The Apple Watch is definitely The best smartwatch One of The best accessories to pair with your iPhone. These watches simply link Your favorite iPhone model It also comes with a wealth of features, from fitness tracking and health sensors to messaging and app support. Our favorite Apple smartwatch is the Apple Watch Series 10 with a thinner build and larger screen than previous models.
tl;dr – these are the best apple watches:
Whether you’re upgrading your old Apple Watch or making your first investment in Apple, Apple has a wide selection of watch models to choose from. Adventurers have robust options, and budget shoppers have something on the cheap side. We also included non-apple models for those who have chosen to use the best Android phones.
Additional contributions Rudy Obias and Georgie Peru
1. Apple Watch Series 10
Overall overall Apple Watch
Battery life
18 hours, up to 36 hours in low power mode
Larger OLED display and thinner design
New depth gauge and water temperature sensor
There are no blood oxygen sensors in the US yet
The best Apple Watch of 2025 is Series 10the latest model. It offers the biggest design changes we’ve seen over generations, with thinner, lighter builds and more prominent displays. The watch doesn’t stick out too much from your wrist, making it more comfortable to wear. The crisp and vibrant screen is just millimeters larger, but it improves both reading and interaction with the watch’s face.
Inside the Apple Watch Series 10 is the S10 SIP chip that offers the same snappy performance as the Series 9. It is a proficient in machine learning to use features like the one-handed controls first seen in Series 9, making it easier to quickly scroll through notifications, open apps, respond to messages, and more. Of course, its processor also powers the wide range of tracking and sensors on the watch, including GPS, heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, skin temperature sensors, fertility tracking, and crash detection. Unfortunately, blood oxygen sensors are not available in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute
Series 10 has a new sleep apnea detection feature that provides more insight into sleep habits you can share with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is FDA approved and works with Series 9 and Ultra 2 as well. For divers and swimmers, the addition of depth gauges and water temperature sensors is a useful tool when you’re off the water. The microphone has also been upgraded. Audio separation is better when there is a clearer call and less background noise.
Battery life remains unchanged from Series 9, lasting approximately 18 hours in standard mode and 36 hours in power saving mode. Unfortunately, although you can’t squeeze more juice out of the watch, charging time has been slightly improved. With 30W USB-C brick, you will need to charge up to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Of course, you can stream music from your watch, podcasts, and more. Invest in one of The best AirPods models Improve your experience. One of the Passthecontroller experts I reviewed Apple Airpods 4 on ANCgives the headphones a high rating and an 8/10 rating.
2. Apple Watch SE
Best budget apple watch
Same processor as Series 8
No sensors for high-end models
Are you looking for a cheap Apple Watch? Starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is a great choice if you have a budget. Its exterior design is a bit old, but the SE interior is flammable with Apple’s S8 SIP chipset. This is the same chipset as Series 8. This means getting the same speed as Series 8, but only a small portion of its price tag.
The wallet-friendly smartwatch also features GPS, fitness, sleep trackers, heart rate monitors and more, making it one of the best budget fitness trackers overall. It also involves detecting crashes and falls. However, ECG, cycle, fertility tracking, or skin temperature sensors are not included.
There are 40mm and 44mm watch face options (the “always on” display is not available), but there are three aluminum case color options: Silver, Midnight and Starlight. Stainless steel and titanium materials are also not available. These are a little thicker than the Series 10, but if you have fewer reliable smartwatches, especially if you have a smaller 40mm face, this is the Apple Watch.
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2
The best apple watch for adventurers, athletes and runners
Battery life
36 hours, up to 70 hours in low power mode
Aerospace grade titanium and sapphire crystal display
Customizable Actions Button
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Ready for adventurers and serious athletes with aerospace grade titanium and sapphire crystal displays. It comes with an additional physical “action” button that can be customized for additional controls and water resistance of up to 100m (approximately 328 feet).
The latest model of this rugged smartwatch comes with a quick new processor that powers a bright 3,000-knit display and can take on features like double tap gestures and precision discovery on iPhone 15 and 16 models. Of course, the Ultra 2 offers GPS, skin temperature sensors, heart rate monitors, ECG and more for all the tracking you need, while maintaining the same 36 hours of battery life. However, this model does not include a blood oxygen sensor due to a patent dispute.
Only 49mm in one size is included. Also, although there was no complete update of Ultra in 2024, a new case color, black titanium, was announced at the Apple iPhone 16 event. You can choose from a selection of band and loop colors and types, some of which happen to be carbon neutral. For more options, be sure to check out our guide to the best Apple Ultra Watch Bands.
4. Apple Watch Hermes
The best gorgeous apple watch
Battery life
18 hours, up to 36 hours in low power mode
Do you want to splurge? Apple Watch Hermès is the most expensive smartwatch in a high-tech company. Apple has partnered with Paris-based design house Hermès to deliver a luxurious and chic Apple Watch for high-end, fashionable shoppers.
The watch itself is a 42mm or 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 with a stainless steel case, so you get the same features, features and usage as the best overall pick. However, Hermes makes packages, exclusive watch faces, and watch bands made from high quality rubber, stainless steel or hand-cut and sewn woven nylon.
But such luxury isn’t cheap. Apple Watch Hermes start For $1,249, the price will go up from there, depending on the size and band style you choose. It’s certainly a status watch.
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Best Apple Watch Alternatives
Classic circular watch design
New bioactive sensors improve accuracy
The new AI health feature is exclusive to Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Best Apple Watch Alternatives. Designed for Android users, this watch features a sophisticated, simple band with a sharp, circular and responsive touch display, giving it a more classic watch look. If you don’t want to tap on the stunning AMOLED display, the gesture feature allows you to easily control the clock function with one hand.
Like everything Top Android Smartwatchthe Galaxy Watch also functions as a fitness tracker with a wide range of advanced sensors, including skin temperature, ECG and even blood oxygen saturation. This is something that Apple Watch Series 9 and above cannot offer in the US. New bioactive sensors improve accuracy. Samsung has added sleep apnea detection, similar to Series 10. Other AI health tools, including energy scores, can give serious insight into your health indicators. However, AI only makes work work on Samsung phones. I reviewed Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The new Exynos chip, paired with Google’s Wear OS and Samsung One UI skin, makes for a zippy, seamless experience. With the wide range of Android app support, you can do more on your device, such as sending messages, answering calls, receiving app alerts, paying, and more. It basically works like a small Android smartphone, especially when choosing a model that supports Cellular.
The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 remains the same since its last generation, which is about 24 hours long, making the Apple Watch SE and Series 10 last longer. The battery topping takes less time and will fully charge in about an hour.
Apple Watch FAQ
Which generation of Apple Watch is the best?
With the latest high-tech, advanced health tracking and a constantly on display, the Apple Watch is hanging down the Apple Watch Series 10. It has everything you need in a smartwatch and features Apple’s most powerful chip on your Apple Watch.
Can I use an Apple Watch with an Android smartphone?
Unfortunately, if you don’t have an iPhone, you won’t be able to activate your Apple Watch. The two platforms are not compatible together (by design), so you need an iPhone to use any of these Apple Watch models.
Is the renovated Apple Watch worth it?
yes. If you want to enjoy a massive savings over a new watch, consider the renovated Apple Watch. These watches now look pretty much the same as the new ones and come with all the accessories. Sometimes you may see slight cosmetic defects, like scratches and discoloration, but nothing will interfere with the functioning of your smartwatch. However, get a good warranty from a reputable dealer. apple and Best Buy When it comes to purchasing a renovated Apple Watch, these are two of the best options.
What is the difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have a similar set of features, especially when it comes to health tracking. There are overlaps, but smartwatches tend to offer more features with the ability to download various apps, respond to messages and notifications, and download music. Some people can act as small smartphones when connected to a cellular network. What fitness trackers pull first is the battery life and size, usually due to the screen and functionality being more subdued.
Do all smartwatches support cellular service?
No, mobile phone services are not available on all smartwatches. However, Apple’s current Watch models (Series 10, SE, Ultra 2) have the option to provide cellular support. Models that come with mobile data are expensive to purchase, and often come with a monthly fee incurred from the provider’s plan. However, when you choose a mobile phone, your Apple Watch essentially functions like a small smartphone.