Apple Watches are available in various styles and price points. Our best Apple Watch for teens is the well-reviewed 2020 Apple Watch SE, which is available at an excellent price and includes many of the same features found on the flagship Apple Watch Series 6. We've also included other models to help you make a better-informed decision. Once that decision is made, consider some of the best accessories for your new purchase.
Best Overall: Apple Watch SE
In 2020, Apple revealed two new Apple Watches at the same time. The Apple Watch SE looks just like our runner-up in this category, the Apple Watch Series 6. However, it's missing features that most teens probably won't want, which is good news since fewer features mean a lower price.
The Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm case sizes and has an S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor on the inside. The chip provides two times the speed of the Apple Watch Series 3. Like other Apple Watches, it's available with GPS and GPS + Cellular. Other features include high and low heart rate notifications and irregular heart rhythm notifications, emergency SOS alert, fall detection, an always-on altimeter, and more.
You should bypass the Apple Watch SE if you need features unique to the Apple Series 6. You can see these below.
If you're looking for the newest Apple Watch for less, this is the one to get and the one your teen will probably want the most.
Runner-Up: Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 includes the latest features found on Cupertino's now-iconic wearable device. This version features a third-generation optical heart sensor, blood oxygen monitor (Sp02), and electrocardiogram (ECG) system capable of detecting whether you're experiencing cardiac abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation. The Apple Watch Series 6 also includes an S6 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor, a relatively loudspeaker (which is ideal when receiving calls), a ceramic and sapphire crystal back, and plenty of storage capacity for your favorite photos, podcasts, and music tracks.
Keep in mind, this year's Nike version is also an Apple Watch Series 6.
Besides the extra price you'll pay for the Apple Watch Series 6 over the Apple Watch SE, consider its life-cycle. Both the Series 4 and Series 5 before it were retired after only a year on the market. The same could happen to this model as early as September 2021.
When it comes to internals, there's no better Apple Watch than the Series 6. Still, it could be overkill for your teen.
Best Value: Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a smaller display area than the more recent models and older internals. However, it's still packed with many of the same features that make it worth considering, especially for students and young people looking for a deal. These include an onboard optical heart sensor, water-resistance up to 50m, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 18 hours between charges, and a barometric altimeter.
The Series 3 doesn't include the refreshed design first introduced with the now-discontinued Apple Watch 4, and there's no gold finish option. Despite this, you can't deny the awesome price of this still impressive wearable device.
The 2017 Apple Watch Series 3 is still a great choice that's available at a steep discount.
Best Gift: Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition
The Titanium Edition Apple Watch is like the well-bred, financially independent cousin of the aluminum and stainless steel 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. If your teen is celebrating a big accomplishment, this is the one to get. Otherwise, choose the best Apple Watch for teens or something cheaper.
If you're the type of person that doesn't show off your Benjamins but still likes to look well put-together, this is a luxury watch for your understated tastes.
Best Apple Watch for teens
If you're a teen looking for a new Apple Watch, you'll quickly notice there's a wide selection of versions available. Our favorite model for those under 20 is the Apple Watch SE. It lacks some of the features found on Apple's current flagship model. And yet, this probably won't mean anything to younger wearers. You can't deny its impressive price.
The Apple Watch SE supports watchOS7, includes an onboard optical heart sensor, offers water-resistance up to 50m, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and more.
Did we mention its lower price?
Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.
