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Every Apple Watch is an extension of your iPhone that delivers notifications, takes or makes calls, sends messages, and shows you a variety of information depending on the widgets you choose. Each model, however, comes with (or without) various features, and their price tags reflect that fact. The best Apple Watch for you will fit your needs, whether it’s health monitoring tools or an always-on display.Our pick as the best Apple Watch for the vast majority of people is the Apple Watch Series 9. It features an always-on display, a fast processor, enhanced screen brightness, and a handy new single-handed gesture that improves accessibility. The second-generation Apple Watch SE is a more affordable and basic version of the Series 9 that doesn’t include an always-on display or an ECG sensor. It’s still a fantastic smartwatch for the price that comes with everything most people would ever need. Our top picks for the best Apple WatchBest overall: Apple Watch Series 9 – See at AmazonBest budget: Apple Watch SE (2022) – See at AmazonBest for fitness and outdoors: Apple Watch Ultra 2 – See at AmazonBest overall
Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS)
The Apple Watch Series 9 includes the newest S9 processor, a 2000-nit always-on Retina display, expanded Apple Health integrations with Siri, and a unique single-hand gesture to answer calls and interact with widgets.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is our pick as the best wearable in Apple’s lineup. No other wearable offers the same premium combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness and health tracking capability, and overall value as the Series 9.Although the Series 9 isn’t a massive leap over the previous generation Series 8, it did introduce a few new features, like a faster new processor, on-device Siri access, SmartStack functionality, and a brighter display. Other additions include updated hiking and cycling feedback, more mental health tools, and a new ultra-wideband chip that greatly improves location accuracy.
The Series 9 boasts a fast, powerful processor, intuitive smartwatch functionality, and the useful new Double Tap Gesture.
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While those upgrades are useful, my favorite new feature is the double tap gesture, which allows you to interact with the watch by double-tapping your thumb and index finger. Doing this controls an app’s primary button, so you can answer or hang up a phone call, start or stop a timer, or snap a photo while in the camera.The brighter screen is also a nice new touch, allowing for (even) better visibility in bright conditions, even if it wasn’t much of a problem in the last few generations. The screen can also dim to one nit, which is especially useful in a movie theater or wherever darkness is key, like putting a baby in a crib (speaking from personal experience).Another feature I found highly useful was the new Smart Stack display, which is essentially a customizable group of widgets accessible on the watch’s home screen. These can include a glance at the weather, whatever calendar events you might have for the day, or even a snippet of the news.Overall, the Series 9 is a powerful smartwatch. There are many differences when comparing the Series 9 vs. the Ultra 2, but the new Double Tap Gesture, brighter screen, Smart Stack display, and improved health and fitness tracking tools make the Series 9 noticeably more capable than the Series 8. These features make it the best Apple Watch you can buy. However, note that the blood-oxygen measuring feature on the Apple Watch Series 9 is currently disabled due to a patent dispute. Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.Best budget
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 40mm
The second-generation Apple Watch SE is Apple’s latest budget smartwatch. It’s an impressive entry-level wearable that shares the same processor as the Series 8 and Ultra. It doesn’t have the advanced health sensors of premium models, but it offers enough features to satisfy most people.
The second-generation Apple Watch SE is surprisingly affordable for such a feature-packed smartwatch and is, by far, the best Apple Watch for those on a budget. It’s nearly, if not just as capable as the Series 9 and Ultra 2 for tracking fitness, sleep, checking notifications, taking calls, and ensuring you’re OK with health and safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more.The Apple Watch SE is notably missing an always-on display, which can be the biggest deciding factor whether you go for the SE or the Series 9 (or the Ultra 2). Compared to the Series 9, the SE doesn’t feature an electrocardiogram sensor for ECG readings or skin-temperature sensors for advanced period tracking and additional sleep tracking measurements.
The second-gen SE is the best option for first-time wearers or casual users who won’t be bothered by the lacking always-on display.
Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider
For first-time buyers, the SE will make you wonder how you ever lived without one. It’s incredibly convenient to get notifications, send texts, make calls, and customize the Apple Watch face with all the widgets and information you find useful — and it does all this without you needing to pull out your phone.At least, opting for the SE lets you get a better idea of the Apple Watch’s baseline features starting at $249. From there, you can consider if features like always-on display and the latest health sensors are worth the upgrade. If not, then the second-gen SE is your best option.Read our full Apple Watch SE (2022) review.Best for fitness and outdoors
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Ultra 2 is Apple’s biggest smartwatch that features the highly useful Action Button, has multi-day battery life, and has a rugged design that’s perfect for athletes.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn’t represent a drastic improvement over its predecessor, but it did usher in a few new features designed specifically for the outdoor user. These include the brightest screen of any Apple Watch, which allows for improved visibility in bright light conditions, an upgraded altitude range, and new water sports features for scuba diving and freediving.The Ultra 2 also shares some new features that debuted on the Series 9, such as the new double tap gesture, the new S9 processor, and on-device Siri access. The double tap gesture, specifically, improves the wearable’s accessibility. With this feature active, users can simply double-tap their thumb and index finger to interact with the watch, be it to start or stop an alarm or pick up or end a phone call, among others.Much of the rest of the Ultra 2 is rolled over from the original model, including its overall design, which features a corrosion-resistant titanium casing and a 49mm screen.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best option for outdoor enthusiasts and those who want longer battery life.
Rick Stella/Business Insider
Battery life is a major highlight of the Ultra 2, as it can last upwards of three days on a single charge, which is roughly double what we’ve gotten out of the Series 9. The exact amount of battery life depends on how often the GPS is used, and whether the Always-On display is on, but the difference in the frequency of charging the Ultra 2 compared to the Series 9 is apparent.Arguably, the Ultra line’s best feature, the unique Action Button, returns and functions the same on the Ultra 2 as on the previous model. It is still capable of starting and stopping workouts or being programmed to sync with various shortcuts.The sum of these parts may not be enough to sway the casual user into spending $800 on the watch, but it remains a highly worthwhile tool for avid outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes. (Note that the blood-oxygen measuring feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently unavailable due to a patent dispute.) Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.Avoid these Apple Watch models
An older Apple Watch model may have too short a support window to justify a purchase.
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Even though it’s possible to find refurbished versions of the hugely popular Apple Watch Series 3 for around $100, we wouldn’t recommend it, namely because it’s discontinued and no longer supports the latest versions of WatchOS. It should go without saying that we don’t recommend the Series 1 or 2 either.If you can find Series 5 or 6 refurbished for between $100 and $150, they include an always-on display, a major advantage over the Series 4 and even the current SE. Plus, they’ll have more life in terms of support and performance than the Series 4. Still, buying an older refurbished Apple Watch could be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Older models have shorter support windows than newer and current models, which means you’d have to buy another Apple Watch sooner than you might want to — if you want to keep up with security and watchOS updates.What to look for in an Apple Watch
The latest Apple Watch models offer a slate of worthwhile features.
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There are many reasons to buy one of the best Apple Watches; understanding them can help you know what to look for. Each Apple Watch is also among the best fitness trackers you can buy and offers unique health monitoring tools that can positively impact your wellness.For health and fitness tracking, you’ll want to review which model offers what sensors. The latest Apple Watch models include a heart rate monitor, the newest gyroscope, and a high-g accelerometer that powers Apple’s Crash Detection feature.For day-to-day tasks, you’ll more or less get the same experience thanks to each watch supporting the latest WatchOS software. But if you want an always-on display, which we think could make or break a decision, you should consider the Series 9 as your best Apple Watch. Likewise, if you want the biggest screen and the best battery life, there’s the Ultra 2.After that, it’s deciding whether you want the smaller or larger models of a specific Apple Watch series. It’s mostly down to personal preference and your comfort levels, and it makes no difference to battery life. Larger screens make it easier to read and control with on-screen items, but smaller models are still large enough to offer a good experience.How we test Apple Watches
We put each Apple Watch model through standard usage and testing.
Rick Stella/Business Insider
We can assess the best Apple Watch in a relatively short time thanks to our extensive personal experience with the wearables, as we’ve reviewed them professionally through the generations.The best way to test these wearables is to wear and use them daily with an iPhone as if they were our own for at least a week, often longer. We focus on ease of use, performance, usefulness, features and sensors, battery life, and how their price relates to the overall experience.During testing, we assess all these aspects during various activities, like a workout, running errands, lounging, sleeping, and traveling (when possible). We actively test notifications, calls, messages, settings and options, and customization, and we note where an Apple Watch excels or lacks.We don’t perform tests that could damage our review unit or ourselves (Crash Detection). At the same time, we don’t take special care of our Apple Watch review units and subject them to typical wear and tear from normal usage.We also look at how the new models compare to older models and lay out the benefits of upgrading from various older models. Looking at the specific model changes and upgrades year-over-year helps us choose the overall best models.The best Apple Watch bands to buy
Pick the right Apple Watch band for your needs.
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One of the Apple Watch’s best features is its ability to use different watch straps and band types. This versatility allows you to swap on the best Apple Watch bands suited to a specific activity or event, such as a sports band for working out or a metal band for wearing to work.For more style inspiration, check out our other band guides:Be sure to pick up one of the best Apple Watch screen protectors, too.FAQsWhat is the difference between GPS and GPS + Cellular models?A GPS-only model lets you carry out tasks like receiving text messages, answering phone calls, and receiving notifications when it’s connected and close to your iPhone via Bluetooth or WiFi. GPS-only models are cheaper than cellular models.A GPS + Cellular model offers increased connectivity with the addition of built-in cellular. That means you can receive text messages, answer calls, and stream music — even if you don’t have your iPhone with you. You just need to add the watch to your current carrier plan. Most carriers charge $10 a month for a watch-compatible cellular plan.Does the Apple Watch use data?Only the GPS + Cellular models with a separate data plan use data from your carrier if you don’t have your iPhone nearby. Otherwise, Apple Watches are simply extensions of your iPhone and don’t use more data than you would on your iPhone if it’s nearby.Do Apple Watches work with Android?The short answer is no. An Apple Watch will not pair seamlessly with an Android phone. Even if you get a GPS + Cellular model that doesn’t rely on an iPhone connection, an iPhone is required for setup. You also need an iPhone to download apps onto it.While the Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches, Android users should instead consider purchasing one of the best Android smartwatches to use something that’s 100% compatible with their phone.Is the Apple Watch waterproof?No Apple Watch is “waterproof,” but they are water resistant, which means they can sustain splashes and submersion down to a certain depth. The SE and Series 9 can go down as far as 50 meters, or around 164 feet. The Ultra 2 supports depths of 100 meters, or 328 feet, and 40 meters (131 feet) for recreational dives.What is the best Apple Watch for kids?If you want a way for your kid to stay connected without giving them a smartphone, an Apple Watch could be your answer. For kids, we recommend the second-generation Apple Watch SE in the 40mm, GPS + Cellular model. You can use Family Setup, which allows you to choose what apps and services your kids can access and who they can call or send messages to.Is the Series 8 outdated with the release of the Series 9? No, not at all. Although Apple doesn’t sell the Series 8 anymore, that doesn’t mean it’s no longer supported. The Series 8 is compatible with the new operating system, WatchOS 10, which debuted alongside the Series 9 and Ultra 2, which means that many of the software features debuted on the latest models will also be available on the Series 8 once it upgrades to WatchOS 10. How often should I upgrade my Apple Watch? The decision to upgrade to a newer Apple Watch depends on several factors. First, is there a new feature native to one of the newer models you’d like to use? For instance, the new Double Tap Gesture released on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 can only be used on those models. You may also consider upgrading if your watch isn’t compatible with the latest operating system. Regarding the new WatchOS 10, any Series 4 or newer model is compatible. Another reason you may want to upgrade is if you’d like to move from the Series line to the Ultra line. In this scenario, even Series 9 users may consider upgrading to the Ultra 2 to take advantage of its unique features, like its longer battery life, the useful Action Button, and the bigger design.
