Editor’s note: Black Friday isn’t officially here until Friday, November 28th, but if you’re eager to shop early, we’ve gathered some fantastic early Black Friday deals that you can snag right now. If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch is definitely the best smartwatch for you. When it first launched in 2015, there was only one model. Now, almost a decade later, you have three options: the budget-friendly Watch SE, the standard Series, and the rugged Ultra. Each version caters to different lifestyles and needs, so I’ve tested every Apple Watch from the Series 2 onward to help you find the right one.
What we’re looking for
How we test Apple Watches
Apple Watches offer a variety of functions, from health and fitness tracking to managing notifications. Our testing combines ongoing real-world usage with performance benchmarks. While we may not intentionally drop the watch, we do look into whether tripping during a walk activates the Fall Detection feature. We also compare the accuracy of sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and GPS against reliable devices like the Oura Ring or Garmin. Plus, we assess how different Apple Watch models stack up in terms of durability, performance, and battery life.
Who is it for?
We wouldn’t recommend the Apple Watch Ultra for someone who’s not very active—unless you crave exceptional battery life. Instead, we aim to guide you to the Apple Watch that best suits your needs.
Price
Is it worth buying new? You can often score a deal on an Apple Watch by opting for a refurbished model since there usually aren’t drastic updates from year to year.
Feature set
Are you willing to spend more for LTE capabilities? What sensors are available, and how do they align with your needs?
Cellular or GPS
For certain scenarios, a cellular model is essential; in others, a GPS version will suffice.
The Best Apple Watch for Most People – $199
The Good:
- Always-on display
- Double tap and wrist flick gestures
- More health features
- 5G capability
- Fast charging
- Increased durability
- On-device Siri
- Improved processor
- Built-in speaker
The Bad:
- Bezels are still thick
- Battery life could be better
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm / Weight: 26.3g (40mm), 32.9g (44mm) / Battery life: Up to 18 hours / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
The third-gen Apple Watch SE is a fantastic value. There’s hardly any difference between this entry-level model and the advanced Series 11. It features an always-on display, an upgraded S10 chip that supports gestures like double-tap and wrist flick, fast charging, on-device Siri, 5G readiness, and new health features thanks to the wrist-temperature sensor. For generally healthy individuals, advanced features like blood oxygen or EKG readings for afib detection aren’t usually necessary. The SE 3 still offers the essentials like abnormal heart rate alerts, the new Sleep Score, and sleep apnea notifications.
In terms of looks, you’ll mainly notice a thicker bezel, and I wish the battery could last a bit longer. However, I felt no remorse testing this watch alongside the Series 11. And for $150 less? This is the Apple Watch most people should opt for.
Read my review of the Apple Watch SE 3
The Best Apple Watch for Health Monitoring – $339
The Good:
- Slightly improved battery life
- 5G connectivity
- FDA-approved hypertension notifications
The Bad:
- Most notable updates are in watchOS 26, which will also come to older models
Sizes: 42mm, 46mm / Weight: 30.3g (42mm), 37.8g (46mm) / Battery life: Up to 24 hours, 38 in low-power mode / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
While I stand by my recommendation for the SE 3 for most users, if health tracking is your primary concern, the Series 11 has a slight edge thanks to its advanced sensors that support afib monitoring. Additionally, its larger battery helps with sleep tracking and sleep apnea features. Apple has added FDA-approved hypertension notifications, which the SE 3 lacks. Its slimmer design and bigger display also make it a better choice, especially for parents looking to buy an Apple Watch.
If you want to save some cash, consider searching for a Series 10 while stock lasts. The Series 10 and 11 are nearly identical, with the latter mostly offering 5G connectivity and a small boost in battery life.
Read my Apple Watch Series 11 review
That said, the blood oxygen feature isn’t particularly crucial on wearables just yet. Most models have either spot-check features or track your SpO2 overnight with a morning average; they shouldn’t replace fingertip pulse oximeters.
The Best Apple Watch for Athletes – $780
The Good:
- Longer battery life
- Bigger display with thinner bezels
- Satellite and 5G access
The Bad:
- Most users may not notice improvements with 5G or satellite features
Sizes: 42mm, 46mm / Weight: 30.3g (42mm), 37.8g (46mm) / Battery life: Up to 24 hours, 38 in low-power mode / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a bit over the top for everyday wear. Its durability, bright screen, siren, and Action Button cater to active individuals engaged in frequent hiking, outdoor runs, recreational diving, and similar activities. You don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate the Ultra—I’ve known plenty of dads who enjoy it for its extended battery life and larger display (I’ve personally used it as my daily driver for the last two years). And let’s face it, the black model looks great.
For those considering this model, I suggest looking for deals on the Ultra 2, as the updates this year weren’t substantial. If you already own an Ultra 2, there’s no rush to upgrade—unless the new satellite connectivity is a game-changer for you. In my various hikes around New Jersey, I have always found signal; however, if you’re in a more remote area, that satellite feature could be useful.
Read my Apple Watch Ultra 3 review
The Best Apple Watch for Kids
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm / Weight: 26.3g (40mm), 32.9g (44mm) / Battery life: Up to 18 hours / Display type: Always-on LTPO OLED / GPS: Built-in GPS, plus GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Beidou / Connectivity: 5G (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: Up to 50 meters / Music storage: 64GB
Unless specific health concerns are present, kids don’t need the advanced tracking of a Series 11 or the robust design of the Ultra 3. An SE 3 will work just fine for keeping tabs on them and ensuring you stay connected. Plus, if you’re concerned about a younger child’s tendency to be hard on their belongings, the SE 3 is more affordable and comes in a smaller size. Just make sure to choose a cellular model if you’re not ready to give your child their own iPhone to utilize the Apple Watch For Your Kids setup feature.
Read my review of the Apple Watch SE 3
Now that the fall iPhone event has wrapped up, it’s time to grab those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. This is the perfect time to search for bargains on last year’s models if you want to save a few bucks.
Typically, Apple refreshes its smartwatches once a year, so the next big update will likely be revealed at WWDC in June.
Update, November 26th: Picks, availability, pricing, and the format of this article have all been updated. The blood oxygen monitoring sidebar has also been revised, along with the "What’s Coming Next" section.
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Victoria Song
Senior Reviewer, Wearable Tech
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