Greatest Apple Watch 2025: Which Apple Watch to purchase

Apple launched just one new Apple Watch in 2024: the Apple Watch Sequence 10. It provides a refined design and some modest upgrades over the Sequence 9. Apple didn’t replace the Extremely 2, and as a substitute simply added a brand new shade choice. You may also nonetheless purchase the Apple Watch SE from 2022.

On this information, we’ll allow you to determine which Apple Watch is finest for you. We’ll examine the options, specs and worth in addition to supply recommendation on selecting instances, colours, and straps in our Apple Watch comparability chart so that you might be assured you’re choosing the proper Apple Watch. 

Right here’s what you might want to know earlier than shopping for an Apple Watch. 

What can an Apple Watch do?

Virtually each Apple Watch ever made has supplied the identical set of fundamental capabilities. Apple Watch can be utilized together with an iPhone (or individually if the person has a mobile contract) to: 

• Make or take telephone calls 
• Learn and ship textual content messages
• Learn and ship emails
• Take heed to music or podcasts
• Obtain notifications referring to iPhone and Apple Watch apps 
• Use apps, reminiscent of Maps for navigation, a calculator or a compass
• Observe health, together with steps and energy burned
• Monitor your well being, together with coronary heart charge
• Detect a fall or automotive crash
• Inform the time – particularly in case your watch has an always-on show (they don’t all supply that)
• Act as a flashlight (or torch) 
• Pay by way of Apple Pay 
• Observe your sleep 

The Apple Watch doesn’t want an iPhone to work, however it helps, and it’s wanted for preliminary setup. See: Does an Apple Watch work with out an iPhone?

There’s one other option to be made. Do you want an Apple Watch with mobile connectivity or not?  We look at GPS versus mobile in a separate article, learn: Ought to I purchase a mobile Apple Watch. Additionally learn: You in all probability don’t want an LTE Apple Watch.

If you happen to select a mobile model of the Apple Watch you’ll be capable to depart your iPhone at dwelling and use your Look ahead to making calls, receiving texts, and streaming music. Apple Watch may also help Household Setup if you’re on the lookout for a Watch for somebody who doesn’t have an iPhone.

Discover out what’s coming: 2025 Apple Watch rumors: Sequence 11, Extremely 3, and new SE information

Apple Watch comparability chart

Apple

Greatest Apple Watch

Proper now Apple sells three completely different Apple Watches, though there are completely different combos of case and wristband that may make it appear to be a little bit of a minefield. These is the most recent Apple Watches: the Apple Watch Sequence 10 (2024), and the older Apple Watch Extremely 2 (2023), and the Apple Watch SE 2 (2022).

Typically, every Apple Watch provides a number of extra options than the one which got here earlier than it. Beneath we’ll run by means of the options obtainable on every Apple Watch so you’ll be able to see what you’re getting to your cash.  

Apple isn’t the one place the place you should buy an Apple Watch, and should you store round you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase older fashions that Apple doesn’t promote. To get one of the best deal on an Apple Watch pay attention to one of the best costs proven beneath, you may additionally like to take a look at our roundup of the Greatest Apple Watch Offers.

Apple Watch Extremely 2

Professionals

• 1 to three,000 nits brightness
• Extremely capabilities for excessive sports activities
• Powerful exterior

Cons

• Nonetheless makes use of S9 as wasn’t up to date in 2024
• Just one dimension

Value When Reviewed:

$799 (base)

Greatest Costs Right this moment:

New
Refurbished

$799

Apple Watch Extremely 2 (2023) GPS + Mobile 49 mm – Titanium Pure Titanium – Ocean band Blue

$470

Apple Watch Extremely 2 (2023) GPS + Mobile 49 mm – Titanium Pure Titanium – Alpine loop Blue

$670

Apple Watch Extremely 2 (2023) GPS + Mobile 49 mm – Titanium Black – Alpine loop Inexperienced

$720.61

That is the second era of Apple Watch Extremely that launched in 2023. In 2024 there was a minor replace to the colour choices on supply.

The Apple Watch Extremely is the final word Apple Watch. It’s designed for athletes and journey, so it isn’t a watch for everybody, however it goes past the usual Apple Watch with options for divers (depth gauge, water temperature sensor, water resistance to 100 meters) and options for hikers reminiscent of precision dual-frequency GPS.

The Apple Watch Extremely is constructed from harder supplies: a titanium case and a sapphire crystal cowl for the display. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch Sequence 10 shares now provides a Titanium choice, depth gauge and water temperature sensor, so the distinction isn’t as nice because it was between the Sequence 9 and the Extremely. However there are nonetheless a variety of superior options supplied by the Extremely.

The Extremely’s battery life is healthier than the usual Apple Watch collection at 36 hours for the Extremely and 18 hours for the Sequence 10 (and the Sequence 9 and eight earlier than it). You’ll be able to eke out much more battery life within the Extremely too, as much as 72 hours in Low Energy Mode (Low Energy Mode on the Apple Watch 8 to 10 fashions ends in 36 hours of battery life). 

The second-gen Apple Watch Extremely options the S9 chip. The S9 is superior to the S8 within the authentic Apple Watch Extremely, with 60% extra transistors, a four-core Neural Engine that’s twice as quick than the S8, and 30 % sooner graphics. The newer Apple Watch Sequence 10 has the S10 chip, however there’s little or no distinction between the S10 and S9.

The unique Extremely has the Motion Button, to make controlling the Watch a bit simpler, however the second-gen mannequin goes a step additional. Due to the Double-Faucet gesture (additionally within the Apple Watch 9 and 10) you received’t have to the touch the display to manage the Watch, helpful in case your different hand isn’t free. Simply faucet your thumb and index finger collectively and the gesture is acknowledged by the watch (by way of sensors and algorithms) in order that the first motion of no matter app is exhibiting shall be triggered. Additionally, you will be capable to use on-device Siri to do – like ask Siri to open Watch apps or verify or enter information. 

Learn our full

Apple Watch Extremely 2 evaluation

Apple Watch Sequence 10 (42mm)

Professionals

• Greater, easier-to-read show
• Sooner charging
• Refined design

Cons

• Nonetheless solely 18 hours battery life
• Blood Oxygen unavailable within the U.S.

Value When Reviewed:

$399

The Sequence 10 is a modest set of enhancements over the Apple Watch Sequence 9. Notably, the watch is now a tiny bit thinner and bigger, simply sufficient to make the show fractionally larger (42mm up from 41mm or 46mm up from 45mm) and barely simpler to learn (it’s received wider viewing angles, too). Efficiency hasn’t modified and neither has battery life, nonetheless rated at 18 hours, however there’s a brand new water temperature sensor and the flexibility to sense depth as much as 6 meters.

The premium mannequin is now encased in titanium as a substitute of Stainless Metal, which ends up in a giant weight discount. The titanium Sequence 10 is barely heavier than the aluminium mannequin, whereas the chrome steel Sequence 9 was so much heavier.

The Sequence 10 expenses sooner, too. It’ll go from 0-80% in half-hour as a substitute of 45 minutes, which is sufficient of a change to make an actual distinction.

When you have a Sequence 8 or Sequence 9 this isn’t an improve you want, however it’s in all probability one of the best Apple Watch to get if it’s your first one otherwise you’re coming from a a lot older mannequin, until you reside the form of lifetime of journey that necessitates the Apple Watch Extremely 2.

Learn our full

Apple Watch Sequence 10 (42mm) evaluation

Apple Watch SE (2nd era, 40mm)

Professionals

• Least expensive Apple Watch
• Crash detection
• Fall detection

Cons

• Lacks well being sensors: no ECG, no O2
• Smaller display

Value When Reviewed:

$249

Greatest Costs Right this moment:

New
Refurbished

$189

$249

$249

$249

$249.99

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS + Mobile 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight

$119.30

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band Starlight

$130.49

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Midnight – Sport band Black

$131.67

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS + Mobile 40 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White

$131.67

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS + Mobile 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport band White

$138

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Silver – Sport band White

$147.73

Apple Watch Sequence SE 2 (2022) GPS 40 mm – Aluminium Starlight – Sport loop Starlight

$238.14

The Apple Watch SE, which arrived in 2022, is the second era SE, with the primary being launched in 2020. The 2022 Apple Watch SE launched new options and element enhancements in comparison with the unique. Just like the Sequence 8 and subsequent Watches, it provides Crash Detection and an improved Compass app.

The center sensor within the SE (outdated and new) is second-generation, whereas the Sequence 7 and above supply a third-generation coronary heart sensor. The SE additionally lacks the physique temperature sensor for cycle monitoring. You additionally don’t get Blood Oxygen monitoring or the flexibility to carry out an ECG.

The SE is available in two sizes, however the display is barely smaller than the display on the Sequence 10 and older at 44mm and 40mm, quite than 46mm and 42mm. This implies the display is just a little bit extra cramped, particularly when in comparison with the Extremely’s 49mm display. Talking of the display, the SE doesn’t supply an always-on show like the opposite watches, so if that’s more likely to be some extent of frustration for you it’s motive to improve.

Battery life is similar 18 hours because the Sequence 10.

Learn our full

Apple Watch SE (2nd era, 40mm) evaluation

How the brand new Apple watches examine 

That’s an summary, however in just a little extra element right here’s how the options of every Apple Watch examine. 

Dimensions

The Apple Watch Extremely is the most important Apple Watch offered by Apple. To accommodate the 49mm display the watch measures 49mm by 44mm by 14.4mm. It weighs from 61.4 grams relying on the colour chosen.

The Apple Watch Extremely is massive and heavy. When you have slim wrists you may desire a smaller case, wherein case Apple provides the choice of a giant and smaller variant of every watch with the Apple Watch Sequence 10 and SE. With the Extremely just one dimension is offered.

The Apple Watch Sequence 10 provides both a 46mm or 42mm display. To accommodate the 46mm display the watch measures 46mm by 39mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 36.4 grams for the aluminium choice, 41.7 grams for titanium. For the 42mm display the watch measures 42mm by 36mm by 9.7mm. It weighs from 30 grams for the aluminium choice, 34.4 grams for titanium.

The Apple Watch SE (2) provides both a 44mm or 40 display. To accommodate the 44mm display the watch measures 44mm by 38mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 32.9 grams. For the 40mm display the watch measures 40mm by 34mm by 10.7mm. It weighs from 26.4 grams.

Show

The larger the watch the larger the display, after all. Or at the very least that’s what you may assume. In actual fact, the show space of the 46mm Apple Watch Sequence 10 is fractionally larger than the 49mm Apple Watch Extremely 2. Right here’s how these two examine:

• Apple Watch Extremely 2: 410×502 pixels, 1,185 sq mm show space, 3,000 nits brightness
• Apple Watch Sequence 10 (46mm): 416×496 pixels, 1,220 sq mm show space, 2,000 nits brightness
• Apple Watch Sequence 10 (42mm): 374×446 pixels, 989 sq mm show space, 2,000 nits brightness
• Apple Watch SE (44mm): 368×448 pixels, 977 sq mm show space, 1,000 nits brightness
• Apple Watch SE (40mm): 324×394 pixels, 759 sq mm show space, 1,000 nits brightness

It’s not simply dimension that issues with the screens although. The three,000 nits brightness on the Extremely means it ought to be simpler to learn in significantly vibrant mild, for instance, when snowboarding. This beats the Sequence 10, which provides 2,000 nits, as did the Sequence 9, however the Sequence 10 additionally provides wide-angled OLED display which helps when viewing the display at an angle. The SE provides 1,000 nits brightness.

Apple

Each the Apple Watch Extremely and the Apple Watch Sequence 10 supply an At all times-On show – so you’ll be able to at all times see the time with out having to wake it. This can be a characteristic that was additionally shared by the Apple Watch Sequence 5 and later. The Apple Watch SE doesn’t supply an At all times-On show. 

Design 

There could also be three variants of the Apple Watch, however there are a variety of combos that imply that there are extra design variations than you may count on. 

As we defined above, there are 5 sizes to select from should you take into account all fashions: 49mm, 46mm, 44mm, 42mm and 40mm. 

Along with the sizes, Apple makes use of two completely different supplies for the instances: aluminum for the Watch SE; aluminum or titanium for the Sequence 10; and titanium for the Extremely 2. For every case there’s a selection of colours: 

• Aluminium is available in midnight, starlight, rose gold, and silver.
• Titanium is offered in gold or pure on the Sequence 10, or pure and black on Extremely 2.

In addition to a selection of case shade, you even have an enormous selection of straps or bands to go along with the Apple Watch, some are solely suitable with sure Watch sizes. See: Do Apple Watch straps match all fashions? Some add a substantial expense to the price of the Apple Watch. 

The Apple Watch Extremely has a selection of three straps designed to be rugged and appropriate for excessive sports activities lovers, these new straps can be utilized with the bigger Apple Watches as nicely. Check out all of the watch straps on supply on Apple’s website.

We focus on the finest Apple Watch straps and Apple Watch straps: methods to discover the right dimension individually.

Sturdiness 

Numerous parts of the Apple Watch Extremely 2 design assist it stand up to altitudes, excessive temperatures, low temperatures, immersion, freeze/thaw, shock, and vibration. So if you’d like a watch that may be worn at a depth of 40 meters (it’s licensed for scuba diving) the Extremely 2 would be the one for you.

Additionally making the Extremely just a little higher in a position to stand up to knocks is a sapphire entrance crystal show, round which raised edges of the case present safety. The Apple Watch Sequence 10 additionally options robust sapphire glass with the TItanium fashions (and the 9 and eight did on the Stainless Metal fashions). There’s Ion-X display glass on the aluminium fashions. 

Apple

All three watches are “Swimproof” based on Apple, however they don’t seem to be equal on this respect. The Apple Watch 10 and SE have a water resistance score of 100 meters and Apple means that they can be utilized for shallow-water actions like swimming in a pool or ocean. The Apple Watch Extremely has a water resistance score of fifty meters and features a Depth gauge and water temperature sensor. With these characteristic it’s no shock that Apple states that the Extremely can be utilized for leisure scuba diving, nonetheless Apple provides that “Apple Watch Extremely shouldn’t be used for diving beneath 40 meters” and likewise factors out that “water resistance can diminish over time”.

The Extremely provides the identical IP6X mud resistance because the Sequence 10. The SE does’t supply this certification.

Well being and Security options 

Apple

Cycle Monitoring: Similar to the Sequence 10, the Extremely provides temperature sensing for Cycle Monitoring, which was a brand new characteristic launched with the 2022 Watches that ought to assist girls making an attempt to get pregnant determine once they have ovulated.

Blood Oxygen: You’ll additionally discover the Blood Oxygen app (which arrived with the Sequence 6) within the Extremely and Sequence 10 Watches. Measuring blood oxygen can alert the wearer to any discount of oxygen of their bloodstream and will help with administration of circumstances like bronchial asthma. This isn’t obtainable within the SE. Resulting from a patent battle, this characteristic is disabled in Apple Watches offered and utilized in the USA, although it might return by way of a software program replace sooner or later.

ECG: The Apple Watch 10 and Extremely supply the ECG app (launched with the Sequence 4). The 2022 SE can’t carry out an ECG (electrocardiogram), however it may notify you of excessive and low coronary heart charge and irregular coronary heart rhythm, as can the opposite Watches. 

Crash Detection: In 2022 Apple Watches gained the flexibility to detect a automotive crash. This characteristic signifies that if you’re in a extreme automotive crash whereas sporting any Apple Watch from 2022 or above, the Watch will detect the influence and dial emergency companies if you’re unresponsive (you’ll get a 10-second warning). 

Fall Detection: One other security options that’s shared by all of the Apple Watches is Fall Detection (the characteristic arrived with the Apple Watch Sequence 4). If the watch identifies that you’ve fallen it’s going to sound an alarm and show an alert so you’ll be able to affirm if you’re okay. If you happen to aren’t okay the watch can name the emergency companies. If you happen to don’t have a mobile plan to your Apple Watch you’ll need your linked iPhone to be close by for the decision to be positioned. 

Siren: This security characteristic is exclusive to the Extremely (1 and a couple of). That mannequin can play a 86-decibel siren that’s audible as much as 600 ft (182 meters), helpful should you get misplaced on a mountain.

Compass & Backtrack: Talking of mountaineering, the brand new 2022 Watches gained an improved Compass app with and Backtrack characteristic that ought to allow you to keep away from getting misplaced. The Apple Watch Extremely 9 and a couple of) might be higher at this job although as a result of it encompasses a new dual-frequency GPS that ought to make it higher at positioning you as a result of it received’t be affected by tall timber and buildings. In case you are annoyed that your Watch can’t pinpoint your actual location if you find yourself making an attempt to make use of it for instructions amid tall buildings it is a characteristic for you. 

Sleep Monitoring: The Apple Watches may also observe your sleep and wake you up. Since watchOS 8 the Apple Watch has been in a position to observe your respiratory charge, notifying you of doable well being points. The Apple Watch Sequence 10 and Extremely 2 supply Sleep apnoea notifications.

Specs 

Chip: The 2023 Apple Watch Extremely 2 has the S9 chip and the Sequence 10 has the S10 chip, however they seem like similar in efficiency. The S8 chip within the SE (in addition to in 2022’s Sequence 8 Apple Watch and the unique Extremely) didn’t supply a major energy increase over the S7, which itself wasn’t so much higher than the S6. Whereas the S6 delivered only a 20 % increase in efficiency over the Sequence 5, which launched in 2019.

GPS: Each the Apple Watch Sequence 10 and SE have L1 GPS, whereas the Apple Watch Extremely (1 and a couple of) supply Precision dual-frequency (L1 and L5) GPS. L1 GPS is the usual GPS, however it may be blocked by tall buildings and different obstacles. L5 GPS is extra superior and will cope higher with buildings blocking the satellite tv for pc sign. 

U2: The Apple Watch Sequence 10 and Extremely 2 each supply an upgraded ultra-wideband chip that may enhance their capacity to trace the situation of an object, such because the iPhone 15. This improves on the U1 chip within the Sequence 8 and Extremely 1. Observe the Apple Watch SE is the one Apple Watch that doesn’t even embrace the U1 chip.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is healthier within the Sequence 10 and Extremely: the SE provides solely 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n. I

Mobile: When you have a mobile contract, the Apple Watch 8, 9, 10 and Extremely fashions supply 5GHz Wi-Fi, however the SE solely 4G LTE.

Apple

Battery life 

The Apple Watch Extremely 2 provides 36 hour battery life (as did the unique Extremely). That is rather more than the opposite Watches’ 18 hours. The Sequence 10 provides sooner charging (0-80% in half-hour), an enchancment over prior fashions’ quick charging (0-80% in 45 minutes).

That 36-hour determine for the Extremely might be even increased although should you use the Low Energy Mode you need to be capable to stand up to 72 hours, based on Apple. This identical Low Energy Mode brings the Watch 10 battery life to 36 hours.

That’s battery life measured in typical use, however athletes and different customers won’t be fairly so typical. Apple says that there’ll be sufficient battery energy to get customers by means of a triathlon (that’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike trip, and a marathon of 26.2 miles). The issue for different Apple Watch customers is that the battery would in all probability run down should you had been monitoring such in depth train. 

Try our roundup of the finest Apple Watch chargers and docks.

Which Apple Watch to purchase 

As you’ll be able to see from the above, it’s not a easy case of having the ability to say a specific Apple Watch is the winner. The Apple Watch Extremely 2 clearly has one of the best options and if you’re off up a mountain, diving within the ocean, or heading out for a marathon, then the Extremely is the way in which to go. However it’s massive, maybe too massive, and it has a giant worth connected to it. 

The Apple Watch Sequence 10 provides some attractive new options, and might be the only option for many customers that don’t have particular want of the rugged outside qualities of the Extremely.

The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s most cost-effective Apple Watch, beginning at $249/£219, which shall be a giant level in its favor, however it’s not the most affordable Apple Watch ever offered. Apple used to promote the Apple Watch Sequence 3 for simply $199/£179 for the 38mm model. The 2022 SE is cheaper than the 2020 era although, which began at $279/£269. Together with a cheaper price, the SE additionally provides options reminiscent of Automotive Crash detection, however it lacks a few of the health-related options that persons are on the lookout for. 

It’s the health-related options that may in all probability stand out as the primary differentiator between the SE and the Sequence 10, and this hasn’t modified from the earlier era. If the flexibility to verify blood oxygen, take an ECG, and temperature monitoring, are vital to you then it must be the Sequence 10. If these aren’t one thing that you just assume you want then the SE shall be fairly ample. 

In case you are after a discount although, we advocate that you just search for a deal on an older Apple Watch. We frequently see the Apple Watch Sequence 9 on sale and we predict it’s simply nearly as good as the ten, until you actually needed a barely larger show.