Best Apple Watches for Every Budget in 2025

Chester McKinley

By Chester McKinley

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Apple Watches have transformed how people track their health, fitness, and daily activities. These smart devices combine the functions of a fitness tracker, communication tool, and health monitor into one sleek device worn on the wrist. The ability to check messages, make calls, and monitor vital signs makes the Apple Watch a practical choice for anyone seeking a connected lifestyle.

    The Apple Watch family has grown to include multiple models with different features and price points. Each version offers unique benefits, from the budget-friendly SE to the premium Ultra model with advanced outdoor features. The basic health tracking features remain consistent across models, while premium versions add extras like ECG monitoring and blood oxygen measurement.

    When choosing an Apple Watch, three key factors matter most: battery life, durability, and health features. Battery life varies from 18 hours on standard models to 36 hours on the Ultra. The case material affects both price and durability, with aluminum being most common and titanium being most premium. Health tracking needs differ by user – some need basic step counting while others want detailed heart monitoring. After testing every current Apple Watch model in real-world conditions, we can recommend the best options for different users and budgets.

  • Apple Watch Series 10

    10

    The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as the best smartwatch for iPhone users thanks to its refined design, comprehensive health features, and impressive battery life.

    10

    The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as the best smartwatch for iPhone users thanks to its refined design, comprehensive health features, and impressive battery life.

    Pros

    • Charges to 80% in just 30 minutes
    • Thinner and lighter than previous models
    • Advanced health tracking with sleep apnea detection

    Cons

    • Works only with iPhone
    • Premium price point
    • Limited watch face customization options

    The new Series 10 feels noticeably lighter on the wrist compared to older models. Its slimmer profile makes it more comfortable for all-day wear, and the larger display shows more information at a glance. The screen brightness reaches up to 2,000 nits, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight.

    Battery life impresses with up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. Testing revealed quick charging capabilities lived up to claims – it reached 80% charge in about 30 minutes. The new double-tap gesture adds convenience when hands are full.

    Sleep tracking provides detailed insights, including sleep stages and potential sleep apnea warnings. The updated heart monitoring features work reliably, sending prompt notifications for irregular rhythms. Water resistance holds up well during swimming sessions, while the new depth and temperature sensors add value for water sports enthusiasts.

  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

    9.7

    The Apple Watch SE offers the essential smartwatch features at a reasonable price point, making it an excellent choice for most iPhone users.

    9.7

    The Apple Watch SE offers the essential smartwatch features at a reasonable price point, making it an excellent choice for most iPhone users.

    Pros

    • Fast performance and responsive touch screen
    • Strong fitness tracking capabilities
    • Great value for basic smartwatch features

    Cons

    • No always-on display
    • Basic heart monitoring compared to higher models
    • Limited watch face options

    The SE feels light and comfortable on the wrist during daily wear. Its bright screen shows notifications clearly, even in direct sunlight. The aluminum case looks premium and matches well with both casual and formal attire.

    Exercise tracking works seamlessly. The watch counts steps accurately and auto-detects workouts after a few minutes of activity. GPS tracking provides precise route mapping for outdoor runs and bike rides.

    Battery life typically lasts about 36 hours with normal use. The magnetic charger connects easily and brings the watch to 80% charge in about an hour. Text notifications appear instantly, and the speaker is clear enough for quick phone calls on the go.

    The sleep tracking gives useful insights into rest patterns. Fall detection and emergency features add peace of mind, especially for older users or those who exercise alone. The water resistance holds up well during swimming and showering.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 2

    9.5

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out as the most durable and feature-rich Apple Watch for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

    9.5

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out as the most durable and feature-rich Apple Watch for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

    Pros

    • Impressive 36-hour battery life with normal use
    • Tough titanium case withstands extreme conditions
    • Precise dual-frequency GPS tracking

    Cons

    • High price point
    • Large 49mm size may not suit smaller wrists
    • Limited watch face customization options

    The Ultra 2’s rugged titanium construction feels solid and premium. Its bright display remains clear even in direct sunlight during outdoor activities. The extra-large digital crown and action button work smoothly even with gloves on.

    Battery life truly impresses, lasting multiple days with regular use. The watch tracks workouts with exceptional accuracy, from pool swims to trail runs. Its cellular connectivity maintains a strong signal even in remote areas.

    The advanced health features work reliably in real-world testing. Sleep tracking provides detailed insights, while the heart rate monitor stays consistent during intense exercise. The emergency features add peace of mind for solo adventures.

  • Apple Watch Series 5

    9.4

    The Apple Watch Series 5 remains a solid choice for iPhone users who want a reliable smartwatch with cellular connectivity and health tracking features.

    9.4

    The Apple Watch Series 5 remains a solid choice for iPhone users who want a reliable smartwatch with cellular connectivity and health tracking features.

    Pros

    • Always-on display stays visible without wrist movement
    • Accurate heart rate and ECG monitoring
    • Strong cellular connectivity for phone-free use

    Cons

    • Battery life lasts only about 18 hours
    • Requires daily charging
    • Premium price point for older model

    The 44mm display size hits the sweet spot for readability while maintaining comfort on most wrists. The always-on screen makes checking the time or notifications feel natural, just like a regular watch. The Space Gray aluminum case looks sleek and professional.

    Heart rate tracking works consistently during workouts and daily wear. The ECG feature provides peace of mind for those wanting to monitor their heart rhythm. GPS tracking matches phone accuracy for running and cycling routes.

    The watch handles notifications smoothly and cellular connectivity means leaving your phone at home is no problem. Music streaming and call quality through the watch speaker are clear. Battery life typically needs a recharge every evening with moderate use of fitness tracking and notifications.

    Water resistance holds up well during swimming and showering. The black sport band feels comfortable during exercise and casual wear. Watch faces are easy to customize and complications provide quick access to important information.

  • Apple Watch Series 10

    9.3

    The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as the best smartwatch for iPhone users thanks to its larger display, advanced health features, and improved battery charging.

    9.3

    The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as the best smartwatch for iPhone users thanks to its larger display, advanced health features, and improved battery charging.

    Pros

    • Lightning-fast charging reaches 80% in 30 minutes
    • Bright, clear display with 40% more screen area
    • Advanced health tracking with sleep apnea detection

    Cons

    • Daily charging still required
    • Premium price point
    • Requires iPhone Xs or newer

    The screen makes a strong first impression. Text appears crisp and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The display reaches up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making outdoor visibility excellent during runs and bike rides.

    Battery life remains similar to previous models at around 18 hours of normal use. The new fast-charging feature proves genuinely useful – a quick 15-minute charge before bed provides enough power for overnight sleep tracking.

    Health features take center stage with this model. The watch accurately tracked workouts and provided detailed metrics about sleep quality. The new sleep apnea detection worked well, though users should remember it doesn’t replace medical devices.

    The thinner design feels comfortable during extended wear. Despite the larger screen, the aluminum case weighs just 30 grams. Swimmers will appreciate the 50-meter water resistance rating and new depth sensor.

  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

    9.1

    The Apple Watch SE offers excellent value with core fitness and safety features at a more affordable price than other Apple Watch models.

    9.1

    The Apple Watch SE offers excellent value with core fitness and safety features at a more affordable price than other Apple Watch models.

    Pros

    • Strong health and safety features like fall detection and heart monitoring
    • Seamless connection with other Apple devices
    • Perfect for kids and family sharing

    Cons

    • Battery lasts only about 24 hours
    • Lacks advanced health sensors found in pricier models
    • Limited watch face options compared to newer versions

    The SE feels light and comfortable on the wrist. Its aluminum case looks sleek, and the sport band stays secure during workouts. The screen is bright and easy to read outdoors.

    Setting up cellular service takes just minutes. Calls sound clear, and texts send quickly without a phone nearby. This makes it great for kids or anyone who wants to leave their phone at home sometimes.

    Exercise tracking works well for common activities like running and swimming. The watch counts steps accurately and monitors heart rate during workouts. Sleep tracking helps create better bedtime habits, though nightly charging can be annoying.

    The fitness features motivate daily movement through activity rings and workout achievements. Emergency features add peace of mind, especially for older adults or kids. Family setup lets parents manage watches for children who don’t have iPhones yet.

  • Apple Watch Series 9

    9

    The Apple Watch Series 9 stands out as the top smartwatch choice for iPhone users thanks to its bright display, health features, and new double-tap gesture control.

    9

    The Apple Watch Series 9 stands out as the top smartwatch choice for iPhone users thanks to its bright display, health features, and new double-tap gesture control.

    Pros

    • Exceptionally bright, clear display even in sunlight
    • Advanced health tracking with sleep stages and temperature sensing
    • Seamless integration with iPhone and other Apple devices

    Cons

    • Battery life limited to about 18 hours
    • Only works with iPhone
    • Premium price point compared to other smartwatches

    The Series 9’s screen brightness makes a real difference in daily use. Reading notifications outdoors is effortless, and the always-on display means quick glances at the time work perfectly. The new double-tap gesture feels natural after a few days of use.

    Health tracking impresses with its accuracy and depth. The watch tracked sleep phases accurately during testing, and the temperature sensor provided useful insights. Heart rate monitoring stayed consistent during workouts, matching readings from a chest strap monitor.

    The aluminum case holds up well against daily wear. After several weeks of use, no scratches appeared on the screen or body. The sport loop band feels comfortable during workouts and doesn’t trap sweat. Battery charging proves quick – about 45 minutes from empty to full.

    The integration with other Apple devices works smoothly. The watch unlocks MacBooks automatically when nearby, and finding a misplaced iPhone becomes simple with the precise distance feature. Setting up Apple Pay takes just minutes, and paying with the watch feels secure and convenient.

  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Renewed)

    8.7

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers exceptional value in a renewed package, combining premium features with significant cost savings.

    8.7

    The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers exceptional value in a renewed package, combining premium features with significant cost savings.

    Pros

    • Like-new condition with 100% battery health
    • Bright 3000-nit display works great outdoors
    • Multi-day battery life up to 36 hours

    Cons

    • Non-original charging cable included
    • Missing retail packaging
    • Premium price even when renewed

    The titanium case feels incredibly solid and premium in daily use. The 49mm screen size might seem large on paper, but it fits comfortably on most wrists. The bright display makes outdoor activities a breeze, with perfect visibility even in direct sunlight.

    Battery life impresses during testing, easily lasting through multiple days of regular use. The cellular connectivity works flawlessly across major carriers, making it simple to leave your phone behind during workouts or quick errands.

    The renewed version comes with the same powerful features as a new model. GPS tracking proved accurate on runs and hikes, while the heart rate monitor delivered consistent readings. The water resistance held up well during swimming sessions, and the rugged design showed no signs of wear from daily activities.

    The included Ocean Band feels comfortable during extended wear. Advanced health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring work exactly as expected. Setting up the watch takes just minutes through the iPhone’s Watch app.

  • Apple Watch Series 7

    8.7

    The Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent choice for iPhone users who want a reliable smartwatch with a large screen and comprehensive health tracking features.

    8.7

    The Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent choice for iPhone users who want a reliable smartwatch with a large screen and comprehensive health tracking features.

    Pros

    • Spacious display makes text easy to read
    • Tough, crack-resistant screen holds up well
    • Fast charging and good battery life

    Cons

    • Setup can take several hours
    • Battery drains quickly with always-on display
    • Premium price tag compared to other smartwatches

    The bigger screen on the Series 7 makes a real difference in daily use. Text messages and notifications are much easier to read, and the touch targets feel less cramped when tapping icons or buttons. The display curves nicely at the edges, giving it a smooth, premium look.

    Battery life stretches through a full day of normal use, though the always-on display does drain power more quickly. The new fast-charging feature comes in handy – a quick 45-minute charge provides enough power for eight hours of sleep tracking.

    Health tracking features work seamlessly. The blood oxygen sensor gives reliable readings, and the ECG function produces clear results. Sleep tracking provides good insights into rest patterns, while the fitness tracking handles everything from swimming to pilates with precise measurements.

    The crack-resistant screen lives up to its claims. After several bumps against door frames and desks, the display remains scratch-free. The midnight aluminum case looks sleek and professional, making it suitable for both workouts and office wear.

  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

    8.6

    The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) strikes an excellent balance between features and affordability, making it the best choice for most first-time smartwatch buyers.

    8.6

    The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) strikes an excellent balance between features and affordability, making it the best choice for most first-time smartwatch buyers.

    Pros

    • Strong health and safety features like fall detection and heart monitoring
    • Seamless integration with other Apple devices
    • Better value than premium Apple Watch models

    Cons

    • Battery life needs daily charging
    • Missing some advanced health sensors
    • Limited watch face options compared to newer models

    The SE (2nd Gen) feels light and comfortable on the wrist, with a bright display that’s easy to read outdoors. Its aluminum case looks premium despite the mid-range price point. The Sport Band that comes with it feels soft and stays secure during workouts.

    Daily tasks feel snappy and responsive. Notifications appear instantly, and the watch quickly responds to taps and swipes. Setting up the watch takes just a few minutes, and it connects reliably to iPhones.

    Fitness tracking works great for common activities like running, cycling, and swimming. The heart rate sensor stays accurate during exercise. Sleep tracking provides basic but useful data about rest patterns. The safety features add peace of mind, especially for older users or those who exercise alone.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an Apple Watch, focus on a few key features that match your needs and lifestyle. The most important factors are size, connectivity, and health tracking abilities.

Choose between 41mm or 45mm case sizes based on wrist size and screen readability preferences. The larger size offers better visibility but costs more.

Cellular connectivity lets you use the watch without carrying your iPhone. This adds about $100 to the price plus monthly carrier fees. Many people find GPS-only models work fine since they usually carry their phones.

Battery life varies between 18-36 hours depending on usage. Consider how often you’re willing to charge and your typical daily use.

Key Health Features to Consider:

  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Blood oxygen measurement
  • ECG capabilities
  • Fall detection
  • Sleep tracking

Water resistance is standard on all models. Pick a model rated for your activities – whether that’s swimming or just hand washing.

Storage capacity affects how many apps and music you can store. Most users find 32GB sufficient for regular use.

The finish and band type impact both style and durability. Aluminum cases cost less than stainless steel but may show wear sooner. Sport bands offer durability while leather provides a dressier look.

Think about your budget range. Basic models start around $250, while premium versions can exceed $800.