By selecting “Accept all” you allow Back Market and our partners to use cookies and to share your data for all these purposes. We and our partners use cookies and similar tools to measure our site's audience, evaluate the performance of our ads, and show you personalized content and ads.
Except for cookies that are essential for navigating our site, we use these cookies and share your data only with your consent. Learn more about cookies. You can change your mind and modify your choices at any time by going to the "Cookies and privacy settings" section at the bottom of any page. Read our Cookie policy and Data Protection Policy for more info.
What is the best Apple Watch? Compare the features and prices of the top models.
Since its introduction in 2015, Apple has released multiple generations of Apple Watch models, each bringing new features and improvements to the table. However, with so many options available, choosing the best Apple Watch for your needs can be a daunting task.
In this comprehensive buying guide, I'll compare the latest Apple Watch series, including the Apple Watch SE, Series 9, and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra, to help you determine which Apple Watch is the best for your lifestyle and budget.
One of the first factors to consider when choosing the best Apple Watch is its price. Apple Watches come in a wide range of prices, depending on the model, materials, and features.
Several factors influence the price of an Apple Watch:
Model and series: Newer Apple Watch series generally have higher price tags due to their advanced features and improved hardware.
Release year and availability: Apple Watch models released in different years may have varying prices, with older models often available at a discount.
Materials and design: Apple Watches come in various materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium, with higher-end materials and OLED displays commanding a premium price.
Cellular connectivity: Models with cellular capabilities, which allow you to make calls and use data without your iPhone, cost more than GPS-only versions.
Band options and accessories: The choice of watch bands and accessories can also affect the final price of your Apple Watch.
It's worth noting that buying a refurbished Apple Watch can be an excellent way to save money while still enjoying the benefits of this powerful wearable. Refurbished models are often thoroughly inspected and come with a warranty, making them a reliable and cost-effective option.
We’ve rated each Apple Watch model based on five key criteria: Price, Design, Performance, Battery Life, and Health and Fitness Features. The ratings are on a 1–5 star scale, with 5 being the highest. These Apple Watch comparisons can help you understand which model excels in each category and guide you towards the best choice for your needs.
The Apple Watch Series 8 (Verified Refurbished from *£234.13) stands out for its blend of performance, features, and value. It offers advanced health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, a sleek design, and seamless integration with the iPhone and other Apple devices.
Retina display with always-on option
Advanced health sensors (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
Fitness tracking with customisable workouts
Long battery life and fast charging
Water resistance up to 50 metres
Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 8: Is it worth the upgrade?
Ideal for those who want a premium Apple Watch experience with all the latest features without opting for the most expensive model.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
👍 High-quality display | 👎 Higher price compared to some models |
👍 Comprehensive health tracking | 👎 Battery life could be better |
👍 Robust fitness features |
The Apple Watch SE (Verified Refurbished from *£248) is perfect for those who want the core Apple Watch experience at a more accessible price point. While it sacrifices some high-end features, it still offers essential fitness tracking and safety features like fall detection.
Retina display
Essential health and fitness tracking
Fall detection and emergency SOS
Customisable watch faces and bands
Family Setup support
Apple Watch SE 2 Review: an excellent entry-level Apple Watch
Great for budget-conscious buyers, teenagers, or those new to the Apple Watch ecosystem.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
👍 Affordable price | 👎 Lacks some advanced health features |
👍 Good performance | 👎 Design is less premium |
👍 Supports Family Setup |
For fitness enthusiasts and athletes, the Apple Watch Series 9 (Verified Refurbished from *£299) offers comprehensive health and activity tracking, including detailed workout metrics and support for a wide range of exercises. Its advanced health sensors and Fitness+ integration make it the best Apple Watch for fitness.
Advanced health sensors (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
Customisable workouts and activity rings
Built-in GPS for outdoor activities
Heart rate monitoring and alerts
Fitness+ integration
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: How do they stack up?
Ideal for those who are serious about fitness and want a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
👍 Excellent fitness and health features | 👎 More expensive than SE models |
👍 High performance | 👎 Battery life can be limiting for heavy users |
👍 Durable design |
The Apple Watch Ultra (Verified Refurbished from *£507) is designed for adventurers. Its rugged titanium case, enhanced water resistance and GPS accuracy, and extended battery life make it the perfect companion for hiking and other outdoor activities. The Ultra model also features a customizable Action Button for quick access to essential features.
Robust titanium case
Dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking
Extended battery life (up to 60 hours in low-power mode)
Enhanced water resistance (100 metres)
Customisable action button for quick access to essential features
Perfect for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who need a durable, reliable smartwatch for extreme conditions.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
👍 Extremely durable and rugged | 👎 High price |
👍 Long battery life | 👎 Bulkier design |
👍 High-precision GPS |
The Apple Watch Series 5 (Verified Refurbished from *£125) offers a great mix of features at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for kids. It has all the necessary health and safety features, and its price makes it accessible for more families. Moreover, it supports Family Setup, which includes robust parental controls, allowing parents to manage communication, set usage limits, and track the watch's location.
Choosing a refurbished model is a great option not only for kids but for everyone, as it offers significant savings while still delivering a high-quality product. Refurbished electronics marketplaces like Back Market ensure these products meet stringent quality standards, providing a reliable alternative to buying new.
Always-On Retina display
ECG app
GPS and compass
Fall detection and emergency SOS
Water resistance up to 50 metres
Family Setup with parental controls
Apple Watch 5 vs Apple Watch SE: Who has the edge here?
Parents looking for an affordable yet feature-rich smartwatch for their kids, offering both safety and health tracking.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
👍 Affordable price | 👎 Older model with fewer features |
👍 Parental controls with Family Setup | 👎 Performance not as high as newer models |
👍 Good health and safety features |
In summary, understanding what is the best Apple Watch for your needs involves evaluating key factors like budget, desired features, and compatibility with other devices. Whether you prioritise fitness, affordability, or advanced features like the brighter screen, double tap gesture, or LTE connectivity, there is an Apple Watch model that's perfect for you. Moreover, all Apple Watch models offer convenient features like notifications, Bluetooth connectivity, and various timer functions, making them versatile and highly functional devices that can meet a wide range of needs.
By following this buying guide and considering factors like compatibility, new features, and carbon-neutral production, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your new Apple Watch.
When shopping for a new Apple Watch, consider a refurbished Apple Watch. Refurbished electronics offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative without compromising quality. Reputable marketplaces, such as Back Market ensure each device undergoes rigorous testing and often provide warranties, allowing you to access advanced features at a more affordable price while supporting the circular economy.
Consider your needs: Assess what features are most important to you, such as health tracking, crash detection, battery life, or durability.
Set a budget: Apple Watches come in various price ranges. Decide how much you're willing to spend and choose the best model within your budget.
Think about compatibility: Ensure your iPhone is compatible with the Apple Watch you plan to buy. Most recent models work seamlessly with the latest iPhones, but Android users should consider other smartwatch options like Pixel Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Look for deals: Check for discounts or promotions, especially during major sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Read reviews: Apple Watch comparisons, user reviews, and expert opinions can provide valuable insights into the performance and reliability of different Apple Watch models, including information on new features, software updates, and battery life.
When choosing the best Apple Watch for your needs, there are several additional factors to consider beyond the core features and specifications.
Compatibility is a crucial aspect, as you'll want to ensure that your Apple Watch works seamlessly with your iPhone. All current Apple Watch models require an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or higher for optimal performance and access to the latest features.
Ecosystem integration is another key advantage of the Apple Watch. With iCloud, you can easily sync your data across devices, while Apple Pay allows for convenient contactless payments. Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, is also available on the Apple Watch, providing hands-free access to information and controls.
Third-party app support is extensive on the Apple Watch, with a wide range of apps available on the App Store. From fitness and health apps to productivity tools and games, you can customize your smartwatch experience to suit your needs and interests.
Accessibility features on the Apple Watch include VoiceOver, zoom, and bold text options, making it easier for users with visual impairments to navigate and interact with their devices.
Lastly, consider the warranty and customer support options available for your Apple Watch. Back Market offers a minimum 12-month warranty on every refurbished Apple Watch, which can provide additional coverage for accidental damage.
By taking these additional factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the best Apple Watch that seamlessly integrates with your lifestyle and devices.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is our top pick for the best Apple Watch series for its advanced features and overall value, while the Apple Watch SE the most affordable option. If you're looking for the most advanced Apple Watch, consider the Apple Watch Ultra, which offers a larger display, enhanced durability, and advanced features compared to the Series 8. The Series 8 and Ultra 2 have largely replaced the Series 7, which is still a great option.
Refurbished Apple Watch models, like the Series 5, offer excellent value for money, providing a range of features at a lower price point compared to newer models. When purchasing a refurbished Apple Watch, be sure to buy from a reputable seller that offers a warranty.
Yes, the Apple Watch SE is a great option for those seeking core Apple Watch features at a more affordable price. It offers essential health and fitness tracking, safety features, and seamless integration with iPhone.
While most Apple Watch models require an iPhone for setup and full functionality, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra offer Family Setup. This feature allows family members without iPhones, such as children or elderly relatives, to use an Apple Watch with a cellular connection. What is the best Apple Watch for those without an iPhone? The Series 8 or Ultra with Family Setup and WiFi connectivity.
Apple offers a wide variety of watch bands for the Apple Watch, including sport bands, leather bands, and metal bracelets. Many third-party manufacturers also produce compatible bands, giving you endless options to customize your Apple Watch to your style and preferences. If you're looking for affordable Apple Watch accessories, consider purchasing from refurbished electronics marketplaces like Back Market, which offer high-quality, pre-owned watch bands at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
To determine the best Apple Watch models for various categories, I employed a comprehensive research methodology that considered the following criteria:
Price: we analysed each Apple Watch's price and value for money based on its features and performance, comparing them to other smartwatch options like Samsung Galaxy, Garmin, and Fitbit.
Design and customisation options: we examined the aesthetics, materials, and available watch bands for each model, including the sport band and other options from retailers like Argos and Currys.
Performance and storage: we researched the processor, specs, storage capacity, and overall responsiveness of each Apple Watch, taking into account the chipset and WatchOS 10 software.
Battery life and charging: we investigated the battery life of each model, considering features like always-on display and 2,000 nits to 3,000 nits of brightness, as well as the convenience of their charger.
Health and fitness features: we explored the health sensors, workout modes, and fitness tracker capabilities of each Apple Watch, including temperature sensor, car crash and fall detection, and wellness features.
By analysing Apple Watch comparisons, industry benchmarks, and official product information, I provide a comprehensive assessment of each Apple Watch model's strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision when selecting the best smartwatch for your needs.
*Price at date of writing
When not fighting the good fight for environmental sustainability, Haziq loves making reviews of everything and anything tech-related.
Did you find this article useful ?
Launched in 2015 by the Californian giant Apple, the Apple Watch has undergone numerous improvements since its launch. Notably in terms of aesthetics. If previously it did not allow for the possibility of customisation, today it appeals to both men and women who wish to wear this real technological jewel on their wrist.
Which Apple Watch series should you choose between the Apple Watch 5 and the Apple Watch 6?
One of the cheapest Apple Watches of the year - but is it still worth buying in 2022?
Here we talk about the Apple Watch SE 2, which released in 2022 and follows the second iteration of the first Apple Watch SE back in 2020. But what does SE mean? Is it an acronym? On Apple's website, you won't find an answer, but what we know is that this range was intended to be accessible to lower budgets without compromising Apple's trademark quality.
With two years difference, the question beckons - given the incremental improvements, which Apple Watch is right for me? Can the Series 6 still be seen as worthwhile purchase?
Who needs the Apple Watch Ultra when its predecessors were already outstanding?
Wondering if the Apple Watch 5 is waterproof, but also have more questions too? Then read everything you need to know about the 5 series here.
Is design or performance more important to you?
Does cheaper also mean fewer functions?
Do you really need to buy the latest Apple Watch or can an older but still impressive Apple Watch Series 6 still do the job?
We've tested both watches to help you decide which Apple Watch you should buy.
Apple Watch Series 7 - is it seven heaven?
When it was released in 2015, the Apple Watch did not offer the option of replacing the strap on its smartwatch. Today, the Apple brand is working hard to adapt to everyone's needs. From stainless steel to silicone to Milanese, whatever you use your Apple Watch for, a wide range of different strap models will appeal to everyone alike. Here's a rundown of what you can find as a strap for your watch.
With a 52% share of the smartwatch market in 2021, Apple is well ahead of its rivals and remains the undisputed leader. The future looks bright for the Apple brand, which announced the release of the brand new line of Apple Watches with the Apple Watch Ultra, which unveiled in autumn 2022. Did you know that you can change the look of your Apple Watch face quickly and easily? In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through the process.
In 2022, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 8. So what's changed? What's new? And above all, is it worth upgrading or choosing the series 8 over the Series 7? Where can I buy a Series 7 or Series 8 for the cheapest possible? All your questions answered below.
Both the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are smartwatch powerhouses that cater to different preferences. The Apple Watch excels in iPhone integration, user-friendliness, and health features, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch offers wider customisation, potentially longer battery life, and a classic watch design.
