The Apple Watch is undoubtedly the best smartwatch and one of the best accessories to pair with your iPhone. These watches link up simply with our favorite iPhone models and come 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 its thinner build and bigger screen than previous models.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Apple Watches:
Whether you’re upgrading an old Apple Watch or it’s your first time investing in one, Apple has a wealth of Watch models to choose from. There’s a robust option for adventurers and something on the cheaper side for budget shoppers. We’ve even included a non-Apple model for those who opt to use the best Android phones.
Additional contributions by Rudie Obias and Georgie Peru
1. Apple Watch Series 10
Best Overall Apple Watch
The best Apple Watch in 2025 is the Series 10, the most current model. It offers some of the biggest design changes we’ve seen in generations with a thinner, lighter build and more prominent display. The watch won’t protrude as much from your wrist and is more comfortable to wear. Even though the crisp and vibrant screen is only a millimeter larger, it improves both readability and interaction with the watch face.
Inside the Apple Watch Series 10 is the S10 SiP chip that delivers the same snappy performance as the Series 9. It’s adept at machine learning for using features like the double-tap gesture for easier one-handed control that was first seen on the Series 9 to quickly scroll notifications, opens apps, respond to messages, and more. Of course, that processor also powers the watch’s extensive tracking and sensors, including a GPS, heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, skin temperature sensor, fertility tracking, and crash detection. Unfortunately, due to an ongoing patent dispute, the blood oxygen sensor isn’t available in the U.S.
A new sleep apnea detection feature comes on the Series 10, bringing even more insight into your sleep habits, which can be shared with your doctor for a proper diagnosis. It’s FDA-approved and works on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 too. For divers and swimmers, the depth gauge and water temperature sensor additions are useful tools when out of the water. The microphone was also upgraded; voice isolation is better for clearer calls with less background noise.
Battery life remains unchanged from Series 9, lasting about 18 hours in standard mode and 36 hours in power-saving mode. Although it’s disappointing more juice can’t be squeezed from the watch, charging times have slightly improved. With a 30W USB-C brick, it should recharge up to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Of course, streaming music, podcasts, and more directly from the watch is possible. Investing in one of the best AirPods models makes the experience better. One of IGN's experts reviewed the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, giving the headphones high praise and an 8/10 rating.
2. Apple Watch SE
Best Budget Apple Watch
Looking for an Apple Watch on the cheap? Starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is a fantastic pick if you’re on a budget. Although its exterior design is a bit older, the SE’s interior is blazing-fast with Apple’s S8 SiP chipset, which is the same chipset as the Series 8. This means you’re going to get the same speed as the Series 8, but at a fraction of its price tag.
The wallet-friendly smartwatch also features GPS, fitness and sleep trackers, heart rate monitor, and more, making it one of the best budget fitness trackers overall. It even comes with crash and fall detection. However, it doesn’t come with ECG, cycle and fertility tracking, or a skin temperature sensor.
It comes in 40mm and 44mm watch face options (“always-on” displays are not available), while there are three aluminum case color options available: Silver, Midnight, and Starlight. Stainless steel and titanium materials are also not available. These are a bit thicker than the Series 10, but if you want a reliable smartwatch for less, and especially if you want one with a smaller 40mm face, this is the Apple Watch for you.
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Best Apple Watch for Adventurers, Athletes, and Runners
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is ready for adventurers and serious athletes with its aerospace-grade titanium and sapphire crystal display. It even comes with an extra physical “Action” button that’s customizable for additional control and a water resistance of up to 100m (about 328 feet) underwater.
The latest model of this rugged smartwatch comes with a speedy new processor, so it can power the brighter 3,000-nit display and take on features like double-tap gestures and precision finding for the iPhone 15 and 16 models. Of course, the Ultra 2 still offers GPS, skin temperature sensors, a heart rate monitor, ECG, and more for all the tracking you could want while maintaining the same 36-hour battery life. However, this model no longer comes with a blood oxygen sensor due to a patent dispute.
It only comes in one size, 49mm. And even though we didn't get a full revamp of the Ultra in 2024, a new case color, Black Titanium, was unveiled at Apple's iPhone 16 Event. You can choose from an assortment of band and loop colors and types, some of which happen to be carbon neutral. Be sure to check out our guide to the best Apple Ultra Watch bands for more options.
4. Apple Watch Hermès
Best Luxury Apple Watch
Want to splurge? The Apple Watch Hermès is the tech company’s most expensive smartwatch. Apple partnered with Hermès, a Paris-based design house, to deliver an Apple Watch that’s luxurious and chic for high-end and fashionable shoppers.
The watch itself is a 42mm or 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 with a stainless steel case, so you’re going to get the same features, functions, and usage as our best overall pick. But, Hermès makes the packaging, exclusive watch faces, and watch bands that are made from high quality rubber, stainless steel, or woven nylon cut and stitched by hand.
However, that kind of opulence does not come cheap. The Apple Watch Hermès starts at $1,249 and goes up in price from there depending on the size and band style chosen. It's certainly a status watch.
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Best Apple Watch Alternative
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the best Apple Watch alternative. Designed for Android users, this watch features a sleek, simple band with a sharp, circular, and responsive touch display, giving off more of a classic timepiece look. When you don’t want to tap away at the stunning AMOLED display, a gesture feature makes for easier one-handed control of watch features.
Just like all the top Android smartwatches, the Galaxy watch doubles as a fitness tracker with a wide range of advanced sensors, including skin temperature, ECG, and even blood oxygen saturation – something the Apple Watch Series 9 and up can’t offer in the US. New BioActive sensors improve accuracy. Samsung added sleep apnea detection, similar to the Series 10. Other AI health tools, including an Energy Score, can give serious insights into your health metrics. However, AI features only work with Samsung phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra we reviewed.
A new Exynos chip paired with Google’s Wear OS and Samsung One UI skin makes for a zippy, seamless experience. Support for a wide range of Android apps ensures you can do a whole lot with the device, like sending messages, answering calls, receiving app alerts, and making payments. It essentially can function like a tiny Android smartphone, especially if you opt for a model that supports cellular.
Battery life on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 remains unchanged from the last generation at about 24 hours, which still outlasts the Apple Watch SE and Series 10. Topping up the battery shouldn’t take long either, getting full recharge in about one hour.
Apple Watch FAQ
Which generation Apple Watch is the best?
The Apple Watch with the latest tech, advanced health tracking, and an always-on display is hands-down the Apple Watch Series 10. It has everything you need in a smartwatch and features Apple’s most powerful chip in an Apple Watch.
Can you use an Apple Watch with an Android phone?
Unfortunately, if you don't have an iPhone then you will be unable to activate an Apple Watch. The two platforms are incompatible together (by design), so you will need an iPhones to be able to use any of these Apple Watch models.
Are refurbished Apple Watches worth it?
Yes. If you’ll enjoy big savings over a new watch, consider a refurbished Apple Watch. These watches will look and work almost as good as new ones and often come with all the accessories. Occasionally, slight cosmetic defects may be visible, like a scratch or discoloration, but nothing that will hinder the smartwatch’s functionality. However, be sure you get it from a reputable dealer with a great warranty. Apple and Best Buy are two of the best options when it comes to buying a refurbished Apple Watch.
What's the difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?
Smartwatches and fitness trackers have a similar feature set, especially when it comes to health tracking. While there is some overlap, smartwatches tend to offer more functionality with the ability to download a range of apps, respond to messages and notifications, download music, and more. Some can even function as tiny smartphones when connected to a cellular network. Where fitness trackers pull ahead is in battery life and size, as the screens and functionality are usually more subdued.
Do all smartwatches support cellular service?
No, cellular service isn’t available on every smartwatch. However, all of Apple’s current watch models – the Series 10, SE, and Ultra 2 – have the option to offer cellular support. Models that come with mobile data will cost more to purchase, and there’s often a monthly fee associated incurred from your provider's plan. But if you opt for cellular, the Apple Watch will essentially act like a tiny smartphone.
