Buying guide for best Apple watches
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Are you looking for a new Apple Watch? Three 2024 models are available, and buyers enjoy five connectivity options within these choices. Location, fitness, notifications, music and health tracking are the primary benefits of an Apple Watch, but the best Apple Watches offer much more than that.
When Apple introduced the first Apple Watch in 2015, some doubted whether it was anything more than a niche product. Fast forward a decade, and they've become almost ubiquitous. Pitched originally as fashion accessories, Apple Watches have found their best function as health aids, coaching wearers to get up and move while monitoring their vitals and connecting them to the world.
At BestReviews, we've tested numerous Apple Watches over the years, rating them on comfort, usability, practicality and the accuracy of their sensors. The best Apple Watch available now is the Apple Watch Series 9 with GPS. If you’re on a tight budget but still want a top Apple Watch, we believe the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) provides a desirable suite of functions at a bargain price.
Expert Tip
Putting a new watch band on your Apple Watch is a great way to make it feel brand-new. Watch bands are affordable, so you can get a few and change the band to match your outfit or mood.
BestReviews
Which Apple Watch is best?
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS)
Flashy yet Affordable
Case Size: 41 mm, 45 mm | Case Material: Aluminum, stainless steel | Battery Life: 18 hours (32 hours low-power mode) | Processor: Apple S9 | Storage Capacity: 64GB
The best Apple Watch you can get in 2024 is the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS model. It offers an advanced processor and system, Apple’s latest health sensors and tons of functionality in an elegant package.
The Series 9 is slim and sleek with an always-on screen that shows off a face, even when sitting idle on your wrist. It comes in two case sizes, 41- or 45-millimeter, and two case materials, silky aluminum or polished stainless steel. Its screen stretches almost edge-to-edge on its Ion-X glass or sapphire crystal face, showing off 2,000 nits of brightness and a multitude of dazzling faces.
We noted the speed and fluidity of its functions, thanks to its advanced S9 system-in-package (SiP), and we liked how it sped up Siri while allowing it to run locally for privacy. We also appreciated the Double Tap gesture introduced with the Series 9; it allowed us to interact with timers, messages or notifications when our hands were full.
The Series 9 can run a single-lead ECG and sports a third-generation heart rate monitor. Further, it can withstand 40 meters of water for use while swimming. It’s beautiful, powerful and useful, and it scores 10 out of 10 as the best Apple Watch of 2024.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) GPS
Bargain Pick
Case Size: 40 mm, 44 mm | Case Material: Aluminum | Battery Life: 18 hours | Processor: Apple S8 | Storage Capacity: 32GB
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) packs everything we think you need to use and enjoy the benefits of a smartwatch at significant price savings over the Series 9.
The SE has a case design dating from the era of Series 3 to 5, but inside, it runs on the same S8 package as 2022’s top-line Series 8 model. It comes in 41- and 44-millimeter sizes in three colors of aluminum, and it has a face of Ion-X glass and a nylon composite back. It features a second-generation optical heart sensor, 40-meter water resistance for light swimming and a screen that gets as bright as 1,000 nits.
We loved the comfort of the SE and appreciated the in-depth health and fitness information it generated. We found it more aesthetically pleasing than similarly priced fitness trackers. While not as fast or full-featured as the Series 9, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) covers the basics and then some. An excellent bargain, we give it a rating of 8 out of 10.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Feature-packed
Case Size: 49 mm | Case Material: Titanium | Battery Life: 32 hours (72 hours low power mode) | Processor: Apple S9 | Storage Capacity: 64GB
The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra 2 is bigger, brighter, bulkier and tougher than other Apple Watch models, with a rugged body designed to excel in tough and extreme conditions.
The Ultra 2 features a 49-millimeter case made of solid, natural-finish titanium. This makes it stronger and lighter than steel, lowering the extra weight of its size. We found it unexpectedly comfortable during testing to the point that we forgot we had it on.
Its case is rugged to protect its flat sapphire crystal face and internals, which include the S9 SiP with 64GB of storage. We love that it has twice the battery life of the Series 9. Wearers enjoy approximately 32 hours with normal use and 72 hours in low-power mode.
The Ultra 2 connects to two GPS frequencies instead of one, and it has a brighter display than the Series 9. It’s not just waterproof to 100 meters for high-speed water sports; it’s also safe to 44 meters for recreational diving with a depth gauge and water temperature sensor to go with its other sensors. It features international emergency calling, enhanced crash and fall detection, cellular connectivity and even a loud emergency siren. We rate it 10 out 10 and consider it an outstanding companion for outdoor adventures and extreme sports.
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular
Most Comprehensive
Case Size: 41 mm, 45 mm | Case Material: Aluminum, stainless steel | Battery Life: 18 hours (32 hours low-power mode) | Processor: Apple S9 | Storage Capacity: 64GB
As a comprehensive package, we recommend the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular. Its built-in cellular connection frees you from being tethered to your iPhone, so you can leave it behind and get all your calls, messages, notifications and essential apps on your wrist.
The cellular-equipped Series 9 is otherwise identical to its Wi-Fi-only version with the clean, smooth lines and slim build that make the Series 9 so elegant. It’s available in 41- and 45-millimeter sizes and aluminum and stainless steel cases. So, whether you choose the everyday or premium versions, you stay connected.
It has the same 40-meter water resistance as the Wi-Fi-only Series 9, the same Ion-X or sapphire face options and the same suite of health sensors, including the third-generation optical heart sensor and the electric heart sensor for ECG. You’ll still need an Apple device to set it up, but once you do, the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellar (which we rate 10 out of 10) can stand alone.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) GPS + Cellular
Best for Everyday Use
Case Size: 40 mm, 44 mm | Case Material: Aluminum | Battery Life: 18 hours | Processor: Apple S8 | Storage Capacity: 32GB
You may be surprised to learn that the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) comes in a model with cellular capabilities. You’ll find outstanding value in this smartwatch, especially if you have kids or teens who cannot use a smartphone at school.
Like the Wi-Fi-only model, the SE with cellular has a 1,000-nit retina screen that goes dark when not in use. It also has a second-generation heart sensor and waterproofing to 40 meters for casual swimming. With 32GB of storage, you can use it as a music player with Bluetooth headphones.
Priced lower than the Series 9 with cellular, the cellular-equipped SE (2nd Generation) can stay connected for emergencies and everyday use without the distraction of a full-fledged iPhone. It’s available in 40- and 44-millimeter case versions and in all three aluminum finishes, and you have the whole ecosystem of watch bands to choose from. We rate it 9 out of 10.
Expert Tip
If you take a lot of group photos, make sure you’re in them! The Apple Watch lets you set your phone in position and take photos from your wrist, so you’ll never get stuck behind the camera again.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
How we tested the best Apple watches
We tested several models of the Apple Watch, including all three series in the lineup: the second-generation SE, the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 (and original Ultra.) In our testing, we looked at factors including setup, usage, metrics, design and battery life.
- Setup: We noted what an Apple Watch requires for setup and how long the setup process takes.
- Design and aesthetics: We examined Apple Watch models for their materials, color and attractiveness, including watch faces and bands.
- Comfort: We wore each Apple Watch continuously during testing to gauge comfort. This included wear during activities and in bed.
- Display: We measured the size, area and brightness of the Apple Watch display, including in direct sunlight and a pitch-black room. We noted how legible it was under different conditions.
- Performance: We timed app-opening times, app-switching times, Siri commands and common tasks to measure how quickly and smoothly each Apple Watch worked.
- Health and fitness accuracy: We compared results obtained from tested Apple Watches to those from other devices to gauge the accuracy of the Apple sensors.
- Durability: We wore tested Apple Watch models in the shower, in the pool, during everyday activities, for travel and in extreme environments, noting how well they held up under various conditions
- Battery life: We measured the battery life for every Apple Watch model we tested and compared these values to Apple’s advertised values.
Expert TIp
Each generation of Apple Watch includes more sophisticated health sensors than the last, so if health monitoring is important to you, the latest generation may be your best choice.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Features and considerations
Case size
Apple Watches in 2024 come in five case sizes, depending on their series. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) each come in two case sizes, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in only one case size.
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in 41- and 45-millimeter case sizes. The 41-millimeter size suits smaller wrists, while the 45-millimeter case looks best on larger wrists. Watch bands aren’t compatible with different case sizes. A band designed for the 41-millimeter case won’t fit the 45-millimeter case, and vice versa.
The same is true for the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), except its cases are 1 millimeter smaller: 40 millimeter and 44 millimeter, respectively. The SE case resembles those of the previous Series 3, 4 and 5 Apple Watches, which are somewhat thicker and squarer than those of the Series 9 and its predecessors from Series 6 to 8.
The Apple Watch Ultra series comes in a 49-millimeter case size with a rugged design for withstanding knocks and bumps.
Screen size
Each Apple Watch case size has a matching screen size. The 40-millimeter Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) currently has the smallest screen size at 324 by 394 pixels. This is followed by the 41-millimeter Series 9 (352 x 430 pixels), the 44-millimeter SE (368 x 448 pixels), the 45-millimeter Series 9 (396 x 484 pixels) and the Ultra 2 (410 x 502 pixels).
The Series 9 display extends almost to the edge of its face, giving it more display area for its size than the SE. The 41-millimeter Series 9 is closer in display area to the 44-millimeter SE than the 41-millimeter version.
Both the Series 9 and SE (2nd Generation) have faces with curved edges. The Ultra 2’s screen is flat.
Screen brightness
The high-resolution Retina displays of Apple Watches must be bright enough to work in direct sunlight. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) gets up to 1,000 nits in brightness, brighter than many smartphones and laptops. The Apple Watch Series 9 doubles that to 2,000 nits, and it proved vividly clear in direct sunlight during our tests. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 gets even brighter: Its 3,000-nit top brightness is intended to stand up to the glare of sand or snow while out on adventures.
At the other end, both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 can get as low as 1 nit in darkness, allowing you a clear view of the screen without ruining your night vision. This is another capability we verified during testing.
Materials
Apple Watches come in three case materials: aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a case made of solid titanium, which is stronger and lighter than steel. This helps keep its weight down, which we noticed when we tested both the Ultra 2 and its predecessor, the original Ultra.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is available in both case sizes in your choice of aluminum or stainless steel. Apple Watches with aluminum cases have a smooth, satin finish and come in five color choices, including red. Those made of stainless steel have polished, glossy finishes and three metallic color choices, including gold.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) only comes in four colors of aluminum. Stainless steel models cost more and are positioned as more luxurious items than aluminum models.
Aluminum SE and Series 9 models have faces made of Ion-X glass, which can sometimes be gouged or chipped from impact. Stainless steel Series 9 models and the Ultra 2 have faces made of much harder sapphire crystal. Series 9 and Ultra models have backs made of ceramic, while the back of the SE (2nd Generation) is solid nylon.
Processor and storage
Apple Watches run on what’s called a system-in-package, or SiP. This is essentially a complete computer with a processor, memory and storage in one.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 run the S9 SiP, which includes a 64-bit, dual-core processor plus a 4-core “Neural Engine” that enhances machine learning and algorithm handling. This leads to smoother, faster operation over the S8 SiP in the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation.) We can confirm that the same operations were faster and smoother on the S9-equipped models compared to the SE, including Siri, which can process many of its commands on the device instead of contacting the cloud.
Each SiP comes with storage. The S9 has 64GB of storage. The S8 has 32GB of storage. If you download a lot of music files, photos or complex apps, you may like the extra storage of the Series 9 and Ultra 2. That said, we rarely felt like 32GB of storage on an Apple Watch was too small.
Health sensors
Health tracking is the Apple Watch’s biggest selling feature. All Apple Watch models in 2024 have an optical heart sensor to measure your pulse via photoplethysmography, shining a green light to measure red blood flow.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) uses an older heart sensor than the one in the Series 9 and Ultra. Based on our testing, all Apple Watches offer solidly accurate measures once calibrated.
The Series 9 and Ultra 2 have an electric heart sensor to conduct a one-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor heart function and sinus rhythm. Both models have a skin temperature sensor that helps inform cycle tracking and ovulation measures. These sensors combine with data from positioning, motion and location to generate health measurements such as balance, gait and VO2 max.
Until 2024, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 had the ability to measure blood oxygen, or blood O2. This functionality was deactivated for all Apple Watch models sold by Apple in the U.S., but it’s still available in other countries.
Other sensors
Health data isn’t the only information Apple Watches can track. All Apple Watch models in 2024 have a sensitive gyroscope and accelerometer to detect movement. For example, an altimeter measures elevation. A GPS module is standard and tracks the watch’s location for navigation and workout tracking.
When it comes to these sensors, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out with an enhanced altimeter that goes from -500 meters below to +9,000 meters above sea level and two GPS modules to connect to two different GPS frequencies. It also has sensors for the Ultra family’s aquatic sports and diving capabilities.
OS and apps
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), Series 9 and Ultra 2 all support watchOS 10, although the SE doesn’t have hardware for some OS features. All models also support watchOS 11, which is due in late 2024.
Battery life
Apple Watches in 2024 average 18 hours of battery life. All charge via an included charging puck that magnetically attaches to the back plate of the watch. The other hand plugs into any USB-C power adapter or port. Previous Apple Watch charging pucks plugged into USB-A ports, and these can still charge newer models.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Series 9 offer up to 18 hours of battery life with regular use. In our tests, a Series 9 got 14 hours of screen-on time and 8 hours of overnight use without charging. The Series 9 also has a low-power mode that extends battery life up to 36 hours.
The battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is much longer. It’s so long, in fact, that it was one of the most impressive improvements we found in our testing. Under normal use, an Apple Watch Ultra 2 can last 36 hours on a single charge and extend to 72 hours in low-power mode.
Waterproofing and dustproofing
Apple Watch models have different tolerances for water. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is water-resistant to 50 meters and can be used in the pool for light swimming. The Series 9 has the same resistance rating.
The Ultra 2 is a different breed. Its water resistance is rated to 100 meters, making it suitable for what Apple terms “high-speed” water sports. It can withstand a depth of 40 meters for recreational diving, and it has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor to act as a dive computer.
Both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 are rated IP6X resistant to dust ingress. Thus, they can be worn in dirty and dusty situations, including sand and trail hiking. The SE (2nd Generation) doesn’t have a dust-resistance rating.
Connectivity
Apple Watches connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. It’s one of the main ways they differ from traditional watches and how they provide extra usefulness in daily life.
With a wireless connection to a smartphone or the internet, an Apple Watch can tell time and measure your fitness as well as show notifications for all your apps. It can also show messages, emails and alerts; stream music or podcasts directly from your wrist; allow you to interact with Siri and even make phone calls.
- Wi-Fi: All Apple Watch models can connect to WI-Fi networks to send and receive data. The SE (2nd Generation), Series 9 and Ultra 2 all support Wi-Fi 4 and use Apple’s W3 wireless chip for setup and connection.
- Bluetooth: Apple Watch models all offer Bluetooth to connect to other devices, from smart bikes to headphones, and maintain a link to a paired iPhone. The SE, Series 9 and Ultra 2 all use the Bluetooth 5.4 standard.
- GPS: Connecting to the Global Positioning System (GPS) is standard for all Apple Watches. The SE (2nd Generation) and Series 9 can connect to the L1 frequency broadcast by all GPS satellites, while the Ultra 2 also supports the L5 frequency used by newer satellites. Aside from the GPS system, Apple Watches in certain countries also support alternatives such as GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS. Slll, except the SE (2nd Generation), support BeiDou.
- Cellular: Choosing an Apple Watch model with a cellular radio allows you to make and receive not just phone calls but also all kinds of data without needing a separate iPhone. Keep in mind, however, that Apple Watches are sold with specific compatibility to the cellular networks of the country or region in which they’re sold. According to Apple, no Apple Watch model supports worldwide cellular service.
Expert Tip
One fantastic and fun use for the Apple Watch: being able to bust out Shazam in record time. Sometimes you only catch the tail end of a song, but if you’ve got Shazam installed, you can still catch it in time so you can listen to it again later.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
Accessories
Watch bands
Apple Watch bands are removable and swappable. You get a band when you buy an Apple Watch, but you can buy more bands and switch them up to suit your style. For example, you could have a sweatproof band for sports, a band for everyday occasions and a band of leather or metal for formal occasions.
Hundreds of Apple Watch bands are available in stores and online. Just ensure you get the right size for your Apple Watch case and wrist. Apple Watches with 40- and 41-millimeter cases have the same size watch bands as do those with 44- and 45-millimeter cases. Notably, Nike and Hermès make bands in collaboration with Apple that are sold at Apple Stores.
Watch faces
Since the first Apple Watch debuted, users have been able to choose from numerous watch faces featuring both analog and digital clocks plus dozens of complications (face elements) for almost every app available. You can choose faces from a gallery on the Watch app on your iPhone or directly from your Apple Watch. Many of these faces can be further customized with colors and complications of your choosing.
Apple Watches with always-on screens, such as the Series 9 and Ultra 2, can show a face or elements of a face while idle, allowing you to match a face to a look or outfit. Favorite faces include Modular, Solar, Activity, Unity, Pride, Mickey Mouse and Snoopy & Woodstock.
Expert TIp
Apple Watches can help you manage stress. The built-in heart rate monitor sends alerts before you get worked up, so you can use Apple’s “Breathe” app to center yourself throughout the day.
BestReviews Electronics Expert
FAQ
Q. Do you need an iPhone to use an Apple Watch?
A. An iPhone is required to set up an Apple Watch. Apple Watch For Your Kids, formerly Family Setup, lets you use an iPhone to set up Apple Watches for kids or other family members who don’t have an iPhone of their own.
Apple Watches with cellular connectivity don’t need iPhones to make calls or connect to the internet, but they still need to be set up with an iPhone.
Q. Can you wear an Apple Watch if you’re left-handed?
A. Yes, left-handed users can wear an Apple Watch. The watch’s orientation and which wrist it’s placed on can be specified in the Watch app on a paired iPhone. You can designate whether you wear your Apple Watch on your left or right wrist and whether you wear the Digital Crown on the right or left side of the watch. If you flip the case so the Digital Crown is on the left, you can also swap which end of your Apple Watch band attaches to the “top” and “bottom” of the watch case.
Q. What kind of battery life does the Apple Watch offer?
A. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) and Series 9 provide around 18 hours of battery life and up to 32 hours with Low Power Mode activated. The amount of time varies based on how you use your watch. For example, using the cellular radio to make calls, using the screen at maximum brightness or taking advantage of turn-by-turn directions and map navigation may drain the battery faster than listening to locally stored music.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has owned an Apple Watch since 2016 and has written numerous articles about smartwatches and all the latest computers and gadgets for BestReviews since 2021. He also personally tested some of the Apple models listed here.
