Picking out an Apple Watch used to be easy. All you have to do is choose the size you want. Then the Series 3 introduced cellular connectivity in 2017, which added another factor to consider. Then, in 2020, Apple introduced another, more affordable Apple Watch SE. Later this year, rumors suggest that Apple may expand its product line even further with a rugged Apple Watch for outdoor enthusiasts. So, if you wanted to buy an Apple Watch right now, what would you do?
Don’t worry. We’ve tested every version of the Apple Watch you can buy right now and can guide you in the right direction.
The reason you choose the Apple Watch over the competition is simple. It’s the best overall smartwatch for iPhone users. For hardcore athletes, many smartwatches are better than the Apple Watch, but fall short when it comes to productivity, security features, controlling your smart home, and interacting with other Apple devices and services. It also has the strongest third-party app ecosystem of any smartwatch on the market.
The Series 7 is the latest flagship model.Photography: Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
By their very nature, wearables are very personal devices—if you don’t wear them regularly, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of an Apple Watch. The last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on something that will end up collecting dust in a drawer. The best way to avoid this is to stack the deck in your favor and prioritize comfort. Before you start thinking about which Apple Watch model you should buy, take a moment to determine which size and band material is best for your wrist.
Each Apple Watch model comes in two sizes. The larger model is easier to read, while the smaller one is better for people with smaller wrists. The case also uses a variety of materials. A standard aluminum case is fine for most people, but if you’re clumsy or very active, you’ll benefit from the extra durability of the stainless-steel model. You might also prefer the look of stainless steel – it works because a watch is a personal piece of technology. Just be prepared to pay a hefty premium for it. As for the shoulder straps, we recommend the nylon sports loop as it’s the most breathable, easiest to buckle and less irritating, making it perfect for sensitive skin. If you want a sleeker option, we recommend checking out Amazon or Etsy for more styles and more affordable prices.
But whatever you do, don’t buy any configuration of the Apple Watch Series 3. It’s a great smartwatch that launched in 2017, but it’s going to be hard to keep up in 2022. While it can run watchOS 8, updating the software is often more trouble than it’s worth. There’s also no guarantee that its aging hardware will support watchOS 9 when it launches later this year.
While the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch an iPhone owner can get, you can also always check out our fitness tracker buying guide.
Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch SE
Series 7 has a larger display for optimal readability.Photography: Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
We recommend the Apple Watch SE to young adults in good health and to anyone spending at least $400 on their first smartwatch. However, we recommend the Series 7 for those who prioritize wellness features and want to be on display at all times. It’s also our choice for long-time Apple Watch users who have upgraded from previous models.
The Series 7 is Apple’s current flagship smartwatch. It will give you the fastest processor, fast charging, a bigger display and all the latest sensors. (At least until the Series 8 launches later this year.) Prices start at $399 for the 41mm version and $429 for the 45mm version. Adding an LTE connection will add $100 to the price, plus whatever your carrier charges for the service.
The SE is a bit like the Frankenstein Apple Watch. It combines the Series 5’s processor with the Series 6’s always-on altimeter, motion sensor, and optical heart rate sensor. You can get the cellular version, which supports many of the same advanced features as the Series 7, such as fall detection, emergency calling, Fitness Plus, Apple Pay, and family settings. The biggest difference is that it lacks the always-on display, EKG sensor, and SpO2 sensor. The SE’s display is also slightly smaller in both sizes. Pricing starts at $279 for the 40mm and $309 for the 44mm. Adding LTE will add an additional $50 on top of carrier fees.
The Apple Watch SE is a great gateway smartwatch at an affordable price.Photo by Dan Seifert/The Verge
Honestly, if you’re young and fit, you don’t need the Series 7’s advanced health sensors. This is especially true since the SE is still able to provide abnormal heart rate alerts. Currently, Apple’s SpO2 feature is limited to spot checks. There is nothing you can do about this information, and unlike EKG, this information is for general health purposes only.it will no The fingertip pulse oximeter can be replaced, never use it in this way.
Meanwhile, the main purpose of the EKG sensor is to enable atrial fibrillation detection—if your doctor gives you a clean health order, you’ll probably only use this feature once or twice. According to the American Heart Association, the biggest risk factors for AFib are advanced age, underlying heart disease, high blood pressure, family history and sleep apnea, and other lifestyle choices. If that doesn’t apply to you, the SE will still give you a great health tracking experience and all the same smart features. You can also save an extra $129 — as long as not having an always-on display isn’t a deal breaker.
However, there are situations in which the Series 7 is a better choice, such as if you want an always-on display or need the latest and greatest. The larger display also provides better readability for people with low vision. It’s also a better option if you have heart disease or are at higher risk for AFib.
If sleep tracking is a priority, the Series 7 is also more convenient because it supports fast charging. No Apple Watch has amazing battery life, but the Series 7 is by far the only one that supports fast charging. For context, the Series 7 takes 75 minutes to go from 0% to 100%. SE takes 2.5 hours. When you’re about to go to bed and the battery is only 15% charged, the clutch appears faster. Plus, if you’re into the future-proof type, the Series 7’s hardware will be able to support newer features for longer, thanks to its newer processor. That’s why anyone who loves a watch and wants to upgrade from a Series 4 or earlier should choose the Series 7 as well. If you’ve gotten into the habit of wearing your watch every day, you’ll get more miles from the Series 7, as the SE is more of a gateway device.
Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS)
Apple’s mid-range wearable, the Apple Watch SE, is an upgrade from the Series 3, with features and design similar to the previous-generation Series 6.
Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS)
Apple’s mid-range wearable, the Apple Watch SE, is an upgrade from the Series 3, with features and design similar to the previous-generation Series 6.
The best Apple Watch if you’re on a budget
While you might be tempted to buy a Series 3 because of the $199 price tag, there’s actually a better option — buy a used or refurbished Apple Watch.
This is another great option if you’re new to smartwatches or aren’t sure it’s a device that will last you a long time. For starters, you’ll get updated hardware, which will give you a more accurate watchOS 8 experience. Buying used equipment is also better for the environment and provides more affordable access to more expensive materials. If you buy a new watch, materials like sapphire glass, stainless steel or titanium can add hundreds to your final bill.
If you can find a refurbished Apple Watch Series 6, it’s also a great option if you’re on a budget.Photography: Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Finding the best price and the model you want takes some patience. After all, you are limited by what is available. However, there are several sites that offer older models. Sometimes you can also find deals and sales.If you’re concerned about being scammed, look for deals recommended by sources you trust (cough, cough edge transaction). Apple also sells its own refurbished models that come with the full Apple warranty and are generally in “like new” condition, but options may be limited and you probably won’t pay less than a new SE . Sites like BackMarket also let you sort by condition and get a 12-month warranty.
As for which models you should be looking for, we recommend the SE, Series 5 or Series 6. (Though you can still find a Series 4.) We also recommend using $280 as a baseline. This is the price for the base model of the new SE. That said, if you get premium material, like a stainless steel model, a little taller is fine. It’s worth repeating: don’t buy a refurbished Series 3 or older. Although you can find them for around $100, they’re hard to run newer software, and you’ll have to replace them as soon as possible.
The Best Apple Watch for Your Child
If you want your child to have an Apple Watch, we recommend the cellular Apple Watch SE, or, if you can find it, a refurbished Series 4, 5, or 6 with cellular. All of these watches are smaller in size than the Series 7, which may fit better on their wrists. Plus, if you have a grumpy kid who breaks things easily, the lower price will give you more peace of mind.
The cellular Apple Watch SE is a great option for enabling family settings for your kids.Photo by Dan Seifert/The Verge
Since you’re buying for children, you might want to use Family Settings as it gives you better parental controls. (You can read our review of the feature here.) However, you’ll need to match some tech specs to use it. You need the cellular version of the device, and it must support at least watchOS 7. same,…
