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the best apple watch to buy As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are eager to find the best deals on technology, particularly smartwatches, and the Apple Watch remains a top contender.

the best apple watch to buy

The Evolution of the Apple Watch

Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch has undergone significant transformations, evolving from a single model into a diverse lineup that caters to various user needs. Initially launched as a luxury accessory, the smartwatch has become a vital tool for health monitoring, fitness tracking, and everyday convenience. Today, Apple offers three primary models: the entry-level Apple Watch SE, the standard Series, and the rugged Ultra. Each model is designed to meet the unique demands of different demographics, making it essential for consumers to understand which watch best suits their lifestyle.

The Best Apple Watch for Most People

Apple Watch SE 3

Score: 9

Pros: Always-on display, double tap and wrist flick gestures, enhanced health features, 5G connectivity, fast charging, improved durability, on-device Siri, upgraded processor, built-in speaker.
Cons: Thick bezels, battery life could be better.

Where to Buy: $249 at Apple, $199 at Amazon, $199 at Best Buy

The third-generation Apple Watch SE is an exceptional value for most users. The differences between this entry-level model and the more advanced Series 11 are minimal, making it a compelling choice. The SE 3 features an always-on display, an upgraded S10 chip that supports gestures like double-tap and wrist flick, fast charging, on-device Siri, and 5G cellular capabilities. Additionally, it includes new health features such as a wrist-temperature sensor.

For individuals who are generally healthy, the SE 3 provides essential health monitoring without the need for advanced features like blood oxygen levels or electrocardiograms (EKGs). It still offers fundamental health notifications, including alerts for abnormal heart rates, a new Sleep Score, and notifications for sleep apnea.

While the SE 3 does have a thicker bezel compared to the Series 11, its performance and features make it an excellent choice for most users. For a price difference of $150, the SE 3 is the Apple Watch that most consumers should consider purchasing.

The Best Apple Watch for Health Monitoring

Apple Watch Series 11

Score: 8

Pros: Slightly better battery life, 5G connectivity, FDA-cleared hypertension notifications.
Cons: Incremental updates compared to older models, with many features available in watchOS 26.

Where to Buy: $399 at Apple, $339 at Amazon, $349 at Best Buy

While the SE 3 is the best choice for most users, the Series 11 excels in health monitoring capabilities. It includes advanced sensors for atrial fibrillation (afib) monitoring and features a larger battery, which is beneficial for those interested in sleep tracking and sleep apnea notifications. The Series 11 also offers FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, a feature absent in the SE 3.

With its slimmer profile and larger display, the Series 11 is particularly recommended for users who may be purchasing an Apple Watch for older family members. However, for those looking to save money, the Series 10 remains a viable option, as it shares many features with the Series 11, with the primary differences being 5G connectivity and a slight improvement in battery life.

What About Blood Oxygen Monitoring?

As of January 18, 2024, Apple ceased selling Apple Watches with the blood oxygen feature in the U.S. due to a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo. The International Trade Commission ruled that Apple Watches equipped with this feature infringe on two of Masimo’s patents, leading to an import ban.

However, in August 2025, Apple received approval for a workaround that reintroduced the blood oxygen feature via a software update for all U.S. models. Despite this development, the blood oxygen feature is not considered essential for most wearables at this time. Many devices either offer spot-check capabilities or passively track SpO2 levels overnight, providing an average reading the following morning. These devices should not be seen as replacements for traditional fingertip pulse oximeters.

The Best Apple Watch for Athletes

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Score: 8

Pros: Extended battery life, larger display, thinner bezels, satellite and 5G connectivity.
Cons: Most users may not notice improvements from 5G or satellite features.

Where to Buy: $799 at Apple, $779.99 at Amazon, $799 at Best Buy

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for users with active lifestyles, offering features that cater specifically to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its enhanced durability, bright display, and specialized features such as a siren and Action Button make it ideal for activities like hiking, outdoor running, and recreational diving. While it may be considered overkill for everyday use, many users appreciate its extended battery life and larger display.

For those who already own the Ultra 2, it may be wise to hold off on upgrading unless the new satellite connectivity feature is particularly appealing. The Ultra 3 offers minor upgrades over its predecessor, and users in urban areas may not find significant benefits from the new connectivity options.

The Best Apple Watch for Kids

Apple Watch SE 3

Where to Buy: $249 at Apple, $199 at Amazon, $199 at Best Buy

For parents considering an Apple Watch for their children, the SE 3 is the most suitable option. Unless there are specific health concerns, children do not require the advanced health tracking features of the Series 11 or the rugged design of the Ultra 3. The SE 3 provides adequate functionality for staying connected and monitoring activity levels.

Additionally, the SE 3 is available in smaller sizes and is more budget-friendly, making it a practical choice for younger, active children. If parents are not ready to provide their child with a smartphone, opting for a cellular model will enable them to utilize the Apple Watch for Kids setup feature, allowing for communication without the need for a separate phone.

What’s Coming Next

With the fall iPhone event concluded, consumers should begin looking for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales to find deals on Apple Watches. This time of year typically presents excellent opportunities to purchase last year’s models at discounted prices.

Apple generally refreshes its smartwatch lineup annually, so the next significant update will likely be revealed during the upcoming WWDC in June. As technology continues to evolve, consumers can expect further enhancements to watchOS and potentially new hardware features in future Apple Watch models.

In summary, whether you are looking for an entry-level smartwatch, a health-focused device, a rugged option for outdoor activities, or a kid-friendly gadget, Apple offers a variety of choices to meet diverse needs. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each model will help consumers make informed decisions as they navigate the holiday shopping season.

Source: Original report