If you’re an iPhone user looking for a smartwatch, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Apple Watch. Thanks to its seamless iPhone integration and consistent software updates, the Apple Watch is both a powerful companion device and a great health ally allowing you to keep tabs on your vitals and help you achieve your fitness goals. While choosing an Apple Watch might seem straightforward, there are several models to consider; each one catering to different needs, budgets and lifestyles. To help you decide which one is right for you (and your family), we’ve ranked our favorite based on features, performance and value.
What is the best Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 10 takes everything great about its predecessors and elevates it. Compared to the Series 9, it offers a larger, brighter screen without adding bulk (it’s actually lighter), more power under the hood and faster charging than any other Apple Watch, including the Ultra 2.
While its features may not drastically differ from the Series 9, its next-gen processor ensures it will likely outlast its predecessor in terms of software updates. It also includes a few more subtle upgrades, like voice isolation for calls, music playback and a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor for aquatic activities.
Best Apple watches for 2025
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Like
- Incredibly light on the wrist
- 1Hz refresh rate = ticking second hand!
- Voice isolation on calls is excellent
- Bigger screen makes readability better on the smaller size case
- Sleep apnea notifications at launch
Don’t like
- No improvements to battery life
- No significant changes to Double Tap
- Smallest 42-mm size might still be too big for some wrists
The Apple Watch Series 10 takes a winning formula and updates it for the Apple Watch’s tenth birthday. It is slimmer and lighter than earlier Apple Watches, with two new case sizes: 42-millimeter or 46-millimeter. The wide-angle OLED screens make the watch brighter when looking at it off-axis. And the LTPO3 technology also brings a ticking second hand to the always-on display. The Apple Watch Series 10 also comes with sleep apnea notifications, which can detect signs of this potentially dangerous condition over a 30-day period.
Battery life is still rated for 18 hours, though you can push it to a day and a half with lighter use. The Apple Watch Series 10 now has even faster charging though, which makes up for the battery life somewhat, able to charge to 80% in 30 minutes. Overall, it’s an incredibly polished smartwatch and the best choice for most iPhone owners.
Like
- Lower price
- Same performance as the Series 8
- Car-crash detection for additional safety
Don’t like
- No always-on display
- No QWERTY keyboard
- Most new features can be found on older watches too
The Apple Watch SE retails for $250, but you can regularly find it discounted to $200 or less, which makes it an excellent choice for the budget-conscious buyer. Expect most of the same features found on more expensive Apple Watch models like the Series 9, including activity tracking, third-party apps and safety features like Emergency SOS. It does miss out on an always-on display and heart-health features like the ECG.
Like
- Incredibly bright screen
- More accurate dictation and on-device Siri
- 64GB storage means more space for music and apps
- Double Tap is very useful
Don’t like
- Battery life is the same as first Ultra
- Limited recovery metrics
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s best smartwatch, with a tough titanium construction and an Action button to quickly start workouts or launch apps. It has the brightest screen of any Apple Watch at a maximum of 3,000 nits which makes it incredibly easy to see when adventuring in the great outdoors. For adventurers and athletes, it also has a built-in siren for safety and a dual-band GPS for accurately tracking your route. LTE is also onboard so you can venture out without a phone and still stay connected.
Though it’s designed to be an outdoor watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still a fantastic all-around smartwatch. Inside is the same S9 chip as found on the Apple Watch Series 9 which supports gestures like Double Tap and allows the watch to process Siri commands on-device. This means you can use Siri without being online and later in the year you’ll be able to ask the voice assistant for health data. Like earlier Apple Watches, the Ultra 2 also comes with a blood oxygen sensor, electrocardiogram app, fall detection and emergency SOS. The battery also lasts at least twice as long as all other Apple Watch models. It’s only compatible with the iPhone, so if you have an Android phone, you’ll want to look at another option on this list.