An Apple Watch isn't just an accessory or an excuse for a second screen. After more than a year of testing Apple Watches, I've found them to be helpful sleep trackers, convenient timers in the kitchen, phone-free communication tools, as well as exercise motivators and mid-workout monitors.
The Apple Watch started out as a fitness tracker and evolved into an essential companion for iPhone users. Apple's smartwatches have an arsenal of convenient capabilities, like housing your boarding pass for a flight, identifying songs, opening your garage door, and providing weather alerts. These watches are also expansive health monitoring systems with FDA-cleared features that can check your heart rate, notify you of hypertension, or detect sleep apnea.
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My pick for the best Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Series 11, the platonic ideal of an Apple Watch. It's got almost every feature the luxurious and rugged $700 Ultra 3 does but for a more approachable price. It's the first Series Apple Watch with a 24-hour battery life. It also adds an FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection to Apple's slate of health tracking features.
Also: The best iPhones of 2026: Which model should you buy?
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What we like: Apple unveiled three new smartwatches last year: the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. The Series 11 costs $399 and is the Apple Watch most people should buy. This device's price sits in the middle between the $250 SE 3 and the $800 Ultra 3.
The Series 11 offers all the health-tracking capabilities of the Ultra 3 and a longer battery life than the SE 3. This makes it the best choice out of the three for health-conscious users looking to wear their smartwatch around the clock.
Apple adds 5G to Series 11 for efficient connectivity, Ion-X glass for durability -- twice that of the Series 10, and a wrist-flicking gesture to dismiss messages or calls.
Coming from the Series 10's 18-hour battery life, the Series 11 gains six more hours. That's 24 hours of heart rate tracking, phone-free notification delivery, and uninterrupted sleep monitoring. Speaking of sleep monitoring, the WatchOS 26 software update brings the long-awaited sleep scores to Apple Watches, so people can more easily see if they got a good or poor night of rest.
The Series 11 also receives a major health feature upgrade, FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection, which can monitor and detect high blood pressure over 30 days. The feature doesn't provide by-the-minute readings on blood pressure. Instead, it uses Apple's PPG heart sensor to take a 30-day average reading that its algorithm determines is either above or below the hypertension threshold. This is another feature the more affordable SE 3 lacks.
Also: I tested the Apple Watch Series 11. Here's who should buy it
Who should buy it: I recommend the Series 11 to people who have already used an Apple smartwatch before and want to upgrade battery and health features. This is the watch to buy if you want to track your sleep, avoid constant charging, a full scope of health tracking features.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want the Hypertension Detection feature but don't need a 24-hour battery capacity, I suggest buying the Series 10 instead, which has dropped in price.
If you want a more affordable smartwatch for activity and sleep tracking, I recommend the SE 3. Alternatively, if you want to splurge on a bigger screen display and the full suite of Apple Watch's best features, I recommend the $800 Ultra 3. It comes with standalone satellite communication, all the health tracking features, and a 42-hour battery life.
Apple Watch Series 11 tech specs: Display size: 42mm or 46mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 24 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Sensors: Optical and electric heart sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, blood oxygen, gyroscope, water temperature sensor | Price: $398
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Why we like it: At $800, Apple's feature-rich smartwatch might be the toughest argument to make for consumers. Still, outdoor enthusiasts, Apple Watch obsessives, and activity-tracking devotees buy the smartwatch in spite of its high price tag because the Ultra 3 has a lot to offer.
The two most important features that separate the Ultra 3 from its siblings are its 42-hour battery life and wide, vivid display. The Ultra 3 feels more like a mini phone with a responsive, wide screen area. It's also the brightest watch out of the lineup, at 3,000 nits. There's less finagling with or fumbling with buttons on the Ultra 3 because of the screen size.
Apple adds Emergency SOS via Satellite to the Ultra 3 for outdoor explorers looking to leave their phone at home but stay connected if disaster strikes. Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores are also available on the Ultra 3.
The Ultra 3 also comes with an Action Button, unique to the Ultra lineup. Initiate a workout or turn on the watch's flashlight with the touch of a button.
Who should buy it: I recommend this watch, first and foremost, to people with large wrists. The display is massive and takes up lots of real estate on a small arm. I'd also recommend the Ultra 3 to those who constantly use their smartwatch and need reliability -- whether that's with a multi-day battery life, every health and safety feature under the sun, and a durable, large screen. Outdoor hikers and explorers will get the most out of the emergency connectivity features.
Who should look elsewhere: The Ultra 2 gets the same WatchOS 26 updates that include Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores. If you don't need Emergency SOS via Satellite communication or a lengthy battery life, you could probably grab a nice deal on the earlier Ultra model instead.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 tech specs: Display size: 49mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 24 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Sensors: Electrical heart sensor, third-generation optical heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor, compass, altimeter, gyroscope, ambient light sensor | Price: $700
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Why we like it: Unlike the $400 Series 11 or $800 Ultra 3, the Apple Watch SE 3 offers just enough of what a casual smartwatch user wants. You'll get activity and sleep tracking, but not the detailed ECG or Hypertension Detection. The SE 3 is the first SE watch that comes with an Always-On display, a helpful feature for quickly glancing to check the time. The screen is a bit smaller and dimmer than its siblings, and texting on it can be annoying.
Apple adds Sleep Scores, 18 hours of battery life, and wrist temperature sensing to the smartwatch. The SE 3 also includes the same S10 chip that's on the Series 10 and 11 and Ultra 3.
Who it's for: The SE 3 is a great choice for first-time smartwatch users who don't want to break the bank.
Who should look elsewhere: This SE 3 is nearly a carbon copy of the Series 10, which gets Hypertension Detection through the WatchOS 26 update. It's got the same chip and the same battery life as the Series 10, but the Series 10 has a larger display, Hypertension Detection, and a brighter screen.
Apple Watch Series 10 tech specs: Display size: 40 or 44mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Sensors: Second-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, high dynamic range gyroscope, ambient light sensor | Price: $238 (used)
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Why we like it: The Series 10 is one of the best Apple Watches you can buy with many of the same features as the newer lineup. The only difference between the 2025 Series 11 and the 2024 Series 10 is battery life and durability. The Series 11 lasts for six extra hours and is twice as durable as the Series 10. But if that doesn't matter to you and you want all the same features of the Series 11 in a cheaper watch, I seriously recommend the Series 10.
Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?
Who should buy it: If you want the latest health sensors and safety features, and average battery life without the Ultra 3's more granular aspects, the aluminum model of the Apple Watch Series 10 is cheaper. I advise you skip the tougher titanium finish on the Series 10 that starts at $699 and go for the Ultra at only $100 more. It which offers lots of extra features. If you have a smaller wrist, I suggest sticking with the Series 10.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want your smartwatch to last around the clock, I recommend the Series 11 for its longer battery life of 24 hours.
Apple Watch Series 10 tech specs: Display size: 42mm or 46mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capacity: 64GB | Sensors: Electrical heart sensor, optical heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, compass, always‑on altimeter, high‑g accelerometer, high dynamic range gyroscope, ambient light sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor | Price: $299
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Having trouble deciding between Apple Watch models? Here's a quick summary of the primary reason to buy each one.
| Choose this Apple Watch... | If you want... |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | The platonic ideal of an Apple Watch with a 24-hour battery life, Hypertension Detection, and a more durable display. Use it to track sleep, record workouts, send messages, set timers, accept calls, and more. |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | The rugged Apple Watch with the largest screen, a 42-hour battery life, an Action Button unique to this model, Emergency SOS via satellite connectivity, and the most durable design of the lineup. |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | An affordable smartwatch built for newcomers and first-time buyers. It's got enough exercise and sleep tracking features to keep a newbie satisfied, plus an affordable price point. |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | A near carbon copy of the Series 11, save for the 24-hour battery life. Thanks to recent software updates the Series 10 gets nearly every feature the Series 11 has. Plus, it has the same design and chipset. |
While all the Apple Watches on this list have a slew of health-tracking features and other useful apps, their differences are what you need to consider before buying one, including:
All of the Apple Watches included in this list were chosen based on how they performed when tested in the real world by the ZDNET team. When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive smartwatch testing methodology.
Apple has not released new Apple Watches since the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 last September. We're expecting to see at least one new Apple Watch at this September's iPhone event, with early rumors suggesting it will be the Apple Watch Series 12, potentially with new health features like on-the-spot blood pressure readings.
Yes, you need an iPhone to set up an Apple Watch. However, with all the models on this list, you can use the Family Setup option. This allows one iPhone to set up watches for multiple members in your Apple family group, even if they don't have an iPhone. But to reiterate, you cannot use an iPad, a Mac, or a non-Apple smartphone to set up an Apple Watch.
Apple Watches track your steps and fitness data, display notifications from your iPhone, show basic information like weather, start timers, send and receive text messages, answer phone calls, and run compatible apps. The latest versions have additional features including sleep tracking, advanced health monitoring, car crash detection, and international emergency calling.
Apple recently introduced several updates to the Apple Watch with the new WatchOS 26 software. These include a Workout Buddy feature through the Fitness app to guide you through workouts including stats and encouragements as you run, cycle, or strength train.
The Apple Watch's Smart Stack is getting smarter, with the algorithm including more contextual data like sensor and routine data, to hint at certain apps or functionalities. For example, Smart Stack can send a hint to open the Pilates workout in Fitness when it senses your arrival at the Pilates studio.
A new hand gesture is arriving to the smartwatch as well. When a wearer receives a message or call they aren't ready to answer, Wrist Flick will dismiss notifications and calls, or silence pings.
Additionally, Sleep Scores and Hypertension Detection arrive on several smartwatches. This includes Series 9 and later and Ultra 2 and later. Hypertension Detection skips the SE lineup.
Also: The features and apps coming to Apple WatchOS 26 I'm most excited about
Yes, many older Apple Watch are available to buy refurbished at places like BackMarket and are still some of the best smartwatches on the market. One older smartwatch I highly recommend is the Series 10, because it has every feature in the new Apple Watch Series 11 minus the longer battery life. If you're fine with that compromise, it's a great buy right now. The Series 9 also receives the WatchOS 26 software updates, but it's a thicker smartwatch than the Series 10. I'd recommend it less for comfort and sleep-tracking purposes.
The most important features to look for in the best Apple Watch models include advanced health sensors like ECG, blood oxygen, and wrist temperature. Also examine connectivity options like whether cellular is included or if you want the watch to work when an iPhone isn't nearby. Also consider battery life and durability with water resistance, dust resistance, and a crystal face to resist cracking.
The best Apple Watch for fitness tracking is the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Both come equipped with the widest variety of health sensors, including ECG, sleep tracking, heart and breathing functions, wrist temperature, and more.
If you're someone who spends time hiking or other outdoor activities in rugged conditions temperatures, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 may be worth the extra cost. Its design makes it more durable and water-resistant -- up to 100m -- than the other Apple Watch models. It also includes an Action Button for fine-tuning workouts and hikes.
It's not made specifically with kids in mind, but the Apple Watch SE is an excellent smartwatch for older kids with standout features plus parental controls. Along with enabling phone calls and text messages, the Apple Watch SE also tracks your child's sleep, has state-of-the-art health monitors, features an SOS capability, and pairs with thousands of apps.
Also: The best smartwatches for kids
In addition, you can use Apple's Family Setup to check your kid's location, set up shared contacts, and implement parental controls like screen time usage. Your child doesn't even need their own iPhone to have an Apple Watch. They can pair it up with yours, so you're fully in control.
You cannot use an Android phone to set up and pair with an Apple Watch, and there are no good workarounds. However, if you have an Android phone, there are several smartwatches you can choose from that offer most of the same features as an Apple Watch. The ones below are smartwatches that ZDNET has reviewed and rated well in our testing.
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
The Series 9 is still a convenient buy. It gets all the WatchOS 26 updates, including Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores, but includes an 18-hour battery life instead of the Series 11's 24 hours. If you want a great deal, keep an eye out for discounts on Black Friday.
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While the new Ultra 3 receives Emergency SOS via Satellite Communications, great for outdoor adventurers, the other updates to the Ultra 3 are available on the Ultra 2.
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For more, check out the best Android smartwatches, our favorite smartwatches of the year, and the best smartwatches to track your blood pressure.
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