It's fairly difficult to determine what is the best Apple Watch on the market today, as this largely depends on the buyer's needs. With so many Apple Watches now out there to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to determine the differences between one and another. While the Apple Watch Ultra is arguably the best model to date for its large display, durability, and wide range of functions, not everyone is going to have a use for all its many features that are more geared toward the outdoor enthusiast, or even more so, the expeditionist.

That said, there is still value in purchasing an older model for those just looking to make the most of Apple's most commonly used features, and the buyer's decision will also rest on whether they plan to use it for communication, or just to track fitness and/or heart monitoring goals. Budget, of course, will also invariably play a part, and some of the older Apple Watch models are currently available at a large discount and aren't really old at all, having just been released a couple of years ago.

Apple Watch Ultra

Best Premium Pick

The Ultra boasts water resistance up to 100m, three microphones to combat windy outdoor conditions, and a large customizable action button for changing up functions on the move. This is the all-around does-everything Apple Watch model, so much so that many of its functions may not be entirely useful for those who aren't outdoor or expedition enthusiasts. These features include emergency SOS/siren and international calling, compass waypoint setting, fall and crash detection, and the ability to operate in extreme temperatures, among many other things.

But that's not to say that the Ultra isn't useful for the regular, everyday user, as it has all the features of the Series 8, and then some. A new third button on the side called the Action Button can be programmed to quickly track whatever the wearer needs, so that could be a daily workout rather than a diving expedition. The Ultra also features the best Apple Watch display yet, at the largest size, and it's two times brighter than previous models. All-in-all, this is undoubtedly Apple's best watch yet in terms of display and functionality, but may not suit everyone's needs.

Related: What Is The Best Apple Watch Ultra Band?

Apple Watch Series 8

Best Value

For those who find the Apple Watch Ultra a bit extra, the Series 8 has all the same new features without the additional and perhaps unnecessary expedition functionalities that many wearers just won't make use of. These include car crash detection, international roaming, and a new temperature sensor for better health tracking, particularly when it comes to fertility. It also has a new low-power mode, which can help to extend the battery life considerably when compared to previous models.

That said, when held up against the Series 7, not much else has changed. In terms of guts, the Series 8 has the same chip as the Series 6 and 7, but many describe this as an "if it's not broke don't fix it" scenario. The improvements that have been made here are nice additions and a level up, and the Series 8 offers a lot of value when held up against the extra cost for the Ultra if one isn't going to use most of its functions.

Apple Watch SE Gen 2

Best Features For Those On A Budget

For the price, the SE Gen 2 offers what is now considered a "basic" model for an Apple Watch, which will suit most people's needs. It's cheaper than the Series 6, and yet includes all of its best features, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.

What is lacking here is the power of the 6, as it has the S5 chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor, and the always-on display of the newer models isn't here either, but those just using the watch for day-to-day activities and fitness tracking shouldn't be bothered by this. Heart rate monitoring, a nice, lightweight body, car crash detection, great fitness tracking, and decent battery life mean that this is a great entry-level Apple Watch that looks and feels a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Apple Watch Series 7

Biggest Discount

Dust and crack-resistant, this is a durable option for those who don't need the newest model, and its price cut makes it even more tempting. While it doesn't offer a ton of new features compared to the Series 6, it has everything everyone has come to expect from an Apple Watch, including fitness tracking, Apple Pay, ECG heart monitoring, and a large, easy-to-read display.

While the battery life isn't the best compared to newer models, it is known for its fast charge via a USB-C magnetic charger. That said, some functions, like the workout options, are fairly basic compared to newer models. This model is best for those who like the large yet lightweight display that makes it a big improvement over the Series 6, and yet don't need all the fancy bells and whistles of the Ultra or Series 8. The QWERTY keyboard is a nice plus, too.

Related: Every Apple Watch Series 7 Color & Which You Should Buy

Apple Watch Series 6

Everything You Need

While the Series 6 was surpassed in popularity by the improvements made with the 7, there's a lot to offer here when it comes to big changes made over its predecessors that still make it a model worth considering. This will be especially noticeable for those who are jumping to the Series 6 from older models like the 4.

The 6 offers new blood oxygen level monitoring, a faster chip than previous Apple Watches, and a bright, easy-to-read, always-on display. Battery life is still at the "up to 18 hours" mark at this point, but at the time when the Apple Watch 6 came out, this was the best on offer. Three finish options and plenty of possibilities for bands allow everyone to personalize their purchase.

FAQ

Q: What is the very best Apple watch?

The very best Apple Watch for you will largely depend on your needs. If you are looking for an all-rounder that does everything every outdoor and fitness enthusiast could need, the Ultra is a solid option so long as budget isn't an issue. For those just looking for an easy-to-use, basic Apple Watch with less money to spend, you can't go wrong with the Series 8, which offers many of the same features, including the heart monitoring functions, but skips out on some of the extras you might not use.

Q: Apple Watch SE or 7 - Which is better?

Undoubtedly, the 7 is the better model of the two, as it has those extra health tracking features, as well as a more durable, rugged always-on display and just overall better performance.

Q: What is the best Apple Watch Series to buy?

The Apple Watch Series 8 is currently the best Apple Watch Series to buy based on its value (or its number of features for the cost), functionality, battery life, and display. While the Ultra offers the most extensive features for an Apple Watch, many won't be able to make full use of them, as they are for serious outdoor enthusiast or expenditionists, etc.

Q: Are Apple Watches worth the money?

In short, Apple Watches are worth their money for their extensive features that include many ways to monitor and track your health, ranging from blood oxygen levels to temperature. While these features and the overall devices aren't without their faults, Apple Watches are slowly coming down in price over time, and not everyone will need to shell out for the Apple Watch Ultra to enjoy the best of what these watches have to offer.