The best Apple Watch in 2025

The largest information in Apple Watches proper now could be the upcoming launch of watch OS 26 — new software program that features a Exercise Buddy and assist for a wrist flick gesture — and the restoration of the blood oxygen monitoring function. Each the working system and restored function solely apply to the flagship Apple Watch Sequence 10 and the adventure-geared Apple Watch Extremely 2. The third wearable within the lineup, the budget-focused Apple Watch SE, nonetheless has its benefits, specifically worth and powerful fitness-tracking chops. After all, all three fashions could also be changed after Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 occasion in September. However should you need assistance selecting one of the best Apple Look ahead to you proper now, this information might help. We’ll stroll you thru the specs, sensors and different options, together with our evaluations based mostly on our critiques.Desk of contentsBest Apple Watch in 2025Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget Chip: S10 SiP | Sensors: ECG, coronary heart price, temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, fall/crash detection | Show: At all times‑on Retina wide-angle OLED show, max 2,000 nits brightness | Battery life: 18 hours | Case measurement: 42mm or 46mm Learn our full overview of the Apple Watch Sequence 10 After a number of years of the identical measurement choices for Apple’s flagship wearable, the Apple Watch Sequence 10 now comes with an even bigger display matched with a thinner general design. As an alternative of 41 and 45mm case sizes, now you can get the watch in both 42mm or 46mm. And, due to a redesigned steel again that integrates the antenna into the housing, it’s now simply 9.7mm thick, a full millimeter thinner than the Sequence 9. In her overview, Engadget’s Cherlynn Low stated the brand new watch was noticeably thinner and lighter, although that didn’t make an enormous distinction in consolation between the brand new model and its predecessor. The bigger display did make some issues clearer, equivalent to highway names in Maps. The wide-angle OLED show additionally made it simpler to learn the face when not wanting straight at it. The Sequence 10 delivers extra highly effective speaker output, too. Cherlynn famous that the audio system are in all probability not one thing you’ll need to depend on for prolonged listening, and so they undoubtedly work higher in quiet environments. But when that you must hear a track or a little bit of a podcast sooner or later, your watch might be higher geared up to take action. One other {hardware} improve comes with the addition of a depth gauge. It’s not meant for diving, because the gauge is just rated to 6 meters, but it surely might offer you insights when snorkeling or swimming. Along with sleep monitoring, the watch now additionally helps sleep apnea detection, a situation that’s significantly under-diagnosed. Whereas it’s not meant for individuals who already know they’ve the dysfunction, it might assist determine sure respiration patterns throughout sleep that ought to be checked out by a physician. That function may also be out there on the Apple Watch Sequence 9 with watchOS 11. Battery life didn’t change drastically — Apple nonetheless guarantees an 18-hour stretch per cost — and that comparatively quick span has at all times been our greatest criticism with the watch. The charging velocity, nonetheless, did get a lift. It’s best to now have the ability to get your watch as much as 80 % in only a half an hour utilizing a fast-charge-certified charger. After all, the brand new options aren’t the one motive to purchase an Apple Watch Sequence 10. It simply occurs to be one of the best companion you will get for an iPhone. The watch will preserve you on prime of your notifications (presenting fewer distractions than your cellphone), whereas the exercise monitoring and health options might help preserve you motivated, if that’s one thing you’re into. It could actually additionally remind you to take meds, be aware your moods and log your interval for cycle monitoring and predictions. Finally, we predict the Apple Watch Sequence 10 is a good purchase for iOS customers who’re both new to Apple Watches or coming from a Sequence 8 or older. For those who’ve obtained a Sequence 9, you possibly can in all probability wait on an improve. ProsThinner and lighter buildPotentially useful sleep apnea detectionThe greatest companion for an iPhoneUseful new water sports activities featuresConsStill solely has an 18-hour battery life$329 at AmazonCherlynn Low for EngadgetChip: S8 SiP | Sensors: Coronary heart price, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, fall/crash detection | Show: Retina show, max 1,000 nits brightness | Battery life: 18 hours | Case measurement: 40mm or 44mm Learn our full overview of the Apple Watch SE But once more, Apple didn’t come out with a brand new era of the Apple Watch SE when it introduced the Apple Watch 10 and different Apple gadgets in September. A brand new plastic model is reportedly within the works (and now we have some concepts on what Apple can enhance). However for now, this $250 smartwatch is Apple’s finances choice.  Cherlynn additionally reviewed the SE when it got here out in 2022, calling it “one of the best smartwatch for the cash.” It makes use of the identical chip as the unique Extremely and the Sequence 8, and in our overview of the brand new Sequence 9, Cherlynn “barely observed a distinction in efficiency” in comparison with the older Apple Watch. That stated, there are some trade-offs. You gained’t get an always-on show, blood oxygen monitoring or a temperature sensor. The SE can also’t assist the brand new Double Faucet function and requires your cellphone to be close by for Siri requests (should you don’t have a cellular-enabled mannequin). Supplies-wise, the SE face is roofed in Ion-X glass, which is much less sturdy than the sapphire crystal on both the chrome steel Sequence 9 or the Extremely 2. However the SE has extra in frequent with its pricier sibling than not, together with crash detection, coronary heart price monitoring, emergency SOS calling, and 50 meters of water resistance. And, after all, the watch does all of the fundamentals nicely, like sharing notifications, controlling your music playback and setting timers and alarms.  Although the display isn’t fairly as vibrant because the pricier fashions, we thought it was crisp and straightforward to learn, even in vibrant daylight. The health monitoring is correct, the design is light-weight and cozy and the processor is snappy. For those who’re on the lookout for a starter smartwatch and don’t thoughts the few lacking options, the SE continues to be the best way to go. ProsAffordable priceGreat well being and health trackingExtends the utility of an iPhoneConsLacks blood oxygen and temperature sensorsDoesn’t assist Double TapNo always-on show$170 at TargetCherlynn Low for EngadgetChip: S9 SiP | Sensors: ECG, coronary heart price, temperature, compass, altimeter, accelerometer, fall/crash detection, depth gauge | Show: At all times-on Retina show, max 3,000 nits brightness | Battery life: 36 hours | Case measurement: 49mm Learn our full overview of the Apple Watch Extremely Apple introduced the Apple Watch Extremely 2 on the similar occasion because the Sequence 9 however, the next yr, we didn’t get an Apple Watch Extremely 3. As an alternative, Apple introduced a brand new satin black colorway created with a “diamond-like carbon bodily vapor deposition” course of that you just’ll generally discover used on high-end knife blades. Engadget’s Cherlynn Low took the earlier mannequin Extremely out on a hike to make the most of its outdoor-specific options and the Backtrack operate really saved her and our video producer Brian from taking an unintended detour within the flawed route. The operate lives throughout the Compass app and allows you to set waypoints equivalent to marking the car parking zone earlier than you set out. There’s an onboard siren that’s loud sufficient to alert passersby or emergency personnel to your whereabouts should you ought to want it. For water-based actions, the Extremely 2 packs diving options that may measure water temperature, dive length and gauge as much as 40 meters of depth. For exercises nearer to residence, the dual-frequency GPS provides you extra correct route monitoring and tempo calculations. And the motion button could be programmed to begin a exercise, management the stopwatch, set off the flashlight, set a waypoint and extra. Simply be aware that we discovered it fairly straightforward to unintentionally set off the motion button when making an attempt to press the crown, so it might take somewhat follow. The S9 SiP chip permits Double Faucet and on-device Siri processing. The display has been bumped as much as 3,000 nits and whereas we didn’t get to take the brand new mannequin on a hike, the unique at 2,000 nits was loads vibrant sufficient in direct daylight. We like how the brand new Modular Extremely watch face makes nice use of the outsized display (although that’s additionally out there on the unique AWU.) The battery life stays the identical at 36 hours, and we obtained about three days of average use out of the Extremely earlier than needing a recharge. The low energy mode is especially spectacular, squeezing out many further hours from a near-empty watch. ProsRobust buildSpecialized options for outside activitiesLarge display shows loads of infoConsExpensiveLarge case can really feel cumbersome on smaller wrists$818 at AmazonWhat to search for in an Apple WatchLike all Apple merchandise, Apple Watches will solely work with different gadgets from the model’s ecosystem. You will not have the ability to pair any Apple Watch to your Android cellphone. Be aware that you could pair different wearables (like a Garmin tracker or a Fitbit band) together with your iPhone. There are some extra options which can be particular to Apple Watches and that set every of the three fashions aside from each other.Chips and sensorsThe new Apple Watch Sequence 10 has an S10 SiP (system in a bundle) chip with a four-core Neural Engine. The Extremely 2 was up to date September 2023 with Apple’s S9 SiP. Each chips permit for on-device processing of Siri requests in addition to dictation, translation, automated exercise detection and the Double Faucet gesture that permits you to reply calls or cease an alarm by tapping your thumb and forefinger collectively twice. It additionally permits sooner machine studying efficiency for deciphering sensor information, speech recognition and performing different “pondering” duties. The Apple Watch SE nonetheless depends on the S8 SiP, which was additionally used within the Sequence 8 and the unique Extremely.Each the Sequence 10 and Extremely 2 can measure sure very important indicators like coronary heart price, and each have an ECG app. Temperature sensors might help observe ovulation, whereas underwater temperature sensors could turn out to be useful whereas swimming and snorkeling. Each additionally assist fall-detection and crash-detection as a security function. All three fashions have a compass and altimeter. The Apple Watch Extremely 2 has an onboard SOS siren, in addition to dive options like a depth gauge. Water options had been added to the Apple Watch Sequence 10, however with a shallower depth ranking (simply six meters, as in comparison with 40 meters on the Extremely).All three fashions assist close to subject communication (NFC), the chip that permits Apple Pay. When you set it up utilizing the Apple Watch app in your iPhone, you possibly can pay for stuff at any retailer that accepts Apple Pay, even when you do not have your cellphone with you.Blood oxygen featureYou could have heard a couple of patent dispute over blood oxygen monitoring know-how that pressured Apple to cease promoting its watches for a number of months again in 2023. The corporate then began promoting the watches with the blood oxygen app disabled. Now the function is again — Apple introduced in August of 2025 that it will be restoring the function to any Sequence 9, Sequence 10 and Apple Watch Extremely 2 fashions that lack it. Doing so requires an replace to iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1. You’ll be able to view your blood oxygen measurement leads to the Respiratory part of the Well being app in your cellphone.Shows and case sizesThe wide-angle OLED show on the Apple Watch 10 helps you to see the always-on show from extra angles. The Extremely 2 additionally has an always-on show, however you’ll should raise your wrist to inform time or learn notifications on the SE. The SE can attain a most brightness of 1,000 nits, the Sequence 10 can get as vibrant as 2,000 and the Extremely 2 hits 3,000 nits. Each higher-end screens can dim to a single nit, making them much less distracting in the dead of night.The Apple Watch Sequence 10 got here with a brand new end and case materials — a shiny anodized jet black end on the aluminum mannequin and the choice for a titanium case. The Extremely 2 additionally obtained a brand new end, satin black, that makes use of a PVD (bodily vapor deposition) course of to use the colour.As for case sizes, the SE is offered in 40 or 44mm. The Sequence 10 elevated in measurement from the prior era and now has a selection of a 42 or 46mm case. The Extremely 2 is available in only one measurement measuring 49mm. You additionally get the chance to choose the size and elegance for watch bands. The SE and Sequence 10 are available small/medium or medium/massive and the Extremely 2 provides you the selection of small, medium or massive.The Sequence 10 (left) and Sequence 9 (proper).(Cherlynn Low for Engadget)Battery lifeSince it’s the biggest wearable, the Apple Watch Extremely 2 sports activities the largest battery and might final for a claimed 36 hours on a cost. That quantity jumps as much as 72 hours should you activate low energy mode. Each the Apple Watch 10 and the SE are rated by Apple to go for 18 hours earlier than they want a go to to the charger, and longer when utilizing battery saver mode. Which means if you wish to use both of these fashions commonly for sleep monitoring, it’s possible you’ll have to recharge them a bit earlier than mattress.Health and wellness featuresBelieve it or not, all three Apple Watches have related health tracker chops. The Exercise app makes use of three “rings” to maintain tabs on how a lot you’re transferring in a day: The Transfer ring tracks your lively energy; the Train ring displays the minutes you’ve spent strolling, operating, doing yoga and so forth; and the Stand ring tells you what number of hours in a day you’ve stood up and moved round for a minimum of one minute.Completely different inner sensors detect these actions, for instance the accelerometer senses while you’re transferring versus sitting nonetheless, and the optical coronary heart price sensor judges how arduous you are figuring out and what number of energy you’ve burned. You’ll be able to set your targets for every ring and also you’ll earn badges and animations while you hit them.The Exercise app helps you to begin and observe an train session. The sensors may even auto-detect while you’re figuring out, tapping your wrist to counsel you observe the exercise. Apple Watches will combine with Apple’s Health+ subscription, displaying actual time coronary heart price and calorie burn information in your iPhone, iPad and even Apple TV 4K as you are taking a category. Health+ additionally consists of audio-guided walks and runs with simply your watch and Bluetooth earbuds. All three fashions assist the Exercise and Exercise apps at no cost. The Health+ app additionally works with all Apple Watches, however prices $10 per 30 days.New options enabled with watchOS 11 embody Coaching Load that gauges your physique’s response to exercises over time, which might assist athletes higher put together for occasions like marathons. Customers can even now skip a day (or extra) from health monitoring metrics when they should relaxation or aren’t feeling as much as the problem of closing their rings. The brand new OS additionally helps offline maps, which might show helpful when climbing removed from mobile protection. Upcoming options of the subsequent working system (watchOS 26) will embody an AI Exercise Buddy to teach you thru your subsequent run by way of your linked Airpods.SiriYou can get the climate, begin a exercise, determine a track and dictate a textual content simply by asking Siri. All Apple Watch fashions assist the Elevate to Communicate function that bypasses the necessity to say “Hey Siri” and can as a substitute hear to your request while you raise your wrist close to your mouth.Each the Sequence 10 and the Extremely 2 make the most of onboard processing of Siri requests. Which means executing easy requests like beginning exercises and timers are faster, as they gained’t have to entry exterior networks. Nevertheless, requests like sending texts or getting climate forecasts nonetheless want to speak with Wi-Fi or mobile, so that you’ll have to have your cellphone close by when you have a GPS-only mannequin.Carbon impartial optionsThe Apple Watch Sequence 9 with the aluminum case was the corporate’s first carbon impartial product. Apple defines its carbon impartial merchandise as those who use “one hundred pc clear electrical energy for manufacturing and product use, 30 % recycled or renewable materials by weight and 50 % of transport with out the usage of air transportation.” Mixed, Apple says these adjustments diminished the emissions by round 75 %, and the corporate will use credit so make up for the remaining emissions.At the moment, the Apple Watch Sequence 10 in both aluminum or titanium with the game loop band, braided solo loop or Milanese loop, and the Apple Watch Extremely 2 with the path loop or alpine loop bands are designated as carbon impartial merchandise. If you choose, say the rubber Sport Band, the carbon impartial ranking would not apply.PriceThere’s a $550 distinction between the most cost effective and costliest Apple Watches. For $250 you will get the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS-only connectivity; including mobile connectivity ups the value by $50. The Apple Watch Sequence 10 begins at $399 for the 42mm, non-cellular mannequin in aluminum and goes as excessive as $749 for the 46mm titanium case (which is just out there with GPS and mobile). The Apple Watch Extremely 2 has only one worth: $799 for a titanium 49mm case with each GPS and mobile energy — although if you need the titanium Apple Watch Band, the value goes up. For any mannequin you decide, you will in all probability additionally need a number of Apple Watch equipment, so it’s possible you’ll need to issue that into your buying resolution. Be aware that each one fashions go on sale pretty usually — however solely at third-party realtors. You will not discover many sale’s on Apple.com, although the positioning does supply reductions while you commerce in your outdated gadgets.How we examined Apple WatchesEngadget has been reviewing Apple Watches for the reason that first one got here out in 2015. Since then, we’ve examined each subsequent mannequin Apple has launched, together with the Extremely and SE fashions, spending a minimum of a number of days or perhaps a couple weeks with one strapped to our wrists. Throughout that point, we run, hit the fitness center, go on hikes and put on it whereas sleeping, all of the whereas gauging the way it tracks varied metrics, integrates with the iPhone and performs each different trick Apple claims its smartwatches can do.Since we additionally overview smartwatches from different firms, equivalent to Samsung’s Galaxy Watches and Google Pixels, our editors can evaluate Apple Watches not simply to earlier generations, but in addition to different wearables in the marketplace. Our purchasing guides and suggestions depend on first-hand testing by Engadget employees.Apple Watch comparability chartProductApple Watch Sequence 10Apple Watch Extremely 2Apple Watch SE (Gen 2)Launch dateSeptember 2024September 2023September 2022Case sizes42mm or 46mm49mm40mm or 44mmCase materialAluminum or titaniumTitaniumAluminumDisplayLTPO3 OLED At all times-OnLTPO2 OLED At all times-OnLTPO OLEDMax brightness2,000 nits3,000 nits1,000 nitsChipS10 SiPS9 SiPS8 SiPMax battery life18 h./36 h. low power36 h./72 h. low power18 h.Water resistance50 m.100 m.50 m.Featured sensorsECG, electrical coronary heart price, optical coronary heart price, water temp, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep monitoring, sleep apnea, wrist tempECG, electrical coronary heart price, optical coronary heart price, water temp, expanded-range altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep monitoring, sleep apnea, wrist tempECG, optical coronary heart price, altimeter, compass, gyroscope, sleep trackingApple Watch FAQsWhat are one of the best Apple Watch apps for health monitoring?All three watches use the identical Health and Exercise apps to trace your progress, and so they all have sensors to trace velocity, cadence, distance and coronary heart price. However the Apple Watch Extremely 2 and the Apple Watch Sequence 10 have extra sensors than the Apple Watch SE. These embody {an electrical} coronary heart price sensor and a depth gauge. The 2 watches even have a blood oxygen app and an ECG app, all of which can offer you a greater image of your general well being. The Sequence 10 and Extremely 2 are additionally the one fashions suitable with the AI-powered Exercise Buddy from watchOS 26 (the function additionally requires an AI-compatible iPhone).Are any of the Apple Watch collection waterproof?All three fashions are waterproof. However they will all deal with immersion in water, together with a swim. The Apple Watch SE and Sequence 10 can deal with a depth of as much as 50 meters whereas the Extremely 2 could be submerged as much as 100 meters.