{"id":770,"date":"2025-07-16T02:05:03","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T22:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.actutech.app\/how-to-choose-which-apple-watch-to-buy\/"},"modified":"2025-07-16T02:05:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T22:05:03","slug":"how-to-choose-which-apple-watch-to-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.actutech.app\/en\/how-to-choose-which-apple-watch-to-buy\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose which Apple Watch to buy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It used to be easy to pick an Apple Watch. All you had to do was choose whether you wanted the larger model or the smaller one. Then Apple added optional cellular connectivity. Then, a more affordable Watch SE<\/a> (now in its second generation<\/a>) and, in 2022, the rugged Apple Watch Ultra<\/a> (also now in its second generation<\/a>). Suddenly, there are lots<\/em> of options.<\/p>\n

Now that the Series 10<\/a> has been out for nearly a year, <\/strong>perfectly good older versions of the Apple Watch are regularly getting discounted as retailers try to empty their inventory. You may also see more refurbished versions of these older models pop up. If you\u2019re interested in more premium materials, like stainless steel, this is a great way to get a fancier version of last year\u2019s watch. You won\u2019t be missing out on too much, either. The past few years have seen iterative updates in terms of hardware \u2014 and the bulk of new features come from software updates. <\/strong>With that said, keep in mind that the latest version of watchOS, watchOS 11<\/a>, doesn\u2019t support the Series 4, 5, and first-gen SE. The same can be said of watchOS 26<\/a>, which is slated to arrive in the fall.<\/p>\n

Buying refurbished is one way that you may be able to upgrade from an older model without sacrificing blood oxygen. Due to a patent battle with Masimo, new Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold in the US after January 18th, 2024, no longer have this feature<\/a>. This is not a big deal for most people, but if it\u2019s important to you, older watches and Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold by Apple before January 18th, 2024, still retain the feature. (As do watches overseas. The ban only impacts US units.)<\/p>\n

What about the newer Series 10? In a nutshell, it\u2019s got a bigger screen, it\u2019s about 10 percent thinner, and it\u2019s lighter than previous models. It\u2019s also got an FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection<\/a> feature. There are a ton of new colors and finishes, with titanium replacing stainless steel. All in all, it\u2019s an iterative update but one we find meaningful in terms of readability and wearability.<\/p>\n

So much choice can lead to analysis paralysis. But don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ve tested every single version of the Apple Watch you can buy right now \u2014 in addition to basically every other fitness watch and smartwatch on the market<\/a> \u2014 and can steer you in the right direction.<\/p>\n

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  1. Should you get an Apple Watch?<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Apple Watch Series, SE, or Ultra?<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. The best Apple Watch if you\u2019re on a budget<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. The best Apple Watch for kids<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. The best Apple Watch for older relatives<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Should you get an Apple Watch?<\/h2>\n

    \"The<\/p>\n

    The Apple Watch is the best overall smartwatch for iPhone users. Many smartwatches are better than the Apple Watch for hardcore athletes, even with the Ultra models in the mix. But other watches fall short when it comes to productivity, safety features, controlling your smart home, and interacting with other Apple devices and services. And the Apple Watch has the most robust third-party app ecosystem of any smartwatch on the market.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    By their nature, wearables are incredibly personal devices \u2014 and you won\u2019t get the benefits of an Apple Watch if you don\u2019t wear it regularly. The last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on a thing that ends 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 try to start mulling over which Apple Watch model you should get, take a second to figure out which size and strap material will best fit your wrist.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    The SE and Series watches come in two sizes each. The SE comes in 40mm and 44mm, while the Series 7, 8, and 9 are 41mm and 45mm. The new Series 10 ups the size again to 42mm and 46mm. The larger models are better for readability, while the smaller ones are more comfortable for those with petite wrists. Both the SE and the Series watches have aluminum cases, but the Series 10 now comes in titanium, too. (Older models come in stainless steel.) Most people will be fine with aluminum, but if you\u2019re clumsy or very active, you\u2019ll benefit from the extra durability offered by stainless steel or titanium. You might also just like the look better \u2014 and that\u2019s valid since watches are a personal piece of tech. Just be prepared to pay a few hundred bucks more for that.<\/p>\n

    \"Person<\/p>\n

    As for straps, we recommend the nylon sport loop<\/a>, as it\u2019s the most breathable option, has the easiest clasp, and is less irritating than the silicone options, which is great for sensitive skin. If you\u2019re looking for more fashionable options, we recommend checking out Amazon or Etsy for a wider variety of styles and more affordable pricing.\u00a0You\u2019ll want to check third parties for leather accessories, too, as Apple announced in 2023 that it would no longer make leather accessories in a bid to achieve carbon neutrality.<\/p>\n

    The Ultra and Ultra 2 both come in one size \u2014 49mm \u2014 and with titanium cases. They come with their own special straps, too: the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band. As their names suggest, they\u2019re geared toward runners, hikers, and divers, but you can pick whichever one suits your fancy. We recommend the Trail Loop<\/a>, as it\u2019s the lightest and most versatile of the three. All the Ultra straps work with any 44mm or 45mm Series <\/strong>watch, and the Ultra is compatible with any 44mm or 45mm Apple Watch strap.<\/p>\n

    And while the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you can get as an iPhone user, you can also always check out our fitness tracker buying guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Apple Watch Series, SE, or Ultra?<\/h2>\n
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    Apple Watch Series 10<\/h3>\n
    The Apple Watch Series 10 has a larger, wide-angle OLED display with up to 30 percent more screen area. It\u2019s thinner and lighter than its predecessors, yet it charges faster and features the same fitness and wellness features.<\/div>\n
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    Score: 8<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Pros<\/th>\nCons<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
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    • Bigger display but not bulky<\/li>\n
    • Wide-angle OLED is neat<\/li>\n
    • Much faster charging<\/li>\n
    • Sleep apnea detection has potential<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
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