If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best wearable to go with it. But what's the best Apple Watch to buy? Just a little while ago, this question was more complicated. In 2024, a court ruling dictated that Apple could no longer sell the Series 9, the Watch Ultra 2, and the Series 10 with a blood oxygen sensor. Medical technology company Masimo alleged that Apple had infringed on its patent. However, in August 2025, Apple redesigned the sensor via a software update, and you now have this feature again. Blood oxygen sensing is back!
Apple revamped its entire Apple Watch line this year, which includes the entry-level Watch SE 3, the flagship Watch Series 11, and the Watch Ultra 3. This is the first year that I feel fairly confident about saying yes, if you're in the market, you should buy a new one. I love the Apple Watch. 10 years on, it's still the beautiful, Jony Ive–designed wearable everyone with an iPhone has to have. It is the watch I'd wear if I weren't constantly testing other fitness trackers. (Now my children test them as well.) If you need help telling them apart, I break down which one is best for you and whether older models are worth the price.
Wondering what the operating system for these watches will look like? Check out our breakdown of watchOS 26 and our other relevant buying guides, including the Best Smartwatches, Best Fitness Trackers, and Best iPhones.
Updated September 2025: We've added the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Watch Ultra 3.