Best Apple Watch (2026): Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3

If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best wearable . It's the watch I'd wear if I weren't testing other fitness trackers . But what's the best Apple Watch to buy? With three models, each with unique attributes and features, this question has gotten harder to answer.

For the past few years, Apple has contended with a series of troublesome lawsuits and bans that led to the removal of its blood oxygen sensor (which is back). Last year, the company introduced a ton of new features , like satellite messaging and hypertension notifications. If you need help telling them apart, this guide breaks down what features are available on which watch, and whether older models are still worth the price. The latest operating system is watchOS 27, and I also discuss the Apple Watch's newest fitness-tracking features.

Be sure to check out our other related buying guides, including the Best Smartwatches , Best Fitness Trackers , and Best Sleep Trackers .

Updated July 2026: I've refreshed our recommendations, updated the specs, and revamped the product comparison table. I added sections for honorable mentions and frequently asked questions. Product information, prices, and links were also updated.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is Apple's flagship watch. The biggest upgrade is the 24-hour battery life—up from 18 hours—which makes a noticeable difference in the watch's overall usability and health-tracking capabilities. Now, you can wear it to bed to get an Apple sleep score , along with a detailed breakdown to help improve your sleep quality.

Just about the only feature the Series 11 lacks is satellite connectivity, but if you don't go off the grid, then it has everything else you need. Unlike the Watch SE 3, it has the full suite of Apple's health features, which includes blood oxygen sensing , the ability to take electrocardiograms, and FDA-cleared hypertension (or high blood pressure) notifications.

It's compatible with the latest watchOS 27 , so you can view the dynamic app grid with Siri-suggested apps, converse with the new Siri AI assistant, and use Workout Buddy without your iPhone nearby. The Series 11 comes in a much wider range of case sizes, colors, and finishes than other models. Cellular connectivity has also been upgraded from LTE to 5G, and the screen is 2,000 nits, which is twice the brightness of the SE.

The Watch SE (3rd Gen) is the best value in Apple's smartwatch lineup. It has the latest S10 chip, which enables many of the standout health features the previous Apple Watch SE 2 lacked, such as sleep apnea notifications and skin temperature sensing. It runs watchOS 27, so you can see the Liquid Glass display, the peppy encouragement from Workout Buddy, and dismiss the Smart Stack widget with a wrist flick gesture. It has fast charging, and even though it does not have the Series 11's boasted 24-hour battery life, former WIRED editor Adrienne So still somehow managed to eke out a full day with it, even with the always-on display.