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Which Apple Watch Is Right for You? (All Models Compared)

Apple sells a trio of Apple Watch models. We break down the key differences between the Ultra 2, Series 10 and SE.

Apple Watch comparison: Series 9 vs Ultra 2 in blackPhoto by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

By Tucker Bowe

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Editor’s Note: Most Apple Watch models, including the new Apple Watch Series 10 (our pick for the best overall Apple Watch), are currently discounted at Amazon and other third-party sellers ahead of Black Friday.

Apple currently sells three Apple Watch models: the Series 10, Ultra 2 and second-generation SE.

If you have an older Apple Watch and find yourself wondering whether or not you should upgrade, or you’re simply thinking about buying your first Apple Watch, we’ll highlight the key differences among all the models still capable of running the latest watchOS — that is, every Apple Watch since the Series 6 (2020).

Apple Watch comparison: Ultra 2 (in black), Series 10 and SE 2
Apple currently sells three Apple Watch models: Ultra 2, Series 10 and SE (pictured, left to right).
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

The truth is that most Apple Watches released in the past five years aren’t that different — the exceptions being the super-rugged Ultra and Ultra 2. They all run the same watchOS, look and work similarly and have the same 18-hour “all day” battery life.

Choosing among the different models is ultimately going to come down to the newer design, an always-on display, some exclusive wellness features and how much you’re willing to pay.

Learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products.

The Best Apple Watch for Most People

apple watchApple

Apple Watch Series 10

Specs

Size 42mm or 46mm
Processor S10 SiP
Battery Life up to 18 hours

Pros

  • 46mm size is the biggest display in a non-Ultra Apple Watch
  • It can charge faster than all other Apple Watches
  • Always-on display
  • More health and wellness features as the SE
  • Substantially more affordable than the Ultra 2

Cons

  • Despite the slightly bigger display and thinner body, it has a similar look and feel as previous models
  • Doesn't have a game-changer new feature compared to the Series 9
  • $150 more expensive than the SE

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the most significant design update that Apple has made to its Series line in years. Compared to the Series 9, the Series 10 has a bigger display (wider with thinner bezels) that’s also a wide-angle OLED, so it looks brighter (by about 40%) when viewed from an angle. The always-on display has a faster refresh rate, too, which enables you to see a ticking seconds hand on some watch faces.

Despite being bigger — it’s the first Series model to be available in a 46mm size, making its display roughly the same size as the Ultra — the Series 10 is noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessors. It’s also available in titanium, although most people will opt for the more affordable aluminum.

Apple Watch comparison: Series 9 vs Series 10
The 45mm Series 9 (left) and the 46mm Series 10 (right).
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Regarding features, the Series 10 is quite similar to its predecessor. It has new water temperature and depth sensors (for water activities) and an improved speaker that can even play music. Most significantly, its metal back has a larger charging coil that supports even faster charging.

Should you buy? Unless you desperately want the bigger display, the Series 10 doesn’t feel like a must-buy for Series 9 owners. But if your current smartwatch is older than that, or you don’t own a smartwatch at all, the Series 10 is the obvious choice.

The Best Apple Watch Money Can Buy

Apple Watch Ultra 2 in blackApple

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Specs

Size 49mm
Processor S9 SiP
Battery Life Up to 36 hours

Pros

  • The biggest, brightest display of any Apple Watch
  • Action button is a key addition
  • Exclusive features for runners
  • Most capable and feature-packed Apple Watch ever
  • Now available in a black finish

Cons

  • Significantly more expensive than the Series 10
  • Will be too big for some people
  • Newer models lack blood oxygen feature

Apple introduced the Ultra series in 2022 and introduced the Ultra 2 in 2023. As of 2024, the Ultra 2 comes in two finishes: “Natural” and black.

In short, it’s the biggest, brightest, most rugged, most capable, longest-lasting and most expensive Apple Watch that Apple has ever released.

Apple Watch comparison: Ultra 2 vs Ultra 2 in black
New for 2024, the Apple Ultra 2 is available in black finish.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

The Ultra 2 is a smartwatch that has been specifically designed for extreme athletes and adventurers — including recreational scuba divers — but it’s also an option for people who want the best smartwatch that Apple has to offer. (Or if they want a really big display.)

Should you buy? The Ultra 2 is Apple’s best and biggest smartwatch. It’s also its most expensive, so you should really make sure you’re going to use the extra features; otherwise it might be worth it just to go with the Series 9. If you bought the Ultra last year, it’s tough to justify upgrading to the Ultra 2 as the two are so similar.

Read our review of the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The Best Apple Watch if You’re on a Budget

Apple Watch SE 2Apple

Apple Watch SE (2022)

Specs

Size 40mm or 44mm
Processor S8
Battery Life Up to 18 hours

Pros

  • Similar look and feel as the Series 9 and Series 10, (albeit smaller)
  • Shares a lot of the same features as the Series 9 and Series 10
  • The most affordable Apple Watch that Apple sells

Cons

  • No always-on display
  • Same look and feel as first SE
  • Lacks some health and wellness features
  • Not as fast as newer Apple Watches with S10 chip
  • Hasn't been updated in a few years

The second-generation Apple Watch SE, released in 2022, is very similar to its 2020 predecessor. They have the same look, feel and many similar features, including heart-rate tracking, GPS and 18 hours of battery life.

The main difference between the current Apple Watch SE and its predecessor, other than having a newer processor and being available in additional colors, is that Apple lowered the price. It now starts at $249 instead of $279.

That makes it a great value buy for those brand-new to the Apple Watch or users who don’t need every little bell and whistle.

As for the made tradeoffs compared to the Series 10 and Ultra 2, the SE lacks the always-on display and many of the health and wellness features, such as cycle and sleep tracking..

Should you buy? Yes, if you’re on a budget or just want a simplified Apple Watch experience. It’s a great entry-level smartwatch and the best value Apple Watch you can buy.

Should you buy older Apple Watch models?

Apple no longer sells any of the below Apple Watch models. It does, however, sell refurbished models of some of them, and you can find others deeply discounted from third-party sellers like Amazon or Best Buy.

apple watch worn on wrist
The Apple Watch Series 8 (left) and Series 9 (right). Apple no longer sells either.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

That said, even though you can easily find deals on older Apple Watch models, it’s rarely worth it considering you’re getting an older, slower and dated smartwatch.

Plus, with the second-generation SE, you can get a new-age Apple Watch for as less than $200 (when it is on sale).

It’s worth noting that Apple has stopped supporting the Apple Watch Series 5, as well as every model that came before it, and they will not receive the latest watchOS updates. You should not buy them.

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Loop Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Carbon NeutralApple

Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)

The Series 9 is very similar to its predecessor, the Series 8 (which, in turn, was very similar to the Series 7). It has the same look and feel, the same display, same battery life and costs the same amount.

The main difference, other than a newer and faster processor, is that the Series 9 has a Precision Finder feature to help you find your iPhone (although it only works with iPhone 15 or later models), a much brighter display and a new “double tap” feature that enables limited one-handed operation.

Should you buy? Probably not. It’s too similar to the new Series 10, which has a bigger and better display, as well as faster charging capabilities.

apple watchApple

Apple Watch Ultra (2022)

The first generation Ultra is almost identical to the Ultra 2 in every way, but it lacks some newer features like double tap gesture controls, Precision Finding and on-device Siri processing. Its display also doesn’t get as bright.

Should you buy? If you can get a really good deal, the Ultra is an excellent smartwatch and still worth it. However, if the deal isn’t incredible, it’s probably worth just going with the Ultra 2 instead.

apple watchApple

Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)

Admittedly, a lot of the Series 8’s thunder was stolen by the Apple Watch Ultra — the two were announced together. But the Series 8 was also nearly identical to the Series 7, with the most notable upgrade under the hood: it added a body temperature sensor.

Should you buy? Not anymore, it’s too old, so you’d have to get an incredibly good deal.

Apple Watch Series 7Apple

Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)

When it was released in fall 2021, the Series 7 was a big deal because of its significantly larger display — it was 20-percent bigger display than the Series 6 with slimmer bezels. Additionally, it could charge 33 percent faster.

Should you buy? No, it’s too old. Just go with the Series 10 (or even the Series 9 if you get a good deal).

The Series 6 was new in 2020. It has always-on display, a blood oxygen sensor and an altimeter. It also has a newer processor and slightly brighter display.

If you’re debating between the Series 6 and the SE, it mostly will come down to how much you want the always-on display. Apple doesn’t sell the Series 6 anymore, but you can find it discounted on third-party sites like Amazon or Best Buy.

Should you buy? No. The Series 6 lacks a lot of features of newer models.

The SE was announced alongside the Series 6 — and the two are very similar. Both have the same display size, most of the same sensors (including the gyroscope, compass, fall detection and an always-on altimeter) and the same battery life.

The difference is that the SE lacks the always-on display and two sensors that measure wellness. It lacks an electrical heart sensor and is thus not capable of taking an ECG (but it does have an optical heart sensor, similar to the one found in the Series 3, so it’s still able to record your heart rate). It also lacks a blood oxygen sensor, which can help identify asthma and various heart conditions.

Should you buy? No. Apple has stopped supporting this model and it won’t recent the latest watchOS updates.

The big thing when the Series 5 was announced was that it was the first Apple Watch with an always-on display. That’s not as big of a deal anymore, however, as the newer models also have an always-on display — and it’s nicer. The SE has electrical and optical heart rate sensors and is capable of taking an ECG, but lacks the blood oxygen sensor of newer models.

Should you buy? No. Apple has stopped supporting this model and it won’t recent the latest watchOS updates.

The Series 4 was the first Apple Watch to get a substantial redesign — with a larger display and slimmed down bezels — and it looks identical to the Series 5, SE and Series 6 that followed it. Like the Series 5, the Series 4 has been antiquated for a few years and the deals mostly aren’t great enough to justify getting such an old smartwatch.

Should you buy? No. Apple has stopped supporting this model and it won’t recent the latest watchOS updates.

Apple stopped selling the Series 3 in fall 2022. The now seven-year-old smartwatch has a dated design that feels really old. It has a built-in GPS and an optical heart sensor so it’s decent for fitness tracking, but lacks an always-on altimeter or built-in compass, so it’s probably not as great of hikers and outdoors enthusiasts.

Should you buy? No. Apple has stopped supporting this model and it won’t recent the latest watchOS updates.

What the deal with the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor?

apple watch ban
As of January 2024, Apple no longer sells an Apple Watch that supports the blood oxygen feature.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Apple no longer sells an Apple Watch with the blood oxygen feature.

Back at the tail-end of 2023 and into 2024, there was a lot of Apple Watch drama that revolved around a patent dispute between Apple and the medical tech company Masimo. It had to do with the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen (or SpO2) sensor.

Ultimately the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple had infringed on Masimo’s patents. As of January 2024, Apple started selling modified versions of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US without the blood oxygen feature.

If you were an earlier buyer of the Series 9 or Ultra 2 — or if you had a Series 6, Series 7, Series 8 or original Ultra — you’ve still been able to take advantage of the blood oxygen feature.

If you’re buying a Series 9 or Ultra 2 from a third-party site (other than Apple), you can check its model or part number to determine if it’s modified or not.

Apple-Watch-Modified
When shopping for an Apple Watch on Amazon, you can scroll down to its “Item model number” to check if it’s a modified version or not. The “LW/A” indicates that this is a modified version and it lacks the blood oxygen feature.
Amazon

If the Apple Watch’s part number ends in LL/A, then it’s not modified. If it ends in LW/A, then it’s modified. Basically, the “W” indicates that it’s a newer and modified Apple Watch. (You can check out Apple’s support page for more information.)

The most recent Series 10 and Ultra 2 that Apple sells don’t support the blood oxygen feature.

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