Which Apple Watch Is Right for You? (All Models Compared)

The first generation Ultra is almost identical to the Ultra 2 in every way, but it lacks some newer features like double tap gesture controls, Precision Finding and on-device Siri processing. Its display also doesn't get as bright.

Price: $799

Should you buy? If you can get a really good deal, the Ultra is an excellent smartwatch and still worth it. However, if the deal isn't incredible, it's probably worth just going with the Ultra 2 instead.

Read our review of the Apple Watch Ultra here.

If you don't need the latest and greatest Apple Watch, the Series 8 might be just what you need. It packs nearly all the same features, and does most of everything the casual user will need from their smartwatch.

Price: $399 (but often available on sale)

Should you buy? Not for the MSRP, but if you can find it for closer to $300, it might be well worth it.

The Series 6 was new in 2020. It has always-on display, a blood oxygen sensor and an altimeter. It also has a newer processor and slightly brighter display. If you're debating between the Series 6 and the SE, it mostly will come down to how much you want the always-on display. Apple doesn't sell the Series 6 anymore, but you can find it discounted on third-party sites like Amazon or Best Buy. However, it's going to cost almost as much as the Series 7, so you might as well just go with the newer hotness.

Price: $279+ (Best Buy)

Should you buy? No. The Series 6 is three-years old and lacks a lot of features and power of the Series 7 and Series 8.

The SE was announced alongside the Series 6 — and the two are very similar. Both have the same display size, most of the same sensors (including the gyroscope, compass, fall detection and an always-on altimeter) and the same battery life. The difference is that the SE lacks the always-on display and two sensors that measure wellness. It lacks an electrical heart sensor and is thus not capable of taking an ECG (but it does have an optical heart sensor, similar to the one found in the Series 3, so it's still able to record your heart rate). And it lacks a blood oxygen sensor, which can help identify asthma and various heart conditions.

Price: $279

Should you buy? No. Go with the new SE (2022-released) if you're looking for the best entry-level Apple Watch.

The big thing when the Series 5 was announced was that it was the first Apple Watch with an always-on display. That's not as big of a deal anymore, however, as the newer models also have an always-on display — and it's nicer. The SE has electrical and optical heart rate sensors and is capable of taking an ECG, but lacks the blood oxygen sensor of newer models. Apple hasn't sold the Series 5 for two years now, so models (and deals) can be difficult to come by.

Price: $269+ (Refurbished)

Should you buy? No. Go for the Series 8 or new SE if you're looking for an Apple Watch. The Series 5 is too old to recommend buying now.

The Series 4 was the first Apple Watch to get a substantial redesign — with a larger display and slimmed down bezels — and it looks identical to the Series 5, SE and Series 6 that followed it. Like the Series 5, the Series 4 has been antiquated for a few years and the deals mostly aren't great enough to justify getting such an old smartwatch. Apple does sell refurbished models, however.

Price: $249+ (Refurbished)

Should you buy? No. It's too old and you can get a better/newer smartwatch for basically the same price.

Apple officially stopped selling the Series 3 in fall 2022. The now six-year-old smartwatch has a dated design that feels really old. It has a built-in GPS and an optical heart sensor so it's decent for fitness tracking, but lacks an always-on altimeter or built-in compass, so it's probably not as great of hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. The Series 3 is only available in GPS-only models.

Price: $199+

Should you buy? No. It's too old and isn't great at running the new watchOS. Spend the extra dough and get an SE or a refurbished Series 5. Apple has stopped selling them, too.