The best Apple Watch variants to buy in 2024

The first Apple Watch launched alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in September 2014. The wearable was the first major product developed under the leadership of CEO Tim Cook. While it received a muted response at first, the smartwatch from Apple dominated the wearable industry to such an extent that it began to outsell the entire Swiss watch industry by 2020. 

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Like with any Apple product, the Cupertino-based tech giant has only expanded its offering to add new models to its product lineup. At first, the difference between the Apple Watch came down to size, but later, Apple added an optional cellular connectivity and even released an affordable version called Apple Watch SE.

In 2022, the Apple Watch Ultra debuted as the rugged version of Apple’s wearable. If you are thinking that’s a lot of Apple Watch options then you are not wrong. One thing is clear, if you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for you. But which is the best Apple Watch? We are here to answer that.

Best Apple Watch in 2024

1. Apple Watch SE 

2. Apple Watch Series 9 

3. Apple Watch Ultra 2 

4. Apple Watch Series 8 

1. Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch SE, now in its 2nd generation, is the best Apple Watch for most people. It isn’t the most exciting or premium-looking wearable from the company and hasn’t been updated since 2022, but the SE is a perfect entry-level smartwatch in Apple’s lineup. 

Starting at Rs 28,199, the Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and buyers can opt for Carbon-neutral combinations. It has a retina display with up to 1,000 nits brightness and is powered by Apple’s S8 SiP. The display isn’t as bright as the one found on the Apple Watch Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2 but is viewable outdoors. The chipset isn’t the latest but Watch SE runs WatchOS 10 to enable features like Fall Detection and Crash Detection. 

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You also get features like high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, low cardio fitness notifications, and support for cycle tracking. On the health front, the only downside is that the Apple Watch SE cannot check your skin temperature or blood oxygen. In a nutshell, the Apple Watch SE is perfect for first-time Apple Watch buyers and nails the basics.

2. Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 is undoubtedly the best Apple Watch one can buy right now. It comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm with the latter better suited for readability. The Series 9 watches have aluminium cases but you can also opt for a stainless steel option. While the aluminium model will suffice for most people, the finish of the watch boils down to personal preference. 

The Apple Watch Series 9 looks identical to its predecessor since it is an iterative update and the only hardware update is the new S9 chipset. The new chip enables faster on-device Siri, double tap gestures, and precision finding for iPhones. The display is brighter and WatchOS 10 brings app redesigns as well as health-related features. 

 If you are upgrading from an earlier Apple Watch then you should consider the Apple Watch Series 9. With the Series 9, you get the fastest wearable chipset, an always-on display, advanced health tracking, fast charging, and a choice of aluminium or stainless steel case.

3. Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you are looking for a wearable that can do double duty of being a functional smartwatch as well as ideal for outdoor sports then Apple Watch Ultra 2 is your answer. The Watch Ultra 2, like Series 9, does not look different from the original Ultra but now packs a faster and more efficient S9 SiP. This brings the Double Tap feature, offline Siri use, and precision finding for iPhone with the new ultra-wideband chip. 

At 3,000 nits, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has the brightest display on a smartwatch and at 49mm, it is also the biggest. It retains the Action button and the three-mic array from last year’s model and the titanium case adds a new level of durability. 

As the top-of-the-line offering in the Apple Watch ecosystem, the Ultra 2 is visually distinct, packs a long battery life, and divers will like the fact that it has an additional water temperature and depth sensor.

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If you already have an Apple Watch Ultra then the Ultra 2 isn’t a big upgrade. However, if you are looking for an Apple Watch that is also perfect for outdoor sports then you can’t go wrong here.

4. Apple Watch Series 8

With the release of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, Apple discontinued the older models. However, retailers still offer them at discounts and if you can find one on Apple Watch Series 8 then don’t miss out on a perfectly capable smartwatch.

From Crash Detection, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, to support for WatchOS 10, it is hard to argue against it. You might even be able to convince yourself to get the larger model with cellular support here.

Which is the best Apple Watch to buy?

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best Apple Watch money can buy right now. It has a brighter display, faster processor, improved battery life with fast charging, and health features that will appeal to most users. It will make a lot of sense for those with newer iPhone 15 models or are looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch. 

However, if you are a first time Apple Watch buyer then look no further than Apple Watch SE. It may lack the gravitas of newer Apple Watches but it does not skimp on necessary features, and it is also reasonably priced compared to other models. Apple Watch Ultra 2 targets hardcore fitness enthusiasts and athletes but we would wait a few years before it reaches that level. For now, it demonstrates Apple’s aspiration for an ultra-premium wearable that even athletes might want to wear.