An Apple Watch is not simply an adjunct or an excuse for a second display. After greater than a 12 months of testing Apple Watches, I’ve discovered them to be useful sleep trackers, handy timers within the kitchen, phone-free communication instruments, in addition to train motivators and mid-workout screens.
Additionally: Why the Apple Watch’s 20-minute calibration check is price your time – particularly in case you’re information curious
The Apple Watch began out as a health tracker and developed into a necessary companion for iPhone customers. Apple’s smartwatches have an arsenal of handy capabilities, like housing your boarding move for a flight, figuring out songs, opening your storage door, and offering climate alerts. These watches are additionally expansive well being monitoring techniques with FDA-cleared options that may test your coronary heart fee, notify you of hypertension, or detect sleep apnea.
Finest smartwatch offers of the week
Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce staff, and could also be unrelated to this text.
What’s the greatest Apple Watch proper now?
My decide for the most effective Apple Watch is the Apple Watch Sequence 11, the platonic best of an Apple Watch. It is obtained virtually each characteristic the luxurious and rugged $700 Extremely 3 does however for a extra approachable value. It is the primary Sequence Apple Watch with a 24-hour battery life. It additionally provides an FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection to Apple’s slate of well being monitoring options.
Additionally: One of the best iPhones of 2026: Which mannequin do you have to purchase?
One of the best Apple Watches of 2026
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What we like: Apple unveiled three new smartwatches final 12 months: the Apple Watch Sequence 11, the Apple Watch Extremely 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. The Sequence 11 prices $399 and is the Apple Watch most individuals can purchase. This gadget’s value sits within the center between the $250 SE 3 and the $800 Extremely 3.
The Sequence 11 presents all of the health-tracking capabilities of the Extremely 3 and an extended battery life than the SE 3. This makes it the only option out of the three for health-conscious customers seeking to put on their smartwatch across the clock.
Apple provides 5G to Sequence 11 for environment friendly connectivity, Ion-X glass for sturdiness — twice that of the Sequence 10, and a wrist-flicking gesture to dismiss messages or calls.
Coming from the Sequence 10’s 18-hour battery life, the Sequence 11 positive factors six extra hours. That is 24 hours of coronary heart fee monitoring, phone-free notification supply, and uninterrupted sleep monitoring. Talking of sleep monitoring, the WatchOS 26 software program replace brings the long-awaited sleep scores to Apple Watches, so individuals can extra simply see in the event that they obtained or poor night time of relaxation.
The Sequence 11 additionally receives a serious well being characteristic improve, FDA-cleared Hypertension Detection, which may monitor and detect hypertension over 30 days. The characteristic would not present by-the-minute readings on blood stress. As a substitute, it makes use of Apple’s PPG coronary heart sensor to take a 30-day common studying that its algorithm determines is both above or beneath the hypertension threshold. That is one other characteristic the extra inexpensive SE 3 lacks.
Additionally: I examined the Apple Watch Sequence 11. Here is who can purchase it
Who can purchase it: I like to recommend the Sequence 11 to individuals who have already used an Apple smartwatch earlier than and wish to improve battery and well being options. That is the watch to purchase if you wish to observe your sleep, keep away from fixed charging, a full scope of well being monitoring options.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need the Hypertension Detection characteristic however do not want a 24-hour battery capability, I recommend shopping for the Sequence 10 as an alternative, which has dropped in value.
If you need a extra inexpensive smartwatch for exercise and sleep monitoring, I like to recommend the SE 3. Alternatively, if you wish to splurge on a much bigger display show and the complete suite of Apple Watch’s greatest options, I like to recommend the $800 Extremely 3. It comes with standalone satellite tv for pc communication, all of the well being monitoring options, and a 42-hour battery life.
Apple Watch Sequence 11 tech specs: Show dimension: 42mm or 46mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 24 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Optical and electrical coronary heart sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, blood oxygen, gyroscope, water temperature sensor | Value: $398
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Why we prefer it: At $800, Apple’s feature-rich smartwatch is perhaps the hardest argument to make for shoppers. Nonetheless, out of doors lovers, Apple Watch obsessives, and activity-tracking devotees purchase the smartwatch regardless of its excessive price ticket as a result of the Extremely 3 has so much to supply.
The 2 most vital options that separate the Extremely 3 from its siblings are its 42-hour battery life and vast, vivid show. The Extremely 3 feels extra like a mini telephone with a responsive, vast display space. It is also the brightest be careful of the lineup, at 3,000 nits. There’s much less finagling with or fumbling with buttons on the Extremely 3 due to the display dimension.
Apple provides Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc to the Extremely 3 for out of doors explorers seeking to depart their telephone at dwelling however keep related if catastrophe strikes. Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores are additionally obtainable on the Extremely 3.
The Extremely 3 additionally comes with an Motion Button, distinctive to the Extremely lineup. Provoke a exercise or activate the watch’s flashlight with the contact of a button.
Who can purchase it: I like to recommend this watch, before everything, to individuals with giant wrists. The show is huge and takes up numerous actual property on a small arm. I would additionally advocate the Extremely 3 to those that always use their smartwatch and wish reliability — whether or not that is with a multi-day battery life, each well being and security characteristic below the solar, and a sturdy, giant display. Out of doors hikers and explorers will get probably the most out of the emergency connectivity options.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Extremely 2 will get the identical WatchOS 26 updates that embody Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores. For those who do not want Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc communication or a prolonged battery life, you might in all probability seize a pleasant deal on the sooner Extremely mannequin as an alternative.
Apple Watch Extremely 3 tech specs: Show dimension: 49mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 24 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Electrical coronary heart sensor, third-generation optical coronary heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor, compass, altimeter, gyroscope, ambient gentle sensor | Value: $700
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Why we prefer it: Not like the $400 Sequence 11 or $800 Extremely 3, the Apple Watch SE 3 presents simply sufficient of what an off-the-cuff smartwatch person needs. You will get exercise and sleep monitoring, however not the detailed ECG or Hypertension Detection. The SE 3 is the primary SE watch that comes with an At all times-On show, a useful characteristic for rapidly glancing to test the time. The display is a bit smaller and dimmer than its siblings, and texting on it may be annoying.
Apple provides Sleep Scores, 18 hours of battery life, and wrist temperature sensing to the smartwatch. The SE 3 additionally consists of the identical S10 chip that is on the Sequence 10 and 11 and Extremely 3.
Who it is for: The SE 3 is a good alternative for first-time smartwatch customers who do not wish to break the financial institution.
Who ought to look elsewhere: This SE 3 is sort of a carbon copy of the Sequence 10, which will get Hypertension Detection by the WatchOS 26 replace. It is obtained the identical chip and the identical battery life because the Sequence 10, however the Sequence 10 has a bigger show, Hypertension Detection, and a brighter display.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 tech specs: Show dimension: 40 or 44mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Second-generation optical coronary heart sensor, temperature sensor, compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, excessive dynamic vary gyroscope, ambient gentle sensor | Value: $238 (used)
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Why we prefer it: The Sequence 10 is without doubt one of the greatest Apple Watches you should purchase with lots of the similar options because the newer lineup. The one distinction between the 2025 Sequence 11 and the 2024 Sequence 10 is battery life and sturdiness. The Sequence 11 lasts for six further hours and is twice as sturdy because the Sequence 10. But when that does not matter to you and also you need all the identical options of the Sequence 11 in a less expensive watch, I critically advocate the Sequence 10.
Additionally: Apple Watch Sequence 10 vs. Apple Watch Sequence 9: Must you improve to the most recent mannequin?
Who can purchase it: If you need the most recent well being sensors and security options, and common battery life with out the Extremely 3’s extra granular facets, the aluminum mannequin of the Apple Watch Sequence 10 is cheaper. I counsel you skip the more durable titanium end on the Sequence 10 that begins at $699 and go for the Extremely at solely $100 extra. It which presents numerous further options. When you’ve got a smaller wrist, I recommend sticking with the Sequence 10.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you need your smartwatch to final across the clock, I like to recommend the Sequence 11 for its longer battery lifetime of 24 hours.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 tech specs: Show dimension: 42mm or 46mm | Chip: S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor | Battery life: 18 hours | Storage capability: 64GB | Sensors: Electrical coronary heart sensor, optical coronary heart sensor, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, compass, at all times‑on altimeter, excessive‑g accelerometer, excessive dynamic vary gyroscope, ambient gentle sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor | Value: $299
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Having bother deciding between Apple Watch fashions? Here is a fast abstract of the first purpose to purchase every one.
| Select this Apple Watch… | If you need… |
| Apple Watch Sequence 11 | The platonic best of an Apple Watch with a 24-hour battery life, Hypertension Detection, and a extra sturdy show. Use it to trace sleep, document exercises, ship messages, set timers, settle for calls, and extra. |
| Apple Watch Extremely 3 | The rugged Apple Watch with the most important display, a 42-hour battery life, an Motion Button distinctive to this mannequin, Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc connectivity, and probably the most sturdy design of the lineup. |
| Apple Watch SE 3 | An inexpensive smartwatch constructed for newcomers and first-time patrons. It is obtained sufficient train and sleep monitoring options to maintain a beginner happy, plus an inexpensive value level. |
| Apple Watch Sequence 10 | A close to carbon copy of the Sequence 11, save for the 24-hour battery life. Because of latest software program updates the Sequence 10 will get almost each characteristic the Sequence 11 has. Plus, it has the identical design and chipset. |
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Whereas all of the Apple Watches on this listing have a slew of health-tracking options and different helpful apps, their variations are what it’s good to contemplate earlier than shopping for one, together with:
- Show dimension: Apple Watch shows now are available basically three totally different sizes in millimeter — 40/41, 44/45, and 49. Relying on the dimensions of your wrist and the way a lot you wish to work together with the look ahead to fast actions, the show dimension will likely be a giant consider figuring out your mannequin.
- Options: Apple methodically provides extra new options to its smartwatches every year, so we in contrast security options, well being sensors, band choices, battery life, and different helpful choices.
- Pricing: Every Apple Watch has various totally different variations, so pricing can differ broadly — particularly based mostly on which band you decide. We included budget-worthy choices beneath $250, in addition to the extra premium choices which might be over $1,000.
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All the Apple Watches included on this listing had been chosen based mostly on how they carried out when examined in the actual world by the ZDNET staff. After we check smartwatches, we sometimes comply with the identical routine for every one to see which performs greatest.
- Each day put on: We put on the smartwatch as our main watch, with communications, functions, and different parts being examined as if it had been our solely smartwatch.
- Utility choice and efficiency: One facet that makes smartwatches totally different than commonplace watches is software help. We load up the watch with apps after which check the efficiency and performance of these functions. For instance, Apple significantly excels within the space of third-party software help.
- Exercises: Smartwatch makers embraced well being and health, so we take smartwatches out for working with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and strolling with the household. GPS and coronary heart fee information is tracked after which we consider the accuracy towards confirmed GPS sports activities watches.
- Sleep and exercise monitoring: Sleep monitoring has improved with smartwatches over time, and we consider and examine them to good rings and different watches. Nighttime can also be time to cost your smartwatch, so it’s possible you’ll select to not use your watch to trace sleep.
For a deeper look into our testing course of, try our complete smartwatch testing methodology.
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Newest information on Apple Watches
Apple has not launched new Apple Watches for the reason that Sequence 11, Extremely 3, and SE 3 final September. We’re anticipating to see at the least one new Apple Watch at this September’s iPhone occasion, with early rumors suggesting will probably be the Apple Watch Sequence 12, doubtlessly with new well being options like on-the-spot blood stress readings.
Sure, you want an iPhone to arrange an Apple Watch. Nonetheless, with all of the fashions on this listing, you need to use the Household Setup choice. This permits one iPhone to arrange watches for a number of members in your Apple household group, even when they do not have an iPhone. However to reiterate, you can’t use an iPad, a Mac, or a non-Apple smartphone to arrange an Apple Watch.
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Apple Watches observe your steps and health information, show notifications out of your iPhone, present primary data like climate, begin timers, ship and obtain textual content messages, reply telephone calls, and run suitable apps. The newest variations have extra options together with sleep monitoring, superior well being monitoring, automobile crash detection, and worldwide emergency calling.
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Apple lately launched a number of updates to the Apple Watch with the brand new WatchOS 26 software program. These embody a Exercise Buddy characteristic by the Health app to information you thru exercises together with stats and encouragements as you run, cycle, or power practice.
The Apple Watch’s Good Stack is getting smarter, with the algorithm together with extra contextual information like sensor and routine information, to trace at sure apps or functionalities. For instance, Good Stack can ship a touch to open the Pilates exercise in Health when it senses your arrival on the Pilates studio.
A brand new hand gesture is arriving to the smartwatch as effectively. When a wearer receives a message or name they don’t seem to be able to reply, Wrist Flick will dismiss notifications and calls, or silence pings.
Moreover, Sleep Scores and Hypertension Detection arrive on a number of smartwatches. This consists of Sequence 9 and later and Extremely 2 and later. Hypertension Detection skips the SE lineup.
Additionally: The options and apps coming to Apple WatchOS 26 I am most enthusiastic about
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Sure, many older Apple Watch are available for purchase refurbished at locations like BackMarket and are nonetheless a few of the greatest smartwatches in the marketplace. One older smartwatch I extremely advocate is the Sequence 10, as a result of it has each characteristic within the new Apple Watch Sequence 11 minus the longer battery life. For those who’re superb with that compromise, it is a terrific purchase proper now. The Sequence 9 additionally receives the WatchOS 26 software program updates, nevertheless it’s a thicker smartwatch than the Sequence 10. I would advocate it much less for consolation and sleep-tracking functions.
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An important options to search for in the most effective Apple Watch fashions embody superior well being sensors like ECG, blood oxygen, and wrist temperature. Additionally study connectivity choices like whether or not mobile is included or if you need the watch to work when an iPhone is not close by. Additionally contemplate battery life and sturdiness with water resistance, mud resistance, and a crystal face to withstand cracking.
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One of the best Apple Look ahead to health monitoring is the Apple Watch Sequence 11 or the Apple Watch Extremely 3. Each come outfitted with the widest number of well being sensors, together with ECG, sleep monitoring, coronary heart and respiratory features, wrist temperature, and extra.
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For those who’re somebody who spends time mountaineering or different out of doors actions in rugged situations temperatures, the Apple Watch Extremely 3 could also be price the additional value. Its design makes it extra sturdy and water resistant — as much as 100m — than the opposite Apple Watch fashions. It additionally consists of an Motion Button for fine-tuning exercises and hikes.
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It isn’t made particularly with youngsters in thoughts, however the Apple Watch SE is a wonderful smartwatch for older youngsters with standout options plus parental controls. Together with enabling telephone calls and textual content messages, the Apple Watch SE additionally tracks your kid’s sleep, has state-of-the-art well being screens, options an SOS functionality, and pairs with 1000’s of apps.
Additionally: One of the best smartwatches for youths
As well as, you need to use Apple’s Household Setup to test your child’s location, arrange shared contacts, and implement parental controls like display time utilization. Your youngster would not even want their very own iPhone to have an Apple Watch. They will pair it up with yours, so that you’re absolutely in management.
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You can not use an Android telephone to arrange and pair with an Apple Watch, and there aren’t any good workarounds. Nonetheless, when you have an Android telephone, there are a number of smartwatches you may select from that supply a lot of the similar options as an Apple Watch. Those beneath are smartwatches that ZDNET has reviewed and rated effectively in our testing.
Extra: One of the best Android smartwatches
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Newest updates
- In April 2026, we confirmed all of our picks and pricing data, and added in new trade information.
- In November 2025, we made the Apple Watch Sequence 11 our high decide for greatest Apple Watch total and added within the Extremely 3 and SE 3 as nice rugged and inexpensive choices. We additionally added an interactive visualization evaluating the tech specs of the highest Apple Watch fashions.
Different Apple Watches we have examined
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The Sequence 9 remains to be a handy purchase. It will get all of the WatchOS 26 updates, together with Hypertension Detection and Sleep Scores, however consists of an 18-hour battery life as an alternative of the Sequence 11’s 24 hours. If you need a terrific deal, hold a watch out for reductions on Black Friday.
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Whereas the brand new Extremely 3 receives Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc Communications, nice for out of doors adventurers, the opposite updates to the Extremely 3 can be found on the Extremely 2.
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For extra, try the most effective Android smartwatches, our favourite smartwatches of the 12 months, and the most effective smartwatches to trace your blood stress.
Smartwatches Reviewed & In contrast
