The Best Apple Watch for 2025 – CNET

If you’re an iPhone user looking for a smartwatch, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Apple Watch. Thanks to its seamless iPhone integration and consistent software updates, the Apple Watch is both a powerful companion device and a great health ally allowing you to keep tabs on your vitals and help you achieve your fitness goals. While choosing an Apple Watch might seem straightforward, there are several models to consider; each one catering to different needs, budgets and lifestyles. To help you decide which one is right for you (and your family), we’ve ranked our favorite based on features, performance and value.

What is the best Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch Series 10 takes everything great about its predecessors and elevates it. Compared to the Series 9, it offers a larger, brighter screen without adding bulk (it’s actually lighter), more power under the hood and faster charging than any other Apple Watch, including the Ultra 2.

While its features may not drastically differ from the Series 9, its next-gen processor ensures it will likely outlast its predecessor in terms of software updates. It also includes a few more subtle upgrades, like voice isolation for calls, music playback and a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor for aquatic activities.

Best Apple watches for 2025

Like

• Lower price
• Same performance as the Series 8
• Car-crash detection for additional safety

Don’t like

• No always-on display
• No QWERTY keyboard
• Most new features can be found on older watches too

The Apple Watch SE retails for $250, but you can regularly find it discounted to $200 or less, which makes it an excellent choice for the budget-conscious buyer. Expect most of the same features found on more expensive Apple Watch models like the Series 9, including activity tracking, third-party apps and safety features like Emergency SOS. It does miss out on an always-on display and heart-health features like the ECG.

Like

• Incredibly bright screen
• More accurate dictation and on-device Siri
• 64GB storage means more space for music and apps
• Double Tap is very useful

Don’t like

• Battery life is the same as first Ultra
• Limited recovery metrics

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s best smartwatch, with a tough titanium construction and an Action button to quickly start workouts or launch apps. It has the brightest screen of any Apple Watch at a maximum of 3,000 nits which makes it incredibly easy to see when adventuring in the great outdoors. For adventurers and athletes, it also has a built-in siren for safety and a dual-band GPS for accurately tracking your route. LTE is also onboard so you can venture out without a phone and still stay connected.

Though it’s designed to be an outdoor watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still a fantastic all-around smartwatch. Inside is the same S9 chip as found on the Apple Watch Series 9 which supports gestures like Double Tap and allows the watch to process Siri commands on-device. This means you can use Siri without being online and later in the year you’ll be able to ask the voice assistant for health data. Like earlier Apple Watches, the Ultra 2 also comes with a blood oxygen sensor, electrocardiogram app, fall detection and emergency SOS. The battery also lasts at least twice as long as all other Apple Watch models. It’s only compatible with the iPhone, so if you have an Android phone, you’ll want to look at another option on this list.

Other Apple Watches we tested

While no longer sold directly by Apple, the Apple Watch Series 9 is still a strong option if you can find it. Stores like Best Buy and Target often have it in stock for around $100 less than the Series 10. You’ll miss out on the larger, redesigned screen and ultra fast charging, but it still includes key health features not available on the cheaper SE, like the ECG app, temperature sensing and sleep apnea notifications.

Factors to consider when buying an Apple Watch

All Apple Watches share the same core DNA: a square screen with rounded edges, a rotating crown, interchangeable straps and Apple’s WatchOS with Siri integration. The differences lie in the details; things like advanced health sensors, durability, battery life and screen size. And, of course, price.

Budget: If you’re on a budget and want the best deal, it might be worth waiting for major discount days like Black Friday when most retailers, including Apple, offer sales or gift card cash back incentives. Another way to cut costs is by purchasing a refurbished Apple Watch directly from Apple. They come with the same one-year warranty as new models, eligibility for AppleCare and a 14-day return window.

Design: There are a lot of ways to customize your Apple Watch, including different finishes and watch bands. But dressing up your Apple Watch doesn’t always come cheap, and some of the more premium design options like the titanium finish and stainless steel band can increase the base price by $600. You can also customize the size of your screen; older models or the 2nd SE will have the smallest option (40mm) while the Apple Watch Ultra offers the largest (49mm) display.

Battery: Battery life continues to be a major pain point for Apple Watch users, with no model going past the 3-day mark like some Android models. And while Apple has made strides in this category, it’s best to taper your expectations by accepting that you’ll probably get a day’s worth of charge (with the always on display) on most models. If that’s a deal breaker, you’ll need to splurge on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is the only model that lasts up to 72 hours.

Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular: Most users will find the Wi-Fi version sufficient. It tracks workouts and makes mobile payments independently from the phone but needs to be in range of your iPhone to access some of the smart features like notifications, messaging and calls. Cellular and Wi-Fi models are only worth the splurge (an additional $100) if you plan to ditch your iPhone on a regular basis and need the watch to be a standalone device and have access to all the features. And it’s your only option if you’re buying the Ultra 2 as it doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi only option.

How we test Apple Watches

We test all our Apple Watches in the real world and focus on any new features or claims in addition to all the other features you’ll be using on a regular basis like fitness tracking and connectivity. All Apple Watches, including the cellular models need to connect to an iPhone, so we also assess how easy the companion software is to navigate.

Durability and design: Smartwatches are something you wear on your body, so we assess how comfortable they are to wear. We also know that everyone has a different-sized wrist, so we try to see how it fits and feels on a variety of people. Then we look at how it stands up to wear and tear with daily life. Some models, like the Ultra 2, offer increased durability like dust resistance or water resistance that’s suited for activities like scuba diving and where possible we’ll test this out for ourselves.

Battery: Battery life will vary depending on how you use a smartwatch, so we test battery life with a few standard tests. We see how long it generally lasts on a single charge with features that represent typical use, like the always-on display, sleep tracking and doing one outdoor workout with GPS.

Fitness and health sensor accuracy: We test the accuracy of the Apple Watch using a few different methods. The heart rate sensor for example is compared against the readings taken from a chest strap, considered the gold standard in consumer heart rate tracking, during a variety of cardio-based activities like running or cycling. We also check to see how long it takes to connect to a GPS signal when doing an outdoor workout. Other health sensors, like a blood oxygen sensor (not active on newer models), are compared against a pulse oximeter for spot readings where possible, and for the ECG feature, we tested it against a hospital grade ECG.

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