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If you have bought one of the great iPhones, there's no better smartwatch than the Apple Watch. Other manufacturers simply can’t offer the same level of deep integration that the Cupertino firm provides. Even outside of the Apple Watch, decent smartwatch options are very limited, and Apple arguably occupies the top spot for wearables. But which of the available models is best for you? Now that’ll require some explaining.
Best for Most Users: Apple Watch Series 8
Right now, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the best model available for most users. It offers all of the latest consumer technologies while missing out on some Ultra exclusives -- which mostly extreme athletes would need. When compared to the Series 7, this model doesn't introduce plenty of exciting additions. Most notably, it now has a body temperature monitor and supports the car crash detection feature. This watch retains the same screen sizes as its predecessor -- 41mm and 45mm.
Speaking of the screen, it also supports the Always-On Display (AOD) feature, allowing users to glance at relevant information, even when their wrists are down. Obviously, enabling this feature consumes more battery power. However, many users -- including me -- can justify this compromise. This Apple Watch already can last a full day on a single charge. Having the time, complications, and notifications displayed at all times makes sense. After all, this is a watch. We shouldn't need a few milliseconds for the screen to light up every time we need to check it. Ultimately, this offering is optional and customizable. So you can hide certain data when in AOD mode or completely disable the feature.
Another highlight of the smartwatch is its durability. The smartwatch has a thick and strong front crystal, IP6X certification for dust resistance, and swim-proof WR50 water resistance. All the health and fitness features you expect — heart-rate tracking and blood oxygen monitoring to activity tracking across workouts — are also available in the smartwatch. That's not to mention the new retrospective ovulation estimates.
A lot of what Series 8 can do is possible with the Watch SE 2, which is our limited-budget pick. However, you don’t get an Always-On Display, blood oxygen monitoring support, and ECG hardware. In terms of speed, both watches include the S8 SoC. Though, the Series 8 supports faster charging speeds that remain missing on the SE 2. The $399 Apple Watch Series 8 truly is the best model for most users. Though, if you find a new, heavily-discounted Series 7, it might be a better choice for you. If the new ovulation estimates are irrelevant to you and you tend to commute through public transportation, then the Series 8 isn't worth the higher cost. The experience would be almost identical on both watches. It's true that 2022's model supports Bluetooth 5.3. However, you likely won't be able to tell the difference either.
Apple Watch Series 8
This model supports all of the features most users expect to see on an Apple Watch. These include AOD, crash detection, ECG, activity tracking and more.
Best for Extreme Athletes: Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is a first-gen product, and it's the best model for extreme athletes. This watch comes with a rugged, titanium build that makes it the most durable model so far. It includes plenty of exclusive features in both the hardware and software departments. These offerings are designed to cater to those who find the Series 8 too lacking and too fragile. So, let's unpack.
Starting with the hardware, the Apple Watch Ultra includes a customizable Action button. This allows users to access a shortcut of their choice. The shortcut could be an action, app, etc. It additionally includes a Siren that can be heard from around 600ft away. So if you ever get lost or stranded somewhere, it'll help grab the attention of people passing by. We certainly hope you never need to use this feature, but having it could give adventurers some peace of mind. Going diving? This watch can read the water temperature, and it can act as a depth gauge. These features make it an excellent companion for divers and help them depend less on other separate equipment.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a flat 49mm screen -- rather than a rounded one. It supports up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making it easy to use in sunny, outdoor environments. Similarly, at night, users get to use a dedicated mode to make the text more legible. It really is the best model for those who go on wild journeys. If you're wondering why it has a flat-screen, that's not purely cosmetic reasons. Some people might find the rounded display of the Series 8 more modern-looking. However, the flat screen can help dodge potential damage if you accidentally slam the watch against a hard object. It certainly improves its durability. In fact, some YouTubers smashed through their tables before damaging the Apple Watch Ultra with a hammer.
As you'd expect, this $799 watch also supports the features included in the Series 8. So you get ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, crash detection, etc. As part of its exclusives, users get to choose between three new bands. These bands are designed for different types of sports and offer unique characteristics accordingly. So if you practice a particular kind of extreme sport, read about each of the bands to pick the one that best matches your workout environment.
Apple Watch Ultra
The Ultra model craters to extreme athletes who are looking for a rugged Apple Watch and exclusive features that cater to their adventures above and below sea level.
Best for Limited Budgets: Apple Watch SE 2
If you're on a limited budget but also want to enjoy watchOS, you have a choice. The $249 Apple Watch SE 2 is the best model available for those who don't want to spend a fortune on a wearable. Released along with the Series 8 and Ultra, this model packs most of the watchOS features you know and love. While it lacks some tempting features like AOD, it offers the same Apple Watch experience -- for the most part, at least.
For starters, all of the fundamental sensors and offerings are included. So you get to track your activity, use Apple Pay, text/call people, etc. You even get the S8 processor included in the Series 8. The biggest differences between the SE 2 and Series 8 include the screen size options, AOD support, and some additional health-related features.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is available in two sizes -- 40mm and 44mm. It has thicker bezels and lacks AOD support -- so the screen only lights up when you trigger it. The triggers include a wrist tilt, a screen tap, and more. Additionally, this watch misses out on the body temperature monitor, ECG, and blood oxygen monitor. While many users don't particularly need these sensors, a certain category of customers do.
So if you have worries or health conditions revolving around a certain missing sensor, you might want to refrain from buying the Apple Watch SE. Otherwise, you can take advantage of the car crash and fall detection features. You also get to receive heart-related health alerts and track your sleep. The heart-related notifications include high rates, low rates, and potential Atrial Fibrillation. Note that none of the Apple Watch models the company has released so far can detect heart attacks. So if you have relevant suspicions, contact emergency services.
If you don't care about the thicker bezels, smaller screen, lack of AOD, and the aforementioned health sensors' absence, then this watch is the best model to go for. Even if you're not on a limited budget, if the listed perks aren't of interest to you, you can safely buy the SE 2 and enjoy most of what this wearable category has to offer.
Apple Watch SE 2
The SE 2 model misses out on some inessential features, such as AOD, fast charging, and ECG. It's the perfect model for those on a limited budget.
If you're unsatisfied with all three options, you could see if the Apple Watch Series 7 better suits your needs. It's similar to the Series 8, but it lacks some of the recent additions. So you miss out on the body temperature monitor, car crash detection, Bluetooth 5.3, and more. It currently costs $399 -- which matches the Series 8 price tag. So only go for the Series 7 if it's discounted notably. Otherwise, we wouldn't consider it a smart purchase.
apple watch series 7
The Series 7 costs as much as the Series 8. Only buy it if it's notably discounted and you find the SE 2 too lacking in terms of included offerings.
Hopefully, this has helped you figure out the best watch model for you. Meanwhile, since you’re buying one of these smartwatches, don’t forget to check out our picks for the best Apple Watch bands on the market. Lastly, we’ve recently updated our guide on the best phones you can buy right now -- it's worth exploring.
Which Apple Watch will you buy, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
