
Looking for the best Apple Watch in 2025? You’re in the right place. With Apple’s latest releases including the Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3, choosing the right Apple Watch can feel overwhelming. We’ve tested and reviewed the top 7 Apple Watch models available this September 2025 to help you find your perfect match.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, tech professional, or someone looking for their first smartwatch, this guide covers everything from the budget-friendly SE models to the premium Ultra series. Let’s dive into our comprehensive reviews and find your ideal Apple wearable.
Watch Model | Key Spec | Best For | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|
Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Up to 42 hours battery | Adventure & Extreme Sports | Amazon |
Apple Watch Series 11 | S10 Chip + Sleep Score | Health Monitoring | Amazon |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Up to 36 hours battery | Outdoor Activities | Amazon |
Apple Watch Series 10 | 30% larger screen | Premium Features | Amazon |
Apple Watch Series 9 | Double Tap gesture | Great Value | Amazon |
Apple Watch SE 3 | Temperature sensing | Budget-Friendly | Amazon |
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen | Crash Detection | Entry-Level | Amazon |
Selecting the perfect Apple Watch depends on your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. Here’s what you should consider:
Battery Life: The Ultra models offer the longest battery life (36-42 hours), while standard Series models provide 18-24 hours. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or frequent traveler, prioritize the Ultra series.
Health Features: Newer models include advanced health monitoring like ECG, blood oxygen, temperature sensing, and sleep apnea notifications. The Series 11 introduces hypertension notifications a game-changer for heart health monitoring.
Durability: Ultra models feature titanium cases and 100m water resistance, perfect for extreme activities. Standard models offer 50m water resistance, suitable for swimming and everyday use.
Display Technology: All current models feature Always-On Retina displays, but brightness varies. Ultra models reach 3000 nits for outdoor visibility, while SE models offer 1000 nits for everyday use.
Connectivity: Consider whether you need cellular connectivity for independence from your iPhone. GPS-only models work perfectly when paired with your phone.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 represents the pinnacle of Apple’s wearable technology in 2025. Built with a grade 5 titanium case and sapphire crystal display, this 49mm powerhouse is designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
What sets the Ultra 3 apart is its groundbreaking 42-hour battery life and built-in satellite communications for emergency situations. The S10 chip delivers lightning-fast performance, while the 3000-nit display remains readable even in direct sunlight. Advanced health tracking includes ECG, blood oxygen, and comprehensive fitness metrics for running, cycling, and hiking.
The precision dual-frequency GPS provides incredible accuracy for navigation and workout tracking. With 100m water resistance and dust resistance (IP6X), it’s built to withstand extreme conditions. The customizable Action button offers quick access to your most-used features, making it perfect for athletes who need instant functionality.
Who should buy this: Adventure athletes, outdoor professionals, and anyone who needs extended battery life with premium durability features.
Apple’s newest flagship brings revolutionary health features to your wrist. The Series 11 introduces hypertension notifications, helping users spot signs of chronic high blood pressure a first in consumer wearables.
The advanced Sleep Score feature provides detailed analysis of your sleep quality, while the S10 chip with Neural Engine enables faster health calculations and improved battery efficiency. The Always-On Retina display reaches 2000 nits, ensuring perfect visibility in all lighting conditions.
Health insights include ECG readings, blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep apnea notifications. The 64GB storage capacity handles plenty of music and apps, while the 50m water resistance makes it perfect for swimmers. Fast charging delivers a full day’s power in just 30 minutes.
With comprehensive fitness tracking and safety features like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS, the Series 11 strikes the perfect balance between health monitoring and everyday smartwatch functionality.
Who should buy this: Health-conscious users, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone wanting the latest Apple Watch technology with cutting-edge health features.
The Ultra 2 remains a powerhouse choice for outdoor enthusiasts, offering proven durability and extended battery performance. This 49mm titanium beast delivers up to 36 hours of normal use, extending to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Customer reviews consistently praise its exceptional build quality and bright 3000-nit display. One user notes: “The display is bright and clear, the battery life is way better than my old Apple Watch, and all the health tracking works perfectly.” The precision dual-frequency GPS provides accurate tracking for hiking, running, and cycling adventures.
Built to MIL-STD 810H standards with 100m water resistance, it handles extreme conditions effortlessly. The customizable Action button and advanced workout metrics make it invaluable for serious athletes. The S9 chip ensures smooth performance across all applications.
With a 4.7/5-star rating from over 2,500 reviews, users appreciate its durability, battery life, and comprehensive feature set, though some find the size too large for smaller wrists.
Who should buy this: Serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, and users who prioritize battery life and durability over the latest features.
The Series 10 represents Apple’s commitment to premium design and environmental responsibility. Featuring a thinner, lighter build with 30% more screen area, it offers the best display experience in Apple’s standard lineup.
The natural titanium case provides durability without the Ultra’s bulk, while the Always-On Retina display reaches 2000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. Advanced health features include ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, temperature sensing, and the new Vitals app for comprehensive health tracking.
Users consistently rate it 4.7/5 stars, praising its comfortable design and improved battery life. One reviewer notes: “The 10 is more comfortable, feels lighter and with my large wrists, seems better balanced. Battery life in comparison to my older 6 is phenomenal.”
The S10 chip delivers flagship performance, while cellular connectivity keeps you connected without your iPhone. IP6X dust resistance and 50m water resistance ensure everyday durability.
Who should buy this: Users wanting premium materials and design, those upgrading from older Apple Watches, and professionals who value style alongside functionality.
The Series 9 delivers flagship features at a more accessible price point. The innovative Double Tap gesture lets you control your watch without touching the screen perfect for busy moments when your other hand is occupied.
Powered by the S9 chip, it offers excellent performance with a bright 2000-nit Always-On display. Comprehensive health tracking includes ECG, temperature sensing for cycle tracking, and sleep stage monitoring. Safety features like Fall Detection and Crash Detection provide peace of mind.
With over 9,300 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, users love its functionality and value. One reviewer states: “The screen is bright and functions as good as a flagship item should. It charges very very fast and the battery last over a day.”
The 64GB storage handles plenty of apps and music, while fast charging delivers quick power-ups. At $325.80, it offers premium Apple Watch features without the flagship price tag.
Who should buy this: Budget-conscious users wanting flagship features, first-time Apple Watch buyers, and those upgrading from much older models.
The SE 3 brings many Series 11 features to a budget-friendly package. Despite its $249 price point, it includes the powerful S10 chip, temperature sensing, and advanced sleep monitoring with sleep apnea notifications.
The Always-On Retina display reaches 1000 nits perfectly adequate for daily use. Health features include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection. The 64GB storage capacity matches more expensive models.
With 50m water resistance, it’s suitable for swimming and water sports. The 18-hour battery life with fast charging ensures all-day use with quick power-ups. GPS tracking provides accurate workout and location data.
While reviews aren’t available yet (releasing September 19, 2025), the feature set suggests excellent value for users who don’t need ECG or blood oxygen monitoring but want modern Apple Watch capabilities.
Who should buy this: Budget-conscious users, students, seniors who want essential smartwatch features, and first-time Apple Watch buyers.
The SE 2nd Gen proves you don’t need flagship features for a great Apple Watch experience. At just $219, it offers essential smartwatch functionality with reliable performance and safety features.
Powered by the S8 chip, it delivers smooth operation for apps, notifications, and fitness tracking. The Retina display reaches 1000 nits for good outdoor visibility, though it lacks Always-On functionality. Essential health features include heart rate monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, and comprehensive fitness tracking.
With 4.6 stars from over 13,700 reviews, users appreciate its value and reliability. One reviewer notes: “Great value for the price. Easy to set up and use. Seamless connectivity with iPhone.” The main compromise is daily charging, but fast charging makes this manageable.
Safety features include Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. The 32GB storage handles essential apps, while 50m water resistance enables swimming and water activities.
Who should buy this: First-time smartwatch users, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone wanting reliable Apple Watch functionality without premium features.
Feature | Ultra 3 | Series 11 | Ultra 2 | Series 10 | Series 9 | SE 3 | SE 2nd Gen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Case Size | 49mm | 42mm | 49mm | 42mm | 45mm | 40mm | 44mm |
Case Material | Grade 5 Titanium | Aluminum | Titanium | Titanium | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display Brightness | 3000 nits | 2000 nits | 3000 nits | 2000 nits | 2000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits |
Processor | S10 | S10 | S9 | S10 | S9 | S10 | S8 |
Storage | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB | 32GB |
Battery Life | Up to 42 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 36 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
Water Resistance | 100m | 50m | 100m | 50m | 50m | 50m | 50m |
GPS | Dual-frequency | Yes | Dual-frequency | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ECG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Blood Oxygen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited* | Yes | No | No |
Temperature Sensing | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Action Button | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Always-On Display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the best choice for serious fitness enthusiasts. Its 42-hour battery life, precision dual-frequency GPS, and comprehensive workout tracking make it ideal for long training sessions and outdoor adventures. The rugged titanium construction and 100m water resistance handle any activity.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the longest battery life with up to 42 hours of normal use. The Ultra 2 provides up to 36 hours, while standard models offer 18-24 hours. Both Ultra models can extend to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Yes, if you prioritize health monitoring. The Series 11 introduces hypertension notifications, improved Sleep Score tracking, and the latest S10 chip. However, if you have a Series 9 or 10, the upgrades may not justify the cost unless you specifically need the new health features.
GPS models require your iPhone nearby for calls, texts, and data. GPS + Cellular models work independently, letting you make calls, send messages, and stream music without your phone. Cellular models cost about $100 more and require a monthly carrier plan.
Yes, all current Apple Watch models offer at least 50m water resistance, suitable for swimming and water sports. Ultra models provide 100m water resistance for more demanding water activities. However, they’re not suitable for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports.
The Apple Watch SE 3 or Series 11 are excellent for seniors. Both offer Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and comprehensive health monitoring. The SE 3 provides great value, while the Series 11 adds advanced health features like hypertension monitoring that may be particularly valuable for older adults.
Apple Watch health sensors are highly accurate for consumer devices. The ECG app is FDA-cleared, and heart rate monitoring is within 5% of chest strap monitors during steady-state activities. However, they’re not medical devices and shouldn’t replace professional medical care.
Apple typically releases new Apple Watches in September. The 2025 lineup just launched, so these models will remain current through 2026. If you need a watch now, current models offer excellent value and features.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) at $219 offers the best value under $300. It includes essential smartwatch features, safety monitoring, and fitness tracking. The Apple Watch SE 3 at $249 adds temperature sensing and the latest S10 chip.
Yes, Apple Watch requires an iPhone for setup and many features. While cellular models can work independently for calls and messages, they still need periodic iPhone connection for software updates, app installation, and full functionality.
Apple Watches typically receive software updates for 5-7 years. Physical longevity varies, but most users report 3-5 years of reliable use before battery degradation or desire for newer features prompts an upgrade. The Ultra models may last longer due to their robust construction.
Yes, newer Apple Watch models including the Series 11, Series 10, and SE 3 can detect signs of sleep apnea. This feature uses advanced sensors to monitor breathing patterns during sleep, though it’s not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis.
The Series 11 perfectly balances price, features, and innovation. Its hypertension monitoring, comprehensive health tracking, and S10 chip performance make it the ideal choice for most users wanting the latest Apple Watch technology.
With 42-hour battery life, satellite communications, and rugged titanium construction, the Ultra 3 is unmatched for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who demand the most capable Apple Watch available.
At $219, the SE 2nd Gen delivers essential Apple Watch functionality with reliable performance. It’s perfect for first-time buyers or anyone wanting Apple Watch benefits without flagship pricing.
Proven performance with precision dual-frequency GPS, 36-hour battery life, and comprehensive running metrics. The Ultra 2 offers flagship durability at a slight discount from the Ultra 3.
Choosing the best Apple Watch in 2025 depends on your priorities: health monitoring (Series 11), adventure sports (Ultra 3), or value (SE 2nd Gen). All models integrate seamlessly with iPhone and offer the polished Apple Watch experience that makes them the world’s leading smartwatch platform.