Best Apple Watch to buy in 2025

Own an iPhone and yearning for wrist-based superpowers? Look no further than the Apple Watch. It’s the undisputed king of the hill for iPhone users, offering a seamless, almost telepathic connection to your iOS world. From fitness tracking to instant notifications, it’s like adding an extra dimension to your phone. Plus, with a dizzying array of styles and prices, there’s an Apple Watch sculpted for every wrist and wallet. Android user? Sadly, the Apple Watch remains firmly behind the velvet rope. You’ll need to explore the vast landscape of Android-compatible smartwatches to find your perfect match.

From a sleek $249 entry point to a feature-rich $799 marvel (and beyond, if you crave premium finishes), Apple’s 2024 Watch collection offers a wrist-worn companion for every lifestyle. Ready to discover your perfect match? Let’s dive into the best Apple Watches vying for a spot on your arm.

The Best Apple Watch you can buy today

Hunting for the perfect Apple Watch? Forget sifting through endless options. Below, you’ll find our curated list of currently available Apple Watch models, complete with pricing and where to snag them. We’ve focused on today’s stars, including the feature-packed Apple Watch Series 8. Fun fact: you might find the Series 8 on Amazon and other retailers for a steal – often a better deal than you’d expect! As for the Series 9? Let’s just say it’s playing hard to get these days, so it didn’t make the cut.

Best overall Apple Watch

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Forget the Apple Watch. Meet the Apple Watch Ultra 2: the undisputed king of Apple wearables. 2024 didn’t bring us an Ultra 3, but Apple doubled down with a sleek Black edition of the Ultra 2. Sure, it’s built for conquering mountains, crushing swims, and blazing trails. But its appeal stretches far beyond the athletic elite. What’s the secret? It’s a titan on your wrist: the largest Apple Watch ever forged, clad in battle-ready titanium and shielded by a sapphire crystal display. And the battery? Forget nightly charging rituals. This beast offers double the endurance, transforming it into a true sleep-tracking companion.

Since its 2022 debut, the Apple Watch Ultra has been my daily companion. While the second generation’s upgrades felt incremental the dazzlingly brighter display being the standout my affection for this rugged marvel remains unwavering. What truly sets it apart is its battery longevity. After 16 months of relentless use, the battery health sits remarkably at 98%. Compare that to my old Series 7, which plummeted to 90% in under a year. This extended battery life allows me to stretch charges, often going every other day, or even longer, without needing to plug in.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s expansive display isn’t just about size; it’s about the wealth of information it unlocks, especially with watch faces. Take the Modular Ultra face from watchOS 10, for example. It’s a data enthusiast’s dream, overflowing with complication slots. The only problem? Sometimes, the options aretooplentiful. Even I’ve found myself racking my brain, searching for thatperfectfinal complication to fill every available space.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2: A casualty of the Apple vs. Masimo blood oxygen brawl. What’s the cost of innovation? For the Ultra 2, it’s a disabled blood oxygen sensor, a silent testament to the ongoing patent war. Remember the December 2023 sales suspension in the US? Apple bounced back quickly, but at a price: the feature is neutered. Whispers say Apple’s tinkering with algorithms, hinting at a potential resurrection. Good news for rugged adventurers clinging to theiroriginalApple Watch Ultra, the blood oxygen sensor soldiers on, unscathed by the legal crossfire.

Buy at Amazon

Best Apple Watch under $500

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 9: A Familiar Face, But Underneath…

At first glance, the Series 9 might whisper, "Been there, seen that." But don’t be fooled. While Apple hasn’t reinvented the wheel visually, the devil’s in the details. Imagine slipping on a watch that feels both bigger and sleeker. That’s the Series 9. It’s subtly stretched, elongated, becoming noticeably thinner. Stepping up to 42mm and 46mm from the previous 41mm and 45mm, the change, while incremental, gives you more screen real estate. If you’re upgrading from an older model, prepare for a delightful surprise. This isn’t just a new watch; it’s a refined evolution.

The Apple Watch Series 10: Still a Steal.

Think cutting-edge tech has to break the bank? Think again. The Apple Watch Series 10 delivers premium features without the premium price tag. Clocking in at just $399 for the 42mm model, it’s an investment in your health and connectivity that won’t leave your wallet gasping. Available in both 42mm and 46mm sizes, finding the perfect fit for your wrist is a breeze. Apple caters to everyone, ensuring a comfortable and stylish experience, regardless of wrist size.

Worried about your aging parents? The Apple Watch Series 10 offers something invaluable: peace of mind. Its new Fall and Crash Detection features act as a silent guardian, instantly alerting you if the unthinkable happens. It’s not just a smartwatch; it’s a lifeline, connecting you to loved ones when they need you most. Sleep soundly knowing Apple Watch Series 10 has their back.

"Sunlight used to be the nemesis of smartwatch screens, but not anymore. This display blasts through glare like never before, ensuring crystal-clear visibility even on the sunniest trails. Hike on."

The Apple Watch Series 10 arrives with a curious quirk: a deactivated blood oxygen sensor. Blame the ongoing patent clash with Masimo, a feud that briefly pulled Apple Watches from US shelves in December 2023. While sales resumed quickly, the blood oxygen feature remains dormant, a casualty of legal wrangling. Whispers suggest a future revival, hinging on algorithmic tweaks. Interestingly, the older Series 8 remains unaffected, escaping the sensor shutdown due to the ruling’s focus on currently sold models. Hunt around, and you might still snag a Series 8 from other retailers, fully equipped with its blood oxygen capabilities.

Buy at Amazon

Best for first-timers

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

Curious about the Apple Watch hype but not ready to dive into the deep end? Meet the Apple Watch SE, your perfect entry point. Apple has trimmed the fat, ditching the fancy glass back and always-on display to bring you a compelling smartwatch experience without the premium price tag. Starting at a cool $249, the SE is available in two sizes: a sleek 40mm, or a more prominent 44mm for just $299. Want to untether from your phone? Add cellular connectivity for an extra $30 and experience true wrist-worn freedom.

Worried your old Apple Watch bands are obsolete? Fear not! While the new Series might have subtly shifted dimensions, your band collection lives on. The good news: those trusty 38mm-41mm bands still click perfectly into the smaller models, and your chunkier 42mm-45mm bands remain compatible with the larger sizes. Upgrade without abandoning your favorite looks!

Even with its classic tech underpinnings, the Apple Watch SE doesn’t skimp on visual punch. Its 1,000-nit display explodes with color, conquering even the brightest sunlight. Forget squinting – this screen shines. The only missing piece? An always-on display. But here’s a secret: plenty of us, even those rocking top-tier models like the Ultra, ditch AOD to squeeze more life from the battery. So, really, are you missing out? Probably not.

While it skips the blood oxygen sensor (which is ironically disabled on even the fanciest new models), this smartwatchstillpacks a serious health punch. Think of it as your pocket-sized wellness guru, meticulously tracking everything from your daily steps and calorie burn to your sleep cycles and beyond. It syncs flawlessly with Apple Health and Apple Fitness, painting a complete picture of your well-being. Feeling ambitious? Dive into Apple Fitness Plus, where a universe of guided workouts awaits, ready to ignite your motivation.

Forget the frills, embrace the fundamentals. The Apple Watch SE isn’t about flashy extras; it’s your streamlined gateway to the Apple Watch universe. Seamlessly synced with your iPhone, it delivers the notifications you need, tracks your fitness goals with precision, and all without breaking the bank. If you crave a dependable smartwatch that nails the essentials, the SE remains a champion.

Buy at Amazon

Best sub-$300 Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 8

Still eyeing a smartwatch in 2024? Don’t dismiss the Apple Watch Series 8 just yet. It’s the surprisingly affordable, readily available gem in Apple’s crown. Forget chasing the newest model – the Series 8 offers incredible value, especially as prices dip. Apple’s legendary build quality and years of software updates ensure it won’t feel outdated anytime soon. Think smooth performance and innovative features that keep you connected, active, and stylish, all without breaking the bank. The Series 8: Smart tech, smart buy.

The Series 8 remains your vigilant health companion, armed with advanced heart rate monitoring, ECG brilliance, and blood oxygen tracking. Think of it as your personal early warning system, empowering you to proactively manage your well-being and unlock your fitness potential.

Bound by the Apple ecosystem? The Series 8 doesn’t just complement your devices; it orchestrates them. Imagine: a whisper of a notification on your wrist, instantly controlling the soundtrack to your day, a tap to pay for your morning coffee, and your Mac magically unlocked as you approach. It’s not just a watch; it’s the conductor of your Apple symphony, streamlining your digital life with effortless grace.

Imagine this: You’re hiking a remote trail, or perhaps you’ve simply tripped at home. The Series 8 senses the fall and, if you’re unresponsive, automatically alerts emergency services. It’s like having a guardian angel on your wrist. With fall detection and Emergency SOS, the Series 8 doesn’t just tell time; it buys you precious time, offering unparalleled security for you and reassurance for those who care about you most. A simple touch could summon help when you need it most.

Even without the newest tech, the Series 8 remains a champion workout partner. Monitor your progress, fuel your drive by crushing those activity goals, and unlock a world of expert instruction with Apple Fitness+.

Buy at Amazon

Thanks for reading Best Apple Watch to buy in 2025