The best Apple Watches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed (2024)

Apple Watch Ultra 2 tech specs: Display Size: 49mm | Battery life:Up to 72 hours| Storage capacity:64GB | Features: Sturdy titanium case and sapphire crystal face, enhanced safety features including a built-in siren, dual-frequency GPS, works up to 100 meters underwater

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a list of more exclusive features than any other Apple Watch model. That's why it became the new flagship model as soon as the first Ultra was released last year, and that's why it's the watch to buy if you want all the best features the Apple Watch has to offer.

The most notable and useful difference between the Ultra and the other Apple Watch models is the larger, brighter, flatter screen that makes it much better for viewing images texted to you, typing short responses to texts, seeing alerts from home security cameras, interacting with apps such as smart lights, checking the weather, navigating directions from map apps, and much more. The screen is 49mm, compared to 45mm on the largest Series 9, and the brightness is 3000 nits -- versus the 2000 nits of the Series 9.

Review: I spent a week with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and here's what stood out the most

The screen is covered by a sapphire crystal face and surrounded by a titanium case to considerably increase the amount of wear and tear it can handle. It's also IPX6 dust resistant, works underwater up to 100 meters (328 feet), and has military grade (MIL-STD 810H) certification for ruggedness. And, it can now handle high altitudes, shocks, vibrations, and temperatures as low as 4 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 130 degrees Fahrenheit. I wouldn't call it indestructible, but it's pretty close.

The Ultra 2 adds more exclusive features as well, including a larger battery that easily lasts 24 hours (and can get up to 60 hours of life in low power mode), a programmable Action Button with a variety of workout and adventuring functions (it can also simply activate the flashlight), dual-frequency GPS that can overcome interference from mountains and skyscrapers, and dual integrated speakers that are much louder for taking phone calls, playing music, or interacting with Siri. The price of the Ultra also includes the cellular option that would cost you $100 extra in the Series 9. This allows the watch to make phone calls and have an internet connection even when your iPhone isn't nearby (you'll have to add it with your cellular carrier for about $10/month).

Beyond that, the Ultra has all the health and safety features you can read about in the Apple Watch Series 9 below, but the Ultra offers one key addition: an emergency siren (activated by holding down the Action Button), which belts out an 86-decibel sound pattern that can be heard up to 600 feet (180 meters) away. This can help if you get lost or take a fall on a hike, to ward off wild animals, or to scare off attackers.

At $799, the Ultra is twice the price of the base model Series 9. If you plan to keep your smartwatch for 3-5 years, if you use your current Apple Watch constantly to interact with apps and look up information, or if you are at all clumsy or in situations where the watch can get banged around, then the Ultra could be a great choice.

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The best Apple Watches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed (2024)

FAQs

The best Apple Watches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed? ›

The Apple Watch Series 9 is our pick as the best wearable in Apple's lineup. No other wearable offers the same premium combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness and health tracking capability, and overall value as the Series 9.

What is the best Apple Watch to get in 2024? ›

The Apple Watch Series 9 is our pick as the best wearable in Apple's lineup. No other wearable offers the same premium combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness and health tracking capability, and overall value as the Series 9.

What is the overall best Apple Watch? ›

The best Apple Watch you can buy today
  1. Apple Watch Series 9. The best Apple Watch overall. Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ...
  2. Apple Watch SE (2022) The best Apple Watch for first-timers. Our expert review: Average Amazon review: ...
  3. Apple Watch Ultra 2. The best Apple Watch for athletes. Our expert review: Specifications.
May 3, 2024

Which Apple Watch has ECG and fall detection? ›

Apple Watch Series 4 and later has an electrical heart rate sensor that, along with the ECG app , allows you to take an electrocardiogram (or ECG). To use the ECG app, update your iPhone Xs or later to the latest version of iOS and Apple Watch to the latest version of watchOS.

Is anything better than an Apple Watch? ›

The Pixel Watch 2 is the latest model of Google's smartwatch and one of the best Apple Watch alternatives if you're set on getting a smartwatch with blood oxygen tracking. Borrowing tech from the now Google-owned Fitbit, the Pixel Watch has a pulse oximeter sensor.

What is the most durable Apple Watch model? ›

Apple Watch Ultra 2 is crafted for unparalleled performance. The lightweight titanium case is rugged and corrosion resistant, and it's raised to protect the sapphire crystal from edge impacts.

Why is Apple Watch dying so fast? ›

Things You Should Know. Disable features like "Always On", "Hey Siri", "Wake on Wrist Raise," and other features to save battery life. If your Apple Watch is an older model, the battery may have deteriorated due to age. Low battery life could also be due to software update issues or pairing problems.

What is the best used Apple Watch to buy? ›

If you're considering a used or refurbished model, we recommend the Series 7 or Series 8 because they'll get you a larger screen for readability. We also recommend that you use $250 as a benchmark since that's the price of a new base model Watch SE.

Can an Apple Watch measure blood pressure? ›

The smartwatch isn't equipped to measure your blood pressure alone, but there are tools and devices you can pair it with it that can -- usually wireless monitors that connect to your iPhone or Apple Watch and come with an arm cuff and their own app.

What watch do cardiologists recommend? ›

Top 3 features of best smartwatches for heart patients for you
Best smartwatch for heart patientsDisplay
Noise Newly Launched Endeavour Smart Watch1.46 inch AMOLED Always On
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40 mm]1.78 inches
Fastrack Reflex Play Smart Watch1.3 inch AMOLED
Apple Watch Series 91.7 inches
6 more rows
Jan 4, 2024

Can an Apple Watch detect heart problems? ›

You can receive a notification if Apple Watch Ultra has identified an irregular heart rhythm that appears to be atrial fibrillation (AFib). Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Tap My Watch, tap Heart, then tap Set Up Irregular Rhythm Notifications in Health.

Which Apple Watch has oxygen and ECG? ›

Apple Watch — Series 6 or later, excluding Apple Watch SE1 — is capable of measuring oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) for fitness and wellness applications.

What is the number 1 Apple Watch? ›

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the quintessential all-rounder: not as high-powered and pricey as the Ultra 2, but better build quality than the SE. Apple's flagship wearable has never been better.

What is the disadvantage of the Apple Watch? ›

If you haven't worn one in decades, it takes some getting used to. If you wear it all the time, it will leave a tan mark. Unlike most other watches, it needs to be charged every night (which means if you forget your charging cable you are SOL). It is kind of big compared to normal watches.

Which smartwatch is as good as the Apple Watch? ›

  • Apple Watch Ultra 2. The best smartwatch overall. ...
  • Apple Watch SE 2. The best Apple Watch for iPhone users on a budget. ...
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The best Samsung smartwatch overall. ...
  • Google Pixel Watch 2. The best Google smartwatch for Pixel users. ...
  • OnePlus Watch 2. ...
  • CMF Watch Pro by Nothing.

Will Apple Watch last 10 years? ›

While the device might keep working and can still be paired to an iPhone after Apple ends support, a lack of updates makes it a security risk. That means the end of life should really be thought of as three to five years, even if the Apple Watch is in perfect condition.

Are series 3 Apple Watches still good? ›

The Apple Watch Series 3 was discontinued in September 2022, but you can still buy it refurbished from various sellers for as low as $100. Regardless of how attractive it's priced, we don't recommend buying it.

Is the Apple Watch 9 worth it? ›

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the perfect introduction to the world of Apple's superb smartwatches, as not only does it follow the winning formula of previous models but it also introduces a fun new gesture control with masses of potential for the future.

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