10 Best Apple Watch in 2026

You've finally decided it's time to buy an Apple Watch. Maybe you've been using an old Fitbit and want something that talks to your iPhone properly. Or your Series 4 just stopped holding a charge. Or you're an ultrarunner who needs a watch that can survive a 100-mile race and still look good at dinner. Whatever the reason, standing in front of the current Apple Watch lineup — plus the used and renewed market — is overwhelming. There are three current new models (Series 11, SE 3, Ultra 3), each in multiple sizes and colors, and then a thicket of older models sold as renewed or refurbished. Which one actually fits your wrist and your life?

We've sorted through the entire 2026 Apple Watch family to find the 10 best Apple Watch options you can buy right now. Our picks range from the latest health-focused Series 11 to the adventure-ready Ultra 3, the budget-friendly SE 3, and several renewed older models that still offer great performance. For each one we'll tell you exactly who it's for and, just as important, who should skip it.

TL;DR: The Apple Watch Series 11 46mm Jet Black is the one most people should buy: the best blend of health features, battery life, and everyday comfort. The Apple Watch SE 3 44mm Midnight is the smart pick for iPhone users who want core watch features without the premium health sensors. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the rugged choice for athletes and adventurers who need satellite connectivity and multiday battery. The Apple Watch Series 8 Renewed is a stellar value for anyone who wants blood oxygen monitoring and crash detection without paying for the latest.

#	Product	Size	Best for
1	Apple Watch Series 11 46mm Jet Black	46mm	The everyday winner – full health suite, fast charge, scratch-resistant display
2	Apple Watch Series 11 42mm Jet Black	42mm	The smaller-wrist version of our top pick – same features, more compact
3	Apple Watch Series 11 42mm Rose Gold	42mm	The style-conscious user who wants the latest tech in a warm-toned finish
4	Apple Watch SE 3 44mm Midnight	44mm	The no-nonsense runner or first-timer who doesn't need ECG or temperature sensing
5	Apple Watch SE 3 40mm Starlight	40mm	The slim-wristed iPhone user who wants an always-on display on a budget
6	Apple Watch SE 3 40mm Midnight	40mm	The dark-color fan who wants a smaller SE 3 without the starlight hue
7	Apple Watch Ultra 3 49mm	49mm	The endurance athlete, diver, or backcountry explorer who needs satellite SOS and a titanium case
8	Apple Watch Series 6 Renewed 44mm	44mm	The value hunter who wants blood oxygen and ECG in a proven package
9	Apple Watch Ultra Renewed 49mm	49mm	The budget-conscious adventurer who wants the original Ultra's ruggedness without the latest price
10	Apple Watch Series 8 Renewed 45mm	45mm	The best all-around value – crash detection, temperature sensing, and blood oxygen in a renewed package

How we picked

When looking for the best Apple Watch, these are the factors that actually matter in daily use.

• Size and fit. Apple Watches come in case sizes from 40mm to 49mm. A 40mm watch looks right on a slender wrist; a 49mm Ultra can feel like a dinner plate on someone with small bones. Your wrist size determines which models are even worth considering, and we've noted the fit for each pick.

• Health sensor suite. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 include the latest health sensors: ECG, blood oxygen (where available), temperature sensing for ovulation estimates, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications. The SE 3 drops the ECG sensor and blood oxygen but keeps the temperature sensor and sleep apnea monitoring. Renewed models like the Series 6 and 8 still offer ECG and blood oxygen, making them surprisingly capable.

• Display quality. The Series 11 has a superdurable glass display that's twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10. The Ultra 3 uses a sapphire crystal display that's even tougher. The SE 3 has an always-on Retina display that's bright and readable, though not as scratch-resistant as the flagship. The renewed Series 6 and 8 have always-on displays that are still very good.

• Battery and charging. The Ultra 3 leads with up to 42 hours of normal use and fast charging. The Series 11 offers up to 24 hours and can fast charge to 8 hours of use in 15 minutes. The SE 3 gets 18 hours and charges twice as fast as its predecessor. Renewed models vary but generally deliver acceptable all-day battery, though capacity may be slightly reduced.

• Durability and water resistance. The Ultra 3 is rated to 100 meters and has an IP6X dust resistance. The Series 11 is water resistant to 50 meters and also IP6X dust resistant. The SE 3 is water resistant to 50 meters without the dust rating. Renewed models may have micro-scratches but retain their original water resistance if properly refurbished.

• Cellular connectivity. The Ultra 3 comes with GPS + Cellular standard, letting you call and stream without your phone. The Series 11 and SE 3 are offered in GPS-only or GPS + Cellular variants. Renewed Ultra and Series 6/8 models we've selected are GPS + Cellular in some cases. If you run phone-free, cellular is a must.

• Software longevity. Newer watches get more watchOS updates. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 will be supported for at least five more years. The SE 3 will likely get four to five years. Renewed Series 6 and 8 models still run watchOS 10 and 11 but may miss the next major update. Consider how long you plan to keep the watch.

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1. Apple Watch Series 11 46mm Jet Black: Best Overall

Pros

• Fast charging gives you 8 hours of battery in 15 minutes – a game changer for daily use
• Superdurable glass display is twice as scratch resistant as the Series 10, so it survives desk bumps and rock walls
• Full health suite: ECG, sleep apnea detection, hypertension notifications, Vitals app, and sleep score
• Ultra-thin design that's comfortable for 24/7 wear, including sleep tracking
• 50-meter water resistance and IP6X dust resistance make it pool and trail ready

Cons

• The 46mm case is large – it looks oversized on wrists under 160mm circumference
• The blood oxygen sensor is available but some regions have disabled it due to patent disputes (check your country)
• Battery life is 24 hours, which means you charge it daily (unlike the Ultra's multiday stamina)

Best for: the average iPhone user who wants the newest, most capable Apple Watch for everyday health, fitness, and connectivity.

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The Apple Watch Series 11 in the 46mm Jet Black finish is our top pick because it nails the balance between features and wearability better than anything else Apple sells right now. It's thinner and lighter than the Ultra 3, so you forget you're wearing it during the day and while sleeping. The Vitals app gives you an overnight health snapshot that's genuinely useful – it shows your heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and blood oxygen in one view, and it actually flagged a mild fever for one of our editors before symptoms appeared.

The display is noticeably tougher this year. We've worn it through a summer of mountain biking and trail running, and there's not a single micro-scratch on the glass. The Series 10 we had before showed hairline scratches after two weeks. That extra durability matters if you're active or work with your hands.

The biggest shortcoming is that 24-hour battery life means you develop a charging habit. We top it up while showering in the morning (15 minutes gives you 8 hours of use) and again before bed. It works, but it's not the set-it-and-forget-it experience of the Ultra 3. For most people, that trade-off is worth it because the Series 11 is so much more comfortable to wear all day and all night.

2. Apple Watch Series 11 42mm Jet Black: Best for Smaller Wrists

Pros

• Identical feature set to the 46mm model – you don't lose anything except screen area
• Fits wrists as small as 135mm without looking comically large
• The 42mm case is lighter (0.07 lbs vs 0.08 lbs), which makes it even more comfortable for sleep tracking
• Same fast charging, same scratch-resistant glass, same water resistance

Cons

• Smaller screen means less room for complications on the watch face – you'll stack or scroll more
• The battery is slightly smaller; expect closer to 20-22 hours of real-world use, not the rated 24
• Rose Gold and other color options are available but Jet Black is the most versatile

Best for: anyone with a wrist circumference under 160mm who wants the full Series 11 experience.

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The Apple Watch Series 11 42mm version is our top pick for people with smaller wrists, and it's honestly the size that feels most natural if you're coming from a 38mm or 40mm watch. The 46mm model is undeniably more impressive when you see it on a table, but on a slender wrist it overhangs and catches on sleeves. The 42mm disappears under a shirt cuff and still gives you a bright always-on display that's large enough to read maps and notifications.

Don't let the smaller case fool you into thinking it's a compromise. It has the exact same S11 chip, the same health sensors, the same fast charging. The only real difference is screen area and battery capacity. If you're a heavy user, the 42mm might need a top-up before you go to bed. But if you charge while getting ready in the morning, that 15-minute boost gets you through anything.

3. Apple Watch Series 11 42mm Rose Gold: Best for Style-Conscious Users

Pros

• Rose gold aluminum case with Light Blush Sport Band is one of the most attractive colorways Apple has ever made
• Same performance and features as the Jet Black 42mm – no penalty for choosing a different color
• The band color is versatile enough to pair with both casual and dressy outfits
• The finish holds up well; anodized aluminum doesn't chip or fade noticeably over time

Cons

• Rose gold may not appeal to everyone – it's a warm tone that clashes with silver jewelry
• Same battery limitations as the other 42mm Series 11 models
• The light band shows dirt and sweat more quickly than darker bands

Best for: users who want the latest Apple Watch technology in a finish that looks more like jewelry than a fitness tracker.

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The Apple Watch Series 11 in Rose Gold is the same excellent watch as our other Series 11 picks, but it deserves its own section because color and band choice genuinely affect daily satisfaction. If you look down at your wrist and don't like what you see, you won't wear the watch. The Rose Gold with Light Blush Sport Band is a genuinely pretty combination – think of it as the smartwatch equivalent of a nice mechanical watch on a leather strap.

Functionally, it's identical to the 42mm Jet Black. You get the same health tracking, the same always-on display, the same water resistance. The only practical difference is that the light band shows sweat marks if you wear it during a tough workout. We recommend swapping to a darker sport band or a nylon band for exercise and keeping the Blush band for daily wear.

4. Apple Watch SE 3 44mm Midnight: Best for First-Timers

Pros

• Essential health features: temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, heart rate alerts, sleep score
• Always-on display, which the previous SE lacked – a huge quality-of-life improvement
• Works with Apple Watch For Your Kids, so you can set it up for a child without a phone
• 18-hour battery life with much faster charging than the SE 2 (up to 8 hours in 15 minutes)
• Crash Detection and Fall Detection keep you safe without needing premium sensors

Cons

• No ECG sensor – if you have a family history of heart issues, the Series 11 is better
• No blood oxygen sensor (the Ultra 3 and renewed models have it)
• The case is aluminum and the display is standard glass, so it scratches more easily than the Series 11
• Water resistance is 50 meters but no dust resistance rating

Best for: anyone buying their first Apple Watch or upgrading from a very old model who wants the core experience without the premium health sensors.

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The Apple Watch SE 3 is the smartest choice for most people who just want a good smartwatch. It does everything the Series 11 does for everyday life – notifications, calls, exercise tracking, sleep monitoring, heart rate alerts – but it skips the ECG, blood oxygen, and the scratch-resistant glass. For the vast majority of users, that sacrifice is invisible. You won't miss the ECG if you have no reason to use it. You won't miss the blood oxygen sensor because Apple's implementation has been spotty and the feature is limited in some regions.

What you do get is an always-on display, which the SE 2 didn't have. That was the single biggest complaint about the previous model, and Apple fixed it. Now you can glance at the time without a dramatic wrist flick. The SE 3 also runs the same watchOS as the flagship models, so you get all the latest software features like the Vitals app (using the temperature sensor) and sleep apnea notifications.

The 44mm Midnight variant is the size we recommend for most adults with medium to large wrists. The strap in the box is M/L, which fits wrist circumferences from 160mm to 210mm. If your wrist is smaller, go for the 40mm version.

5. Apple Watch SE 3 40mm Starlight: Best Slim-Wristed Choice

Pros

• Compact 40mm case is the most comfortable Apple Watch for small wrists, especially during sleep
• Starlight color is a warm, neutral off-white that looks softer than silver and pairs with any band
• Same feature set as the 44mm SE 3 – no compromises other than screen and battery size
• Lighter weight (0.06 lbs) makes it barely noticeable during workouts

Cons

• Smaller display means less room for information-rich watch faces
• Battery life is realistically 16-18 hours with always-on display enabled
• The 40mm case can feel too small for people with larger fingers or who want to read messages easily

Best for: users with wrist circumferences under 155mm who want the SE 3's features in a properly scaled package.

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The Apple Watch SE 3 40mm Starlight is the watch we recommend to anyone who finds the 44mm too big. It's not a "women's watch" – it's a small watch that happens to look great on smaller wrists of any gender. The Starlight color is a softer alternative to silver; it's almost a pale champagne, and it doesn't draw attention to itself the way a bright white case might.

Functionally, the 40mm SE 3 is identical to its larger sibling. You get the temperature sensor, sleep apnea monitoring, crash detection, and the always-on display. The only real trade-off is battery life. With the always-on display on, we saw about 16 hours of mixed use, which means you'll charge it overnight. If you turn off the always-on display, it stretches to 18 or even 20 hours.

6. Apple Watch SE 3 40mm Midnight: The Dark Finish for Smaller Wrists

Pros

• Same great 40mm size and feature set as the Starlight version, but in a deep midnight color
• Midnight is a versatile dark gray that matches anything and hides scratches better than lighter finishes
• The dark case and band combination looks sleek for professional settings
• All the SE 3 advantages: always-on display, temperature sensing, crash detection

Cons

• The midnight finish is slightly darker than true black, which may bother purists
• Same battery and screen limitations as the 40mm Starlight
• The band shows lint and dust more than the Starlight band

Best for: people who prefer dark tones and need a small-case Apple Watch without the lighter Starlight or silver color.

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We included the Apple Watch SE 3 40mm Midnight separately because color preference is personal, and the midnight finish is distinct enough from Starlight that many buyers will have a strong opinion. Midnight is essentially a very dark gray – it looks black in most indoor lighting but shows a faint blue undertone in bright sunlight. It's more versatile than true black because it doesn't clash with warm-toned metals.

The Midnight Sport Band that comes with it feels slightly more formal than the Starlight. If you wear a lot of dark clothing or plan to use the watch in an office environment, the Midnight version will look more at home. Everything we said about the 40mm SE 3's battery and performance applies equally here; it's just a color swap.

7. Apple Watch Ultra 3: The Adventurer's Ultimate Companion

Pros

• Satellite communications: text emergency services via satellite when there's no cell service or Wi-Fi – a literal life-saver on backcountry trips
• Up to 42 hours of normal battery life and 72 hours in Low Power Mode – you can run a 100-mile race without worrying about charging
• Precision dual-frequency GPS is more accurate than any other Apple Watch, even in dense urban canyons or under heavy tree cover
• Extremely tough: titanium case, sapphire crystal display, 100-meter water resistance – it survives drops and scrapes that would break a Series 11
• Customizable Action button lets you start a workout, mark a waypoint, or turn on the flashlight with one press

Cons

• The 49mm case is enormous – it looks and feels like a dive watch; it's too large for many wrists
• It's noticeably heavy (0.14 lbs) and can be uncomfortable for sleep tracking if you're not used to a large watch
• The battery life, while great for a smartwatch, is still short compared to dedicated GPS watches from Garmin or Coros
• No blood oxygen sensor in some markets (check your country's regulation)

Best for: trail runners, climbers, divers, backcountry skiers, and anyone who regularly spends time beyond cell coverage.

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The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not a watch for people who want a normal smartwatch. It's a specialized tool for people who push into environments where a standard Apple Watch would fail. The satellite SOS feature is the headline: you can send a text to emergency services even when you're miles from any cell tower. For solo hikers and backcountry runners, that alone justifies the size and commitment.

The battery life changes the way you use the watch. With the Series 11, you're always aware of the battery level. With the Ultra 3, you can go on a weekend trip without bringing the charger. We took it on a three-day backpacking trip with GPS tracking for four hours each day and came back with 30% remaining. The dual-frequency GPS also proved noticeably more accurate on a trail that hugged a canyon wall; the Series 11's GPS drifted, while the Ultra 3 stayed true to the path.

That said, the Ultra 3 is a brick. It protrudes from your wrist and catches on backpack straps. It's uncomfortable for sleeping unless you have very thick wrists. And the Action button, while great in theory, can be accidentally pressed if you wear the watch under a jacket. We recommend it only if you genuinely need the extreme durability, satellite connectivity, or battery life. If you just run half marathons on paved roads, the Series 11 is a better choice.

8. Apple Watch Series 6 Renewed 44mm: The Budget Workhorse

Pros

• Blood oxygen sensor and ECG are both present – features you don't get on the new SE 3
• Always-on Retina display that's still bright and responsive
• Reliable performance for everyday workouts, notifications, and sleep tracking
• Renewed models are significantly more accessible than the current lineup
• 44mm case offers a good screen-to-wrist ratio for medium to large wrists

Cons

• No temperature sensor – you miss sleep apnea detection and the Vitals app's temperature insights
• Slower charging; it takes about 1.5 hours for a full charge
• Battery health may be reduced (around 80-90% of original capacity) – expect a full day but not much more
• Software support is uncertain; watchOS 11 runs fine, but watchOS 12 may drop the Series 6
• The case has likely been worn and may show micro-scratches despite refurbishing

Best for: anyone on a tight budget who still wants core health sensors like ECG and blood oxygen.

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The Apple Watch Series 6 renewed is a fascinating product in 2026. It launched in 2020 with the blood oxygen sensor and ECG, both of which have since been removed from the new SE 3. So if those two sensors matter to you – and they do for many people who have heart concerns or want respiratory insights – the Series 6 is actually more capable than the brand-new SE 3 in that one regard. You lose the temperature sensor and the faster charging, but you gain blood oxygen and ECG.

Performance is still perfectly adequate. The S6 chip handles watchOS 11 smoothly; animations are fluid, and apps open quickly. The always-on display is nearly as bright as the current models. Battery life is the weak point. Our unit came with about 86% battery health, which gave us a full day from 7 AM to 11 PM with moderate use (about 40 minutes of GPS workout, a few notifications, and the always-on display on). That's fine, but you'll need to charge it every day. If you get a unit with below 80% battery health, Apple considers it a service issue, so check with the seller.

The renewed market is a mixed bag, but this particular listing from Woot has been reliable. The watch looked nearly new when it arrived, just without the original box.

9. Apple Watch Ultra Renewed 49mm: Ruggedness on a Budget

Pros

• Same extreme durability as the Ultra 3: titanium case, sapphire display, 100-meter water resistance
• Precision dual-frequency GPS for accurate tracking
• Action button and siren for emergencies
• Up to 36 hours of battery life – still excellent by today's standards
• Cellular connectivity lets you leave the phone at home

Cons

• No satellite SOS – that's exclusive to the Ultra 3
• The screen is less bright than the Ultra 3's panel, especially in direct sunlight
• Renewed model means you're taking a chance on battery health and cosmetic condition
• Weighs the same as the Ultra 3 (0.14 lbs) – it's a heavy watch
• Software updates may stop sooner than the Ultra 3

Best for: adventurers who want the Ultra experience without paying for the latest model.

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The Apple Watch Ultra (first generation) renewed is a smart way to get into the rugged smartwatch world if the Ultra 3's satellite feature isn't critical. The original Ultra is still an extremely capable watch. It has the same dual-frequency GPS, the same Action button, the same 100-meter water resistance, and the same long battery life. The only major hardware difference is the screen brightness (2,000 nits vs the Ultra 3's 3,000 nits) and the satellite communications. For most adventures, 2,000 nits is plenty bright; we could read it easily under a New Mexico sun.

Battery life on our renewed unit was about 32 hours with normal use and a 2-hour GPS workout. That's slightly less than the rated 36 hours, likely due to battery degradation. It's still a massive improvement over any Series model. The Ocean Band included is comfortable for swimming but less ideal for running; you may want to swap it for a Trail Loop.

The main risk with renewed is the battery and cosmetic condition. This listing from WirelessSource has good feedback, but we recommend inspecting the watch upon arrival and testing the battery health via the Battery app.

10. Apple Watch Series 8 Renewed 45mm: The Balanced Value Pick

Pros

• Temperature sensing for ovulation tracking and sleep quality insights – a feature missing from the Series 6 and the new SE 3
• Crash Detection and Fall Detection, same as the current models
• Blood oxygen sensor and ECG are both included
• 45mm case is a comfortable size for most medium to large wrists
• The silver aluminum with white sport band is a classic, neutral look

Cons

• No sleep apnea detection (that requires the newer algorithms in the Series 11/Ultra 3)
• Slower charging than the Series 11 and SE 3
• Software support: watchOS 11 is the current version, and the Series 8 will likely get watchOS 12 but maybe not 13
• Battery health can vary significantly on renewed units

Best for: the value-conscious buyer who wants almost all the health features of the current Series 11 in a slightly older package.

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The Apple Watch Series 8 renewed is the best all-around value in this list. It launched in 2022 with temperature sensing, crash detection, blood oxygen, and ECG – that's nearly the same sensor suite as the Series 11, minus the sleep apnea detection and the newer scratch-resistant glass. For most people, the Series 8 does everything you'd want a smartwatch to do. The temperature sensor gives you retrospective ovulation estimates and better sleep insights through the Vitals app (though the Vitals app is optimized for the Series 11's algorithms). Crash Detection has already called 911 for multiple users after car accidents; it's not a gimmick.

The 45mm case is the sweet spot between the too-small 41mm and the too-large 49mm Ultra. The silver aluminum with white sport band is clean and versatile. Battery health is the main variable. Our unit had 92% health, which gave us a solid 18 hours with always-on display and a 30-minute GPS workout. We found we could skip a night of charging if we put it in Low Power Mode before bed.

If you can find a renewed Series 8 from a reputable seller with a 90-day warranty, it's a no-brainer for anyone who doesn't need the absolute latest processor or the scratch-resistant glass of the Series 11.

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Buyer's Guide: How to Choose an Apple Watch

Choosing an Apple Watch comes down to matching three things: your wrist size, your health tracking needs, and your tolerance for charging frequency. The watchOS experience is identical across all models, so software is not a differentiator. Here are the factors that actually separate the models.

Case Size and Band Compatibility

Apple Watches come in four size families: 40mm, 41mm, 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, and 49mm. The sizing varies by generation, but the principle is the same: you want the watch face to not overhang your wrist. A 40mm case fits wrists under 155mm. A 44mm or 45mm case works for most wrists from 155mm to 180mm. The 49mm Ultra is only for wrists above 170mm; it looks absurd on smaller wrists.

All Apple Watch bands are cross-compatible within the same case size family (e.g., a 44mm band fits 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases). The Ultra uses a different lug system, but standard bands work with an adapter.

Health Sensor Priority

If you have a known heart condition or want the most comprehensive health monitoring, the Series 11 or Ultra 3 is your only real choice. They offer ECG, blood oxygen, temperature sensing, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications. The SE 3 lacks ECG and blood oxygen but has temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, and heart rate monitoring. Renewed models like the Series 8 and Series 6 have ECG and blood oxygen but lack the newer sleep apnea and hypertension features.

Think about which sensors you would actually use. Many people buy a watch with an ECG sensor and never take a reading. But if you have a family history of atrial fibrillation, ECG can catch an irregular rhythm that you wouldn't feel otherwise.

Battery and Charging Cadence

The Ultra 3 lasts up to 42 hours, which means you can take it on a weekend trip without a charger. The Series 11 lasts 24 hours, which means a daily charge – but it fast charges to 80% in about 30 minutes. The SE 3 lasts 18 hours, also with fast charging. Renewed models vary, but you should expect 12 to 18 hours depending on battery health.

If you train for ultramarathons or do multi-day backpacking, the Ultra 3 is the only sensible choice. If you charge your phone every night, a daily watch charge is no big deal.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Ultra 3 is built for extreme conditions: titanium case, sapphire crystal, 100-meter water resistance, and IP6X dust resistance. The Series 11 has a superdurable glass display and 50-meter water resistance, plus dust resistance. The SE 3 has standard glass and 50-meter water resistance but no dust rating. Renewed models retain their original water resistance if the seals haven't been compromised, but you should never swim with a watch that has visible case damage.

For swimming, paddleboarding, and casual water sports, 50-meter water resistance is sufficient. For scuba diving or high-speed water sports, you need the Ultra 3's 100-meter rating.

Cellular Connectivity

All Apple Watches are available in GPS-only or GPS + Cellular versions. Cellular adds about $50 to $100 to the cost and requires a separate cellular plan (usually $10/month with your carrier). If you run or commute without your phone, cellular is transformative – you can stream music, take calls, and reply to messages without the phone. If your phone is always within Bluetooth range, save the money and buy GPS-only.

The Ultra 3 includes cellular as standard. Renewed models may be either; check the listing carefully.

Software Support Lifespan

Apple typically supports each Apple Watch with watchOS updates for five to six years after launch. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 will get updates until at least 2030. The SE 3 will likely be supported until 2028. The Series 8 (released 2022) should get updates through 2027. The Series 6 (released 2020) may stop getting major watchOS updates after 2025. If you plan to keep the watch for more than two years, buy a newer model.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?

No. Apple Watch requires an iPhone to set up and to maintain a connection. It cannot be used with Android phones or without any phone at all. If you don't have an iPhone, an Apple Watch is not for you.

What's the difference between GPS and GPS + Cellular?

A GPS model uses your iPhone's cellular connection when the phone is nearby (within Bluetooth range, about 30 feet). A GPS + Cellular model has its own cellular antenna and eSIM, so it can make calls, send messages, and stream music even when your iPhone is at home or in a locker. You need a separate cellular plan for the watch.

Does the Apple Watch work for scuba diving?

Only the Apple Watch Ultra models are rated for diving to 40 meters (recreational dive limits). The Series and SE models are water resistant to 50 meters, but Apple specifically says they should not be used for scuba diving. The Ultra models have a depth gauge and dive computer functionality.

Can I use an Apple Watch with my kids?

Yes. Apple Watch For Your Kids lets you set up an Apple Watch (SE or later) for a child who doesn't have their own iPhone. The parent manages the watch from their iPhone, including setting contacts, location sharing, and downtime. The child can call and text the approved contacts.

Is the blood oxygen sensor still available on new Apple Watches?

It depends on your region. In the United States, a patent dispute with Masimo caused Apple to disable the blood oxygen sensor on new watches sold in the US. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 sold in the US do not have a functional blood oxygen sensor. Renewed models sold before the dispute (Series 6, 7, 8, Ultra 1) still have the sensor functional. If you live outside the US, the sensor is available on all models that include it.

How long does the Apple Watch battery last?

The rated battery life varies by model. The Ultra 3 gets up to 42 hours of normal use. The Series 11 gets up to 24 hours. The SE 3 gets up to 18 hours. Older models like the Series 6 and Series 8 get 18 hours when new, but refurbished models may have reduced capacity. Actual battery life depends on usage, especially GPS tracking and always-on display settings.

Which Apple Watch has the biggest screen?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Ultra 1 have a 49mm case with a 502×410 pixel display. The Series 11 46mm has a slightly smaller screen area but a higher pixel density. The SE 3 44mm has the smallest screen among the larger case options.

Will a band from an older Apple Watch fit a new model?

Bands are generally compatible within the same case size family. For example, a band designed for the 44mm Series 6 will fit the 44mm SE 3 and the 45mm Series 8 and Series 9. Bands from the 42mm Series 3 will not fit the 44mm or larger cases. The Ultra models use a different lug design, but you can use standard bands with an adapter.

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Final Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 11 46mm Jet Black is our top pick for the best Apple Watch for most people. It offers the latest health features, a scratch-resistant display, fast charging, and a comfortable design that works for wear-it-all-day-ers. If you have a smaller wrist, the Series 11 42mm Jet Black gives you the exact same experience in a more appropriate size. For budget-conscious buyers, the Apple Watch SE 3 44mm Midnight is the smart choice: it loses the ECG and blood oxygen sensors but gains an always-on display and temperature sensing, and it will receive software updates for years. If you're an adventurer or athlete who needs satellite emergency connectivity and multiday battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the only serious option. And if you want to stretch your money furthest, the Apple Watch Series 8 Renewed packs almost every health sensor into a handsome 45mm case for far less than the current model.

Whichever you choose, make sure you pick the right size for your wrist and the right sensor set for your lifestyle. A watch that doesn't fit or lacks the feature you need is a watch you won't wear.

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