Which Apple Watch Should You Buy? The Best Apple Watch for Most
The latest generation of Apple Watches showcases the brand’s most sophisticated features to date. The Series 10 is slimmer and faster than ever, with a new depth gauge for more accurate water activities, plus sleep monitoring that can detect potential breathing disruptions linked to sleep apnea. Meanwhile, the Ultra 2 builds on its predecessor’s rugged foundation with a brighter display and more powerful processor, making it even more capable for athletes.
These three options, plus the still-excellent Series 9, make up Apple’s strongest lineup to date. But which Apple Watch is right for you? Whether you’re a casual user looking to track daily activity, training for your first marathon, or hitting mountain trails, there’s an Apple Watch built for your lifestyle—and with a myriad of Apple Watch bands, you can tailor to different routines. We’ve done extensive research and real-world testing to help you choose the right one. Here’s how they stack up in pursuit of the best Apple Watch.
What to Consider
Display and Size
Apple Watch sizes vary across the lineup, with larger models generally offering more features and better battery life (we’ll dive into those details later). Finding the right fit matters—not just for comfort, but for how easily you can read the display walking down the street or during workouts. The Apple Watch SE is the smallest of the bunch, featuring an aluminum case available in 40 and 44 millimeters. It boasts an OLED Retina display and a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, allowing you to see information outdoors.
The Series 10 comes in 42 and 46mm and is available in aluminum or a rugged titanium (for a higher price). Despite being more compact than the Ultra 2’s 49mm frame, the Series 10’s wide-angle display is actually larger and easier to read from different angles. With an always-on screen that hits 2,000 nits of brightness, it’s readable even in direct sunlight. In our review of the Series 10, senior editor Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES noted how easy it is to quickly glance at information on the watch face, even from funky angles.
Finally, the Ultra 2 features a 49mm titanium case and an always-on Retina display that has a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, making it the brightest display in Apple’s lineup. The Ultra 2 isn’t just the largest Apple Watch—it features the most distinct design, with a raised lip to protect the flat display and an Action button that you can program to perform various activities.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The current Apple Watch lineup shares a strong foundation of health and fitness features across all models. Each watch tracks daily activity rings, workouts, heart rate, and sleep patterns. With water resistance up to 50 meters (100 meters for the Ultra 2), every model is swim-friendly. They also offer crucial safety features, including fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS, which allows you to quickly make an emergency call by pressing and holding the watch’s side button.
While they share certain core features, Apple reserves its more advanced capabilities for the Series 10 and Ultra 2. These models offer the ECG app (not found on the SE) and water-focused features such as a depth gauge and temperature sensor. For hiking, all three watches support waypoints, backtracking, and elevation views, though the Ultra 2’s more precise dual-frequency GPS makes it the better choice for serious backcountry hikers. The Ultra 2 also has an edge for diving, measuring depths up to 40 meters versus the Series 10’s 6-meter limit (the SE isn’t made for diving).
Unfortunately, the Series 10 and Ultra 2 lack a blood oxygen sensor—something earlier models offered—due to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo.
Battery Life
Since you’ll likely be wearing your Apple Watch all day, battery life is crucial. The good news is you shouldn’t have a problem getting through a full day no matter which model you go with. That includes receiving several notifications, tracking workouts, using GPS navigation, and running various apps—with enough power left for sleep tracking at night.
While Apple rates the Series 10’s battery life at 18 hours (same for the SE), our testing showed it can actually push beyond the 24-hour mark. When you do need to top off, a fast-charging feature can take it from 0–80 percent in about 30 minutes, giving you all-day battery in the time it takes to eat breakfast.
The Ultra 2’s battery life is in a league of its own thanks to its larger case. Apple rates it at 36 hours, but our testing found it’s possible to go more than 48 hours between charging when tracking workouts and other daily activities. Switch to low-power mode and you can stretch that even further to 72 hours. It also supports the same fast charging as the Series 10, though its larger battery means it takes about an hour (versus 30 minutes) to get from 0–80 percent. That said, your mileage will vary depending on how you use it.
Durability
The latest Apple Watch models are designed for everyday wear, allowing each one to withstand bumps, heat, cold, and water. However, some are more durable than others. As you’d expect, the affordable SE offers the least durability. While it features water resistance up to 50 meters, strong aluminum construction, and an Ion-X glass display, it’s not protected against dust, so it could get damaged at the beach.
The Series 10 offers better durability, particularly the more expensive titanium model, with an Ion-X display and water and dust resistance. But it’s the Ultra 2 that delivers the most durability in Apple’s lineup, with a titanium case, water and dust resistance, EN13319 certification for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters, and a MIL-STD 810H certification, meaning it’s been tested to survive high altitude, extreme temperatures, blowing sand, vibration, and shock. If you’re doing an ultramarathon in Iceland, the Ultra 2 offers the best chance of survival.
Price
How much are you willing to spend for a smartwatch that has the features you want? The Apple Watch SE is a great starting point at $249, though it’s often on sale at Amazon for less than $200—perfect for first-time users who want core fitness tracking at an affordable price. If you’re after more advanced features, the Series 10 starts at $399 for the aluminum model (or $699 for titanium), while the rugged Ultra 2 sits at $799. The SE and Series 10 with cellular bumps the price up to $299 and $499, respectively.
How We Selected
Our editors have tested every generation of the Apple Watch since the first model released in 2015, putting them through their paces for everything they’re designed to handle: marathon training, cycling, surfing, hiking, sleep tracking, and daily fitness routines. To identify the best Apple Watch, we relied on our previous experience testing and owning various models, as well as prior expert coverage on Men’s Health. We considered features like display and size, fitness and health tracking, battery life, and durability. Finally, the price of each model was another important factor, since the most expensive option isn’t always the best fit for every user’s needs and lifestyle.
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Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
Best Apple Watch Overall
Apple Watch Series 10
Pros
- Thinner and lighter design
- The wide-angle display is easy to quickly glance at during workouts
- Fast-charging can give you a full day of battery in just 30 minutes
Cons
- No blood oxygen monitoring
Our editors have tested nearly every Apple Watch under the sun, and while the Ultra 2 is the most advanced model, the Series 10 is the best overall pick for most people. It offers an impressive balance of fitness and health features, durability, and battery life—all at a reasonable price point. It sports a thin design at 9.7mm and a wide-angle OLED display, making it easier to see the watch face at a glance.
In his review, Men’s Health’s Brett Williams praised the Series 10’s wide-angle display for its improved visibility. “When I made the little maneuvers watch wearers have used since the dawn of kept time to surreptitiously check the clock, I was able to see more of the screen with less movement.” This can make a real difference when quickly checking directions or tracking workout progress during activities. Williams also highlighted that the thinner design was more comfortable for sleep tracking and gym sessions compared to the bulkier Ultra 2.
Additionally, the Series 10 boasts a decent speaker for music and podcasts, plus a microphone with voice isolation, so you’ll sound clearer during calls. It can also monitor your sleep for potential breathing disturbances, alerting you to possible signs of sleep apnea. The feature doesn’t serve as a diagnosis, though it can provide data to your doctor, which can be helpful when identifying the problem. Meanwhile, a new Training Load feature provides additional insights into your ability to handle workouts based on impact of physical activity on your body.
Although battery life isn’t dramatically better than the previous Series 9, it was excellent during our testing. Even during intensive marathon training, the watch easily lasted a full day with enough power left to track sleep. While it can’t match the Ultra 2’s endurance, the Series 10 efficiently handles everything from fitness tracking to notifications, medication reminders, and GPS navigation without battery anxiety. When the battery does start to get low, you can charge up from 0–80 percent in just 30 minutes, about the time it takes to eat a hearty meal.
These features make the Series 10 is an ideal companion for iPhone owners who want powerful health and fitness tracking in a sleek, versatile package.
Key Specs
| Case Size | 42mm and 46mm |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in low power mode) |
| Durability | Water resistant (50 meters), IP6X dust resistant |
Best Budget Apple Watch
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE is the perfect entry-level option. It delivers the essential Apple Watch experience—from fitness tracking to notifications—in a lightweight, water-resistance aluminum case that shares a similar design to the Series 10.
At 10.7mm thick, the SE has a relatively slim profile that sits comfortably on your wrist during workouts and everyday activities. You can find it in three classic finishes—midnight, starlight, and silver—each with Ion-X glass protection. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an always-on display, though the screen wakes instantly with a wrist raise.
While it’s not as durable as Apple’s premium models, the SE includes critical safety features like crash detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS. Plus, it offers basic fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and support for dozens of workout types. Like its pricier siblings, it can alert you when your vitals don’t look normal, which can be an indication you’re getting sick.
Apple rates the SE’s battery life at 18 hours, matching what you get from the Series 10. However, it doesn’t offer fast charging, so it’ll take a little longer to replenish. At nearly half the price of the Series 10, the SE makes a few notable compromises (no always-on display, less durability, no ECG, etc.), but it still offers a solid core experience that’s perfect for newcomers.
Key Specs
| Case Size | 38mm and 44mm |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours |
| Durability | Water resistant (50 meters) |
Best Apple Watch for Athletes and Adventurers
Apple Ultra 2
Pros
- The best battery life of any Apple Watch
- Precision dual-frequency GPS for enhanced location accuracy
- Rugged design for the outdoors
Cons
- Offline maps requires an iPhone
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the pinnacle of Apple’s wearable lineup, purpose-built for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. To meet these demanding lifestyles, Apple equipped the Ultra 2 with a rugged 49mm titanium case, a large battery, and advanced features like precision dual-frequency GPS, customizable Action button, and water resistance up to 100 meters. It’s not drastically different from the first iteration, the Apple Watch Ultra, but the refinements make a difference during everyday use.
“It’s better in the little ways that will make it more useful in the long run,” Williams said in his review of the Ultra 2. It’s a more finely-tuned version of the Ultra, with a brighter 3,000-nit display for better visibility in direct sunlight and a sleek satin black color that gives it a more sophisticated, professional look. At 14.4mm thick, it’s notably larger than the 9.7mm Series 10, but the rugged build delivers impressive durability and the best battery life in the Apple Watch lineup—up to 36 hours of normal use, or 72 hours on lower-power mode.
The Ultra 2’s customizable Action button remains one of its standout features, providing instant access to preferred workouts or functions quickly. Combined with the enhanced altimeter and precision GPS, the watch excels at everything from trail running to deep-sea diving. The upgraded S9 chip enables new features like double-tap gestures and on-device Siri processing, making interaction more intuitive than ever. Beyond extreme scenarios, I’ve found double-tap surprisingly helpful as a busy dad when my hands are full and I need to answer or end a phone call.
For outdoor adventurers, the Ultra 2 includes an automatic night mode, which switches to a red display to preserve your night vision. In emergencies, the built-in siren can be heard up to 600 feet away, helping rescue teams locate you if you’re lost of injured. The Ultra 2’s water resistance goes beyond the Series 10. It’s built to handle extreme water sports like wakeboarding and jet skiing, and meets EN13319 certification for recreational scuba diving. When paired with the Oceanic+ app, it becomes a capable dive computer, allowing you to plan and log your dives, track depth and time, and see the current water temperature.
The $799 price tag puts the Ultra 2 at the premium end of the market, but its combination of rugged durability, extended battery life, and advanced features make it the ideal option for athletes and adventurers. And thanks to some great Ultra 2 bands, you can still wear it for those dressier occasions if you want. According to Williams, if you own the original Ultra, it’s not worth upgrading to the Ultra 2. But if you’re a new adopter, the Ultra 2 is an excellent place to start.
Key Specs
| Case Size | 49mm |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (72 hours in low power mode) |
| Durability | Water resistant (100 meters), IP6X dust resistant, EN13319 certification, tested to MIL-STD 810H |
A Still Decent Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 9
Pros
- Water and dust resistant
- Offers nearly the same fitness and health features as the Series 10
- Discounted price tag since it’s a generation old
Cons
- It came out in 2023, so it’s not as future-proof
While we generally recommend the latest tech, the Series 9 still has a lot to offer despite being over a year old. It sits between the SE and Series 10, offering premium features like an always-on display, ECG monitoring, and precision finding at a more attractive price point now that it’s the previous generation. The main difference is you miss out on the Series 10’s wide-angle display, water temperature sensor, and depth gauge.
But the Series 9 does offer many of the same features as the Series 10, including double-tap gestures to control music, answer calls, and stop timers. On-device Siri processing means faster response times for common requests like starting workouts or setting timers, and it works even without an internet connection.
While the Series 9’s display isn’t quite as large, it offers the same maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, so it’s perfectly visible outdoors. Meanwhile, the always-on functionality means you can glance at your watch face without raising your wrist. Battery life can easily last a full day, and fast charging can replenish the batter from 0–80 percent in 45 minutes.
The health and wellness features include sleep apnea notifications, training load monitoring, and support for Apple’s Vitals app, which helps track and manage your health data in one place. Combined with medication reminders and mindfulness features, the Series 9 provides virtually the same comprehensive health features as the pricier Series 10.
Since it’s over a year old, the Series 9 isn’t quite as future-proof as the Series 10. But if you want a flagship watch at a more affordable price, it provides excellent value for what you get. Unless you specifically need the Series 10’s wider display or enhanced water features, the Series 9 remains a compelling choice.
Key Specs
| Case Size | 41mm and 45mm |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in low power mode) |
| Durability | Water resistant (50 meters), IP6X dust resistant |
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Kevin Penas, founder and editor of Lifestyle82, is passionate about technology and always on the lookout for innovations that enhance quality of life. With a special focus on gadgets and wearables, Kevin has become an expert in the world of smartwatches, exploring their features and benefits for health, fitness, and productivity. On his blog, he shares in-depth reviews, usage tips, and the latest trends in the smartwatch market. Kevin believes that these devices are more than just tech accessories; they are true allies in the modern-day lifestyle.
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