Best Apple Watch in 2025: Matched with Your Needs

✨ Quick takeaways on the best Apple Watch in 2025

If you're looking for a versatile watch with all the modern bells and whistles, the Apple Watch 10 is your pick. Fitness enthusiasts will get all the tracking and data they need from the Apple Watch 9, while women will appreciate the feminine health features of the Apple Watch 8. Seniors will benefit from the larger screen and fall detection alert abilities of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. For children, the Apple Watch SE 2 is simple yet capable, at a budget price.

Why you can trust our list

We have many years of experience in selling refurbished electronics, including all Apple Watch series. Our third-party refurbishers fully restore these inside and out, putting them through rigorous testing to ensure that they perform according to their original benchmarks. This has given us a wealth of detailed knowledge about Apple Watches and insights into which ones are best for various requirements, be that fitness, health monitoring, communication, or simple everyday use as an enhanced digital timepiece. We also take customer feedback into account when putting together guides like this. We value full transparency and honest appraisals, so you can trust that we're giving you the best advice we can, based on this depth of knowledge.

🏆 Best Apple Watch series overall: Apple Watch 10

Apple Watch 10 specifications

• Screen size: 42mm / 46mm

• Display: OLED Always-On Retina display

• Screen resolution: 42mm – 374 x 446 pixels / 46mm – 416 x 496 pixels

• Colours: Jet Black Aluminium / Rose Gold Aluminium / Silver Aluminium / Slate Titanium / Gold Titanium / Natural Titanium

• Casing: Aluminium / Titanium with metal and sapphire crystal back

• Dimensions: 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm / 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm

• Weight: 42mm (aluminium) – 30 grams / 42mm (titanium) – 34.4 grams / 46mm (aluminium) – 36.4 grams / 46mm (titanium) – 41.7 grams

• Chip: Apple S10

• Capacity: 64 GB

• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Water resistance: 50 m

• Dust resistance: IP6X certified

• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3

• GPS: Yes

Health and wellness:

• ECG app

• Blood oxygen level

• Respiratory rate

• Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications

• Hypertension notifications

• Sleep tracking + sleep score

• Sleep apnoea notifications

• Nightly wrist temperature tracking

• Fall detection

• Crash detection

• Ovulation cycle tracking

• Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking

• Training load

• Low cardio fitness notifications

• GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment

Other sensors:

• Altimeter

• Compass

• Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view

• Gyroscope

• Depth gauge

• Water temperature

• Speaker with media playback

• Microphone with voice isolation

Apple Watch 10 pros and cons

Apple Watch 10: features and benefits

The Apple Watch 10 is generally rated as the best all-round wearable. It has an upgraded wide-angle OLED display that's 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easier to see at a glance in sunlight. The display is also slightly bigger than earlier models. The speaker can now handle media playback, which also makes phone calls clearer. It can fast-charge in around 30 minutes. It has a deep and advanced array of health and fitness monitoring sensors. It's also more ergonomic, thanks to a double-tap gesture feature where you simply tap your thumb and finger together to answer calls and perform other functions. This removes the need to interact with the screen, which can be finicky for some. There's a choice of sizes: a slim 42mm and a slightly bulkier 46mm. The latter benefits from a larger screen. All of this makes the 10 series our choice for the best Apple Watch for men and women for general everyday use.

✨ The Apple Watch 10 is the ideal daily companion with plenty of versatility.

🏆 Best Apple Watch for fitness: Apple Watch 9

Apple Watch 9 specifications

• Screen size: 41mm / 45mm

• Display: OLED Always-On Retina display

• Screen resolution: 41mm – 352 x 430 pixels / 45mm – 396 x 484 pixels

• Colours: Soft Pink / Midnight / Starlight / Silver / Red (aluminium) OR Graphite / Silver / Gold (stainless steel)

• Casing: Aluminium / Stainless Steel, with ceramic and sapphire crystal back

• Dimensions: 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm / 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm

• Weight: 41mm (aluminium) – 32 grams / 41mm (stainless steel) – 42.3 grams / 45mm (aluminium) – 39 grams / 45mm (stainless steel) – 51.5 grams

• Chip: Apple S9

• Capacity: 64 GB

• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Water resistance: 50 m

• Dust resistance: IP6X certified

• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3

• GPS: Yes

Health and wellness:

• ECG app

• Blood oxygen level

• Respiratory rate

• Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications

• Hypertension notifications

• Sleep tracking + sleep score

• Sleep apnoea notifications

• Nightly wrist temperature tracking

• Fall detection

• Crash detection

• Ovulation cycle tracking

• Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking

• Training load

• Low cardio fitness notifications

• GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment

Other sensors:

• Altimeter

• Compass

• Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view

• Gyroscope

• Speaker

• Microphone

Apple Watch 9 pros and cons

Apple Watch 9: features and benefits

The Apple Watch 9 is ideal for general workouts, and it's also a great pick as the best Apple Watch for running. It has Apple's third-generation optical heart rate monitor and a very accurate GPS sensor that provides excellent accuracy for distance tracking. It also supports apps designed for more niche workout programmes and sports training. The battery life will last long enough to monitor early morning runs plus an evening gym session without recharging in between. It provides detailed fitness stats, with features that support interval training, and it also has plenty of storage for music to accompany workouts. Like the 10 series, it has gesture controls for some functions, where you don't need to touch the screen.

✨ The Apple Watch 9 excels at fitness tracking across a wide range of activities.

🏆 Best Apple Watch for women: Apple Watch 8

Apple Watch 8 specifications

• Screen size: 41mm / 45mm

• Display: OLED Always-On Retina display

• Screen resolution: 41mm – 352 x 430 pixels / 45mm – 396 x 484 pixels

• Colours: Midnight / Starlight / Silver / Red (aluminium) OR Graphite / Silver / Gold (stainless steel)

• Casing: Aluminium / Stainless Steel, with ceramic and sapphire crystal back

• Dimensions: 41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm / 45mm x 38mm x 9.7mm

• Weight: 41mm (aluminium) – 32 grams / 41mm (stainless steel) – 42.3 grams / 45mm (aluminium) – 39 grams / 45mm (stainless steel) – 51.5 grams

• Chip: Apple S8

• Capacity: 32 GB

• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Water resistance: 50 m

• Dust resistance: IP6X certified

• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3

• GPS: Yes

Health and wellness:

• ECG app

• Blood oxygen level

• Respiratory rate

• Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications

• Sleep tracking + sleep score

• Nightly wrist temperature tracking

• Fall detection

• Crash detection

• Ovulation cycle tracking

• Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking

• Training load

• Low cardio fitness notifications

• GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment

Other sensors:

• Altimeter

• Compass

• Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view

• Gyroscope

• Speaker

• Microphone

Apple Watch 8 pros and cons

Apple Watch 8: features and benefits

The Apple Watch 8 has all the features that define a modern wearable. It has a full-screen, always-on display with clear definition. It has all the fitness features and health sensors you need, too. More aptly, it was the first Apple Watch to come with temperature sensing and ovulation cycle tracking for family planning. This menstrual cycle monitoring also provides wider women's health insights. The watch delivers smooth, fast performance, with a very decent battery life. It's smaller than some other models, more suited to slimmer wrists. It has great protection too – it's water resistant up to 50 m and is IP6X certified for dust resistance.

✨ Ovulation cycle tracking makes the Apple Watch 8 a really helpful choice for women.

🏆 Best Apple Watch for seniors: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 specifications

• Screen size: 49mm

• Display: OLED Always-On Retina display

• Screen resolution: 410 x 502 pixels

• Colours: Black Titanium / Natural Titanium

• Casing: Titanium

• Dimensions: 49mm x 44mm x 14.4mm

• Weight: 61.5 grams

• Chip: Apple S9

• Capacity: 64 GB

• Battery life: Up to 36 hours

• Water resistance: 100 m

• Dust resistance: IP6X certified

• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3

• GPS: Yes

Health and wellness:

• ECG app

• Blood oxygen level

• Respiratory rate

• Heart rate monitoring with high- and low-rate notifications + irregular rhythm notifications

• Hypertension notifications

• Sleep tracking + sleep score

• Sleep apnoea notifications

• Nightly wrist temperature tracking

• Fall detection with siren alert

• Crash detection

• Ovulation cycle tracking

• Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking

• Training load

• Low cardio fitness notifications

• GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment

Other sensors:

• Altimeter

• Compass

• Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view

• Gyroscope

• Dual speakers with media playback

• Three-microphone array with wind noise mitigation

Apple Watch Ultra 2 pros and cons

Apple Watch Ultra 2: features and benefits

Even though the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a rugged outdoor wearable with advanced fitness features, we've chosen it as the best Apple Watch for seniors on account of its powerful health protection capabilities, including sleep apnoea detection and hypertension notifications. We also think this is the best Apple Watch for heart monitoring. Crucially, it also has fall detection abilities that can set off a loud siren and automatically contact emergency services. Its tough design can take accidental bumps, and the watch is also water-resistant. It has a longer battery life than most other Apple Watches, requiring less frequent charging. Seniors will also appreciate the larger screen and more prominent buttons that are easier to use. It's one of the more expensive models, but you can save up to 50% by getting a refurbished one on Back Market and get great value for money. 

✨ Advanced health monitoring and a large display make the Apple Watch Ultra 2 an ideal wearable for seniors.

🏆 Best Apple Watch for kids: Apple Watch SE 2

Apple Watch SE 2 specifications

• Screen size: 40mm / 44mm

• Display: OLED Retina display

• Screen resolution: 40mm – 324 x 394 pixels / 44mm – 368 x 448 pixels

• Colours: Midnight / Starlight / Silver

• Casing: Aluminium with nylon composite and sapphire crystal back

• Dimensions: 40mm x 34mm x 10.7mm / 44mm x 38mm x 10.7mm

• Weight: 40mm – 27.8 grams / 44mm – 33 grams

• Chip: Apple S8

• Capacity: 32 GB

• Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Water resistance: 50 m

• Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3

• GPS: Yes

Health and wellness:

• Respiratory rate

• Heart rate monitoring

• Sleep score

• Fall detection

• Crash detection

• Mindfulness app with state-of-mind tracking

• Training load

• GymKit for pairing with compatible training equipment

Other sensors:

• Altimeter

• Compass

• Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view

• Gyroscope

• Speaker

• Microphone

Apple Watch SE 2 pros and cons

Apple Watch SE 2: features and benefits

The Apple Watch SE 2 is the ideal entry-level device for kids. It's also the best budget Apple Watch available, which makes it an even more attractive prospect. It doesn't sacrifice much in the way of functionality either. It has similar fitness and activity tracking features to other models, plus 50 m water resistance and a decent battery life. On the other hand, it lacks some of the more advanced health tracking features like an ECG app. It also doesn't have an always-on display or fast-charging capabilities, but those aren't deal-breakers, especially for young kids. It has a variety of useful apps and integrates seamlessly with an iPhone. That said, it's a very good substitute for a more expensive iPhone to allow parents to stay connected with their children. 

✨ The Apple Watch SE 2 is a great phone for kids, without skimping on features.

Comparing our best Apple watches

Shopping tips to save on the best Apple Watch

You can save a bundle by getting a refurbished Apple Watch rather than shelling out for a new one. But aren't those sub-standard, we hear you ask? We can't claim that they're brand new, but they most definitely perform every bit as well as one straight out of the box. Our third-party refurbishers replace any worn or damaged components with new ones and give each watch a thorough reconditioning. Then they're tested to confirm that their performance meets the original new benchmarks. Only then do we offer them to you, at up to 50% less than the price of a new Apple Watch.

We back this up with a 1-year warranty, and you can also take an optional Back Market protection plan. This gives you two free repairs in the unlikely event that you'll need them and covers you for cracked screens and things like water damage.     ✨ At Back Market, you get top-quality performance at very affordable prices.

Save more with a trade-in

You can use our trade-in programme to further reduce the cost of a refurbished Apple Watch. You can trade in any electronic device that you don't use anymore, like your previous smartphone. Just fill in a quick form giving us the specs and you'll instantly receive an offer. If you like what you see, we'll pay for the shipping, and you'll have the money in your account within five working days.

How we ranked the best Apple Watches

We took multiple factors into account when compiling our recommendations. These are the main criteria we used:

• Lifestyle needs – we matched watches with different lifestyles and needs, such as athletes, women, seniors or children.

• Performance and battery – we compared chip speed, storage capacity and battery life.

• Core features – we evaluated functions like connectivity, fitness tracking, and health and wellness sensors.

• Design and durability – here we looked at the screen size and resolution to compare readability, as well as the casing material and ergonomic design.

• Value for money – we balanced features and design against affordability.

• Trusted sources and customer feedback – we drew upon expert reviews and feedback from our own customers.