The people's Apple Watch
The aluminum version of the Apple Watch Series 9 is cheaper and lighter than the Stainless Steel version, but it's not as durable and is decidedly less premium in look and feel.
For
- Price
- GPS option
- Lighter
- Nike+ version
- Comes in more colors
- Carbon Neutral
Against
- Less durable than stainless steel
- Ion-X Strengthened Glass not as good as Sapphire Crystal
Elegance at a price
The Apple Watch Series 9 Stainless Steel Version is heavier and more expensive, but it's also more durable and more premium in its look and feel.
For
- Stronger and more durable
- Sapphire Crystal glass front
- Hermés version available
- Looks better with premium bands
Against
- Pricey
- Scratches are more noticeable
- No Nike+ version
- Weighs more
- Only supports Cellular
The choice between an Aluminum and Stainless Steel Apple Watch can be one of the most challenging decisions to make before buying one. Your choice will not only define how Apple's wearable will look on your wrist but also how it will look with the many bands you can pair it with.
If you're planning to buy an Apple Watch in the near future, we've outlined the main differences below to help you choose between the two models that will be on your wrist for years to come.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: At a glance
From a functionality perspective, there is no difference between th Aluminum and Stainless Steel Apple Watch Series 9 models. Both offer exercise tracking, heart rate monitoring, the new S9 SiP, on-device Siri, the Double Tap gesture, and more. They also both include available storage for onboard music and podcasts, and you can use the same third-party apps on all models. However, there are design differences when it comes to the weight, finish, and display glass used for each model.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Apple Watch Aluminum | Apple Watch Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Starting prices | $399 (Series 9) $249 (SE 2) | $699 (Series 9) |
| Color choices | Various | Various |
| Weight | From 31.9 grams | From 42.3 grams |
| Display material | Ion-X strengthened glass | Sapphire Crystal |
| Wi-Fi only versions | Yes | No |
| Onboard storage size | 64GB | 64GB |
| Carbon Neutral | With certain bands | No |
As you can see there is a significant weight difference between the two models, and the difference in glass is also key. The Stainless Steel Model will be much less prone to cracks and scratches compared to the Aluminum.
On the other hand, the Stainless Steel Apple Watch has a much tougher chassis However, scratches are more noticeable than the Aluminum version. These so-called microabrasions can appear on polished Stainless Steel soon after you start wearing one, especially on the silver version.
One final difference to note, paired with certain new Sport Loop bands, the Apple Aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 is carbon neutral, giving you some extra peace of mind about the impact of your purchase.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: Cellular, GPS, and color options
The only functional difference between the Aluminum and Stainless Steel Apple Watch models is cellular vs GPS. The Stainless Steel model is only available in the Cellular Option. This lets you use your Apple Watch over a mobile network to make calls, send texts, navigate, and more.
If you go for the Aluminum option, you can choose the GPS-only model, which is cheaper and doesn't come with this feature. The wrinkle here is that not only is the Stainless Steel version more expensive, to begin with, but you'll likely need to pay an added monthly cost for a data plan to use this feature.
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in five Aluminum finishes, Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED. The Stainless Steel version is available in Gold, Silver, and Graphite. If you want an even cheaper Aluminum Apple Watch, there's the Apple Watch SE, which comes in Midnight, Starlight, and Silver.
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: Which should you buy?
You should buy the Aluminum Apple Watch if you:
- Are into physical fitness, and you want the lightest Apple Watch you can get
- Need a watch you can afford to break or lose
- Aren't sure about the Apple Watch and want to try it out at the lowest cost of entry
- Simply love the way the bead-blasted Aluminum looks
- Want a variety of color options, including pink and (PRODUCT)RED
- Care about Carbon Neutral products
You should buy the Stainless Steel Apple Watch if you:
- Want a more weighty premium Watch
- Want a more durable glass display
- Want a more premium look and feel
- Aren't constrained by a budget
- Don't want or need a Carbon Neutral model
The Aluminum Apple Watch is a more mainstream and affordable option for most people. It offers a lighter product with more customization options including a larger range of colors, and can be configured in either GPS or Cellular options. The Stainless Steel model is more premium and more durable, but it's much more expensive and the finish isn't immune to abrasions and scratches.
No matter which Apple Watch model you buy, be sure to check out our picks for the best Apple Watch bands to go with it!
Stylish and practical
Experience all the great features of the Apple Watch for less. Choose from lots of beautiful colors, too.
Stylish choice
If you want the more premium model, get this one. Still, watch out for those inevitable scratches!
