Best Apple Watch: Choose or upgrade to the right version [September 2025]

We get asked two questions more than any other here at Wareable: ‘Should I buy [insert Apple Watch model]?’ and ‘Should I upgrade from [insert Apple Watch model]?’.

This guide answers those questions. It’s the definitive cheat sheet for deciding which Apple Watch is best and whether this is the right time to buy it.

We’ve tested and lived with every Apple Watch released since the first generation in 2015, meaning we’re well-placed to tell you if one is still worth considering.

Following the official announcement of the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 at the brand’s annual September showcase, we’re in the process of testing each new-generation model before updating our recommendations in full based on the altered landscape.

Explore below to find summaries of each Apple Watch and our buying and upgrade recommendations. And make sure you read our guide to the best Apple Watch alternatives.

How we recommend Apple Watch versions: The traffic light system

• Green = An excellent Apple Watch that comes thoroughly recommended for the next few years at least
• Orange = Still a solid Apple Watch, but comes with a major caveat (usually related to value or software support)
• Red = What was once a great Apple Watch is now no longer a viable option (usually related to a combination of availability, value, performance, or software support)

The next generation: Apple announces 2025 smartwatches

In this guide, we use our traffic light system (outlined above) to deliver a definitive recommendation about what Apple currently offers.

However, given that Apple has only just announced a total refresh of its smartwatch lineup, we’re in the annual lull before we can provide our independent, testing-backed recommendations and truly understand how their release impacts the wider range.

As such, the devices in this guide will generally remain ‘orange’ until we post our reviews of the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 later this month.

If you can’t wait until then, check out our Apple Watch Series 11 vs Series 10 comparison and Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 breakdown for a bit of early analysis on the key changes and whether an upgrade is looking worthwhile.

Generally, unless you can find a great deal on something you’ve been eyeing and don’t mind missing out on the latest technology, we recommend holding off until all reviews are in.

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The previous Apple Watch generation: Ultra 2, Series 10, SE 2

The 2024 Apple Watch refresh was slightly underwhelming, with the brand only releasing an update to the mid-range Series devices. However, as we now know, each device in the family has been updated in 2025. That means these devices are now officially discontinued by Apple (though they are still available widely from other retailers).

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Release year: 2023
• Should you purchase status: Orange

Though the Apple Watch Ultra 2 wasn’t updated in 2024, it remains the best Apple Watch experience money can buy (at least until we’ve fully had a chance to analyze the Ultra 3).

It has a healthy two-day battery life, the range’s most durable and bright display, and easily boasts the most personality.

It’s also the most expensive, and the big, bold design won’t suit every wrist type. It’s also expected to be replaced by an Apple Watch Ultra 3 in 2025. This ensured its price finally started cuts around savings holidays in 2024, but its reign at the top may only last another 7 months.

It is still recommended, as you’re getting a premium smartwatch that will remain compatible with Apple’s annual software updates. However, it’s now one we’re leaning toward only recommending at a reduced price—at least until we’ve completed Ultra 3 testing.

Apple Watch Series 10

• Release year: 2024
• Should you purchase status: Orange

As with every fourth Apple Watch generation, the Series 10 represents a (slightly) new design direction. With no physical case changes arriving on the Series 11, this remains the thinnest and lightest Apple Series design released.

It’s a seriously powerful smartwatch, but the drawback of single-day battery life remains the option’s Achilles heel (and is improved upon, on paper, for the Series 11).

The ultra-large display is also a lot to handle on the wrist, compounded by the fact that it’s only available in 42mm and 46mm case sizes.

Like every other Series device, this is the best Apple Watch for most people. It will also remain a top device for many years to come, and, if Apple’s design philosophy holds, be the up-to-date look until the Series 13 is released.

With all that said, the Series 11 does add some refinements that we’re keen to test and analyze against the Series 10, so we’ve added an orange label to this entry. It’s still an excellent pick, but there are caveats; we wouldn’t blame anybody for waiting until Series 11 verdicts are in, or only picking it up if there’s a serious saving to be made by choosing it over the newer flagship.

Apple Watch SE 2

• Release year: 2022
• Should you purchase status: Red

The Apple Watch SE 2 had a great run. However, even before we know what the SE 3 is capable of, we can’t make any argument to consider choosing this smartwatch in 2025.

This entry-level option sports the same design as the dated Series 4-6, rather than the third iteration present in the Series 7-9. The device also only offers the same poor, single-day battery life as many Series models.

The Ultra 1, Series 9, and SE 1 generation

This is the set of Apple Watch devices that came before the above. Like the last-gen models, they’re no longer produced in factories or sold in Apple stores. However, in some cases, they remain a superb alternative to the latest releases.

And third-party retailers tend to have plenty of stock in the first year or two after discontinuation. This means it can represent one of the best ways to save money on an Apple Watch and still get an experience that will last for years.

Apple Watch Ultra

• Release year: 2022
• Should you purchase status: Red
• Should you upgrade to Ultra 2/3: Yes

As detailed in our comparison of Apple’s super outdoor smartwatches, the OG Apple Watch Ultra is incredibly similar to the Ultra 2 (and also the Ultra 3). On paper, this makes it a great candidate for saving some cash. However, it’s not necessarily that straightforward.

Now that three years have passed since its release (and two years since its discontinuation), stock levels are generally hard to come by. Even if you do manage to snag one, it’s not that much cheaper than the Ultra 2/3.

From a software support and usability perspective, the Ultra is still recommended. However, if the price difference is under $200, we recommend choosing one of the newer models instead.

Thanks to the newer and more powerful chip, you’ll probably grab an extra year of watchOS support, plus extras like Double Tap support and the option to select a black titanium case if you consider the Ultra 2. And with the Ultra 3, there’s even more upgrades to enjoy.

Apple Watch Series 9

• Release year: 2023
• Should you buy status: Green
• Should you upgrade to Series 10/11: No

The Series 9 is easily the most straightforward recommendation of the older models. It features the previous design standards—meaning the overall size is smaller and thicker, and there is no option for a titanium case—but we think most people won’t be able to spot the difference.

As we covered with the Series 10/11, the larger overall case footprint in both case sizes also won’t suit every wrist, so this is potentially a win-win if you’re after an Apple Watch with a smaller profile.

Additionally, it remains powerful enough to handle the next few watchOS updates, and stock levels appear to be solid. We think choosing it is an obvious route to save some money, but you can still weigh up all the differences between the Series 9 and Series 10 if you’re torn.

Apple Watch SE (2020)

• Release year: 2020
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade to SE 2: No
• Should you upgrade to SE 2: Yes
• Should you upgrade to Series 9-11/Ultra 2-3: Yes

With the Apple Watch SE 2 no longer recommended, it will be no surprise that we advise avoiding the original SE (if you can even find stock).

If you have this model, it’s time to upgrade. It no longer supports the latest software (watchOS 26), which means you’re missing out on the latest features. Plus, the list of major hardware features released since 2020 is also beginning to add up.

Like the SE 2, the design differences between the Series 7-9, Series 10-11, and Ultra 1-3 are massive.

Upgrade guide for older models: Series 0-8

This section comprises the remaining Apple Watch generations released since 2014. Aside from refurbished models, the fact that these are no longer manufactured means they’re virtually impossible to pick up brand-new.

However, with very little need to upgrade Apple Watch year-on-year, you likely own one of the devices below and are considering whether it’s time to upgrade. Here’s what we think.

Apple Watch Series 8

• Release year: 2022
• Should you buy status: Orange
• Should you upgrade: No

The Series 8 isn’t much different from the Series 9, which itself isn’t a huge downgrade from the Series 10 released in 2024. The major exclusives you miss compared to the newer generations are Double Tap, carbon-neutral designs, and the potential for a thinner/lighter case with a bigger display.

With that said, the gap is beginning to open up if you compare it to the Series 11. For example, it’s not able to support some significant new features, such as hypertension monitoring, even if it can still access some (like the Sleep Score).

This still has some life in it, and we wouldn’t consider replacing it if you don’t care for the upgrades delivered to the Series line in the last three years (or fancy a full switch to the Ultra 2/3).

You could also do worse as a cheap second-hand purchase, though it is closer to the end of its software support life than the start.

Apple Watch Series 7

• Release year: 2021
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: No

The Series 7 lacks the temperature sensor found in the Series 8, which enables more accurate menstrual cycle tracking, and many other upgrades mentioned above.

It still supports watchOS 26—and likely will still be suitable for another year after this one on the software front—but it’s hard to recommend picking up unless you can find a steal of a price on it.

Yet, as with the Series 8, this is only worth upgrading if you have your eye on the Ultra 2 or one of the new features available in the Series 9-11.

Apple Watch Series 6

• Release year: 2020
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: Start considering

With the Series 6 featuring the same dated design as the SE line and almost certainly in its last year of watchOS support, it gets the thumbs-down from us.

If you own it, the fact that it can still run watchOS 26 means it’s (just about) viable heading into 2026. However, we advise considering your next Apple Watch over the coming year.

Apple Watch Series 5

• Release year: 2019
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: Yes

The Series 5 no longer supports the latest software and is missing major hardware upgrades made over the last half-decade.

There’s no good reason to buy it nowadays, and you would experience a huge upgrade if you jumped to the Series 9-11 or Ultra 2/3.

Apple Watch Series 4

• Release year: 2018
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: Yes

Used to debut ECG and the subject of the first major redesign, the Series 4 is now very long in the tooth. Like the Series 5, it’s time to upgrade if this is still your daily driver.

After all, it doesn’t even boast an always-on display.

Apple Watch Series 3

• Release year: 2017
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: Yes

We can still remember being wowed by the Series 3’s separate cellular capabilities—but, only faintly, because it was released a lifetime ago.

Do the right thing and treat yourself to the Series 9-11, SE 3, or Ultra 2/3.

Apple Watch Series 2

• Release year: 2016
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: Yes

With watchOS 6 the last major software update the Series 2 could handle, we’d be impressed if you’re still using it for anything other than ornamental reasons.

Like the Series 3, consider picking up the Series 9-11, SE 3, or Ultra 2/3.

Apple Watch Series 0/Series 1

• Release year: 2015
• Should you buy status: Red
• Should you upgrade: Yes

Unless you’re a collector, enthusiast, or hoarder, there’s no reason either of these should be in your possession – let alone still in active service.

If this was your sole Apple Watch experience, you could technically upgrade to any and be better off. However, do yourself a favor and pick up one of our green-lit recommendations.