Deciding which Apple Watch is the best will differ from person to person. Some primarily use theirs for advanced fitness and health tracking, while others want an everyday wearable that can handle a variety of daily tasks, like checking their email or messaging. There are watches with features to help seniors monitor their vitals and have larger screens that are easier to read. You'll also find budget entry-level models ideal as a first watch for children, as well as models with dedicated sensors for women to track ovulation cycles. With all of this in mind, we've compiled this guide on the best Apple Watch to buy for specific purposes and lifestyles.
✨ Quick takeaways on the best Apple Watch in 2025
If you're looking for a versatile watch with all the modern bells and whistles, the Apple Watch 10 is your pick. Fitness enthusiasts will get all the tracking and data they need from the Apple Watch 9, while women will appreciate the feminine health features of the Apple Watch 8. Senior citizens will benefit from the larger screen and fall detection alert abilities of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For children, the Apple Watch SE 2 is simple yet capable, at a budget price.
Why you can trust our list
We have many years of experience in selling refurbished electronics, including Apple Watches. Our third-party refurbishers fully restore these inside and out, putting them through rigorous testing to ensure that they perform according to their original benchmarks. This has provided us with a wealth of detailed knowledge about Apple Watches and insights into which ones are best for various needs, whether for fitness, health monitoring, communication, or simply as an enhanced digital timepiece. We also take customer feedback into account when putting together guides like this. We value full transparency and honest appraisals, so you can trust that we're giving you the best advice we can, based on this depth of knowledge.
👉 Find out more about our principles and processes
FAQs
🏆 Best Apple Watch series overall: Apple Watch 10
The Apple Watch 10

The Apple Watch 10 makes an excellent everyday choice.
Apple Watch 10 specifications
Screen size: 42mm / 46mm
Display: OLED Always-On Retina display
Screen resolution: 42mm – 374 x 446 pixels / 46mm – 416 x 496 pixels
Colors: Jet Black Aluminum / Rose Gold Aluminum / Silver Aluminum / Slate Titanium / Gold Titanium / Natural Titanium
Casing: Aluminum / Titanium with metal and sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm / 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm
Weight: 42mm (aluminum) – 30 grams / 42mm (titanium) – 34.4 grams / 46mm (aluminum) – 36.4 grams / 46mm (titanium) – 41.7 grams
Chip: Apple S10
Capacity: 64 GB
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Water resistance: 50 m
Dust resistance: IP6X certified
Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
GPS: Yes
Health and wellness:
ECG app
Blood oxygen level
Respiratory rate
Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications
Hypertension notifications
Sleep tracking + sleep score
Sleep apnea notifications
Nightly wrist temperature tracking
Fall detection
Crash detection
Ovulation cycle tracking
Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking
Training load
Low cardio fitness notifications
GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment
Other sensors:
Altimeter
Compass
Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view
Gyroscope
Depth gauge
Water temperature
Speaker with media playback
Microphone with voice isolation
Apple Watch 10 pros and cons
What we like: | What we don't like: |
|---|---|
Thinner lightweight design | It might be a little big for some people's wrists |
Premium materials | Limited new features over the previous model |
Voice isolation that really works | Battery performance can vary |
Large, bright screen | |
Faster charging | |
Ability to play music and podcasts |
Wearing the Apple Watch 10
Wearing the Apple Watch 10
"The Apple Watch Series 10 has been on my wrist for three months now, and it's clear that it's the best smartwatch Apple has ever made."

Apple Watch 10: features and benefits
The Apple Watch 10 is generally rated as the best all-around wearable. It has an upgraded wide-angle OLED display that's 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easier to see at a glance in sunlight. The display is also slightly bigger than earlier models. The speaker can handle media playback, which also makes phone calls clearer. It can fast-charge in around 30 minutes. It has a deep and advanced array of health and fitness monitoring sensors. It's also more ergonomic, thanks to a double-tap gesture feature where you simply tap your thumb and finger together to answer calls and perform other functions. This removes the need to interact with the screen, which can be finicky for some. There's a choice of sizes: a slim 42mm and a slightly bulkier 46mm. The latter benefits from a larger screen. All of this makes the 10 series our choice for the best Apple Watch for men and women for general everyday use.
✨ The Apple Watch 10 is the ideal daily companion with plenty of versatility.
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🏆 Best Apple Watch for fitness: Apple Watch 9
The Apple Watch 9

The Apple Watch 9 can track a wide variety of workout activities.
Apple Watch 9 specifications
Screen size: 41mm / 45mm
Display: OLED Always-On Retina display
Screen resolution: 41mm – 352 x 430 pixels / 45mm – 396 x 484 pixels
Colors: Soft Pink / Midnight / Starlight / Silver / Red (aluminum) OR Graphite / Silver / Gold (stainless steel)
Casing: Aluminum / Stainless Steel, with ceramic and sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm / 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm
Weight: 41mm (aluminum) – 32 grams / 41mm (stainless steel) – 42.3 grams / 45mm (aluminum) – 39 grams / 45mm (stainless steel) – 51.5 grams
Chip: Apple S9
Capacity: 64 GB
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Water resistance: 50 m
Dust resistance: IP6X certified
Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
GPS: Yes
Health and wellness:
ECG app
Blood oxygen level
Respiratory rate
Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications
Hypertension notifications
Sleep tracking + sleep score
Sleep apnea notifications
Nightly wrist temperature tracking
Fall detection
Crash detection
Ovulation cycle tracking
Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking
Training load
Low cardio fitness notifications
GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment
Other sensors:
Altimeter
Compass
Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view
Gyroscope
Speaker
Microphone
Apple Watch 9 pros and cons
What we like: | What we don't like: |
|---|---|
Bright display | Battery life is average |
Fast processor | Not a significant hardware upgrade on the Apple Watch 8 |
Double-tap finger gesture | Daily charging can be a hassle for some |
Detailed fitness stats | |
Interval training features | |
More accurate heart rate measurement |
The Apple Watch 9 as a fitness device
The Apple Watch 9 as a fitness device
"The Apple Watch Series 9 stands out as one of the better wearable fitness devices for a wide range of fitness tracking capabilities, accurate GPS, and advanced sensor suite."
- GearLab

Apple Watch 9: features and benefits
The Apple Watch 9 is ideal for general workouts, and it's also a great pick as the best Apple Watch for runners. It has Apple's third-generation optical heart rate monitor and an accurate GPS sensor for excellent distance tracking. It also supports apps designed for more niche workout programs and sports training. The battery life will last long enough to monitor early morning runs, plus an evening gym session without recharging in between. It provides detailed fitness stats, supports interval training, and offers plenty of storage for music to accompany workouts. Like the Series 10, it features gesture controls for certain functions, so you don't need to touch the screen.
✨ The Apple Watch 9 excels at fitness tracking across a wide range of activities.
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🏆 Best Apple Watch for women: Apple Watch 8
The Apple Watch 8

The Apple Watch 8 has dedicated features for women's health.
Apple Watch 8 specifications
Screen size: 41mm / 45mm
Display: OLED Always-On Retina display
Screen resolution: 41mm – 352 x 430 pixels / 45mm – 396 x 484 pixels
Colors: Midnight / Starlight / Silver / Red (aluminum) OR Graphite / Silver / Gold (stainless steel)
Casing: Aluminum / Stainless Steel, with ceramic and sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm / 45mm x 38mm x 9.7mm
Weight: 41mm (aluminum) – 32 grams / 41mm (stainless steel) – 42.3 grams / 45mm (aluminum) – 39 grams / 45mm (stainless steel) – 51.5 grams
Chip: Apple S8
Capacity: 32 GB
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Water resistance: 50 m
Dust resistance: IP6X certified
Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
GPS: Yes
Health and wellness:
ECG app
Blood oxygen level
Respiratory rate
Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications
Sleep tracking + sleep score
Nightly wrist temperature tracking
Fall detection
Crash detection
Ovulation cycle tracking
Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking
Training load
Low cardio fitness notifications
GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment
Other sensors:
Altimeter
Compass
Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view
Gyroscope
Speaker
Microphone
Apple Watch 8 pros and cons
What we like: | What we don't like: |
|---|---|
Women-specific health monitoring | Battery needs daily charging |
Ovulation cycle tracking | The display is a bit dim under direct sunlight |
Comfortable and lightweight | Core features are disabled in Low Power mode |
Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem |
Apple Watch 8 ovulation cycle tracking
Apple Watch 8 ovulation cycle tracking
"[Ovulation tracking] could be a useful tool for those attempting to get pregnant or avoid it, as well as generally tracking their cycle health for irregularities." - The Guardian
Apple Watch 8: features and benefits
The Apple Watch 8 has all the features that define a modern wearable. It has a full-screen, always-on display with clear definition. It has all the fitness features and health sensors you need, too. Fittingly, it was the first Apple Watch to come with temperature sensing and ovulation cycle tracking for family planning. This menstrual cycle monitoring also provideswider women's health insights. The watch delivers smooth, fast performance, with a very decent battery life. It's smaller than some other models, more suited to slimmer wrists. It has excellent protection, too. It's water-resistant up to 50 m and is IP6X certified for dust resistance.
✨ Ovulation cycle tracking makes the Apple Watch 8 a beneficial choice for women.
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🏆 Best Apple Watch for seniors: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 provides advanced senior health monitoring.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 specifications
Screen size: 49mm
Display: OLED Always-On Retina display
Screen resolution: 410 x 502 pixels
Colors: Black Titanium / Natural Titanium
Casing: Titanium
Dimensions: 49mm x 44mm x 14.4mm
Weight: 61.5 grams
Chip: Apple S9
Capacity: 64 GB
Battery life: Up to 36 hours
Water resistance: 100 m
Dust resistance: IP6X certified
Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
GPS: Yes
Health and wellness:
ECG app
Blood oxygen level
Respiratory rate
Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications
Hypertension notifications
Sleep tracking + sleep score
Sleep apnea notifications
Nightly wrist temperature tracking
Fall detection with siren alert
Crash detection
Ovulation cycle tracking
Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking
Training load
Low cardio fitness notifications
GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment
Other sensors:
Altimeter
Compass
Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view
Gyroscope
Dual speakers with media playback
Three-microphone array with wind noise mitigation
Apple Watch Ultra 2 pros and cons
What we like: | What we don't like: |
|---|---|
Exceptional battery life | It could be a bit bulky for some people's wrists |
Advanced senior health monitoring | Cost is on the high side |
Automatic fall detection emergency messaging | |
Sturdy and resilient | |
Large, bright display that's easy to read |
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 fall detection features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 fall detection features
"Another big upside for this smartwatch is that you get several important safety features, including advanced fall detection. When the sensors identify a sudden, significant impact, it alerts the user and can even automatically contact emergency services..."

Apple Watch Ultra 2: features and benefits
Even though the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a rugged outdoor wearable with advanced fitness features, we've chosen it as the best Apple Watch for seniors due to its powerful health protection capabilities, including sleep apnea detection and hypertension notifications. We also think this is the best Apple Watch for heart monitoring. Crucially, it also has fall detection abilities that can set off a loud siren and automatically contact emergency services. Its rugged design can take accidental bumps, and the watch is also water-resistant. It has a longer battery life than most other Apple Watches, requiring less frequent charging. Seniors will also appreciate the larger screen and more prominent buttons that are easier to use. It's one of the more expensive models, but you can save up to 25% by getting a refurbished one on Back Market, ensuring great value for money.
✨ Advanced health monitoring and a large display make the Apple Watch Ultra 2 an ideal wearable for seniors.
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🏆 Best Apple Watch for kids: Apple Watch SE 2
The Apple Watch SE 2

The Apple Watch SE 2 is an affordable kids' watch.
Apple Watch SE 2 specifications
Screen size: 40mm / 44mm
Display: OLED Retina display
Screen resolution: 40mm – 324 x 394 pixels / 44mm – 368 x 448 pixels
Colors: Midnight / Starlight / Silver
Casing: Aluminum with nylon composite and sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 40mm x 34mm x 10.7mm / 44mm x 38mm x 10.7mm
Weight: 40mm – 27.8 grams / 44mm – 33 grams
Chip: Apple S8
Capacity: 32 GB
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Water resistance: 50 m
Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3
GPS: Yes
Health and wellness:
Respiratory rate
Heart rate monitoring
Sleep score
Fall detection
Crash detection
Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking
Training load
GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment
Other sensors:
Altimeter
Compass
Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view
Gyroscope
Speaker
Microphone
Apple Watch SE 2 pros and cons
What we like: | What we don't like: |
|---|---|
Lightweight, high-quality design | Limited health sensors |
Fitness support | Battery charging is comparatively slow |
The most affordable Apple Watch | No always-on display |
Supports a variety of kids' apps |
The lightweight design of the Apple Watch SE 2
The lightweight design of the Apple Watch SE 2
"… the [Apple Watch SE 2] does 99% of what more expensive options do, just as quickly, just as smoothly."

Apple Watch SE 2: features and benefits
The Apple Watch SE 2 is the ideal entry-level device for kids. It's also the best budget Apple Watch available, which makes it an even more attractive prospect. It doesn't sacrifice much in the way of functionality either. It has similar fitness and activity tracking features to other models, plus 50 m water resistance and a decent battery life. On the other hand, it lacks some of the more advanced health tracking features, like an ECG sensor. It also lacks the always-on display and fast-charging capabilities, but those aren't deal-breakers, especially for young kids. It has a variety of useful apps and integrates seamlessly with an iPhone. That said, it's an excellent substitute for a more expensive iPhone, allowing parents to stay connected with their children.
✨ The Apple Watch SE 2 is an excellent smartwatch for kids. It's budget-friendly without skimping on features.
Comparing our best Apple watches
Feature | Apple Watch 10 | Apple Watch 9 | Apple Watch 8 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 42mm / 46mm | 41mm / 45mm | 41mm / 45mm | 49mm | 40mm / 44mm |
Display | OLED Always-On Retina display | OLED Always-On Retina display | OLED Always-On Retina display | OLED Always-On Retina display | OLED Retina display |
Screen resolution | 42mm – 374 x 446 pixels 46mm – 416 x 496 pixels | 41mm – 352 x 430 pixels 45mm – 396 x 484 pixels | 41mm – 352 x 430 pixels 45mm – 396 x 484 pixels | 410 x 502 pixels | 40mm – 324 x 394 pixels 44mm – 368 x 448 pixels |
Casing material | Aluminum / Titanium | Aluminum / Stainless Steel | Aluminum / Stainless Steel | Titanium | Aluminum |
Colors | Jet Black Aluminum Rose Gold Aluminum Silver Aluminum Slate Titanium Gold Titanium Natural Titanium | Aluminum: Soft Pink / Midnight / Starlight / Silver Stainless Steel: Graphite / Silver / Gold | Aluminum: Soft Pink / Midnight / Starlight / Silver Stainless Steel: Graphite / Silver / Gold | Black Titanium Natural Titanium | Midnight Starlight Silver |
Dimensions | 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm | 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm | 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm 45mm x 38mm x 9.7mm | 49mm x 44mm x 14.4mm | 40mm x 34mm x 10.7mm 44mm x 38mm x 10.7mm |
Weight | 42mm (aluminum) - 30 g 42mm (titanium) – 34.4 g 46mm (aluminum) – 36.4 g 46mm (titanium) – 41.7 g | 41mm (aluminum) - 32 g 41mm (s/steel) - 42.3 g 45mm (aluminum) – 39 g 45mm (s/steel) – 51.5 g | 41mm (aluminum) - 32 g 41mm (s/steel) – 42.3 g 45mm (aluminum) – 39 g 45mm (s/steel) – 51.5 g | 61.5 g | 40mm – 27.8 g 44mm – 33 g |
Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 36 hours | Up to 18 hours |
Chip | Apple S10 | Apple S9 | Apple S8 | Apple S9 | Apple S8 |
Capacity | 64 GB | 64 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB | 32 GB |
Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m | 50 m | 100 m | 50 m |
Dust resistance | IP6X certified | IP6X certified | IP6X certified | IP6X certified | - |
Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 |
GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Health & wellness | * ECG app * Blood oxygen level *Respiratory rate * Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications *Hypertension notifications * Sleep tracking + sleep score * Sleep apnea notifications * Fall detection * Crash detection *Ovulation cycle tracking *Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking * Training load * Low cardio fitness notifications * GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment | * ECG app * Blood oxygen level *Respiratory rate * Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications *Hypertension notifications * Sleep tracking + sleep score * Sleep apnea notifications * Fall detection * Crash detection *Ovulation cycle tracking *Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking * Training load * Low cardio fitness notifications * GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment | * ECG app * Blood oxygen level *Respiratory rate * Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications * Sleep tracking + sleep score * Nightly wrist temperature tracking * Fall detection * Crash detection *Ovulation cycle tracking *Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking * Training load * Low cardio fitness notifications * GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment | * ECG app * Blood oxygen level *Respiratory rate * Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications *Hypertension notifications * Sleep tracking + sleep score * Sleep apnea notifications * Nightly wrist temperature tracking * Fall detection with siren alert * Crash detection *Ovulation cycle tracking *Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking * Training load * Low cardio fitness notifications * GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment | *Respiratory rate * Heart rate monitoring * Sleep score * Fall detection * Crash detection *Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking * Training load * GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment |
Other Sensors | Altimeter Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view Gyroscope Depth gauge Water temperature Speaker with media playback Microphone with voice isolation | Altimeter Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view Gyroscope Speaker Microphone | Altimeter Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view Gyroscope Speaker Microphone | Altimeter Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view Gyroscope Dual speakers with media playback Three-microphone array with wind noise mitigation | Altimeter Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view Gyroscope Speaker Microphone |
Retail price (new) | $897 | $999.99 | $1,049.99 | $10,183 | $999.99 |
Back Market price | From $242 | From $198 | From $149 | From $410 | From $115 |
Savings (%) | 73.02% | 80.2% | From [var:Apple Watch Series 8|max _price_saved|69.80] | 95.97% | 88.5% |
Shopping tips to save on the best Apple Watch
You can save a lot by getting a refurbished Apple Watch rather than splurging on a new one. But aren't those sub-standard? We hear you ask. We can't claim that they're brand new, but they most definitely perform every bit as well as one straight out of the box. Our third-party refurbishers replace any worn or damaged components with new ones and give each watch a thorough reconditioning. They're then tested to ensure their performance meets the original benchmarks. Only then do we offer them to you, at up to 50% less than the price of a new Apple Watch.
We back this up with a 1-year warranty, and you can also take an optional Back Market protection plan. This gives you two free repairs in the unlikely event that you'll need them and covers you for cracked screens and other damage, such as water damage.
✨ At Back Market, you get top-quality performance at very affordable prices.
Save more with a trade-in
You can use our trade-in program to further reduce the cost of a refurbished Apple Watch. You can trade in any electronic device that you no longer use, like your previous smartphone. Just fill in a quick form giving us the specs, and you'll instantly receive an offer. If you like what you see, we'll pay for the shipping, and you'll have the money in your account within five working days.
How we ranked the best Apple Watches
We took multiple factors into account when compiling our recommendations. These are the main criteria we used:
Lifestyle needs – we matched watches with different lifestyles and needs, such as athletes, women, seniors, or children.
Performance and battery – we compared chip speed, storage capacity, and battery life.
Core features – we evaluated functions like connectivity, fitness tracking, and health and wellness sensors.
Design and durability – we examined the screen size and resolution to compare readability, as well as the casing material and ergonomic design.
Value for money – we balanced features and design against affordability.
Trusted sources and customer feedback – we drew upon expert reviews and feedback from our own customers.





















































