The best Apple Watches in 2026: what’s worth buying and what’s not, according to our expert
by Samuel Gibbs Consumer technology editor from Technology | The Guardian on (#6XWEW)
There's no need to buy new - unless your model's ready for retirement. Our technology expert compares the top Apple smartwatches available right now
The best running watches - tested
The best Apple Watch may be the one already on your wrist.
Each generation of Apple's smartwatch is fairly iterative, with most of the best features added via software updates, which means there's no need to buy a new device each year. That said, if your watch has seen better days, or it's stopped receiving updates, then your best options are set out below.
Best Apple Watch for most people:
SE 3
Best mid-range Apple Watch:
Series 11