The Best Apple Watches of 2024

The Apple Watch keeps getting better, but that doesn’t mean finding the perfect match for you is easy. Whether you need durability, cellular features, or just plain affordability, we have the best Apple Watch recommendations for you.

UPDATE: 09/17/2024

We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated the best Apple Watch overall, as well as the best option for cellular service.

What to Look For in an Apple Watch in 2024

The Apple Watch is much more than a timepiece with a screen instead of dials. When the smartwatch first debuted, it might have been just a novel gadget that could show the time and buzz you with notifications, but the Apple Watch has come a long way since then. These days, the Apple Watch is a fitness tracking device, a GPS beacon, and a way to ensure you never miss out on an important message. It’s also a flexible fashion accessory.

All models of the Apple Watch have a high water-resistant rating, so wearing them in the pool or even in the shower won’t be an issue. The latest model, the Series 10, continues to build on past features, like the ECG monitoring, sleep tracking, and its rather robust Fitness+ to make excellent use of its fitness apps. And the new S10 processor will only make watchOS 11 that much more efficient.

One important thing to note is that, due to patent violations, depending on the model you pick, you might miss out on Apple’s blood oxygen sensor.

Earlier Apple Watch models played it fairly safe with finish and color options, but now you can get the newest Apple Watch in various finishes and colors. You can also accessorize with a variety of Apple Watch bands.

It’s also worth considering just how attached you’d like to be with your Apple Watch. Do you want one to act as a companion to your phone? In that case, you’ll want a cellular model.

And what of GPS? Not all Apple Watches have GPS; it’s optional. If you hike, swim in open waters, or just like that reassurance, it’s a must.

How-To Geek’s product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product.
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Being the latest model, it’s only natural that the Apple Watch Series 10 would be the best Apple Watch overall. Although its battery life has changed from the Series 9 model—18 hours on a normal day; 36 hours on low power mode—it is powered by the new S10 processor. Moving about for calls, texts, apps, and so on will still feel extra snappy without draining the battery.

The design of the Apple Watch Series 10 is notably slimmer, especially if you’re upgrading from a Series 3 or even the Series 6 and SE. Just a millimeter has been shaved away (compared to the Series 9), and titanium is all around lighter, too. If you opt for the aluminum model, it’s even lighter!

Whether you go for the smaller models or not, you’re still getting more screen real estate on average. The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. It’s a wide-angled OLED too, so its always-on display is much easier to read at a glance.

Apple has also injected some of the unique features of the Apple Watch Ultra. The Oceanic+ and Depth apps are now an option, to make good use of the added water temperature sensor and depth gauge.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is not only an upgrade over its previous generation but also replaces the Series 3 as the cheapest smartwatch in the company’s portfolio, making it a no-brainer if you want an affordable Apple Watch. But that doesn’t mean the new Watch SE is a slacker.

The 2022 model packs the same S8 chip as the more expensive Series 8 and Watch Ultra, so you get the same snappy performance. The new chip also makes the smartwatch futureproof, so you won’t need to upgrade for at least a few years unless you want to.

Still available in 40mm and 44mm versions, the Watch SE (2nd Gen) looks the same as its predecessor, but Apple has redesigned the back to color-match the aluminum case. Plus, the smartwatch includes new accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to offer the Crash Detection feature like the other new Apple Watch models.

The smartwatch is also great for essential health and fitness tracking. You get all-day activity tracking, sleep tracking, and heart-rate monitoring. The watchOS 9 handles the software duties and brings almost all the newly introduced bells and whistles, including updated Workout and Compass apps, more insights into your sleep, and a new Medications experience.

Unfortunately, while the Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a lot of what’s available in the Series 8, it lacks an always-on display, ECG app, ability to monitor blood oxygen saturation, dust resistance, and temperature sensors, among the significant features.

However, if these features are not a deal-breaker for you, it’s an excellent option for an iPhone owner looking for their first smartwatch or a budget pick. Moreover, the Watch SE (2nd Gen) launch price is $30 less than its predecessor, making it a better value for money and an enticing purchase.

If staying connected is essential to you, the Apple Watch Series 7 offers the best experience, especially if you frequently text. Since you’ll presumably have your watch with you as often as possible, the added durability compared to, say, the 2nd generation SE, is going to be particularly useful.

The Apple Watch Series 7 has a massive screen compared to the Series 3—nearly 50% bigger. Even better, the screen’s bezels are much thinner, giving you far more purchase for your fingers whenever you text, call, or fiddle with the apps. In fact, you have access to a touchscreen keyboard.

The Series 7 is also quite resistant to general wear and tear. Compared to the Series 6, it guards against water (up to 50 meters) and dust, with a dust resistance rating of IP6X. Not to mention a much thicker screen. Overall, the Series 7 will withstand the sudden bumps and scratches.

Of course, there is also a suite of sensors and apps for tracking your health and safety, such as an ECG, emergency SOS, irregular rhythm notifications, fall detection, and sleep tracking. It’s also eligible for watchOS 11, so you’ll gain access to the newest features, too.

Outdoor adventurers must have a reliable and durable watch if it’s going to stand the test of time. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts 100m water resistance, is swimproof, can be taken on a recreational dive up to 40m, and can withstand high-speed water sports. Not to mention, it’s made from titanium, so is the most durable Apple Watch you can get your hands on.

Apple claims the Ultra 2 has been tested against the MIL-STD-810H standard. The sapphire crystal is protected from edge impacts thanks to the rugged and corrosion-resistant case. With an IP6X dust-resistant rating, this Apple Watch is able to take a beating.

But underneath the hard exterior, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 features the biggest and brightest Apple Watch display yet. The always-on display at 3000 nits makes it the perfect companion for outdoor activities since the screen is easier to read in the sunlight. You can also customize the display to your heart’s content, making sure you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Supporting Apple’s double-tap gesture feature, you can easily interact with your smartwatch by double-tapping your index finger and thumb. This means you can answer calls, send messages, and pause timers. Things you might not want to stop for should you be out and about.

Feature a dual-frequency GPS system, you’ll be able to accurately track your fitness metrics across a range of environments. Plus, there’s access to plenty of new fitness features and compatibility with third-party accessories.

For the ultimate Apple Watch experience, look no further than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The Best Apple Watch Bands

If you thought that picking an Apple Watch was difficult, just wait until you try to pick a band. While you’ve got a handful of models and finishes for the Apple Watch itself, there are too many types of bands in various color options to try and narrow down in this roundup.

Even limiting your options to those offered by Apple, you still need to choose between about seven or so different models. That’s not even including all the third-party bands on the market!

But don’t worry, you don’t need to make this choice alone. For a little help narrowing down your options, look at our roundup of the best Apple Watch bands.

FAQ

How do I reset my Apple Watch?

Resetting your Apple Watch is a useful process to know how to do in a pinch. See our guide on how to backup, wipe, and restore your Apple Watch for step-by-step instructions.

How do unpair my Apple Watch?

Ever wondered what the “i” icon on your Apple Watch does? You can use it to unpair your Apple Watch.

How do I turn off my Apple Watch?

Since you have an Apple Watch, you also have an iPhone. You can turn your Apple Watch off like you’d turn off your iPhone: using the side button.

Are Apple Watches waterproof?

While not completely waterproof, Apple Watches are water resistant. All Apple Watches can withstand sweat and light water like rain, but some (like the Apple Watch Ultra) can even be used in recreational scuba diving.

How do I change my Apple Watch band?

Swapping Apple Watch bands is pretty simple once you know your way around the wearable. Read our guide on how to change your Apple Watch band for more info.

How do I charge my Apple Watch?

Charging your Apple Watch looks largely the same as wirelessly charging your iPhone. Plug the USB end of your adaptor into a wall outlet or USB port, then stick your Apple Watch’s back to the magnetic puck.