The best Apple Watch for you will depend on your specific wants and past experiences. Getting the newest model isn’t the most important thing; what counts is getting the one that fits your needs. When choosing the right one, you should think about your budget, how often you work out, and the size of your wrist.
For instance, if you’re very active and work out a lot, you might want to look at a model with advanced fitness features. However, if you want to save money, there are still older versions of the Apple Watch that can give you a great experience without costing a lot.
The most durable Apple Watch model to date, the Ultra was created with intense outdoor sports in mind. To withstand everything from dust and rain to scratches, drops, and cracks, it has a sapphire crystal face and an aerospace-grade titanium case. Additionally, it is MIL-STD-810H approved for resistance to stress, temperature, and water, so you can feel secure while diving, trekking, or camping. Below, we have mentioned the best Apple Watch.
Understanding the Apple Watch Series
The hardware, software, and design of each new series are usually better than the last. I’ll give you a quick rundown of the most important things about the Apple Watch Series up to that point:
???? Apple Watch Series 0: The OG Apple Watch, born in April 2015! It was a pioneer in the smartwatch world, connecting to iPhones for notifications, calls, apps, AND introducing health & fitness tracking. ????
???? The first and second generations (Series 1 & 2) emerged in September 2016. Series 1 got a speed boost, while Series 2 splashed in with GPS and water resistance, making it a fitness champ! ????♂️????
???? Apple Watch Series 3: September 2017, it rocked the scene with cellular connectivity, allowing calls and data sans iPhone. Plus, it got a boost in the processing power department. ????????
???? Then, in September 2018, Series 4 wowed us with a bigger screen, a robust S4 chip, and health perks like an ECG sensor and fall detection. Oh, and it got a sleek design upgrade too! ????????
???? Apple Watch Series 5: September 2019 saw the arrival of Series 5, maintaining the Series 4’s look but introducing an always-on display. Now, your watch screen could shine even when not in use! ✨????
Best Apple Watch comparison table
“Check out this full table comparison of the best Apple Watch models. Choose the right one for your needs and way of life, from the stylish Series 7 to the affordable SE. Find out about the most important features, how well they work, and more to choose the best Apple Watch for you.
| Features | Screen Size | Shape | Compatible Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 49 Millimeters | Rectangular | iPhone |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | 45 Millimeters | Rectangular | iPhone |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | 45 Millimeters | Square | iPhone |
| Apple Watch Ultra | 49 Millimeters | Rectangular | iPhone |
| Apple Watch Ultra | 40 Millimeters | Rectangular | iPhone |
Apple Watch Ultra 2
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
| Screen Size | 49 Millimeters |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Target Audience | Unisex Adults |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone |
| Check Price |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn’t much different from the first one, but it does have a brighter screen, support for double-tap gestures, and a processor that will work well in the future. Even though we still want the battery to last longer, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the best smartwatches you can buy right now.
Most of what you know about the Apple Watch Ultra also applies to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It’s still Apple’s biggest and longest-lasting smartwatch for outdoor sports fans. It has a rugged design and more advanced GPS technology than the flagship Apple Watch Series 9. Still, this is one of the best Smartwatches you can buy right now.
Pros
- Cutting-edge technology and performance.
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Extensive app ecosystem.
- Excellent health and fitness tracking features.
- Compatibility with a wide range of iOS devices.
Cons
- High price tag.
- Limited compatibility with non-iOS devices.
- Frequent software updates may be required.
- Relatively small screen size for some users.
- Battery life can be a concern with heavy use.
Apple Watch Series 9
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Screen Size | 45 Millimeters |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Target Audience | Unisex Adults |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone |
| Check Price |
When I reviewed the Apple Watch Ultra last year, I came to the conclusion that it was made for people who are much more active and adventurous than I am, but I still wanted one because the screen was bigger, the build was better, and the battery lasted longer. In the year since I found out I’m not alone, I’ve seen a lot of Apple Watch Ultras on the arms of people who don’t seem to be mountain climbers, extreme sports athletes, or deep sea divers.
I’ll admit that the cities I visit—Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hong Kong—are affluent and can’t be used as a proxy for the rest of the world. However, I’ve heard enough anecdotes from colleagues and industry peers from other states to think it’s safe to say that the Apple Watch Ultra is popular in the U.S., and that when it comes to Apple products, people always go for the most expensive and best model. Overall, this is one of the best Smartwatches you can buy right now.
Pros
- Enhanced health and fitness tracking capabilities.
- High-quality materials and build.
- Extensive app support.
Cons
- Anticipated high cost.
- Compatibility primarily limited to iOS devices.
- Battery life may not see significant improvements.
Apple Watch Series 8
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Screen Size | 45 Millimeters |
| Shape | Square |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone |
| Check Price |
The best Apple Watch has established itself as the benchmark for wearable technology, and the Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and upgraded Apple Watch SE continue the trend. Each successive model will offer increasingly advanced functions for tracking cycles, body temperature, sleep patterns, and other aspects of health. Furthermore, they will have new sensors and processors that are compatible with the new fall and crash detection feature, which enables you to call emergency services even if you can’t get to your phone.
The most durable Apple Watch model to date, the Ultra was created with intense outdoor sports in mind. To withstand everything from dust and rain to scratches, drops, and cracks, it has a sapphire crystal face and an aerospace-grade titanium case. Additionally, it is MIL-STD-810H approved for resistance to stress, temperature, and water, so you can feel secure while diving, trekking, or camping.
Pros
- Same great design and display
- Skin temperature reader for cycle + sleep tracking
- Crash detection
Cons
- Wish it borrowed the Apple Watch Ultra’s siren
Apple Watch Ultra
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple Watch Ultra |
| Screen Size | 49 Millimeters |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone |
| Check Price |
If battery life is important to you and you have extremely particular demands of your smartwatch, the best Apple Watch might also be the greatest Apple Watch. The Ultra, which debuted at the same time as the Series 8, offered a variety of features and a fresh, daring look to compete with Garmin and Polar.
It has a titanium case that has been ruggedized and has substantial hardware elements that may be operated while wearing gloves. A lip on the case protects the flat, 49mm-wide display, which is larger than the basic model. Three in-built microphones improve call quality, new frequencies and an upgraded algorithm increase GPS accuracy, and it has greater water resistance than any prior Apple Watch model.
Pros
- Large, clear display
- Mightily impressive call quality
- Dual-band GPS is more accurate than earlier watches
- Improved durability
- All models come with cellular
Cons
- Battery life just is too short
- Odd lack of navigation features
- Size may be too big for very petite wrists
- No native offline mapping capabilities
- Styling won’t be to all tastes
Apple Watch SE
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple Watch SE |
| Screen Size | 40 Millimeters |
| Shape | Square |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone |
| Check Price |
If battery life is important to you and you have extremely particular demands of your smartwatch, the best Apple Watch might also be the greatest Apple Watch. The Ultra, which debuted at the same time as the Series 8, offered a variety of features and a fresh, daring look to compete with Garmin and Polar. It has a titanium case that has been ruggedized and has substantial hardware elements that may be operated while wearing gloves.
A lip on the case protects the flat, 49mm-wide display, which is larger than the basic model. Three in-built microphones improve call quality, new frequencies and an upgraded algorithm increase GPS accuracy, and it has greater water resistance than any prior Apple Watch model.
Pros
- More affordable than the flagship models.
- Offers many essential features like fitness tracking and notifications.
- Compatible with a wide range of watch bands.
- Good entry-level option.
Cons
- Lacks advanced health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.
- Older processor compared to flagship models.
- Limited customization options compared to higher-end models.
Apple Watch Series 7
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Screen Size | 41 Millimeters |
| Shape | Square |
| Compatible Devices | iPhone |
| Check Price |
Although we are aware that the Apple Watch Series 8 will eventually replace it, we believe that the Series 7 is the most practical choice for the majority of users. With the exception of the temperature sensor and Crash Detection, the Series 7 and Series 8 are extremely identical. This is one of the best Apple Watch.
Low Power Mode and all of watch OS 9’s fitness tracking enhancements are now accessible on the Apple Watch Series 7 as well. Same form factor, 99% of the same functionality, and because it’s being phased out, it’s even more affordable. Naturally, that implies that it will only serve the majority of people’s needs best while it is still available.
Pros
- Larger and more durable display.
- Faster charging.
- Improved fitness and health tracking.
- Wide range of watch faces.
Cons
- Incremental updates from Series 6.
- Might not be a significant upgrade for Series 6 owners.
Apple Watch Series 6
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Series 6 |
| Screen Size | 44 Millimeters |
| Shape | Square |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
| Check Price |
Apple Watch Series 6 has been announced. It is the first Apple Watch to feature an EKG app, blood oxygen level sensing, and an always-on altimeter. The Family Setup feature was initially available on Series 6 products. We consider it one of the best Apple Watches to date.
The Series 6 is in many ways identical to the watches that came before it and after it (Series 6) (Series 7). Like its predecessor, it features Apple’s Always-On Retina display and is available in 40mm and 44mm screen sizes, but its onboard chip (S6) is slightly faster than the one in the Series 5 and SE (S5). Meanwhile, many of the Series 7’s cutting-edge health features, such as blood oxygen and ECG apps, are also included.
Pros
- Blood oxygen monitoring.
- ECG capability.
- Faster performance.
- Always-on Retina display.
- Wide variety of watch bands and finishes.
Cons
- Higher price compared to the SE.
- Limited battery life, especially with always-on display enabled.
How to Choose the Right Apple Watch for You?
The best Apple Watch for you will depend on your needs, tastes, and budget. Apple has many models, each with its own set of features and price range. Here are some steps that will help you decide what to do:
???? Figure out your budget: Prices for Apple Watches can vary a lot based on the model and the features you choose. Before you think about other things, decide how much you’re willing to spend.
???? Compatible with: Make sure that the Apple Watch you pick will work with your iPhone. Apple’s website has information about what devices will work with each other.
⌚ Think about the Size: Apple has a range of case sizes, most commonly 40mm and 44mm (or 38mm and 42mm for older models). Pick a size that fits your wrist and your style.
???? Choose how to connect to a cell phone: The Apple Watch comes in two different models: GPS-only and GPS + Cellular. You can use data, make calls, and send texts with the Cellular version even when your iPhone is not nearby. Choose the Cellular model if you want to be free.
❤️ Check your fitness and health needs: If you’re interested in health and fitness, look for features like tracking your workouts, heart rate monitoring, and ECG capabilities. Most of the time, health sensors in newer models are better.
FAQs
The Series 9 is a good choice if you want to upgrade from an older Apple Watch, if you want a screen that stays on all the time, or if you want more advanced health tracking. And the Ultra 2 is the best choice if you want the biggest and brightest screen, the best durability and battery life, and even more advanced fitness features.
Many years of testing have led me to believe that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best Apple Watch overall. Its large screen, battery life of more than 24 hours, and emergency siren make it my top choice. It’s time to choose an Apple Watch. Read on to learn more.
