fashionistas. The watch itself is an Apple Watch Series 9, but you’ll get exclusive Hermès watch faces and different case etchings.
What you’re really paying for, however, are the Hermès bands, like Rouge H Bridon Double Tour that wraps around your wrist twice. There are plenty of stylish bands to choose from, like the Noir/Gold Twill Jump Single Tour band or the Kilim Single Tour in signature orange.
The versions of this watch that Apple sells no longer include options for the classic Hermès leather bands, now that Apple has eliminated leather from the product. However, Hermès sells leather bands for its edition of the Apple Watch on its site.
As you might expect, the price range for this Apple Watch model will cost you a lot more for the designer brand name. This model ranges from $1,249 to $1,349. All models include cellular (activation and monthly plan not included) and Apple’s higher-end stainless steel casings that are also offered on the Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch Hermès tech specs: Display size: 41mm or 45mm | Battery life: Up to 36 hours | Storage: 64GB | Features: Stylish and quality bands, exclusive Hermès watch faces, and case etchings on display
