When Apple first unveiled the Apple Watch, it was simple to select one. The choices were limited to a single model but available in different sizes. However, as time went on and technology advanced, Apple started producing watches with multiple models incorporating GPS, cellular capabilities and a variety of health monitoring functions.
Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 to mark its 10th anniversary. This also provides more choices in its collection, including sleep apnea notifications, a new design layout style, improved sensors, and performance enhancement. So, how do you know which Apple Watch to buy among the many models available?
This guide breaks down the best Apple Watch to buy in 2024 based on features, purpose, and price. Thus, you can make the best choice based on your needs.
How to choose which Apple Watch is perfect for you
Choosing the right Apple Watch depends on several factors. Here are the key points we’ve followed in selecting the best Apple Watch for different needs:
1. Find your purpose
- Health and fitness: If you prioritize health tracking, look for models with advanced health monitoring features, such as heart rate tracking, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, etc.
- Everyday use: For general use, go for models that strike a balance between style and function for notifications, messaging, and daily tasks. The latest features include double-tap gestures, Precision Finding, Apple Pay, etc.
- Luxury: If you seek a more premium experience, options like the Apple Watch Hermès or models with luxurious finishes might appeal to you.
2. Features
- Advanced health monitoring: Look out for models with all-inclusive health features, such as Series 10. It offers sleep apnea notifications, advanced fitness monitoring, blood oxygen sensing devices, etc.
- Design and build: Depending on your preference for lightweight or durable builds, consider aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium models. Also, look for design aspects that suit your style. You may change Apple Watch bands for different looks.
- Size: Getting an Apple Watch suitable for your wrist size is important as well. An accurate fit ensures you can access the best possible health monitoring.
- Battery life: Evaluate battery performance, especially if you plan to use your watch for extensive fitness tracking or notifications throughout the day.
3. Compatibility
Ensure that you select a compatible Apple Watch with your iPhone model. For example, the new Apple Watches like Series 10 and Ultra 2 need iPhones that have running iOS versions 17 or later. You may check Apple Watches and iPhones compatibility before buying.
4. Budget
- Mid-range: Models like the Apple Watch Series 9 provide a fine mix of good features and prices.
- Entry level/first-time buyer: With its essential features, the Apple Watch SE 2 is less expensive.
- Premium budget: The Ultra 2 is designed for those willing to capitalize on top-quality specifications and durability.
5. Who is it for:
When selecting a model consider the target users, from fitness enthusiasts to tech lovers and luxury seekers. So, consider who will be using the watch. For example, the SE 2 is excellent for kids whereas Series 9 is for elderly users due to its simplicity and health monitoring features.
What is the best Apple Watch to buy now?
Selecting the best Apple Watch is largely dependent on your special needs. Here are our best choices for 2024:
- Best overall: Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Best for most people: Apple Watch Series 10
- Best value for money: Apple Watch Series 9
- Best budget-friendly: Apple Watch Series 8
- Best for beginners and kids: Apple Watch SE 2
Such models take care of many different types of people, ranging from expensive features to affordable alternatives.
1. Best overall – Apple Watch Ultra 2
Key specs:
- Display: 49mm LTPO2 OLED flat
- Build: Titanium frame
- Processor: S9 SiP
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: Normal use – 36 hours | Low Power Mode – 72 hours
- IP rating: IP6X; Water-resistant to 100m and swim-proof to 40m
Who should buy this Apple watch?
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is your ideal buddy for outdoor adventures and ultimate fitness regimes. If you need a rugged, feature-packed watch with excellent battery life, consider this.
Why should you buy it?
Though an upgraded model, Apple kept physical specs like the Apple Watch Ultra, including buttons and sensors. You will get the same Grade 5 Titanium case, MIL-STD 810H1 impact resistance, and IP6X and EN13319 rating for rugged usage.
Only this time, the watch’s build material and wristband pairing are entirely carbon neutral. Moreover, Apple launched a new black color with a titanium watch band for a stunning appearance.
Its large display offers 3000 nits peak brightness to see everything clearly in direct sunlight. Also, the advanced light sensors dim the brightness to 1 nit in the dark and turn on Night Mode automatically. So, you don’t need to struggle in movie theaters or at bedtime.
Thanks to the next-gen S9 SiP, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is quicker, more user-friendly, and more powerful. It houses a 64-bit dual-core CPU and a four-core Neural Engine. So, you can enjoy the new watchOS 11 features, including Activity Rings, Vitals app, Training Load, etc. Also, it optimizes the battery to extend usage up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Our verdict:
Therefore, Apple Watch Ultra 2 is best for sports enthusiasts or athletes, such as swimmers, cyclists, runners, etc. Moreover, if you love outdoor activities like trekking, campaigning, etc., like me, you should buy this. It has everything that one would want from a sports watch, including a powerful battery that lasts longer than usual.
Pros
Cons
Check out on: Amazon | Walmart | Apple
2. Best for most people – Apple Watch Series 10
Key specs:
- Display: 46 or 41mm LTPO3 wide-angle OLED
- Build: Titanium or aluminum frame
- Processor: S10 SiP
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: Normal use – 18 hours | Low Power Mode – 36 hours
- IP rating: IP6X; Water-resistant to 50m and swim-proof
Who should buy this Apple watch?
If you want to buy an Apple Watch for personal or professional usage and don’t need extra rugged features like an Action button, Siren, or outdoor activities, the Watch Series 10 is ideal.
Why should you buy it?
The thinnest profile features a brand-new curved glass front and the biggest edge-to-edge display for a more attractive look. With its wide-angle OLED display and 2000 nits brightness, the screen is readable from any angle. Furthermore, Apple integrated the S10 SiP chip, which results in highly efficient performance along with low power consumption.
The Series 10 introduces stunning new finishes, including a striking Jet Black aluminum case and three polished titanium options, combining elegance with durability. In terms of health tracking capabilities, you will get all advanced features along with new sleep apnea notifications.
Additionally, the watch includes advanced fitness tracking tools, such as the Vitals app, a water temperature sensor for swimmers, and a depth sensor for snorkeling. The enhanced Smart Stack offers timely information based on location and time. Plus, do not sweat it; it will be charged up to 80% in half an hour.
Our verdict:
Overall, the Series 10 perfectly balances functionality, performance, and price, making it the best choice for most users. However, the upgrade is not significant if you have a Series 9. Most fitness features are like previous models. If you have a Series 8 or older, you may trade it in and get the Series 10 at a lower price.
Pros
Cons
Check out on: Amazon | Walmart | Apple
3. Best value for money – Apple Watch Series 9
Key specs:
- Display: 45mm or 41mm OLED curved
- Build: Stainless steel or aluminum frame
- Processor: S9 chip
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: Normal use: 18 hours and Low-power mode: 36 hours
- IP rating: IP6X; Water-resistant to 50m
Who should buy this Apple watch?
Are you looking for an Apple Watch with advanced health monitoring features at a reasonable price point? Consider the Watch Series 9.
Why should you buy it?
Series 9 has the latest S9 SiP, offering the same advanced features as the Apple Watch Ultra 2. You can get the latest sleep apnea notifications, track your sleep, take an ECG, nightly wrist temperature tracking, fall detection, and much more. Thus, Series 9 is best for elderly people who want to benefit from Apple Watch health features. Moreover, thanks to watchOS 11 support, you can enjoy the latest features as well.
The Siri dictation is up to 25% more accurate and processes more quickly. Moreover, Apple has incorporated a second-generation Ultra-Wideband processor. So, you can control your HomePod from your watch and find your iPhone. Besides, the display has 2000 nits peak brightness, two times more than its predecessor.
Our verdict:
In my opinion, compared to Series 10, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best value-for-money model to buy in 2024. It offers advanced features, health metrics, and fitness tools and is affordable. You may even buy a refurbished watch to save some more bucks.
Pros
Cons
Check out on: Amazon | Walmart
4. Best budget friendly – Apple Watch Series 8
Key specs:
- Display: 41mm or 45mm OLED
- Build: Stainless steel frame
- Processor: S8 chip
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery: Normal use: 18 hours and Low-power mode: 36 hours
- IP rating: IP6X; Water-resistant to 50m
Who should buy this Apple watch?
If you want to know which Apple Watch a woman should buy, Apple Watch Series 8 is ideal. Moreover, buy this one if you want to experience Series 9 at a more affordable price.
Why should you buy it?
Apple Watch Series 8 offers menstruation cycle tracking and lets you monitor your fertility window. Besides, there are life-saving features like Crash Detection and health monitoring such as ECG, wrist temperature tracking, Heart Rate Zone tracking, Cardio Recovery, etc.
So, it’s best for older people to stay safe and healthy. Moreover, it supports the latest watchOS 11 features. Only the powerful S9 and S10 chip-related features, such as double tap gestures, precision finding, on-device Siri, and low power mode, are absent.
Our verdict:
In my opinion, Series 8 is an all-arounder. You will get all essential functionalities without paying the premium price.
Pros
Cons
Check out on: Amazon | Walmart
5. Best for beginners and kids – Apple Watch SE 2
Key specs:
- Display: 44mm or 40mm OLED
- Build: Aluminum frame
- Processor: S8 chip
- Storage: 32GB
- Battery: Up to 18 hours of normal use
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m
Who should buy this Apple watch?
The Watch SE is Apple’s entry-level model. It’s recommended for people who want to experience the Apple Watch but are tight on budget. Due to its lightweight and compact form factor, it’s also great for kids or teenagers.
Why should you buy it?
Apple Watch SE has S8 SiP to offer good performance and core features. Also, the 1000 nits bright display is crisp. However, it lacks unique features like a blood oxygen meter, ECG, temperature sensors, and the ultrawideband chip for AirTags. Also, the display is smaller and not IP6X certified like the latest Apple Watches.
However, it is swim-proof and water-resistant up to 50 meters. So, you can track your swimming activities. Also, it incorporates the most recent S8 chip and all common watchOS 11 and watchOS 10 features like Training Load, sleep tracking, Low Power mode, Crash Detection, heart rate monitor, and updated Workout, Maps, and Activity apps.
Our verdict:
Therefore, Watch SE is the best Apple Watch to buy if you don’t need the Always on display and particular health or outdoor-specific features. Its 40-mm case size with a carbon-neutral nylon back makes it lighter. Surprisingly, the battery also lasts around two days. So, SE will suit you perfectly if you only want a basic Apple smartwatch.
Pros
Cons
Check out on: Amazon | Walmart | Apple
Which Apple Watch Model Should You Buy?
| Choose This Apple Watch | If You Want |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Best durability, adventure features, and battery life |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Latest tech and health features for everyday use |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | Best value with most health features at a lower price |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Affordable with core health features |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | Budget-friendly, beginner-friendly option |
All Apple Watches have similar basic features and quality standards. However, depending on your needs, you may choose the powerful Apple Watch Ultra 2 or the affordable Apple Watch Series 10.
It’s okay if you want an Apple Watch but cannot afford it. The Apple Watch SE 2 is excellent since not everyone requires blood oxygen and ECG monitoring.
If you’re looking for something premium, consider the Apple Watch Hermès edition. It offers the same functionality as the Series 10 and exclusive bands and watch faces. Also, Apple announced the Hermès edition for the Ultra 2 model.
While Apple may not sell every model, some stores still sell Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8. If you want to experience Series 10 at a lesser price, go for it. It still has essential functionality and software support, making it valuable. Also, you may look for the Apple Watch Ultra to experience the Action button and rugged performance at discounted prices.
Which Apple Watch to avoid in 2024
As new models are released every year, older versions may not offer the best value or features. Models like the Apple Watch Series 6 and earlier lack essential updates and compatibility with the latest iOS versions, making them less future-proof. You may buy Watch Series 7 if it’s heavily discounted, as Apple may provide support for two more years.
Which Apple Watch impressed you?
I started with an Apple Watch SE and later bought the Apple Watch Series 8 for my mom. Also, recently, I upgraded my Series 7 watch to the latest Series 10 to experience powerful S10 features. In the comments, let me know which was/will be your first Apple Watch. Moreover, if you are looking for cases, bands, and other accessories for your Apple Watch, go through our expert guides.
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