How to choose which Apple Watch to buy

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Picking an Apple Watch used to be very easy. Pick what size you want. Another factor to consider was the Series 3's introduction of cellular connectivity. The more affordable Apple Watch SE was introduced in 2020. It is rumored that Apple may expand its lineup even further with a rugged Apple Watch for outdoor enthusiasts. What should you do if you want to buy an Apple Watch?

Not to worry. We have tested every version of the Apple Watch you can buy, and we can tell you where to go.

The reason you would pick an Apple Watch over its competitors is simple. It is the best overall watch for iPhone users. When it comes to productivity, safety features, controlling your smart home, and interacting with other Apple devices and services, many smartwatches are better than the Apple Watch for hardcore athletes. It has the most robust third-party app platform on the market.

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

If you don't wear it regularly, you won't get the benefits of an Apple Watch. The last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on something that will collect dust in a drawer. The best way to avoid this is to stack the deck in your favor. Take a second to figure out which size and strap material will fit your wrist before you start shopping for an Apple Watch.

There are two sizes for the Apple Watch. The smaller model is more comfortable for people with small wrists. Multiple materials are used in the case. If you're clumsy or active, you'll benefit from the extra strength of the stainless steel models. Since watches are a personal piece of tech, you might just like the look of stainless steel better. Be prepared to pay a lot of money for that. The nylon sport loop has the easiest clasp, is more absorbent, and is great for sensitive skin. If you want more fashionable options, we recommend checking out Amazon or Etsy for a wider variety of styles and more affordable pricing.

Don't buy any configuration of the Apple Watch Series 3. This was a great watch when it was launched, but it is struggling to keep up in the future. Updating the software is more difficult than it is worth. There is no guarantee that its hardware will support watchOS 9 when it launches later this year.

While the Apple Watch is the best watch out there, you can always check out our fitness tracker buying guide.

Apple Watch Series 7 versus Apple Watch SE

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

The Apple Watch SE is a good choice for younger people in good health and anyone on the fence about spending at least $400 on their first watch. We recommend the Series 7 for people who want an always-on display. It is also our pick for Apple Watch users who have been with the company for a long time.

The Series 7 is Apple's flagship device. It will get you the fastest processor, quick charging, a larger display, and all the latest sensors. The Series 8 launches later this year. The 41mm and 45mm versions start at $429 and $429, respectively. The cost of the service will be added to the price if you choose to add LTE.

The SE is an Apple Watch clone. The Series 5 processor is combined with the Series 6's always-on altimeter, motion sensors, and optical heart rate sensor. You can get a cellular version of the Series 7, and it has the same advanced features as the Series 7. It doesn't have an always-on display, the EKG sensor, or the SpO2 sensor. The display is smaller on both sizes. It starts at $279 for the 40mm and $309 for the 44mm. Adding a new service will add an additional $50 to your carrier's fees.

Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge

If you are young and healthy, you don't need Series 7's advanced health sensors. SE is still capable of providing abnormal heart rate alert. Spot checks are limited to Apple's SpO2 features. Unlike the EKGs, this information is only cleared for general health reasons. It won't be able to replace a fingertip pulse oximeter, so you shouldn't use it that way.

If your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, you will most likely only use this feature once or twice. According to the American Heart Association, advanced age, underlying heart conditions, high blood pressure, family history, and sleep apnea are some of the risk factors for AFib. If this doesn't apply to you, the SE is still going to give you an excellent health tracking experience and all the same smart features. If the lack of an always-on display isn't a deal-breaker, you may as well save the extra $129.

If you want an always-on display or need to have the latest and greatest, the Series 7 is the better choice. The larger display makes it easier to read for people with bad eyesight. If you have a heart condition or are at a higher risk of developing it, it is the better choice.

The Series 7 is more convenient since it supports quick charging. The Series 7 is the only Apple Watch that supports fast-charging. The Series 7 takes 75 minutes to go from zero to 100 percent. 2.5 hours is how long the SE would take. When you are about to head to bed and you have only 15 percent battery, the faster speed comes in the clutch. The Series 7's hardware will be able to support newer features for a longer period of time thanks to its newer processor. If you love your watch and want to upgrade from a Series 4 or older, you should pick the Series 7. If you already wear the watch daily, you will get more mileage out of the Series 7, as the SE is more of a gateway device.

The Apple Watch SE is a step up from the Series 3, with features and a design similar to the last-gen Series 6.

• $229 at Amazon
• $229 at Walmart

The Apple Watch SE is a step up from the Series 3, with features and a design similar to the last-gen Series 6.

• $249 at Amazon
• $249 at Walmart

The best Apple Watch if you’re on a budget

Buying a used or refurbished Apple Watch is a much better option than buying the Series 3 because of its $199 price tag.

If you're new to the device or unsure if it's a good fit for you, this is a great option. Older hardware will give you a more accurate experience of watchOS 8. Buying second-hand devices is better for the environment as well as a more affordable way to get more expensive materials. If you buy a new watch, the materials can add hundreds of dollars to your final bill.

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

It will take some time to find the best price and model. You are limited by what is available. There are several sites that offer older models. Deals and sales can also be found. If you are worried about getting scammed, look for deals that are recommended by sources you trust. Apple also sells refurbished models, which come with a full Apple warranty and are generally in a similar condition to a new SE, though the selection can be limited and you likely won't pay less than a new SE. You can get a 12-month warranty on sites like BackMarket.

We recommend the SE, Series 5, or Series 6. You can still find the Series 4. You should use $280 as a benchmark. The base model of a new SE is that price. If you are getting premium materials, such as a stainless steel model, going a little higher is fine. Do not get a refurbished Series 3. You will have to replace them sooner if you can find them for less than $100.

Apple's Wearable has an always-on display and new sensors that can be used to monitor blood oxygen levels.

The best Apple Watch for your kids

If you want your child to have an Apple Watch, we recommend picking a cellular Apple Watch SE or a refurbished Series 4, 5, or 6 with cellular. The smaller sizes of the watches will fit their wrist better than the Series 7. If your child is prone to breaking things, the lower price will give you more peace of mind.

Photo by Dan Seifert / The Verge

Since you're buying for children, you'll want to use Family Setup, which will give you more parental controls. Our review of the feature can be found here. You will need to match technical specifications in order to use it. You need a cellular version of the device to support watchOS 7. Do not get a Series 3. You need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, or an Apple Watch SE, if you want to setup it for a family.

Not every feature will be available if you opt for the Family Setup route. You won't be able to get health features like health data sharing, respiratory rate, irregular heart rhythm notifications, EKG, Cycle Tracking, Sleep, Blood Oxygen, Podcasts, and News, Home, if you don't have Apple Pay.

The Apple Watch SE is a step up from the Series 3, with features and a design similar to the last-gen Series 6.

• $229 at Amazon
• $229 at Walmart

The best Apple Watch for elderly relatives

We recommend a cellular Series 7.

The larger screen of the Series 7 makes it easier to see. You can change the text size of the Apple Watch to be larger. If arm mobility is a consideration, the always-on display is better. You will get the full suite of health features, including irregular heartbeat alert, walking steadiness, EKGs, fall detection, and emergency calling.

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

We don't recommend Family Setup if your elderly relative has an Apple product and you want to use it for health reasons. Features like irregular heart rhythm notifications, EKG, and health data sharing cannot be used. Family setup is a good option if your relative doesn't have an Apple device. High and low heart rate notifications, walking steadiness, and fall detection are still included.