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The best Apple Watches: Ultra, Series 8, and SE models compared
The Apple Watch has set itself up as a gold standard for wearable tech, and with the Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and updated Apple Watch SE last fall, the trend continues.
Each new model supports more robust health-tracking features for monitoring heart health, body temperature, and sleep habits, as well as other cycle-tracking functions. Additionally, the updated sensors and processors support fall and crash detection features, allowing users to contact emergency services even without immediate phone access.
But the new Apple Watch suite doesn't necessarily mean they're the best fit for your wrist. To help you decide which Apple Watch to invest in, we've rounded up the best models you can buy right now based on our testing experience, their specific health tracking features, app compatibility, watch face size, and, of course, nuanced wrist bands.
Also: What is the best sports watch and how does Apple Watch Ultra compare?
- Lots of new health features
- Extended battery life
- Updated chip and sensors
- Satellite SOS requires monthly fee
- GPS + Cellular model is on the pricey side
Apple Watch Series 8 tech specs: Display size: 41 or 45mm | Battery life: 36 hours (with Low Power mode) | Storage capacity: 32GB | Features: New health features, extended battery life, updated chip and sensors
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a big leap forward for the flagship smartwatch. It not only features an updated S8 chip but also two new sensors to detect falls and car accidents. This allows you to use the watch to contact emergency services and emergency contacts when you can't reach your phone or the OnStar button in your car.
The case is made of 100% recycled aerospace-grade alloy, giving the watch face plenty of strength to handle everyday wear and tear as well as the occasional accident. The glass watch face is also designed to be tough, using Apple's Ion-X glass to protect against scratches and cracks while still providing great usability.
Review: Apple Watch 8 is a sleeper hit, even if it doesn't match Samsung's sensors
The Series 8 also focuses on health features like a built-in ECG and heart sensor to give you feedback on your heart rate, rhythm, and even blood oxygen levels to help you monitor your overall health as well as quickly treat any sudden issues. It also helps with women's health issues, letting you more accurately track your cycle so you can discuss any issues with your doctor.
Another new feature for the Series 8 is the ability to use SOS calling and messaging even when a cellular network is out of range. The updated SOS feature allows the watch to connect to satellites in order to contact emergency services and contacts in case of a fall, crash, or medical emergency. And the battery has been updated as well, giving you up to 36 hours of use with the new battery-saver mode.
- Toughest Apple Watch yet
- Titanium case and sapphire crystal
- Enhanced safety and health features
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Very expensive
- Most people won't use all features
- Satellite SOS requires monthly fee
Apple Watch Ultra tech specs: Display Size: 49mm | Battery life: 60 hours | Storage capacity: 32GB | Features: Toughest Apple Watch yet, titanium case and sapphire crystal, enhanced safety and health features, dual-frequency GPS
The Apple Watch Ultra is a totally new iteration of the smartwatch, designed from the ground up to handle the toughest outdoor challenges you can find. The case is made of aerospace-grade titanium with a sapphire crystal face for extra durability to handle everything from everyday wear and tear to extreme weather conditions.
Along with all of the updated health and safety features that the Series 8 introduced, the Apple Watch Ultra also has updated GPS capabilities, utilizing dual-frequency tracking technology to give you accurate location information even in mountainous terrain.
The watch is rated for water resistance up to 100 meters (328 feet) and scuba diving up to 40 meters (131 feet), making it a great choice for divers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and competitive swimmers. And with MIL-STD-810H durability, the Apple Watch Ultra is able to handle temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) and as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius), as well as shocks, sustained vibrations, and high altitudes.
Review: I put the Apple Watch Ultra through a Tough Mudder: Here's how it held up
The integrated battery can give you up to an impressive 60 hours of use with the low battery mode, giving you peace of mind on long camping trips or hiking and diving excursions.
The all-new action button lets you create custom controls for indoor workout tracking, adding waypoints to your hiking compass, or tracking your dive time. And with dual integrated speakers, calls, music, and even Siri can be heard loud and clear. There's even an integrated emergency siren that blasts an 86-decibel sound pattern to help emergency workers find you if you're lost or hurt or to scare away dangerous animals while hiking.
- Most affordable Apple Watch
- Family Setup for kids and older adults
- Health and location tracking
- Fall and crash detection
- Not as durable as other Apple Watch models
- Satellite SOS requires monthly fee
Apple Watch SE tech specs: Display size: 40 or 44mm | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capacity: 32GB | Features: Most affordable Apple Watch, family setup for kids and older adults, health and location tracking, fall and crash detection
The Apple Watch SE is the brand's more budget-friendly version of the smartwatch, offering a simpler and more streamlined device for users who just want to track workouts or stay on top of their call and text notifications. The SE also sports Apple's updated sensors for crash and fall detection, allowing you to call for help if you can't reach your phone or OnStar button in your car.
It also features Apple's expanded health tracking, letting you track heart rate, rhythm, and even blood oxygen levels so you can discuss any issues with your doctor or treat any sudden symptoms. It also helps to track sleep, giving you detailed information about your nightly routines and habits so you can get more restful sleep.
Also: Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Apple Watch SE (2020): Should you upgrade?
Another great new feature of the Apple Watch SE is the Family Setup. Designed with children and older adults in mind, Family Setup lets you stay in touch with and track the health of family members even if they don't have their own iPhones. This means that you can give kids and elderly parents freedom and independence while still keeping an eye on them in case of accidents and medical emergencies.
- Stylish and quality bands
- Exclusive Hermès watch faces and case etchings on display
- Super expensive
- Same features as regular Series 8
Apple Watch Hermès tech specs: Display size: 41mm or 45mm | Battery life: 36 hours (with Low Power mode) | Storage: 32GB | Features: Stylish and quality bands, exclusive Hermès watch faces, and case etchings on display
If you're really looking to splurge on a designer smartwatch, the Apple Watch Hermès is a chic option for fashionistas. The watch itself is an Apple Watch Series 8, but you'll get exclusive Hermès watch faces and different case etchings.
What you're really paying for, however, are the Hermès bands, like H Diagonal bands that showcase the iconic Hermès "H" through microperforations in the leather. There are plenty of stylish bands to choose from, like the Gourmette Metal Double Tour band or the Hermès Sport Band in signature orange.
Of course, the price range for this Apple Watch model will cost you a lot more for the designer brand name. This model ranges from $1,229 to $1,759.
- Large display
- Fast charging
- Health-focused features
- Water, Dust, and crack resistant
- Expensive
- Not all users will need all features
Apple Watch Series 7 tech specs: Display size: 41mm or 45mm | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Storage: 32GB | Features: Large display, fast charging, health-focused features, water, dust, and crack resistant
Released in October 2021, the Apple Watch Series 7 still has a lot of the features you've come to know and love in an Apple Watch -- just not the latest and greatest improvements. If you can forgo the newest features and want to pay less, this is an excellent option.
On top of the standard smartwatch features (like sending/receiving messages and tracking your steps), the Series 7 also lets you measure your blood oxygen, take an ECG, and analyze your sleep -- which is a huge bonus if you're health-conscious. It's also dust-, water-, and crack-resistant, so you can feel comfortable taking it on even the hardest workouts.
Review: Apple Watch Series 7 review: Bigger really is better
The Series 7 comes in aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel finishes, with colors like green, blue, graphite, silver, and gold. It's also available in the special-edition Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès collections. Depending on how you'd like to use your watch (and your budget), you can choose from either GPS or GPS + Cellular connectivity, but be aware you'll pay $100 more for the latter option.
What is the best Apple Watch model?
The best Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Series 8 based on pricing, features, and battery life. There are other options to choose from, so we've broken down the features of each model below.
Apple Watch model | Price | Where to buy | Display size | Battery life | Storage capacity | Chip |
Apple Watch Series 8 | $429 | Apple, Amazon, Best Buy | 41 or 45mm | 36 hours | 32GB | S8 SiP |
Apple Watch Ultra | $799 | Apple, Amazon, Best Buy | 49mm | 60 hours | 32GB | S8 SiP |
Apple Watch SE | $249 | Apple, Amazon, Best Buy | 40 or 44mm | 18 hours | 32GB | S8 SiP |
Apple Watch Hermès | $1,229+ | Apple | 41 or 45mm | 36 hours | 32GB | S8 SiP |
Apple Watch Series 7 | $375 | Amazon, Best Buy, Target | 41 or 45mm | Up to 18 hours | 32GB | S7 SiP |
Which Apple Watch model is right for you?
If you're still having trouble deciding which Apple Watch model is right for you, here is an easy decision tree that summarizes the main points as described above:
Choose this Apple Watch... | If you want... |
Apple Watch Series 8 | A well-rounded smartwatch for health tracking, calls, and texts. It's equipped with the latest features like blood oxygen monitoring and ECG, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
Apple Watch Ultra | A ruggedized Apple Watch for extreme outdoor conditions. With its durable casing and shatter-resistant screen, the Apple Watch Ultra is the perfect choice for adventurous people who want a reliable and sturdy smartwatch. |
Apple Watch SE | A more budget-friendly Apple Watch. While it lacks some of the more advanced features of its counterparts, the Apple Watch SE still has an impressive set of fitness tracking and communication features at an affordable price point. |
Apple Watch Hermès | A fashion-forward Apple Watch splurge. This version of the Apple Watch is a collaboration with the French luxury brand, offering premium materials and exclusive watch faces for those looking to make a statement with their timepiece. |
Apple Watch Series 7 | A last-gen Apple watch. Although it is not the latest model, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still a reliable and well-rounded smartwatch that boasts features like a larger display and faster charging. |
How did I choose these Apple Watch models?
ZDNET has tested and reviewed nearly every Apple Watch model ever released. To determine which models to recommend you buy in 2023, we scanned the current lineup and researched and compared pricing as well as features like display size. There is something in this guide for everyone, no matter your budget or wrist size.
Do you need an iPhone to use an Apple Watch?
Yes, you'll need an iPhone to set up your Apple Watch. However, if you have a newer Apple Watch, you can use the Family Setup function to pair one iPhone with multiple watches. Other Apple devices (including iPads) and non-Apple smartphones are not currently supported.
What does the Apple Watch do?
At a basic level, all Apple Watches can send and receive messages, answer calls, display notifications from your iPhone, track your steps and other fitness data, use Siri, and more. Newer versions will have additional features and functionality, like blood oxygen monitoring and international emergency calling.
Are older versions of the Apple Watch still worth buying?
Yes, older Apple Watches are supported by Apple and are still some of the best smartwatches on the market. But keep in mind that Apple has historically released a new Apple Watch every year, so after a few years, an already-dated watch would be four or five generations behind the current technology.
What are some features to look for in the best Apple Watch models?
Some features to look for in the best Apple Watch models include health tracking capabilities, connectivity options (such as cellular or Wi-Fi), water resistance, battery life, and app availability.
Which is the best Apple Watch for fitness tracking?
The best Apple Watch for fitness tracking is the Apple Watch Series 8, which comes equipped with a variety of health tracking features, including an ECG app, sleep tracking, and activity tracking.
What is the difference between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 7?
The Apple Watch Series 8 features a larger, always-on display, faster charging, and new health features over the Series 7.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra worth the extra cost for outdoor enthusiasts?
If you're someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in rugged conditions, the Apple Watch Ultra may be worth the extra cost. It's designed to be more durable and water-resistant than other models and features specialized fitness-tracking capabilities.
Is the Apple Watch SE a good option for budget-conscious buyers?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who still want access to many of the features of more expensive models. It's less expensive than the latest models but still offers health tracking, connectivity, and other features.
Are there alternative Apple Watches worth considering?
If none of the watches listed above excite you, you could wait until this year's new product announcement from Apple. Or, you could consider an older generation of the Apple Watch that we didn't include on our list.
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Apple Watch Series 6 - Budget-friendly Apple Watch
If you don't mind having a slightly older model of Apple Watch, the Series 6 is a great choice. Especially if you're not looking to spend a ton of money on a smartwatch. It offers many of the same features as the Series 7, but does lack crash and fall detection as well as satellite calling.
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Apple Watch Series 5 - Great for kids
The Series 5 Apple Watch is a few generations old at this point, which means that you can often find them for much cheaper than their Series 7 counterparts. This makes them perfect choices for kids and teens who want a smartwatch; especially if your kids are forgetful or clumsy and often lose or break expensive tech.