Best Apple Watch Buying Guide 2024

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.

Apple Watch pricing

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:

1. Model and series: Newer Apple Watch series generally have higher price tags due to their advanced features and improved hardware.

2. Release year and availability: Apple Watch models released in different years may have varying prices, with older models often available at a discount. 

3. 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.

4. Cellular connectivity: Models with cellular capabilities, which allow you to make calls and use data without your iPhone, cost more than GPS-only versions.

5. 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.

Ratings Criteria

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.

Best Overall Apple Watch: Apple Watch Series 8

Why it's the best Apple Watch for most people:

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.

Key Features:

• 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?

Who it's for:

Ideal for those who want a premium Apple Watch experience with all the latest features without opting for the most expensive model.

Best Affordable Apple Watch: Apple Watch SE

Why it's the best Apple Watch for affordability:

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.

Key Features:

• 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

Who it's for:

Great for budget-conscious buyers, teenagers, or those new to the Apple Watch ecosystem.

Best Apple Watch for Fitness: Apple Watch Series 9

Why it's the best Apple Watch for fitness:

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.

Key Features:

1. Advanced health sensors (ECG, Blood Oxygen)

2. Customisable workouts and activity rings

3. Built-in GPS for outdoor activities

4. Heart rate monitoring and alerts

5. Fitness+ integration

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: How do they stack up?

Who it's for:

Ideal for those who are serious about fitness and want a device that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

Best Apple Watch for Hiking: Apple Watch Ultra

Why it's the best Apple Watch for hiking:

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.

Key Features:

1. Robust titanium case

2. Dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking

3. Extended battery life (up to 60 hours in low-power mode)

4. Enhanced water resistance (100 metres)

5. Customisable action button for quick access to essential features

Who it's for:

Perfect for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who need a durable, reliable smartwatch for extreme conditions.

Best Apple Watch for Kids: Refurbished Apple Watch Series 5

Why it's the best Apple Watch for kids:

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.

Key Features:

1. Always-On Retina display

2. ECG app

3. GPS and compass

4. Fall detection and emergency SOS

5. Water resistance up to 50 metres

6. Family Setup with parental controls

Apple Watch 5 vs Apple Watch SE: Who has the edge here?

Who it's for:

Parents looking for an affordable yet feature-rich smartwatch for their kids, offering both safety and health tracking.

Conclusion: Best Apple Watch

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.

Apple Watch Buying Tips

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.

1. Consider your needs: Assess what features are most important to you, such as health tracking, crash detection, battery life, or durability.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Look for deals: Check for discounts or promotions, especially during major sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

5. 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.

Additional Considerations When Buying an Apple Watch

When choosing the best Apple Watch for your needs, there are several additional factors to consider beyond the core features and specifications.

Compatibility

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

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

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

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.

Warranty and Customer Support

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.

Methodology

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