Best Apple Watches Ranked: Which One Should You Get?
1. Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is hands down the best Apple Watch ever made, but with a caveat: it’s not for everyone. Designed for extreme sports enthusiasts, adventurers, and those who appreciate a rugged device, it’s a beast in both design and performance.
Key Features:
- Durable titanium body
- Dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking
- 49mm display, the largest in any Apple Watch
- Up to 36 hours of battery life
- Depth sensor and water resistance up to 100 meters
While it’s one of the priciest options, priced around $799, its target audience will appreciate the advanced features like the Action button for quick access to customizable controls and the improved GPS system.
Pros:
- Best-in-class durability
- Huge display, ideal for outdoor reading
- Advanced sensors for extreme sports
Cons:
- Overkill for casual users
- Bulky for everyday wear
Who should buy it: If you are into outdoor adventures, extreme sports, or simply want the most durable and capable Apple Watch, the Ultra is perfect for you.
2. Apple Watch Series 9
The Series 9 is Apple's latest mainstream flagship and the most balanced option in terms of price and features. It builds on the success of the Series 8, with improved performance, better battery management, and new sensors.
Key Features:
- S9 SiP (System in Package) with faster performance
- Double-tap gesture for hands-free control
- Brighter display (up to 2000 nits)
- U2 ultra-wideband chip for precise location tracking
- All-day 18-hour battery life
The Series 9 maintains the sleek, modern look we’ve come to expect from Apple Watches. It's available in both 41mm and 45mm sizes, making it a versatile option for all wrist sizes. Priced starting at $399, it’s a solid pick for most users. The new double-tap gesture makes interacting with the watch while your hands are busy much easier.
Pros:
- High-end performance
- Versatile and stylish
- Double-tap gesture is game-changing
Cons:
- No radical design changes from Series 8
- Still pricey for casual users
Who should buy it: For someone who wants a top-tier smartwatch with excellent performance and all the latest Apple features without diving into the niche extreme sports segment, this is the perfect balance.
3. Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
For those on a budget, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is hands-down the best value for money. Despite being cheaper, it still offers many of the core Apple Watch features, making it a fantastic choice for casual users.
Key Features:
- Same S8 processor as the Series 8
- Retina display, though not always-on
- Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes
- Fall detection, emergency SOS
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
Priced at just $249, it lacks some of the advanced health sensors like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, but it still provides an excellent experience with notifications, fitness tracking, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Pros:
- Affordable yet powerful
- Same performance as Series 8
- Great for everyday use
Cons:
- No advanced health features
- No always-on display
Who should buy it: If you’re looking for a great smartwatch experience at a lower price point and don’t need the latest cutting-edge features, the Watch SE is perfect for you.
4. Apple Watch Series 8
Though now overshadowed by the Series 9, the Series 8 remains a very capable smartwatch. It's very similar to its successor, with only a few minor differences in performance and features.
Key Features:
- S8 chip for fast performance
- Temperature sensor, ideal for cycle tracking
- Always-on Retina display
- Crash detection, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
Priced at around $349 (and often available at discounts since the Series 9 launch), the Series 8 is still one of the best options for those looking for a premium experience without spending Series 9 prices.
Pros:
- Advanced health and safety features
- Temperature sensing for enhanced health tracking
- Always-on display
Cons:
- Almost identical to Series 9
- Battery life could be better
Who should buy it: If you want a feature-packed Apple Watch but don’t need the very latest model, the Series 8 offers much of what the Series 9 does at a lower price.
5. Apple Watch Series 7
The Series 7 marked a significant upgrade over its predecessor when it was launched, especially in terms of display size and charging speed. Although it's now two generations old, it’s still an excellent option for those who find it at a discounted price.
Key Features:
- 20% larger display than Series 6
- Faster charging
- Always-on display
- Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes
- Blood oxygen and ECG sensors
Priced under $300 in many cases now, it remains a solid choice for those who want a premium Apple Watch without paying flagship prices.
Pros:
- Large display
- Fast charging
- Solid health and fitness tracking
Cons:
- Lacks newer sensors like temperature tracking
- Slightly slower than Series 9
Who should buy it: If you’re after a larger screen and still want most of the modern Apple Watch features but don’t mind missing out on the latest upgrades, the Series 7 is an excellent value choice.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice of the best Apple Watch largely depends on your needs. For those who want the ultimate adventure watch, the Apple Watch Ultra is unbeatable. For most users, the Series 9 strikes the perfect balance of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features. Budget-conscious buyers will find the Apple Watch SE a fantastic option, while those seeking a slightly older model at a discount should consider the Series 7 or Series 8.
Here’s a quick comparison chart to summarize the key differences between these models:
| Model | Display Size | Key Features | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Ultra | 49mm | Rugged design, advanced GPS, dual-frequency | 36 hours | $799 |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | 41mm/45mm | Double-tap, U2 chip, bright display | 18 hours | $399 |
| Apple Watch SE (2nd) | 40mm/44mm | Affordable, fast processor, essential features | 18 hours | $249 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | 41mm/45mm | Health sensors, always-on display | 18 hours | $349 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | 41mm/45mm | Larger display, fast charging | 18 hours | $300 |
Whatever your needs, Apple has ensured there’s an Apple Watch for everyone.
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