Best Apple Watch 2021

Best Apple Watch iMore 2021

• Best overall: Apple Watch Series 6 with GPS
• Best value: Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular
• Best for runners: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS + Cellular
• Best status symbol: Apple Watch Series 6 Hermès
• Classy luxury: Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition
• Budget option: Apple Watch Series 3 - Multiple colors

Best overall: Apple Watch Series 6 with GPS

Because Apple's 2020 model Apple Watch features an always-on altimeter and a blood oxygen monitor (Sp02), it replaces the Series 5 as our pick for the best Apple Watch of all time. The aluminum-bodied Apple Watch Series 6 with GPS is our pick best all-around model because of the price. It doesn't have cellular, but from our personal experience with all Apple Watch models, the average user doesn't need cellular (we almost always bring our phones with us anyway). It's positioned as the Apple Watch that everyone can use without costing as much as one with more advanced features (or materials).

It is important to point out that Family Setup requires an Apple Watch with Cellular, so if you are planning on buying an Apple Watch for a family member or think you may someday hand it down to a family member to use with Family Setup, you should not buy this version of the Series 6, you should buy the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular model.

Best value: Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular

Apple's newest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, the Apple Watch SE, is positioned to be the model for most people. I personally think the blood oxygen monitor makes the Apple Watch Series 6 the best for most people, but it's also more expensive, which is why the SE is so incredible. It has a heart rate monitor, emergency SOS alert, Fall Detection, an always-on altimeter, and more. It also has the same processor chip as the Apple Watch Series 5, though it doesn't have an always-on display. It also does not have an ECG monitor, but it's only $80 more than the Apple Watch Series 3, and the cellular upgrade is only $50 instead of $100. It has the most features at the lowest price.

Best for runners: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS + Cellular

Cellular data is a great addition to the Apple Watch, letting you leave your iPhone behind when going on a run, visiting the grocery store, working outside, swimming, and more. It's also the only Apple Watch that you can stream Apple Music and Radio on, which is ideal for going on a long run, but you don't want to bring your iPhone with you. This 2020 model also has an always-on display that's brighter than last year's model for better viewing in direct sunlight and international emergency calling (even if you don't have an active cellular plan).

Best status symbol: Apple Watch Series 6 Hermès

The Hermès line of Apple Watch is incredibly exclusive and will definitely let the world know that you know luxury. The only way to get the exclusive Hermès-designed watch face is to buy from the series directly (no cheating and buying an after-market Hermès band). Each band is crafted from quality leather and comes in a variety of eye-catching colorways. The casing material is only available in stainless steel, and all Hermès Apple Watches are GPS + Cellular.

Classy luxury: Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition

The Titanium Edition Apple Watch is like the well-bred, financially independent cousin of the aluminum series. It's got a familiar brushed metal look, but the colors are a little richer ... a little deeper. It comes in titanium or Space Black. It's the perfect watch for someone wanting to make a very subtle statement. "I can afford a Ferrari, but I choose to drive a BMW because I'm classy like that."

Budget option: Apple Watch Series 3

The Series 3 was the best Apple Watch until the Series 4 knocked it off its podium, and I don't mean that just because of the year-over-year upgrade. The Apple Watch Series 3 is a solid foundation for anyone that wants an Apple Watch and doesn't want to pay a premium price. At this point, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a few years old and hasn't seen any upgrades, but it is still a solid entry-level model for those on a budget. It has a heart rate sensor, altimeter, step tracker, and GPS. It also has all-day battery life and water resistance. It's got a smaller display and 2mm smaller casing and doesn't support super complications, but it's also $200 cheaper.

It's important to point out that Apple Watch Series 3 is no longer available as a Cellular option, so if you're planning on buying this for someone in your Family Setup, or if you think you want to someday pass it down to a family member for the purpose of Family Setup, don't buy this Apple Watch.

Bottom line

Because of its entry-level price for the most advanced features, the aluminum-bodied Apple Watch Series 6 with GPS is the best all-around model. It doesn't have cellular, but from our personal experience with all Apple Watch models, the average user doesn't need cellular (we almost always bring our phones with us anyway). It's positioned as the Apple Watch that everyone can use without costing as much as one with more advanced features (or materials).

Credits — The team that worked on this guide