Buying a New Apple Watch 2025: Is the Newest Apple Watch the Best?

The Apple Watch is one of the most popular watches in the world. With so many different Apple Watch models to pick from, including the Series 11 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.

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 new Apple Watches that Apple currently sells on their website:

• Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen) GPS-only or GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Series 11 GPS-only or GPS + Cellular
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 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 the 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 a unique Apple Watch face for $100 more than the standard model.

What Is the Newest Apple Watch Series?

The three latest Apple Watches released by Apple in October 2025 are the Series 11, SE (Gen 3), and Ultra 3. The Series 11 starts at $399, but if you get the Series 11 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.

Next, there's a new budget model called the Apple Watch SE (3rd gen), which starts at $249.

Finally, there's the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the updated "rugged" Apple Watch perfect for extreme athletes who need longer battery life, a tougher exterior, and never-before-seen features such as a built-in dive computer and an 86-decibel emergency siren that can be heard for miles if you are hurt.

Apple 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 Apple's official Apple Watch comparison feature that lets you compare any three models. Also, take a look at our 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.

Apple 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.

Apple 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.

Apple 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 a 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)

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 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, which 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 a 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.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 was a slight upgrade in size, although the biggest difference is in the display size rather than the physical size. The Series 10 comes in 42mm or 46mm options as opposed to the Series 9's 41mm and 45mm. This model borrows a few features from the Apple Watch Ultra, like the depth gauge (up to 6 meters) and a water temperature sensor. It can also charge faster than any previous model, with 30 minutes of fast charging getting you from 0% to 80%! Unlike the previous model, the Series 10 is available in titanium if you want a fancier and more durable watch body.

Apple Watch Ultra (2nd Gen)

The updated Apple Watch Ultra was released a year after the original model came out, and there weren't too many upgrades, which is why I personally didn't upgrade. Unlike the first generation, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available in two colors: natural titanium or black titanium. Other differences include a better display with up to 3,000 nits (1,000 more than the original) and sleep apnea notifications.

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 did something that most skeptics thought was impossible - they gave the Apple Watch hypertension notifications by inventing a new way that the watch can analyze your blood pressure. It was also the first watch that announced Sleep Score, although that feature is software-based and available on several older models running watchOS 26. One of the most exciting updates for me, was the battery life improvement. Previously, most Apple Watches had a battery life of 18 hours but the Series 11 takes it to 24! Plus, if you get the cellular model, you'll have access to 5G.

Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen)

My personal pick for the best budget Apple Watch is the SE (3rd Gen). This new model offers a lot of features that we've previously only seen on more expensive models. It is capable of hypertension notifications, Sleep Score, and even 5G if you opt for a cellular model. It is also compatible with other watchOS 26 features, including Wrist Flick. Plus, the Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen) has on-device Siri and can fast charge up to 80% in 45 minutes.

The Difference between Apple Watches SE 3, Series 11 & Ultra 3

These are the only three models that you can currently buy new from Apple. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is only available with Cellular, making it extra pricey, but both the SE 3 and Series 11 can either be GPS-only or GPS+Cellular and have 5G. You can refer to my tree diagram for a quick reference of the most significant differences. Here is some more information about the differences that should help you figure out which Apple Watch is best for you.

Apple Watch SE 3 ($249+)

My personal pick for the best budget Apple Watch is the SE (3rd Gen), and it is the cheapest Apple Watch model out of the three newest releases. One of the biggest complaints is that it doesn't offer features such as ECG or blood oxygen, yet it is able to alert the wearer if they experience an irregular heart rhythm and give them hypertension notifications. It has a lot of the exciting safety features like Crash Detection, which will alert your emergency contact and make an emergency SOS call unless you cancel the call because you don't need assistance. It also happens to be less costly than many of the refurbished older models on Apple's website if you are looking for a cheap Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Series 11 ($399+)

The Series 11 now has 5G if you opt for the cellular option and has better battery life than any base model before it. Not only can it last 24 hours (rather than the previous 18), it can also last up to 38 hours while in Low Power Mode, and it can fast charge to 80% in just 30 minutes. What I find disappointing is that it doesn't have much else to offer that the Series 10 doesn't already have, because a lot of the upgrades were software-based and are available on certain older watch models. While I wouldn't upgrade from a Series 10 or maybe not even a Series 9 to the Series 11, if you have an Apple Watch Series 8 or older, you might benefit from this new model! Don't forget to use the official Apple Watch compare tool on Apple's website to see every single difference between up to three different models.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 ($799+)

While we were excited to see a new Apple Watch Ultra model, just like the Series 11, there isn't too much new that isn't software-based and also available on some older models. It does, however, offer 5G and has an even longer battery life of 42 hours (six more than the Apple Watch Ultra 2) and fast charges even quicker than before. In just 45 minutes, your long-lasting Apple Watch Ultra 3 can be charged up to 80%! It has all the new exciting features like hypertension notifications, sleep score, and wrist flick, but so does the previous Apple Watch Ultra 2. I would also like to warn Apple Watch users with small wrists (like me) to try one of these on before making the purchase, because the size can be a deal breaker for some. If you can handle the size, this might just be the best smartwatch for iPhone users!

Which Apple Watch to Buy in 2025?

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. While I do recommend Apple Watches for iPhone users, you might consider Apple Watch alternatives, like the Fitbit. 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?