4 Minutes
Which Apple Watch should you buy in 2025?
Apple has released its 2025 smartwatch lineup: the flagship Apple Watch Ultra 3, the refined Apple Watch Series 11, and the upgraded, budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3. All three run watchOS 26, support Apple Intelligence, and bring improved health, fitness, and connectivity features. With prices spanning $249 to $799, which model makes the most sense for you?
Let’s break it down.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
If you want the most capable Apple Watch with no compromises, this is it.
The Ultra 3 blends rugged durability with premium design. Housed in titanium, it features Apple’s largest, brightest display yet thanks to an LTPO3 wide-angle OLED panel and 24% thinner bezels. The always-on screen updates once per second, so the second hand, stopwatch, or timer feels genuinely continuous.
Notably, Ultra 3 is the first Apple Watch with two-way satellite communications, letting you send texts and share your location off-grid — a major benefit for hikers, skiers, and endurance athletes. It also offers 5G cellular, impressive battery life (42 to 72 hours depending on usage), up to 20 hours of GPS workout tracking, and advanced health tools like hypertension alerts and a sleep score.
Buy it if:
- You need extreme battery life and dependable outdoor navigation.
- You want satellite messaging and a build that survives tough environments.
- You’re an endurance athlete or a frequent traveler who values top-tier performance.
Starting price: $799
Apple Watch Series 11
The Series 11 sits squarely in the sweet spot for most users.
It brings the same hypertension notifications and sleep score found on the Ultra 3 but in a sleeker, lighter chassis. Updated Ion-X cover glass is twice as scratch-resistant, and you still get 5G cellular, a redesigned Workout app, and the new Workout Buddy experience powered by Apple Intelligence.
Battery life is solid at around 24 hours, and fast charging gives you about eight extra hours from a 15-minute top-up — handy for overnight sleep tracking. Series 11 also supports wrist-flick gestures and Live Translation in Messages through Apple Intelligence.
What you trade away compared to the Ultra 3 are satellite communications, the extreme multi-day battery life, and the ultra-premium materials. For most people, Series 11 strikes the best balance between features, comfort, and price.
Buy it if:
- You want core health, fitness, and smart features in a lighter, more wearable design.
- You value a premium screen and everyday convenience without the rugged extremes of the Ultra.
Starting price: $399
Apple Watch SE 3
The SE 3 is no longer just the entry-level model — it’s a compelling value proposition.
Powered by the S10 chip, SE 3 gains features that used to be exclusive to higher tiers: Always-On display, fast charging, 5G connectivity, and select Apple Intelligence features like Workout Buddy and wrist-flick gestures. It also includes the new Sleep Score, wrist temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, and a durable Ion-X glass finish.
It does miss some premium health sensors — there’s no hypertension detection, blood oxygen sensor, or ECG — but for many users those are optional extras rather than essentials. SE 3 also supports Apple Watch for Kids, making it an attractive family-friendly option.
Buy it if:
- You’re new to Apple Watch and want strong performance without the higher price.
- You don’t need advanced clinical sensors but still want reliable fitness and sleep tracking.
- You want a capable, family-ready watch with all-day battery life and fast charging.
Starting price: $249
Source: gizmochina
Comments