An Apple Watch is not simply an adjunct or an excuse for a second display. After greater than a yr of testing Apple Watches, I’ve discovered them to be useful sleep trackers, handy timers within the kitchen, phone-free communication instruments, in addition to train motivators and mid-workout screens.
Additionally: Why the Apple Watch’s 20-minute calibration test is worth your time – especially if you’re data curious
The Apple Watch began out as a health tracker and developed into an important companion for iPhone customers. Apple’s smartwatches have an arsenal of handy capabilities, like housing your boarding go for a flight, figuring out songs, opening your storage door, and offering climate alerts. These watches are additionally expansive well being monitoring methods with FDA-cleared options that may test your coronary heart fee, notify you of hypertension, or detect sleep apnea.
Finest smartwatch offers of the week
Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce group, and could also be unrelated to this text.
What’s the greatest Apple Watch proper now?
My decide for one of the best Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Series 11, the platonic supreme of an Apple Watch. It is bought nearly each function the luxurious and rugged $700 Ultra 3 does however for a extra approachable worth. It is the primary Collection Apple Watch with a 24-hour battery life. It additionally provides an FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection to Apple’s slate of well being monitoring options.
Additionally: The best iPhones of 2026: Which model should you buy?
The perfect Apple Watches of 2026
Present much less
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
What we like: Apple unveiled three new smartwatches final yr: the Apple Watch Collection 11, the Apple Watch Extremely 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. The Collection 11 prices $399 and is the Apple Watch most individuals can buy. This machine’s worth sits within the center between the $250 SE 3 and the $800 Extremely 3.
The Collection 11 provides all of the health-tracking capabilities of the Extremely 3 and an extended battery life than the SE 3. This makes it the only option out of the three for health-conscious customers trying to put on their smartwatch across the clock.
Apple provides 5G to Collection 11 for environment friendly connectivity, Ion-X glass for sturdiness — twice that of the Collection 10, and a wrist-flicking gesture to dismiss messages or calls.
Coming from the Collection 10’s 18-hour battery life, the Collection 11 positive aspects six extra hours. That is 24 hours of coronary heart fee monitoring, phone-free notification supply, and uninterrupted sleep monitoring. Talking of sleep monitoring, the WatchOS 26 software program replace brings the long-awaited sleep scores to Apple Watches, so folks can extra simply see in the event that they bought a very good or poor night time of relaxation.
The Collection 11 additionally receives a significant well being function improve, FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection, which might monitor and detect hypertension over 30 days. The function does not present by-the-minute readings on blood stress. As a substitute, it makes use of Apple’s PPG coronary heart sensor to take a 30-day common studying that its algorithm determines is both above or beneath the hypertension threshold. That is one other function the extra inexpensive SE 3 lacks.
Additionally: I tested the Apple Watch Series 11. Here’s who should buy it
Who can buy it: I like to recommend the Collection 11 to individuals who have already used an Apple smartwatch earlier than and need to improve battery and well being options. That is the watch to purchase if you wish to observe your sleep, keep away from fixed charging, a full scope of well being monitoring options.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you’d like the Hypertension Detection function however do not want a 24-hour battery capability, I recommend shopping for the Collection 10 as a substitute, which has dropped in worth.
If you’d like a extra inexpensive smartwatch for exercise and sleep monitoring, I like to recommend the SE 3. Alternatively, if you wish to splurge on a much bigger display show and the complete suite of Apple Watch’s greatest options, I like to recommend the $800 Extremely 3. It comes with standalone satellite tv for pc communication, all of the well being monitoring options, and a 42-hour battery life.
Apple Watch Collection 11 tech specs: Show measurement: 42mm or 46mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 24 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Optical and electrical coronary heart sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, blood oxygen, gyroscope, water temperature sensor | Value: $398
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: At $800, Apple’s feature-rich smartwatch may be the hardest argument to make for shoppers. Nonetheless, outside fans, Apple Watch obsessives, and activity-tracking devotees purchase the smartwatch despite its excessive price ticket as a result of the Extremely 3 has quite a bit to supply.
The 2 most necessary options that separate the Extremely 3 from its siblings are its 42-hour battery life and extensive, vivid show. The Extremely 3 feels extra like a mini telephone with a responsive, extensive display space. It is also the brightest be careful of the lineup, at 3,000 nits. There’s much less finagling with or fumbling with buttons on the Extremely 3 due to the display measurement.
Apple provides Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc to the Extremely 3 for outside explorers trying to go away their telephone at residence however keep linked if catastrophe strikes. Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores are additionally out there on the Extremely 3.
The Extremely 3 additionally comes with an Motion Button, distinctive to the Extremely lineup. Provoke a exercise or activate the watch’s flashlight with the contact of a button.
Who can buy it: I like to recommend this watch, at the beginning, to folks with giant wrists. The show is huge and takes up numerous actual property on a small arm. I might additionally advocate the Extremely 3 to those that always use their smartwatch and wish reliability — whether or not that is with a multi-day battery life, each well being and security function beneath the solar, and a sturdy, giant display. Out of doors hikers and explorers will get essentially the most out of the emergency connectivity options.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Extremely 2 will get the identical WatchOS 26 updates that embrace Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores. For those who do not want Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc communication or a prolonged battery life, you would most likely seize a pleasant deal on the sooner Extremely mannequin as a substitute.
Apple Watch Extremely 3 tech specs: Show measurement: 49mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 24 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Electrical coronary heart sensor, third-generation optical coronary heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor, compass, altimeter, gyroscope, ambient mild sensor | Value: $700
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: In contrast to the $400 Collection 11 or $800 Extremely 3, the Apple Watch SE 3 provides simply sufficient of what an off-the-cuff smartwatch consumer needs. You will get exercise and sleep monitoring, however not the detailed ECG or Hypertension Detection. The SE 3 is the primary SE watch that comes with an At all times-On show, a useful function for rapidly glancing to test the time. The display is a bit smaller and dimmer than its siblings, and texting on it may be annoying.
Apple provides Sleep Scores, 18 hours of battery life, and wrist temperature sensing to the smartwatch. The SE 3 additionally consists of the identical S10 chip that is on the Collection 10 and 11 and Extremely 3.
Who it is for: The SE 3 is a good alternative for first-time smartwatch customers who do not need to break the financial institution.
Who ought to look elsewhere: This SE 3 is sort of a carbon copy of the Collection 10, which will get Hypertension Detection by way of the WatchOS 26 replace. It is bought the identical chip and the identical battery life because the Collection 10, however the Collection 10 has a bigger show, Hypertension Detection, and a brighter display.
Apple Watch Collection 10 tech specs: Show measurement: 40 or 44mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Second-generation optical coronary heart sensor, temperature sensor, compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, excessive dynamic vary gyroscope, ambient mild sensor | Value: $238 (used)
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: The Collection 10 is among the greatest Apple Watches you should purchase with most of the identical options because the newer lineup. The one distinction between the 2025 Collection 11 and the 2024 Collection 10 is battery life and sturdiness. The Collection 11 lasts for six additional hours and is twice as sturdy because the Collection 10. But when that does not matter to you and also you need all the identical options of the Collection 11 in a less expensive watch, I severely advocate the Collection 10.
Additionally: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?
Who can buy it: If you’d like the most recent well being sensors and security options, and common battery life with out the Extremely 3’s extra granular points, the aluminum mannequin of the Apple Watch Collection 10 is cheaper. I counsel you skip the more durable titanium end on the Collection 10 that begins at $699 and go for the Extremely at solely $100 extra. It which provides numerous additional options. When you’ve got a smaller wrist, I recommend sticking with the Collection 10.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you’d like your smartwatch to final across the clock, I like to recommend the Collection 11 for its longer battery lifetime of 24 hours.
Apple Watch Collection 10 tech specs: Show measurement: 42mm or 46mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Electrical coronary heart sensor, optical coronary heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, compass, all the time‑on altimeter, excessive‑g accelerometer, excessive dynamic vary gyroscope, ambient mild sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor | Value: $299
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Having hassle deciding between Apple Watch fashions? This is a fast abstract of the first purpose to purchase every one.
| Select this Apple Watch… | If you need… |
| Apple Watch Collection 11 | The platonic supreme of an Apple Watch with a 24-hour battery life, Hypertension Detection, and a extra sturdy show. Use it to trace sleep, document exercises, ship messages, set timers, settle for calls, and extra. |
| Apple Watch Extremely 3 | The rugged Apple Watch with the biggest display, a 42-hour battery life, an Motion Button distinctive to this mannequin, Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc connectivity, and essentially the most sturdy design of the lineup. |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | An inexpensive smartwatch constructed for newcomers and first-time patrons. It is bought sufficient train and sleep monitoring options to maintain a beginner glad, plus an inexpensive worth level. |
| Apple Watch Collection 10 | A close to carbon copy of the Collection 11, save for the 24-hour battery life. Due to latest software program updates the Collection 10 will get practically each function the Collection 11 has. Plus, it has the identical design and chipset. |
Whereas all of the Apple Watches on this listing have a slew of health-tracking options and different helpful apps, their variations are what it’s essential take into account earlier than shopping for one, together with:
- Show measurement: Apple Watch shows now are available basically three completely different sizes in millimeter — 40/41, 44/45, and 49. Relying on the dimensions of your wrist and the way a lot you need to work together with the look ahead to fast actions, the show measurement can be a giant consider figuring out your mannequin.
- Options: Apple methodically provides extra new options to its smartwatches annually, so we in contrast security options, well being sensors, band choices, battery life, and different helpful choices.
- Pricing: Every Apple Watch has quite a few completely different variations, so pricing can fluctuate extensively — particularly based mostly on which band you decide. We included budget-worthy choices beneath $250, in addition to the extra premium choices which are over $1,000.
All the Apple Watches included on this listing have been chosen based mostly on how they carried out when tested in the real world by the ZDNET group. Once we take a look at smartwatches, we sometimes comply with the identical routine for every one to see which performs greatest.
- Every day put on: We put on the smartwatch as our main watch, with communications, functions, and different parts being examined as if it have been our solely smartwatch.
- Utility choice and efficiency: One side that makes smartwatches completely different than commonplace watches is software help. We load up the watch with apps after which take a look at the efficiency and performance of these functions. For instance, Apple notably excels within the space of third-party software help.
- Exercises: Smartwatch makers embraced well being and health, so we take smartwatches out for working with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and strolling with the household. GPS and coronary heart fee knowledge is tracked after which we consider the accuracy towards confirmed GPS sports activities watches.
- Sleep and exercise monitoring: Sleep monitoring has improved with smartwatches over time, and we consider and evaluate them to good rings and different watches. Nighttime can also be a very good time to cost your smartwatch, so you could select to not use your watch to trace sleep.
For a deeper look into our testing course of, try our complete smartwatch testing methodology.
Newest information on Apple Watches
Apple has not launched new Apple Watches for the reason that Collection 11, Extremely 3, and SE 3 final September. We’re anticipating to see not less than one new Apple Watch at this September’s iPhone occasion, with early rumors suggesting it will likely be the Apple Watch Series 12, probably with new well being options like on-the-spot blood stress readings.
Sure, you want an iPhone to arrange an Apple Watch. Nevertheless, with all of the fashions on this listing, you should utilize the Family Setup possibility. This enables one iPhone to arrange watches for a number of members in your Apple household group, even when they do not have an iPhone. However to reiterate, you can not use an iPad, a Mac, or a non-Apple smartphone to arrange an Apple Watch.
Apple Watches observe your steps and health knowledge, show notifications out of your iPhone, present primary info like climate, begin timers, ship and obtain textual content messages, reply telephone calls, and run appropriate apps. The newest variations have extra options together with sleep monitoring, superior well being monitoring, automobile crash detection, and worldwide emergency calling.
Apple not too long ago launched a number of updates to the Apple Watch with the brand new WatchOS 26 software program. These embrace a Exercise Buddy function by way of the Health app to information you thru exercises together with stats and encouragements as you run, cycle, or energy prepare.
The Apple Watch’s Sensible Stack is getting smarter, with the algorithm together with extra contextual knowledge like sensor and routine knowledge, to trace at sure apps or functionalities. For instance, Sensible Stack can ship a touch to open the Pilates exercise in Health when it senses your arrival on the Pilates studio.
A brand new hand gesture is arriving to the smartwatch as nicely. When a wearer receives a message or name they are not able to reply, Wrist Flick will dismiss notifications and calls, or silence pings.
Moreover, Sleep Scores and Hypertension Detection arrive on a number of smartwatches. This consists of Collection 9 and later and Extremely 2 and later. Hypertension Detection skips the SE lineup.
Additionally: The features and apps coming to Apple WatchOS 26 I’m most excited about
Sure, many older Apple Watch are in the stores refurbished at locations like BackMarket and are nonetheless among the greatest smartwatches available on the market. One older smartwatch I extremely advocate is the Collection 10, as a result of it has each function within the new Apple Watch Collection 11 minus the longer battery life. For those who’re wonderful with that compromise, it is an incredible purchase proper now. The Collection 9 additionally receives the WatchOS 26 software program updates, but it surely’s a thicker smartwatch than the Collection 10. I might advocate it much less for consolation and sleep-tracking functions.
A very powerful options to search for in one of the best Apple Watch fashions embrace superior well being sensors like ECG, blood oxygen, and wrist temperature. Additionally look at connectivity choices like whether or not mobile is included or if you need the watch to work when an iPhone is not close by. Additionally take into account battery life and sturdiness with water resistance, mud resistance, and a crystal face to withstand cracking.
The perfect Apple Look ahead to health monitoring is the Apple Watch Collection 11 or the Apple Watch Extremely 3. Each come geared up with the widest number of well being sensors, together with ECG, sleep monitoring, coronary heart and respiration features, wrist temperature, and extra.
For those who’re somebody who spends time mountain climbing or different outside actions in rugged situations temperatures, the Apple Watch Extremely 3 could also be value the additional value. Its design makes it extra sturdy and water resistant — as much as 100m — than the opposite Apple Watch fashions. It additionally consists of an Motion Button for fine-tuning exercises and hikes.
It isn’t made particularly with youngsters in thoughts, however the Apple Watch SE is a superb smartwatch for older youngsters with standout options plus parental controls. Together with enabling telephone calls and textual content messages, the Apple Watch SE additionally tracks your kid’s sleep, has state-of-the-art well being screens, options an SOS functionality, and pairs with 1000’s of apps.
Additionally: The best smartwatches for kids
As well as, you should utilize Apple’s Household Setup to test your child’s location, arrange shared contacts, and implement parental controls like display time utilization. Your baby does not even want their very own iPhone to have an Apple Watch. They will pair it up with yours, so that you’re absolutely in management.
You can not use an Android telephone to arrange and pair with an Apple Watch, and there aren’t any good workarounds. Nevertheless, if in case you have an Android telephone, there are a number of smartwatches you may select from that supply a lot of the identical options as an Apple Watch. Those beneath are smartwatches that ZDNET has reviewed and rated nicely in our testing.
Newest updates
- In April 2026, we confirmed all of our picks and pricing info, and added in new trade information.
- In November 2025, we made the Apple Watch Collection 11 our prime decide for greatest Apple Watch total and added within the Extremely 3 and SE 3 as nice rugged and inexpensive choices. We additionally added an interactive visualization evaluating the tech specs of the highest Apple Watch fashions.
Different Apple Watches we have examined
Present much less
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
The Collection 9 continues to be a handy purchase. It will get all of the WatchOS 26 updates, together with Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores, however consists of an 18-hour battery life as a substitute of the Collection 11’s 24 hours. If you’d like an incredible deal, maintain an eye fixed out for reductions on Black Friday.
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
Whereas the brand new Extremely 3 receives Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc Communications, nice for outside adventurers, the opposite updates to the Extremely 3 can be found on the Extremely 2.
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
For extra, try the best Android smartwatches, our favorite smartwatches of the yr, and the best smartwatches to track your blood pressure.
Smartwatches Reviewed & In contrast
