What to Know
- Apple currently sells three Apple Watch models, four if you count the Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 2.
- Apple officially sells refurbished Apple Watches, specifically the Series 9 and Series SE (1st gen).
- You can buy older models using third-party websites such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
The Apple Watch is the most popular watch in the world. With so many different Apple Watch models to pick from, including the Series 10 that was announced this fall, it can be hard to make the right choice. I'll tell you all about the best Apple Watch based on your needs and budget. I'll also explain the differences between the most expensive and the cheapest Apple Watch. Keep reading to discover which watch is best for YOU.
Jump To:
- The Quick New Apple Watch Differences Guide
- What Is the Newest Apple Watch Series?
- Used Apple Watch Models Compared
- FAQ
The Quick New Apple Watch Differences Guide
Although you can buy a used model of any Apple Watch on third-party websites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, there are only three that Apple currently sells brand new:
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS-only or GPS + Cellular
- Apple Watch Series 10 GPS-only or GPS + Cellular
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular-Only
Technically, you have seven options if you are buying a new Apple Watch directly from Apple. See my tree diagram above to help you decide quickly. However, I recommend that you keep reading or do more research before you make your purchase. If you are certain you want one of the new watches, skip down to learn more about the differences between Apple Watch SE 2, Series 10, and Ultra 2. The seventh option is the Apple Watch Ultra Hermès (2nd Gen), which has the same features as the regular Ultra 2 but it comes with a designer band and unique Apple Watch face for $100 more than the standard model.
What Is the Newest Apple Watch Series?
The two latest Apple Watches released by Apple in October 2024 are the Series 10 and Ultra 2. The Series 10 starts at $399 but if you get the Series 10 in titanium in the larger 46 mm size and opt for GPS + Cellular, you can expect to pay $749. It could cost you even more if you pick a more expensive Apple Watch band.
Finally, there's the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the updated "rugged" Apple Watch perfect for extreme athletes who need longer battery life, a tougher exterior, and never-seen-before features such as a built-in dive computer and an 86-decibel emergency siren that can be heard for miles if you are hurt.
Return to topApple Watch Differences & Model Comparison
There are some things to consider when getting an Apple Watch. Older models have to be bought used, and they don't all come with software support. This means that you cannot update certain Apple Watch models.
Used Apple Watch Models Compared
The following Apple Watch Series can only be bought used. They might work well, but they cannot be updated, and they run on an older watchOS. I do not recommend that you buy anything older than a Series 6 due to the lack of software support. The Series 6 and SE (2nd Gen) are the oldest models that can run the latest watchOS 11 software update. Check out our official Apple Watch comparison article that includes release dates, color options, and even more details about all the new features of each model. Below you'll find a summary of all the Apple Watch generations. We've organized the Apple Watch Series in order of release date.
Apple Watch Series 0
Although it came out as an Apple Watch Series 1, it was soon replaced by a better model with the same name. The original watch then became known as the Apple Watch Series 0, or the first-generation Apple Watch.
You can still buy this Apple Watch if you shop around on eBay or another marketplace. It can cost you as little as $35, and it has many features for a 2015 smartwatch. Keep in mind that it is not water-resistant and, therefore, cannot track swimming workouts.
Return to topApple Watch Series 1
This is technically the second model of the Apple Watch. It can cost as much as $80, which makes it a questionable purchase since a new Series 3 is only twice the cost with many improvements. This model is significantly better than the first generation but pales in comparison to the newer Apple Watch models.
Return to topApple Watch Series 2
This is the first Apple Watch that can safely be worn swimming and can track your workouts in the water. However, you still can't update this watch beyond watchOS 6 (the latest Apple Watch update is watchOS 11). The average used Apple Watch Series 2 will set you back around $50 but can occasionally be found cheaper.
Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 is water-resistant, offers high and low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and many other excellent features. Some downsides include the outdated display that's 30 percent smaller than the first-gen SE and Series 6. It also doesn't support Family Setup and isn't available with cellular data. It is still a great watch, but the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is more worth it if you are looking for a newer yet budget-friendly model.
Apple Watch Series 4
The Series 4 is very similar to the Series 5 and has been discontinued. For a while, Apple still sold the Series 3 after discontinuing the Series 4, which is why we don't recommend that you buy this version. Plus, this model does not run the current watchOS 11 and could still set you back $100 on various marketplace websites as long as it still works as it should.
Return to topApple Watch Series 5
Apple Watch Series 5 was also discontinued but can be bought refurbished on Apple or third-party websites. It is a great watch that I enjoyed having, and it runs on the current watchOS 9, but a used one costs almost as much as a new Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen)
The first-generation Apple Watch SE has a sleek look and the larger display of the Apple Watch Series 6 without the steep price tag. It is available as a GPS+Cellular watch and has many great features, like support for Family Setup.
The main difference between the Apple Watch SE and the Series 6 is that the SE doesn't have as many heart health features. You cannot measure your blood oxygen level or do ECGs. However, it is still a great fitness watch. Don’t forget that you can always shop for refurbished Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) directly from Apple.
Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 looks the same as the more affordable SE (1st Gen), but it can measure your blood oxygen level and has an ECG app. The larger size drives the price up, as does the GPS+Cellular option.
The Series 6 is an excellent option for those who want to know more about how their heart health impacts their fitness. However, the price tag can be intimidating, especially since it isn't significantly different from the SE. This is the oldest Apple Watch model that can run the latest watchOS 11 software update.
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 was known for longer battery life than its predecessor and a larger display with a full QWERTY keyboard, which is available on the newer Series 8 and Ultra as well. Buying it refurbished is a great idea; but if you are looking for the best battery life, keep in mind that the Ultra can last over three days without charging and the 7 lasts an average of 18 hours.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
My personal pick for the best budget Apple Watch is the SE (2nd Gen). It is the newest "budget" watch and it looks great while boasting a lot of the features Apple Watch wearers love. One of the biggest complaints is that it doesn't offer features such as ECG, despite being able to alert the wearer if they experience an irregular heart rhythm. However, it does have the new Crash Detection feature, which will alert your emergency contact and make an emergency SOS call unless you cancel the call because you don't need assistance.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is probably the best option for anyone who wants the newest Apple Watch but doesn't need something as extreme as the Ultra. The Series 8 has Crash Detection, can measure your temperature to detect ovulation and other menstrual cycle data, and it has a new low-power mode that will save battery life without all the smart features completely off. You can read more about Apple Watch Series 8 (plus SE 2 and Ultra) here.
Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen)
The Apple Watch Ultra was released in a dramatic video that explained the many ways it can save your life. Despite not being an extreme athlete, I got the watch, which is huge and heavy on my wrist, but it was hard to resist for many reasons but especially the battery life, that can last three—sometimes four—days. I was also excited to use the Depth App that tells you how deep you are in the water and can replace costly diving gear.
There are several reasons you may not want the Ultra, such as the price tag. The Ultra only comes with Cellular (which costs an additional $5+ a month, depending on your provider if you wish to activate it) and is only available in silver titanium. Both of these features make the base price $799, which is more than I've ever spent on a watch. It is also only available in the larger size of 49mm! You can also check out our review of the Apple Watch Ultra here. To learn how to use your Apple Watch Ultra's Action Button, 86-decibel siren, night mode, and other cool features, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter to learn more.
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 was Apple's first carbon neutral product ever, but that's not all that makes it special. The new chip made the Series 9 faster and more powerful than all previous models without compromising the 18+ hour battery life. This model can even tell when you quickly double-tap your index finger and thumb on the hand that you wear your watch on, allowing this gesture to perform some of your favorite features. Plus, this watch is not only more than twice as bright as the Series 8, but it can also be as dim as 1 nit so you can use it without disturbing anyone, even in a dark room.
Don’t forget that you can always shop for refurbished Apple Watch Series 9 directly from Apple. These come with the option of GPS+Cellular and can save you some money. You can also find a used Apple Watch Series 9 for even less on eBay or other marketplaces.
The Difference between Apple Watches SE 2, Series 10 & Ultra 2
These are the only three models that you can currently buy new from Apple. The Apple Watch Ultra is only available with Cellular, making it extra pricey, but both the SE 2 and Series 10 can either be GPS-only or GPS+Cellular. You can refer to my tree diagram for a quick reference of the most significant differences. Here is some more information about the differences:
Apple Watch SE 2 ($249+)
My personal pick for the best budget Apple Watch is the SE (2nd Gen). It is the newest "budget" watch and it looks great while boasting a lot of the features Apple Watch wearers love. One of the biggest complaints is that it doesn't offer features such as ECG, despite being able to alert the wearer if they experience an irregular heart rhythm. However, it does have the new Crash Detection feature, which will alert your emergency contact and make an emergency SOS call unless you cancel the call because you don't need assistance. This is cheaper than many of the refurbished older models on Apple's website.
Apple Watch Series 10 ($399+)
The Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch so far, and comes with several features that were previously exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, such as the Depth Gauge, temperature sensor, and the Oceanic+ app. However, while you can snorkel with the Series 10, Apple doesn't recommend diving with it. The watch also has the new S10 SiP chip, sleep apnea monitoring, and audio playback using the watch's speakers rather than requiring headphones.
The stainless steel model has been replaced with a titanium model that only comes with GPS + Cellular, while the aluminum model comes with GPS and GPS + Cellular options. Good news, in spite of the thinner case, the Apple Watch Series 10 is still compatible with 41 mm, 42 mm, 45 mm, and 46 mm watchbands.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799+)
Originally released alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 and then refreshed with a new color option in September 2024 alongside the release of the Series 10, the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra features all the same improved performance and capabilities as the Series 9 and Series 10. These features include sleep apnea detection, a new double-tap gesture, faster on-device Siri, Precision Finding for your iPhone, a brighter display, redesigned apps and Smart Stack, the ability to access and log health data, new Activity features for water workouts and cycling, expanded altitude range, and carbon neutral watch options. Just like the original It also boasts a 36-hour battery life, with up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, and a new Modular Ultra watch face.
The bottom line is that there is no "best Apple Watch for you;" whether or not you need to upgrade Apple Watches depends on your lifestyle, needs, and budget. If you are looking for Apple Watch alternatives, like the Fitbit, read this. Also, keep in mind that there are different sizes. You can read more about the sizes and the Apple Watch bands that fit them here. Plus, don't forget to check out all the features of watchOS 10. We also answer: Do I need cellular on my Apple Watch?
FAQ
- What are the different sizes of the Apple Watch? Dimensions of Apple Watches range between 38 mm and 59 mm cases. The smallest Apple Watch size can be found on the Apple Watch Series 0, 1, 2 and 3. These all have 38 mm cases. The largest watches are the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, with 59 mm cases. However, the Apple Watch Series 10 has the largest display despite having a 56 mm case.
- What's the newest Apple Watch? The Apple Watch 10 is the newest Apple Watch model and was released in September 2024. It was released alongside a refreshed Apple Watch Ultra 2. The latest budget model is the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) and it can be bought new on Apple's website as it is still the newest series of its kind.
- What Apple Watch do I have? You can find your Apple Watch model by checking the back of your watch or by looking it up in the Watch app on your iPhone. Once you have your Apple Watch model number, check the Apple Watch Generations table below to find which series you own.
- How long do Apple Watches last? Apple Watches can work well for up to five years, sometimes longer. Many users like to replace their Apple Watch after two or three years.
