The best Apple Watch for 2024: which model is right for you?

Editor’s observe: Due to a patent dispute with medical machine maker Masimo, new Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 models offered within the US no longer have the blood oxygen feature. Older fashions are unaffected. You can inform you probably have a unit with the blood oxygen function disabled if the half quantity ends in LW/A.

It was straightforward to select an Apple Watch. All you needed to do was select whether or not you wished the bigger model or the smaller one. Then Apple added elective mobile connectivity. Then, a extra inexpensive Watch SE (now in its second generation) and, in 2022, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra (additionally now in its second generation). Suddenly, there are heaps of choices.

Now that Apple has announced the Series 10, completely good older variations of the Apple Watch will get discounted as retailers attempt to empty their stock. You can also see extra refurbished variations of those older fashions pop up. If you’re interested by extra premium supplies, like stainless-steel, this is an effective way to get a fancier model of final 12 months’s watch. You received’t be lacking out on an excessive amount of, both. The previous few years have seen iterative updates when it comes to {hardware} — and the majority of recent options come from software program updates. With that stated, remember that the most recent model of watchOS, watchOS 11, doesn’t help the Series 4, 5, and first-gen SE.

Buying refurbished is a technique that you just could possibly improve from an older model with out giving up blood oxygen. Due to a patent battle with Masimo, new Series 9 and Ultra 2 fashions offered within the US after January 18th, 2024, no longer have this feature. This is not an enormous deal for most individuals, but when that function is necessary to you, older watches and Series 9 and Ultra 2 models offered by Apple earlier than January 18th nonetheless had the function. (As do watches abroad. The ban solely impacts US models.)

What in regards to the new Series 10? In a nutshell, it’s acquired an even bigger display screen, it’s about 10 % thinner, and it’s lighter than earlier fashions. It’s additionally acquired a brand new FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection function. There are a ton of recent colours and finishes, with titanium changing stainless-steel. All in all, it’s an iterative replace however one we discover significant when it comes to readability and wearability.

So a lot alternative can result in evaluation paralysis. But don’t fear. I’ve examined each single model of the Apple Watch you should buy right now — along with basically every other fitness watch and smartwatch on the market — and may steer you within the right path.

The Apple Watch is the best total smartwatch for iPhone customers. Many smartwatches are higher than the Apple Watch for hardcore athletes, even with the Ultra fashions within the combine. But different watches fall brief relating to productiveness, security options, controlling your sensible dwelling, and interacting with different Apple units and companies. And the Apple Watch has probably the most strong third-party app ecosystem of any smartwatch available on the market. 

By their nature, wearables are extremely private units — and also you received’t get the advantages of an Apple Watch when you don’t put on it frequently. The final thing you need is to spend a whole bunch of {dollars} on a factor that finally ends up accumulating mud in a drawer. The best strategy to keep away from this is to stack the deck in your favor and prioritize consolation. Before you attempt to begin mulling over which Apple Watch model it is best to get, take a second to determine which dimension and strap materials will best suit your wrist. 

The SE and Series watches are available in two sizes every. The SE is available in 40mm and 44mm, whereas the Series 7, 8, and 9 are 41mm and 45mm. The new Series 10 ups the scale once more to 42mm and 46mm. The bigger fashions are higher for readability, whereas the smaller ones are extra snug for these with petite wrists. Both the SE and the Series watches have aluminum instances, however the Series 10 now is available in titanium, too. (Older fashions are available in stainless-steel.) Most individuals will likely be nice with aluminum, however when you’re clumsy or very lively, you’ll profit from the additional sturdiness provided by stainless-steel or titanium. You may additionally similar to the look higher — and that’s legitimate since watches are a private piece of tech. Just be ready to pay a number of hundred bucks extra for that.

As for straps, we advocate the nylon sp

ort loop, because it’s probably the most breathable choice, has the best clasp, and is much less irritating than the silicone choices, which is nice for delicate pores and skin. If you need extra modern choices, we advocate testing Amazon or Etsy for a greater variety of kinds and extra inexpensive pricing. 

You’ll wish to verify third events for leather-based equipment, too. With the Series 9, Apple introduced it is going to now not make leather-based equipment in a bid to attain carbon neutrality. Apple does have a suede-like FineWoven various, but it surely’s costly, and in my expertise, the fabric is extraordinarily polarizing. Most Verge staffers agree it really works higher on the watch than on the telephone case, however save your self some grief and really feel it out for your self at an Apple Store earlier than shopping for.

The Ultra and Ultra 2 each are available in one dimension — 49mm — and with titanium instances. They include their very own particular straps, too: the path loop, alpine loop, and ocean loop. As their names recommend, they’re geared towards runners, hikers, and divers, however you’ll be able to choose whichever one fits your fancy. We advocate the path loop, because it’s the lightest and most versatile of the three. All the Ultra straps work with any 44mm or 45mm Series watch, and the Ultra is suitable with any 44mm or 45mm Apple Watch strap.

And whereas the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you may get as an iPhone person, you may also all the time try our fitness tracker buying guide.

This 12 months’s Series 10 is a extra modest replace. It primarily focuses on making the watches extra snug whereas including a bigger, wide-angle OLED show. If you’re upgrading from an older model, you’ll positively discover that you could see extra from the wrist. The audio system now play music and podcasts, and voice isolation on calls has been improved. There’s an added depth and water temperature sensor, which makes it a greater companion for water sports activities as properly. Fast charging has additionally been meaningfully improved. On the well being entrance, Apple has introduced FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection to the watch, together with the Series 9 and Ultra 2.

We advocate the second-gen Apple Watch SE for youthful individuals and first-time smartwatch consumers. If you’re upgrading from an earlier Apple Watch, you need an always-on show, otherwise you need extra superior well being monitoring, it is best to take into account the Series 10. And if you need the brightest display screen, the best sturdiness and battery life, and much more superior health options, we advocate the Ultra 2.

The Series 10 is Apple’s flagship smartwatch. Compared to earlier fashions, it’s going to get you the quickest processor, fast charging, a bigger show, and all the most recent sensors. Prices begin at $399 for the 42mm model and $429 for the 46mm. Adding LTE connectivity will add $100 to the value, plus no matter your service prices for the service. Prices begin at $699 for the polished titanium fashions.

The second-gen SE has a nylon composite again, which helps shave $30 off the unique’s worth. You can get a mobile model, and it helps most of the identical superior options because the last-gen Series 8, like fall detection, emergency calling, Fitness Plus, Apple Pay, and Family Setup. The greatest distinction is that it lacks an always-on show, the EKG sensor, the temperature sensors, and the SpO2 sensor. The show is additionally barely smaller on each sizes of the SE. It begins at $249 for the 40mm and $279 for the 44mm. Adding LTE will tack on an additional $50 along with your service’s charges. 

To be completely trustworthy, when you’re younger and wholesome, you’re not likely lacking out on EKG or SpO2. (Also, new watches offered within the US presently have the SpO2 function disabled anyway.) The SE’s coronary heart price sensor is nonetheless able to offering irregular coronary heart price alerts. Right now, Apple’s SpO2 options are restricted to identify checks. There’s not a lot you are able to do with that info, and in contrast to the EKGs, this is solely cleared for common wellness functions. It will not be capable of exchange a fingertip pulse oximeter, and it is best to by no means use it on this means.

The predominant function of the EKG sensor is to allow atrial fibrillation detection — and in case your physician’s given you a clear invoice of well being, you’ll probably solely use this function a few times. According to the American Heart Association, the biggest risk factors for AFib are superior age, underlying coronary heart situations, hypertension, household historical past, and sleep apnea, amongst different life-style decisions. If this doesn’t apply to you, the SE is nonetheless going to provide you a wonderful well being monitoring expertise and all the identical sensible options. Young, first-time consumers might as properly save the additional $150 — as long as the shortage of an always-on show isn’t a deal-breaker. 

There are some conditions the place opting for the Series 10 is the higher alternative, nonetheless, like if you need an always-on show or have to have the most recent and biggest. The bigger, wide-angle OLED show additionally offers significantly better readability for anybody with dangerous eyesight. It’s additionally the higher alternative you probably have a coronary heart situation or are at a better danger of growing AFib. If you observed you will have sleep apnea, you’ll additionally want a Series 9, 10, or Ultra 2 to entry that function.

The Ultra 2 presently sits atop the lineup as Apple’s premium smartwatch. It’s visually distinct from each the Series and SE — and at 49mm, it’s the most important of all of them. Not solely that, it has elevated sturdiness, water resistance, and a raised lip to guard the flat show. It additionally has an extra water temperature and depth sensor for divers, three microphones, and two audio system, which allow the Siren. It’s additionally acquired the Action button, which can be programmed for numerous actions, pause exercises, and set off the Siren. At $799, this is the most costly Apple Watch, however each model comes geared up with LTE functionality. If you may have an Ultra and are questioning when you ought to improve to the Ultra 2, the reply is no. If you may have an Ultra 2 and are questioning when you ought to improve to the brand new black coloration, the reply is additionally no. (Admittedly, it does look fairly good.) It’s too quickly, and there’s not sufficient of a distinction. We advocate the Ultra 2 for new consumers solely.

If battery life is your highest precedence, getting both Ultra is the best alternative. In testing, we acquired as much as 60 hours with out Low Power Mode enabled. However, when you use about one hour of GPS monitoring a day or take calls, you’re extra more likely to get round two days. It’s additionally the higher alternative when you regularly hike, dive, or run trails. While marketed as a hardcore watch for explorers, in our opinion, it’s extra of an aspirational watch for weekend warriors and intermediate athletes — or anybody who desires to be at that degree.

You’re not going to beat both Ultra on battery life, however you’ll be able to stretch out the battery life on the Series 4 or later with Low Power Mode. You may even sleep observe with Low Power Mode on, although it’ll flip off background well being sensors. With the Series 10, Apple has improved quick charging as properly. Official estimates are that you could get 0 to 80 % in half-hour, which roughly matches our real-world testing. Just ensure you’re utilizing the right charging equipment.

If you may have smaller wrists, it’s possible you’ll wish to choose for the Series 10 because it has quick charging and is extra snug to put on long-term. Faster charging is available in clutch while you’re about to move to mattress and also you’ve solely acquired 15 % battery. Also, when you’re the sort that values futureproofing, the Series 10’s {hardware} will be capable of help newer options for an extended time period due to its newer processor. This is why people who love their watch and need to improve from a Series 4 or older also needs to choose the Series 10. If you’re already within the behavior of sporting the watch every day, you’ll get extra mileage out of it because the SE is extra of a gateway machine, and the Ultra is overkill for the typical joe.  

The newest Watch SE is the way in which to go for individuals who wish to futureproof their {hardware} with out breaking the financial institution (as long as you’re okay forgoing a bigger show). You’re getting the identical processor because the Series 8 and authentic Ultra, plus Crash Detection.

While the second-gen SE is a wonderful watch, it’s not all the time the right alternative. It’s meant to be a gateway watch, so it’s best suited to people who’re fully new to the Apple Watch and wish to spend as little as attainable. If you’re seeking to improve from an older watch however don’t wish to pony up for the Series 10, there’s another choice: shopping for a used or refurbished Apple Watch.

Buying secondhand units is additionally higher for the setting and a extra inexpensive strategy to get dearer supplies. Materials like sapphire glass, stainless-steel, or titanium can add a whole bunch to the value of a brand new watch. It’s additionally a great way to save cash when you’re simply not excited by the Series 10’s options however need greater than what the SE gives.

It’ll take some endurance to search out the best worth and the model you need. After all, you’re restricted by what’s out there. However, there are a number of websites that supply older fashions. Sometimes, you may also discover offers and gross sales as properly. If you’re apprehensive about getting scammed, look for offers beneficial by sources you belief (cough, cough, Verge Deals). Apple additionally sells its own refurbished models, which include a full Apple guarantee and are usually in a “like new” situation, although the choice may be restricted, and also you probably received’t pay lower than a brand new SE. Sites like Back Market may even allow you to type by situation and procure a 12-month guarantee. 

If you’re contemplating a used or refurbished model, we advocate the Series 7 or Series 8 as a result of they’ll get you a bigger display screen for readability. We additionally advocate that you just use $250 as a benchmark since that’s the value of a brand new base model Watch SE. With that stated, when you’re getting premium supplies, going slightly larger is nice. Do not get a refurbished Series 3 or older. Although you will discover them for $100 (typically much less!), they’ll’t run the most recent software program and even struggle to update the latest software program they do help.

If you need your youngster to have an Apple Watch, we advocate choosing a mobile Apple Watch SE or, if you will discover one, a refurbished Series 4, 5, or 6 with mobile. All of those watches are available in smaller sizes than the Series 7, 8, or 9, which will probably higher match their wrist. Also, the cheaper price gives you higher peace of thoughts you probably have a rambunctious child. They probably received’t want most of the marquee options present in watchOS 11, both. That being stated, if you need probably the most futureproof choices, the second-gen SE and Series 6 are the best decisions.

Since you’re shopping for for kids, you’ll probably wish to use Family Setup, because it gives you higher parental controls. (You can learn our evaluate of the function here.) However, there are technical specs that you just’ll have to match with a purpose to use it. You’ll want a mobile model of the machine, and it should not less than help watchOS 7. Apple’s support page states that you just want a Series 4 or later or an Apple Watch SE for Family Setup.

If you decide for the Family Setup route, not each function will likely be out there. While you may get Apple Pay and sure well being options, you’ll not get the next: well being knowledge sharing, respiratory price, irregular coronary heart rhythm notifications, EKG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Podcasts, Remote, News, Home, and Shortcuts.

This generally is a difficult one, however we advocate a mobile Series 9 or 10. 

For starters, the bigger display screen is a lot simpler on the eyes. You may improve the textual content dimension to be bigger than on the SE or older Apple Watches. The always-on show aids accessibility, particularly if arm mobility is a consideration. You’ll additionally get the total suite of well being options, together with irregular heartbeat alerts, strolling steadiness, EKGs, fall detection, sleep apnea detection, and emergency calling. These fashions even have the double faucet function and improved Siri performance, which could also be useful for aged family members with dexterity points.

You can use the Ultra, however it is best to hold its dimension and weight in thoughts. Depending on your beloved’s wrist dimension and well being, it could not make sense. Both sizes of the Series 10 have comparable display screen sizes however are a lot lighter and extra snug to put on. 

If your older relative has an iPhone and also you’re hoping to make use of this for well being causes, we additionally don’t advocate Family Setup. That’s since you can’t use options like irregular coronary heart rhythm notifications, EKG, and well being knowledge sharing. If your relative doesn’t have an iPhone, nonetheless, Family Setup is a nice choice. You’ll nonetheless get excessive and low coronary heart price notifications, strolling steadiness, and fall detection. 

Update, November eighth: Updated to mirror present pricing and availability.