The Best Apple Watch for 2025

The Apple Watch Series 11 marks the first major battery life improvement in a Series watch since the original, increasing to an estimated 24 hours from 18 hours for all previous flagship models. As usual, Apple's estimates are conservative, and the Series 11 lasted 43 hours in our testing, up from 36 hours last generation. The Series 11 also adds an Ion-X coating to increase the scratch resistance of its screen and a 5G antenna for faster download speeds when you're away from your phone.

Otherwise, it carries forward the same sleek design as the Series 10, including a wide-angle OLED display. It offers an attractive mix of sensors to measure a variety of health metrics like heart rate, ECG, and skin temperature. Its new watchOS 26 software includes a number of helpful features, such as Workout Buddy, which offers words of encouragement while you exercise, and Sleep Score, which provides a holistic view of the data it collects at night, and a wrist flick gesture to dismiss calls and alarms.

Add in hypertension notifications, which can alert you to signs of high blood pressure, and the Apple Watch Series 11 offers the best mix of exercise tracking, lifestyle features, safety monitoring, and value of the bunch.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best choice for budget shoppers, first-time smartwatch buyers, and older or younger users. It offers excellent value, as it has the same processor as the flagship Series 11, plus 5G connectivity, and an always-on display. It launches with watchOS 26 as well, so it has access to the company's latest software features, including Sleep Score and Workout Buddy. It even outpaced the Series 11 in our battery life testing, lasting 46 hours. Add in gesture controls, built-in Siri, and wrist temperature sensing, and the SE 3 does most of what you'd expect from a flagship smartwatch for much less money.

Of course, it doesn't do everything that the Series 11 can do. It's missing hypertension notifications, dust protection, blood oxygen and ECG sensors, and a depth gauge. It also comes in smaller sizes, and the screen is dimmer with noticeably larger bezels. None of these are deal-breakers, though, and if you're looking for value, the SE 3 is the Apple Watch for you.

The Ultra 3 is the biggest, most powerful, and priciest Apple Watch. It's priced more like an iPhone than an Apple Watch, but it works hard to justify its cost. It has the longest battery life of the line, lasting nearly three full days on a charge in the real world. Plus, 5G comes standard on the Ultra 3 for fast downloads when you're away from your phone, and it's the only Apple Watch with satellite connectivity. If you're adventuring out of cell service range, you can use satellites to contact emergency services, send texts, and keep your loved ones up to date with your location.

Additionally, the Ultra 3 is much more durable than its siblings and can withstand extreme temperatures, deep submersion, and high altitudes. It also has a superior altimeter, depth gauge, and GPS antenna than the Series 11.

Since it matches the Series 11 in exercise monitoring and lifestyle features, you probably don't need to pay the premium for the Ultra 3 for day-to-day activities, but it's worth the money if you're into mountain biking, water sport expeditions, or other adventurous activities.