The Apple Watch SE 3 (left), Apple Watch Extremely 3 (center), Apple Watch Collection 11 (proper).
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
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Apple launched three new smartwatches this month, and whereas they could look related, their variations are stark. I’ve examined all three to get a way of which watches work finest for various individuals.
I’ve even included one Apple Watch mannequin from 2024 that, because of some retroactive updates by WatchOS 26, is a worthy contender for buy this 12 months. This is the breakdown.
1. Who can purchase the Apple Watch SE 3?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is an entry-level smartwatch constructed for novices. They might be uncertain whether or not they’ll actually use a smartwatch day in and day trip and do not wish to splurge on a pricier mannequin simply but.
The gadget nonetheless packs many upgrades and, regardless of its reasonably priced worth, comes with lots of the upgrades that the opposite watches within the lineup embrace. In some ways, the SE 3 takes the specs of final 12 months’s Collection 10 and implements them on this reasonably priced smartwatch — an 18-hour battery life, Sleep Apnea Detection, and its newest chip, the S10.
Additionally: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here’s why I recommend this model the most
The display is the smallest out of the lineup, and speaking by textual content might be annoying with solely a letter-drawing characteristic or speak-to-text obtainable.
Finest options
- 18-hour battery life
- Sleep Apnea Detection
- Sleep Scores
- Apple’s newest S10 chip
What Apple Watch SE 3 does not have
- Hypertension Detection, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG
- The Collection 11’s 24-hour battery life
- The brightest show (just one,000 nits)
Who’s the Apple Watch SE 3 finest for?
First-time smartwatch customers, children and teenagers, budget-conscious consumers, individuals who wish to monitor sleep and exercise (however not monitor extra superior metrics like hypertension, blood oxygen, or by-the-minute coronary heart price information).
2. Who can purchase the Apple Watch Collection 11?
Apple’s flagship smartwatch has the second-longest battery life out of the lineup (and it is $400 lower than the Extremely 3 with the longest battery life). I see the Collection 11 because the Apple Watch that energy customers with older fashions would improve to.
As somebody with a smaller wrist, the Collection 11 and SE 3 are excellent sizes for my wrist, whereas the Extremely 3 took up an excessive amount of floor space and weighed my arm down. For that reason, I would advocate the Collection 11 over the Extremely 3 to girls.
Additionally: I tested the Apple Watch Series 11 for a week – here’s my buying advice now
In comparison with its Collection 10 predecessor, there is not a lot of a distinction, moreover the 24-hour battery life and sturdy show. However software-wise, all the things is virtually the identical.
Finest options
- 24-hour battery life
- Hypertension Detection
- Extra sturdy show
- Sleep Scores
What Apple Watch Collection 11 does not have
- The Extremely 3’s Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc
- The Extremely 3’s 3,000 nits show
Who’s the Apple Watch Collection 11 finest for?
House owners of Apple Watch Collection 8 or earlier searching for an improve, individuals who wish to repeatedly observe all facets of their well being, individuals who will put on the watch nonstop — each in the course of the day and to trace their sleep at night time.
3. Who can purchase the Apple Watch Extremely 3
Apple’s costliest and feature-rich smartwatch has the biggest display, the longest battery life, each well being characteristic, nice sturdiness, and off-grid functionalities, like Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc for out of doors fans.
Finest options
- 42-hour battery life
- Satellite tv for pc connectivity
- Hypertension Detection
- Largest display
- Sleep Scores
What the Apple Watch Extremely 3 does not have
- A skinny construct (sleeping with the gadget is a ache)
- An reasonably priced worth (it prices $799)
Who’s the Apple Watch Extremely 3 finest for?
Outside fans and off-grid hikers, individuals who need a big watch show, individuals who can afford a $799 watch, and individuals who need all of Apple Watch’s finest, latest, and superior options.
4. Who can purchase the Apple Watch Collection 10?
You could be scratching your head studying this. Wasn’t the Collection 10 unveiled final 12 months? Sure. However I would argue it is a worthy purchase this 12 months for deal-grabbing Apple Watch clients. Due to among the retroactive upgrades coming to earlier smartwatch fashions, together with the Collection 9, Collection 10, and Extremely 2, you will get a lot of the identical software program on a less expensive Apple Watch.
Additionally: Should you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 11? Here’s how it compares to older models
You will not get the Collection 11’s 24-hour battery life, however if you happen to do not thoughts charging your watch forward of bedtime sleep-tracking, this most likely will not be a problem.
Finest options
- Hypertension Detection
- Sleep Scores
- WatchOS 26 (obtainable on the brand new watches)
- Similar construct and thinness as Collection 11
What Apple Watch Collection 10 does not have
- Watch Collection 11’s 24-hour battery life
- A extra sturdy show
Who’s the Apple Watch Collection 10 finest for?
Smartwatch consumers on a price range, individuals who do not care in regards to the newest lineup, individuals who will put on their watch in the course of the day and infrequently sleep observe, people who find themselves on prime of charging their gadget if they need continuous use (as a result of the watch solely lasts 18 hours).
