Which is the best Apple Watch depends on what you expect from a smartwatch. Why do you need an Apple Watch? Care for your fitness tracking? As an extension to your iPhone? Or do you need a device to save your life in select emergencies?
Most Apple Watch models can do all of the above. But some do it all better. Apart from visible differences in Apple’s annual refreshes, every Apple Watch generation tries to produce the best smartwatch every year. Always the best Apple Watch delivers the best.
The same case is available with the new Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2022). There’s something for everyone in this lineup of smartwatches, even if they’re a lot. Apple Watch SE and 2017’s Apple Watch Series 3 will no longer be available through Apple.
You can still find the same models as the Apple Watch Series 7 with the best Apple Watch deals. Like the Apple Watch Series 6, retailers will clear out stock. Previously owned models of Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier Apple Watch models may circulate online as people look to upgrade as well. But the watchOS software update is available only for Series 4 devices and newer ones.
You can see our guide on how to trade in your Apple Watch if you want to get credit for your older model, too. You can see its configuration below.
What is the best Apple Watch right now?
The best Apple Watch is the latest Apple Watch i.e. Series 8. Apple Watch Series 8 not only benefits from Apple’s activity tracking sensors, FDA-approved ECG monitor, an always on display and dedicated App Store, but it also has a new skin temperature sensor. It informs cycle and sleep tracking. It also has crash detection and ne Apple Watch low power mode.
You cannot get many of these features with the Apple Watch SE (2022). But the option in this middle range is also a good alternative and it is a good Apple Watch for those who use it for the first time. It starts at $249 (AU$339, and offers the cheapest entry point to an Apple Watch with LTE, at $299 (AU$479). It also offers all the best Apple Watch apps and WatchOS 9 as an advantage.
While we didn’t get a chance to review the Apple Watch Ultra, there are a lot of differences between it and the Apple Watch Series 8. It is in design, features, battery life and price. The price of this Apple Watch Ultra is 799$ (AU 1299$).
So for now, your decision can be made between Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2022). You can see the comparison of the two below.
The best Apple Watch you can buy today
1. Apple Watch Series 8
The best Apple Watch overall
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 41mm, 45mm
Heart Rate: Yes
GPS: Yes
LTE: Optional
Battery Life: 18 hours
Swim-Proof: Yes
Music Storage: 32 GB
REASONS TO BUY
Skin temperature reader for cycle + sleep tracking
Crash detection
New watchOS 9 workout interface
Low power mode
REASONS TO AVOID
Similar to previous Apple Watch
The best Apple Watch currently available is the Apple Watch Series 8. It does not have a major upgrade over the features of the previous Apple Watch Series 7, but it has a similar design and a larger screen. A new thing between Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 7 is skin temperature tracking. It notifies you about cycle and fertility tracking and sleep tracking as well. Series 8 has also been launched with the long-awaited low power mode. It can extend the Apple Watch battery up to thirty six hours. And this Apple Watch Series 8 has a new crash detection feature, leveraging improved motion sensors for instant help when you might need it most.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a full-featured health tracker and communication tool, and with watchOS 9, this smartwatch provides the latest and best watch experience. If you want a smartwatch, for working out, to answer calls through your wrist or to use the best Apple Watch apps, this is the best smartwatch for you.
2. Apple Watch SE (2022)
The best Apple Watch for first-timers
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 40mm, 44mm
Heart Rate: Yes
GPS: Yes
LTE: Optional
Battery Life (Rated): 18 hours
Swim-Proof: Yes
Music Storage: 16 GB
REASONS TO BUY
Lower price than previous Apple Watch SE
Color-matched bottom case
Same chipset as Apple Watch Series 8
REASONS TO AVOID
No always-on display
This Apple Watch SE takes the form of a hybrid device. It combines Apple Watch Series 8’s chipset with the old Apple Watch design. This $249 (AU$399) Apple smartwatch does not include all the features of the Apple Watch Series 8. But it has great fitness tracking and safety features. It also offers an LTE option. That makes it a good choice for those interested in trying out Family Setup.
If you choose between Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2022), your ultimate decision depends on your needs. If you can pay an extra $150 or AU$230, for a brighter display with an always on option, ECG monitor and skin temperature and bigger display. If these tools are not deal breakers for you, SE is the most capable option for iPhone users. It also offers watchOS 9. It provides the latest up-to-date Apple Watch software with low power mode. In addition, fresh new watch faces, an upgraded workout interface, a redesigned compass tool and a new Medications App are provided.
3. Apple Watch Series 7
The best Apple Watch on sale
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 41mm, 45mm
Heart Rate: Yes
GPS: Yes
LTE: Optional
Battery Life: 18 hours
Swim-Proof: Yes
Music Storage: 32 GB
REASONS TO BUY
Larger display
Brighter always-on mode
QWERTY keyboard
Comes with USB-C magnetic charger
REASONS TO AVOID
In process of being discontinued
The best Apple Watch last year was the Apple Watch Series 7, which offered a large display in new Apple Watch 7 sizes. Complementing a large screen for the first time, this Apple Watch Series 7 came in 41 mm and 45 mm versions. The seventh generation Apple Watch also offered some exclusive watch faces and a full QWERTY keyboard.
But it was replaced by Apple Watch Series 8. So you can’t buy it new from Apple now. If the best Apple Watch deals take over $100 off the device, it could be a great score depending on what you’re looking for out of an Apple Watch. As they say you can find them in retailers clear stock.
Choose the best Apple Watch for you
Choosing the right Apple Watch for you is not a difficult task. It becomes even more difficult when you have to choose between the new Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch SE (2022). We agree that if you have $399 to spend on its bigger display, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the best. Apple Watch SE is a good option for first-time users.
Whichever you choose, you get the watchOS 9 software. That is, these 3 watches are similar in many features.
Should you get an Apple Watch with LTE?
Select the model of Apple Watch Series SE and Apple Watch 6 support LTE service. LTE capable models come with a 50$ or 100$ premium, but you should know that liberating your Apple Watch from your iPhone won’t end there. You must pay your cellular provider once a month for the watch’s phone-free features.
We still carry our iPhone with us everywhere, so we don’t think LTE is still necessary for Apple Watch users. As they say, as the Apple Watch becomes more autonomous, there could be more scenarios in which leaving your phone behind makes sense.You have the security advantage of having LTE. That is, if your iPhone is off or lost, the Apple Watch will help you stay in touch.It also helps if you know how to use Apple Pay on Apple Watch.
