Best Apple Watch 2025: Series 10 vs. SE

**Unlocking Your Digital Guardian: The Ultimate Apple Watch Buying Guide for 2025** *(WIRED's editorial team independently selects all featured products. We may earn a commission from retailers and/or purchases made through our links. Learn more.)* What if a tiny device on your wrist held the power to detect a hidden health threat, call for help when you can't, and guide you through the wild? Welcome to the world of the Apple Watch, a device that's more than just a gadget – it's a lifeline, a personal trainer, and a guardian, all meticulously crafted to integrate seamlessly with your iPhone. But with Apple's ever-expanding lineup, choosing the *best Apple Watch* for you has become a quest. From the budget-friendly **Apple Watch SE** to the adventurer's **Apple Watch Ultra 2** and the feature-packed **Apple Watch Series 10**, how do you navigate the options? Fear not, fellow tech enthusiast; we're here to cut through the noise, reveal the must-have features, and help you find your perfect digital companion. **The Comeback Story: Blood Oxygen Sensing is Back, Baby!** Remember the whispers? The court cases? The crucial health feature that vanished from the latest models? For a time, a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo meant that the **Apple Watch Series 9**, **Watch Ultra 2**, and **Series 10** were sold without their coveted blood oxygen sensors. But hold your breath no longer (or rather, start monitoring it again!). As of August 2025, Apple has ingeniously redesigned the sensor via a software update, restoring this vital function. Just update your paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and your Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1, and you'll find your sensor data proudly displayed in the Respiratory section of your Health app. This groundbreaking comeback means the full suite of advanced health monitoring is once again at your fingertips – and on your wrist! **Why an Apple Watch? A Decade of Innovation on Your Wrist**

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It’s been 10 years, and the **Apple Watch** remains the gold standard for **wearable technology**. Its sleek, Jony Ive–designed form factor still turns heads, while its deep integration with the iPhone ecosystem makes it indispensable. Whether you're a fitness fanatic, a health-conscious individual, or simply seeking convenience and peace of mind, there’s an **Apple Watch** built for you. We've tested them all, from their ability to detect a car crash to monitoring your nightly breathing. We've endured countless hours of fitness tracking and even entrusted our children to put them through their paces. But how do you differentiate when they all look so similar and share a rotating stable of features? Let's dive in. *(Curious about the future? Don't miss our comprehensive breakdown of WatchOS 26 and other essential buying guides, including the **Best Smartwatches**, **Best Fitness Trackers**, and **Best iPhones**.)* --- **Your Entry Point to the Ecosystem: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)** *Photograph: Apple* Thinking about dipping your toes into the **Apple Watch** world without breaking the bank? The **Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)** is your perfect starting point. It's Apple's entry-level option, designed to deliver essential **smartwatch** features and critical safety functions at an accessible price. **A Note for Savvy Shoppers:** Apple is likely to launch an **Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen)** in September. If you can wait a little longer, we recommend holding off on buying this model to see what new features the next generation brings.

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While it might not boast every bleeding-edge health feature like skin temperature sensing or the latest ultra-wideband chip for precision device locating, the SE still packs a punch. It runs on the capable S8 chip (the same as the Series 8!), ensuring smooth performance. Plus, it’s fully compatible with **WatchOS 26**, bringing you frosted Liquid Glass numerals and your personalized Workout Buddy. **Safety First, Always:** This **wearable** comes equipped with **Crash Detection**, ready to alert emergency contacts and responders if you're in a severe car accident and unresponsive. It also features **Fall Detection** and supports international roaming, making it a reliable companion wherever you go. With **Family Setup** compatibility, the **Apple Watch SE** is perfect for every member of your household – from your energetic 9-year-old to your beloved nana, providing peace of mind for everyone. It’s also one of the most affordable options among Apple’s carbon-neutral products when paired with certain bands (though this claim is currently facing legal scrutiny). Lightweight with a nylon back and available in a petite 40mm case size, it’s incredibly comfortable. **Who's it for?** First-time **Apple Watch** owners, children, older adults, or anyone seeking core **Apple Watch** functionality and essential safety features without the premium price tag. **Key Specs & Features:** * **Case Sizes:** 40 mm or 44 mm * **Blood Oxygen Sensing:** No * **Second-Gen Ultra-Wideband Chip:** No * **Skin Temperature Sensing:** No * **Crash Detection:** Yes * **Fall Detection:** Yes --- **The Smartwatch Redefined: Apple Watch Series 10** *Photograph: Apple*

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Meet the pinnacle of **Apple Watch** innovation: the **Watch Series 10** (8/10, WIRED Recommends). This is the **best Apple Watch** on the market right now, offering a harmonious blend of cutting-edge health features, refined design, and enhanced performance. **A Crucial Update:** As with the SE, Apple will likely unveil the **Apple Watch Series 11** in September. If you’re not in a hurry, we advise waiting to see if the next generation offers game-changing updates before committing to the Series 10. With the return of blood oxygen sensing in August 2025, the Series 10, alongside the Series 9 and Ultra 2, is now fully equipped. But its standout feature? The groundbreaking **Breathing Disturbances** function. Utilizing the Series 10’s advanced accelerometer, this **smartwatch** can discreetly notify you if you might have **sleep apnea** – a condition that typically requires a disruptive sleep test to diagnose. Imagine monitoring such a vital health indicator while you sleep, every night, on your wrist! Hardware and software upgrades abound. The Series 10 is thinner and lighter, making it incredibly comfortable for continuous wear, especially for sleep tracking. Fast charging ensures you can quickly top up your battery, allowing for more activity tracking throughout the day. A quick 20-30 minute charge during your morning shower can keep you powered up. For water sports enthusiasts, new features like water temperature sensing are invaluable. Living in an area where cold water can incapacitate, our tester found this feature particularly vital. This truly is the **best Apple Watch** for comprehensive daily use, now without caveats. **Who's it for?** Anyone who wants the absolute latest in **Apple Watch** technology, advanced health monitoring (especially **sleep apnea** detection), a sleeker design, and improved battery management. **Key Specs & Features:** * **Case Sizes:** 42 mm or 46 mm * **Blood Oxygen Sensing:** Yes * **Second-Gen Ultra-Wideband Chip:** Yes * **Skin Temperature Sensing:** Yes * **Crash Detection:** Yes * **Fall Detection:** Yes ---

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**Conquer the Outdoors, Track Your World: Apple Watch Ultra 2** *Photograph: Julian Chokkattu* Do you dream of an **Apple Watch** that can replace your satellite messenger, your cycling computer, and your running watch? Then, my friend, the **Watch Ultra 2** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is your ultimate adventure companion. This **rugged smartwatch** is built for extremes, but with the full functionality of a premium **smartwatch**. Like the Series 10, the Ultra 2 can monitor your nightly **breathing disturbances** for potential **sleep apnea**. It shares the powerful S9 chipset with the Series 9, enabling faster processing and the innovative **Double Tap** gesture, alongside the ultra-wideband chip for precision-locating your iPhone. And that display? A shockingly bright 3,000-nit screen. While our tester didn't see a huge difference on a sunny day by the water, you might find it indispensable if you're navigating a blinding glacier. **Adventure-Ready, With a Catch:** Many of the **Watch Ultra 2**’s best outdoor features shine brightest when your iPhone is nearby. Offline maps, for instance, only display on the watch after you’ve downloaded them on your iPhone and it remains charged and within Bluetooth range. Starting a cycling activity on your watch will show up as a Live Activity on your iPhone. These advanced features – along with the handy Action button and three-mic array – were also present in last year’s debut Watch Ultra. If you already own the original, you might consider waiting for the next iteration before upgrading. However, if this is your first foray into the Ultra series, you’ll absolutely love the **Watch Ultra 2**. This year, it even comes in a sleek satin-black titanium finish that looks undeniably superior to the previous version. Just be careful not to accidentally close the tab that tells you how to get back home! **Who's it for?** Outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and adventurers who demand extreme durability, advanced GPS, exceptional battery life, and powerful features for tracking their expeditions.

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**Key Specs & Features:** * **Case Sizes:** 49 mm * **Blood Oxygen Sensing:** Yes * **Second-Gen Ultra-Wideband Chip:** Yes * **Skin Temperature Sensing:** Yes * **Crash Detection:** Yes * **Fall Detection:** Yes --- **Still a Smart Choice? Apple Watch Series 9** *Photograph: Julian Chokkattu* Do you suspect you might have **sleep apnea**? The life-changing **Breathing Disturbances** feature works not only with the Series 10 and Ultra 2 but also with last year's **Apple Watch Series 9** (7/10, WIRED Review). If this feature is a priority and you already own a Series 9, there's no urgent need to upgrade. The Series 9 boasts the S9 chipset, which brings faster onboard processing for Siri commands, noticeably improving battery life and theoretically enhancing privacy for your sensitive medical data. It also features **Double Tap**, an accessibility-inspired gesture that lets you control your watch by simply tapping your index finger and thumb together twice on your watch hand. It’s surprisingly handy for tasks like pausing music or setting timers around the kitchen when your other hand is busy. This model includes crucial health sensors absent from the SE, such as **ECG monitoring**, **blood oxygen sensing**, and **skin temperature sensing**. It’s also fully compatible with **watchOS 11**. **Where to Find It:** While Apple no longer sells the **Series 9** directly on Apple.com, you can still find it at third-party retailers. Just be strategic: avoid paying MSRP, as you may as well opt for the newer Series 10. Look for significant discounts to make the Series 9 a truly worthwhile purchase.

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**Who's it for?** Those who want robust health and safety features, including **sleep apnea** detection, and find a discounted **Series 9** a compelling alternative to the Series 10. **Key Specs & Features:** * **Case Sizes:** 41 mm or 45 mm * **Blood Oxygen Sensing:** Yes * **Second-Gen Ultra-Wideband Chip:** Yes * **Skin Temperature Sensing:** Yes * **Crash Detection:** Yes * **Fall Detection:** Yes --- **The Hidden Gem: Apple Watch Series 8 (If You Can Find It!)** *Photograph: Apple* **WatchOS 26** is only compatible with the **Series 6** watches and newer, marking the end of the line for the Series 4, 5, and first-gen SE. But this also means that if you can unearth a good deal on a **Series 8** (8/10, WIRED Recommends), you’ve found a perfectly capable and feature-rich **smartwatch**. The **Series 8** is compatible with **watchOS 11**, which is where many of the most exciting updates live anyway. Unlike the **Apple Watch SE**, it includes a full suite of health and safety hardware, such as an improved accelerometer for **Crash Detection**, skin temperature sensors, and **ECG** and **blood oxygen measuring**. No, it doesn't have precision locating, but you can always ping your iPhone if it’s misplaced! **Who's it for?** Value seekers who prioritize advanced health and safety features and can find the **Series 8** on significant sale, ideally for under $300.

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**Key Specs & Features:** * **Case Sizes:** 41 mm or 45 mm * **Blood Oxygen Sensing:** Yes * **Second-Gen Ultra-Wideband Chip:** No * **Skin Temperature Sensing:** Yes * **Crash Detection:** Yes * **Fall Detection:** Yes --- **Timing is Everything: Should You Buy an Apple Watch Now?** Here's the critical advice: A month before Apple's yearly hardware event (typically in September) is generally the worst time to buy a brand-new **Apple Watch**. We strongly recommend waiting until after the September event to see if the latest watch, possibly the **Apple Watch Series 11** or **SE (3rd Gen)**, will offer truly unmissable new features or if current models will see price drops. However, if you simply need a basic, easy-to-use watch for a child or an older adult – prioritizing features like **Fall Detection** and straightforward functionality – purchasing an **Apple Watch SE** now might still be a smart move. Prices could soar or stock could become difficult to source immediately after the new models are announced. --- **Essential Gear: Elevate Your Apple Watch Experience** Once you've chosen your perfect **Apple Watch**, a few accessories can significantly enhance your experience. Don't skip these:

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1. **A Case and a Screen Protector:** Apple's repair costs are notoriously high – fixing a watch can almost equal buying a new one! A well-fitting case (we like the Spigen Thin Fit Case for $15) and a reliable screen protector set (around $10 on Amazon) are cheap insurance. Just be sure the case isn't too bulky; a rattling case with every notification is maddening. 2. **The Perfect Band:** Your **Apple Watch** is an extension of your style. Our guide to the **Best Apple Watch Accessories** offers a wealth of options. Reviewer Martin Cizmar famously caved for the luxurious Hermés Kilim Single Tour band ($349). Our favorite for the **Watch Ultra 2** is the sophisticated black Milanese loop ($199). 3. **A 3-in-1 Charger:** Keeping an **Apple Watch** charged can be a daily challenge. Our top pick is the Belkin Qi2 charger ($110), but many more selections are available in our guide to the **Best 3-in-1 Chargers**. For adventures away from home, a power bank ($90) with a built-in **Apple Watch charger** will prevent you from being caught with a dead watch. --- **Warning: Watches to Avoid** Steer clear of outdated models. It's been years since retailers stocked the Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3. While you might spot them on resale sites, they are simply not worth the price. Moreover, since **WatchOS 26** only supports the **second-gen SE** and newer, we no longer recommend buying the **Series 4, Series 5, or the first-gen SE**. These older models lack crucial compatibility and features, including water resistance for the Series 1, cellular capability for Series 1 and 2, and the ability to run the latest **watchOS** versions. Invest in a current-generation or a slightly older, compatible model for the best experience. --- **Power up with unlimited access to WIRED.** Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. **Subscribe Today.**