Essentials

How to pick the right Apple Watch for you

Edited By Leslie Gornstein

Updated on: November 20, 2023 / 4:07 PM EST / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

The Apple Watch lineup just keeps on getting more interesting. If you're already an Apple iPhone user, there's an Apple Watch model and configuration that will perfectly fit your lifestyle and budget. In fact, some of the most popular versions of the Apple Watch are on sale. We'll tell you how you can save money on the perfect iPhone companion designed to be worn on your wrist.

At the moment, the Apple Watch lineup consists of the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. All run the same version of the powerful WatchOS operating system and come with the same preinstalled apps. However, each Apple Watch model offers a slightly different selection of sensors and capabilities that cater to a specific type of user.

Here are some popular Apple Watch Series 9 configurations (and their starting prices):

Apple Watch Series 9 (Aluminum, 41mm, GPS only, rubber or textile band) - $349 on Amazon (13% off)
Apple Watch Series 9 (Aluminum, 45mm, GPS only, rubber or textile band) - $420 on Amazon
Apple Watch Series 9 (Aluminum, 41mm, GPS + Cellular, rubber or textile band) - $449 on Amazon (10% off)
Apple Watch Series 9 (Aluminum, 45mm, GPS + Cellular, rubber or textile band) - $479 on Amazon (9% off)

The latest Apple Watches are much more than tiny second displays for an iPhone. They've evolved to become powerful communications, productivity, time management, fitness, health, safety and entertainment tools -- wrapped up into a device you can comfortably wear wherever you go, including the office, workouts, a casual day or an elegant night out.

First, let's focus on some of the deals on Apple Watches available right now. Then we'll help you choose the right model and configuration for you. We'll also offer plenty of expert advice on how to select an Apple Watch.

Best Apple Watch deals available right now

Whether you're shopping for one of the latest Apple Watch models, or want to save even more money by purchasing one of last year's models, here are some of the best deals you can take advantage of right now.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $270 (10% off)

Here's a change to save 10% ($30) on the latest version of the Apple Watch SE with cellular connectivity. This version comes in a starlight-colored aluminum casing with a matching Sport Loop band. For a limited time, you can purchase it from Amazon for just $270.

The biggest benefit to any Apple Watch with the GPS + cellular configuration is that it can work autonomously from an iPhone, so you can leave your smartphone behind and still use the Apple Watch as a feature-packed communications and safety tool. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is the least expensive Apple Watch model.

We recommend this configuration for someone who's not necessarily tech-savvy, but who wants to take advantage of the integrated safety features, like fall detection. This model is also ideal for a parent who wants to provide a child with a smartwatch (instead of a smartphone), so the two can stay in contact via calls or text. Parents can track the location of the watch (and the child) in real time using their own iPhones.

$270 at Amazon

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), 44mm, GPS only: $301 (8% off)

This Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) deal is for the 44mm casing size in the midnight black color with aluminum housing.

The watch comes with the matching Sport Loop watchband. Not only is the smartwatch itself currently on sale at Amazon, but you also get two years of AppleCare+ coverage for the watch thrown in for free.

Keep in mind, this is the GPS only version of the watch, so to take full advantage of all its features and functions, especially those that involve calling, text messaging, or internet connectivity, the watch and the iPhone it's paired with will need to stay within about 33 feet from each other.

$301 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 8, 41mm, GPS only: $299 (25% off)

Available in four casing colors -- startlight, Product(Red), midnight black, or silver, this is last year's version of the Apple Watch with a 41mm housing and the GPS only configuration. Amazon has slashed the price of this smartwatch by 25%, so you can get it for just $299. (At the moment, not all colors are on sale in this configuration.)

The Apple Watch Series 8 is very similar to the latest Series 9 smartwatches, but the processor is not as powerful and the screen isn't as bright. The battery life of the Series 8 watch is also not as long as what you get with the Series 9. Both the Series 8 and Series 9 come with the latest version of the WatchOS operating system and the same collection of preinstalled apps.

A vast selection of optional genuine Apple and third-party watch bands are sold separately, but this one comes with a Sport Band that matches the watch's color.

$299 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9, 45mm, GPS + Cellular: $479 (9% off)

The Apple Watch Series 9 with the 45mm aluminum casing and with the GPS + cellular configuration is an extremely popular iteration of the smartwatch. It offers the best of all things Apple Watch -- from a large and bright always-on display, to being able to fully function without having an iPhone constantly nearby.

This version of the Apple Watch comes in midnight black with a matching Sport Band. However, a variety of different casing colors and watch band style combinations are also now on sale at Amazon - most at 9% off, which brings the price of this configuration down to $479.

However, if you're looking for an even higher-end version of the Apple Watch Series 9, choose one with a stainless steel casing. At the moment, Amazon has a version of the Apple Watch Series 9 with the stainless steel casing in silver, with a matching storm blue Sport Band on sale for $714 (which is 5% off). This too is for the GPS + cellular configuration.

$$479 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9, 41mm, GPS + Cellular: $449 (10% off)

This configuration of the Apple Watch Series 9 includes the 41mm casing in aluminum, along with a winter blue Sport Loop. It's on sale for 10% off at Amazon, so you can purchase it right now for just $449. This is for the GPS + cellular version of the watch.

All versions of the Apple Watch offer a unisex design, but the smaller casing size (41mm) is ideally suited for someone with a smaller wrist size.

Amazon is offering 18 different watch color and watch band configurations for the Apple Watch Series 9, but not all are currently on sale.

$449 at Amazon

Apple Watch Ultra 2, 49mm, GPS + Cellular: $739 (8% off)

Designed for the outdoor adventurer, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the latest, most powerful and most feature-packed smartwatch by Apple. It's able to handle everything an Apple Watch Series 9 can do, but it also has a few additional features. For starters, the housing is made from rugged titanium, not stainless steel or aluminum.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 users benefit from an extended battery life (compared to the Series 9). In fact, the battery lasts up to 36 hours (or 72 hours in Low Power Mode). The watch also features an even brighter, always on display (with a maximum brightness up to 3,000 nits). And for those super-athletic types, special functions for cycling and other activities are integrated into the watch, without needing optional apps. The Ultra 2 watch is incredibly rugged and fully waterproof (down to 40 meters underwater), so you can wear and rely on it anywhere. It can safely be worn while during activities like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, skiing, surfing, snowboarding, hiking, or boating.

This souped-up Apple Watch includes added safety features, such as an emergency siren that can be heard from up to 600 feet away. You also get all of the safety features built into the Series 9, including Emergency SOS, fall detection, crash detection and international emergency calling. This version of the watch is powered using the same Apple S9 processor as the Series 9 watches.

The configuration of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 that's now on sale at Amazon comes with Loop watchband, but several other genuine Apple watchband styles, designed specifically for this version of the watch, are sold separately.

$739 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9, 41mm, GPS + Cellular: $714 (5% off)

One of the great things about the Apple Watch Series 9 is that you can choose between an aluminum or stainless steel casing and both versions come in a variety of colors. There are also dozens of genuine Apple watch bands available -- some more elegant than others.

Head over to Amazon right now to snag this Apple Watch Series 9 that's on sale for $714 (which represents a 5% off savings). It's for the 41mm version of the watch with a stainless steel casing. It comes with the stylish gold Milanese Loop watchband.

While you can use all of the same features and functions of other Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatches, when you combine the stainless steel casing with a fancier band, you wind up with a more sophisticated looking and more durable watch that can easily be worn with business or more formal outfits.

$714 at Amazon

How to choose the best Apple Watch: A buyer's guide from our tech experts

Here are some useful guidelines from our in-house smartwatch experts to help you choose the best Apple Watch that'll fit your lifestyle, needs, personal preferences and budget.

Decision #1: Choose an Apple Watch model

There are currently three models of the Apple Watch -- the Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation), Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. When choosing which Apple Watch is best for you, start by selecting one of these models.

If you want to save a bit of money, you can also go with an older version of the Apple Watch, such as the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation), Apple Watch Series 8, or Apple Watch Ultra. These older models use an older version of the Apple Watch processor, which means they're not as fast, have a shorter battery life and have a less bright screen.

Decision #2: Select a watch casing size, casing material and casing color

Once you choose an Apple Watch model, the next decisions are related to the watch's casing size, casing material and casing color. The Apple Watch SE comes in two sizes, three casing colors, but only in an aluminum casing construction.

The Apple Watch Series 9 also comes in two sizes, but offers a choice between an aluminum or stainless steel casing. The aluminum version offers five casing color options, while the stainless steel version offers three casing color options.

The high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2 only comes in a 49mm casing size that's made from titanium, but there are three watchband styles available for it.

Decision #3: Opt for GPS Only or GPS + Cellular connectivity

Another important decision you'll need to make at the time of purchase is between a GPS only or the GPS + Cellular version of the watch. The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 9 offer these two configuration options, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 only comes in a GPS + Cellular configuration.

Both versions of the Apple Watch need to be set up and managed using an Apple iPhone. The GPS only version of the watch will need to stay in close proximity (within about 33 feet) to the iPhone it's paired with to access the internet and make full use of all its features and functions.

However, the GPS + Cellular version is able to acquire it's own direct cellular internet connection (when you pay for this service), so the watch can perform autonomously from the iPhone. This means you can leave the iPhone at home and still do things like make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, take advantage of Apple Maps for real-time navigation and stream music from the internet (via Apple Music or another service).

The biggest benefit to investing in the any Apple Watch with GPS + Cellular capabilities is that the watch can offer all of its safety features, even when an iPhone is not nearby. This includes using the Emergency SOS feature, fall detection, crash detection and international emergency calling feature.

Decision #4: Select your favorite watch band

All Apple Watch models come with one genuine Apple Watch band of your choosing. The style band you select will impact the price of the watch. However, Apple also offers dozens of other watchband styles and colors to choose from, each of which are sold separately.

Changing the band on a watch takes less than 30 seconds and requires no tools. This means you can attach a waterproof and more rugged band when you're about to work out or engage in a highly physical activity, but quickly switch bands afterwards, so the watch nicely coordinates with your business outfit or more formal evening attire.

Along with Apple's genuine watch bands, you can find hundreds of third-party watch bands currently being sold through Amazon and other sellers. While some of these bands are less expensive than genuine Apple watchbands, not all of them are as well made or durable, so pay careful attention to ratings and reviews when buying a non-genuine Apple watchband.

Decision #5: Start customizing the Apple Watch

After purchasing and setting up any Apple Watch, using the Apple Watch app that comes preinstalled on all iPhones, you're able to select from hundreds of pre-created watch faces, customize many of them, or create your own from scratch. This is just one of the ways you can personalize an Apple Watch. You're also able to customize notifications and a wide range of other options.

Every Apple Watch must be initially set up and paired with an iPhone. However, if you purchase a GPS + cellular version of the Apple Watch, you can use the Apple Family Setup feature to pair someone else's watch with your iPhone. This comes in handy if you're giving an Apple Watch to a child or older person who does not have their own iPhone.

Important things to know about each version of the Apple Watch

Here's a quick rundown each each Apple Watch model's most important features and functions. Keep in mind that all run the latest version of WatchOS 10 (or later), come with the same collection of preinstalled apps and offer access to the Apple Watch App store for finding and downloading additional apps that can further customize the functionality of the smartwatch.

All versions of the Apple Watch also offer hundreds of customizable watch faces, plus dozens of watch band styles and colors. All models of the Apple Watch also work seamlessly with Apple services, like Apple Music, Apple Fitness+ and Apple News.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) key features

It comes in a 40mm or 44mm casing size, only in aluminum.
The always-on Retina display has a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits.
The watch runs using Apple's S8 processor.
It offers high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications and low cardio fitness notifications.
Safety features include Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection and crash detection.
It's waterproof (down to 50 meters of water).
Battery life is up to 18 hours per charge.
A GPS only or GPS + Cellular version is available.
Casing color options include midnight black, starlight and silver.
Dozens of genuine Apple watchband styles and color options are available.
The GPS + Cellular version is compatible with Apple's Family Setup feature.
Starting price (when not on sale) is $249.

Apple Watch Series 9 key features

It comes in a 41mm or 44mm casing size, in aluminum or stainless steel.
The always on Retina display has a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits.
The watch runs using Apple's S9 processor.
It offers blood oxygen monitoring, ECG monitoring, temperature sensing, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications and low cardio fitness notifications.
Safety features include Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection and crash detection.
It's waterproof (down to 50 meters of water).
Battery life is up to 18 hours per charge.
A GPS only or GPS + Cellular version is available.
Six casing color options are available.
Dozens of genuine Apple watchband styles and color options are available.
The GPS + Cellular version is compatible with Apple's Family Setup feature.
Starting price (when not on sale) is $399.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 key features

It comes in a 49mm casing size and only in durable titanium.
The always on Retina display has a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.
The watch runs using Apple's S9 processor.
It offers blood oxygen monitoring, ECG monitoring, temperature sensing, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications and low cardio fitness notifications.
Safety features include Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection, crash detection and an emergency siren.
It's waterproof (down to 100 meters of water).
Battery life is up to 36 hours per charge (up to 72 hours in Low Power mode).
It only comes in a GPS + Cellular configuration.
Choose between the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop or Ocean Band, each of which comes in a selection of colors.
The watch is compatible with Apple's Family Setup feature.
Starting price (when not on sale) is $799

How to choose the best Apple Watch model: Our recommendations

Our team of in-house Apple Watch and smartwatch experts have been using the various Apple Watch models since they were first released back in 2015. We've tested each model and have our own set of recommended for the type of users who could benefit the most from each watch model.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) - We recommend the GPS + Cellular version of this Apple Watch model to students, older people who are not tech-savvy and parents who want to communicate with their children without giving them a smartphone. This model is also a great "starter" watch for any iPhone user who wants to benefit from the features and functions of wearing an Apple Watch, but who does not want pay top dollar for an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Apple Watch Series 9 - We recommend this watch to just about any iPhone user interested in wearing a smartwatch. It offers all of the key features and functions that we believe are essential to smartwatch users. It also offers plenty of customization options. We particularly like the Series 9 watches because they're durable and extremely versatile. When strapped on someone's wrist, a Series 9 watch is the ideal communications, productivity, health, fitness, safety and entertainment device.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 - This version of the Apple Watch is ideal for someone who is extremely athletic and considers themselves to be an outdoor adventurer. It's the most durable, powerful and feature-packed version of Apple's smartwatch. It also includes extra safety features, like an emergency siren. When combined with the right selection of third-party apps, Ultra 2 can be a highly customizable fitness, training and workout tools that can be worn on land or underwater.
Older Apple Watch models - It you seek them out, older versions of the Apple Watch, such as the original Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, or original Apple Watch Ultra can still be purchased -- often at a significant discount. While you won't benefit from the most cutting-edge processor, fastest speed, brightest display, or longest battery life, any of these Apple Watch models are still viable options for someone who wants to save money. Just make sure you choose a version of Apple Watch that's able to run the most current version of the WatchOS operating system. Also keep in mind that an older version of the Apple Watch will eventually become obsolete sooner than one of the current models.

Essential safety features built into the Apple Watch

The main safety features of the Apple Watch include emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection and auto crash detection. Also from a safety standpoint, if the person wearing the GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch ever gets lost, between Siri, the watch's GPS functions and the pre-installed Apple Maps app, all someone needs to do is say, "Siri, how do I get home from here" or "Siri, how do I get to [insert location]" in order to get real-time, turn-by-turn walking, driving or mass transit directions to their intended destination. Again, with a GPS + Cellular version of the watch, this is possible even if the person's iPhone is not with them.

Health and fitness features built into the Apple Watch

For someone who is health- and fitness-minded, loves exercising or participating in a wide range of fitness and recreational activities, an Apple Watch as it all. Most models can track everything from blood oxygen levels, heart rate and body temperature, to distance traveled, speed, elevation, calories burned, stress level and sleep patterns. Also built into the watch are specialized functions for a wide range of exercises, from running, cycling and Pilates, to swimming, surfing, rowing, kickboxing, walking and more. The watch uses its internal sensors to gather data and share it with the Health app (or other health/fitness apps) on the iPhone.

And as you'd expect, Apple Watch Series 9 supports Apple Fitness+. In fact, when you purchase a new Apple Watch, you get a three-month trial subscription for free. After that, it costs $10 per month or $80 per year. With this service, you get access to more than 4,000 pre-created workouts, between five and 45 minutes in length, that cover more than a dozen fitness-related activities. There are also live, audio- and video-based group training sessions you can access via your watch. With Apple Fitness+ it's easy to identify your fitness goals, create a plan and monitor your progress using the Apple Watch and your iPhone.

Beyond fitness, Apple Watch can be used as a medical device and sleep monitor, especially when it's wirelessly paired with other equipment. An, if you take prescription medications, the watch's medication app can remind you when to take them and keep a log of what you've taken.

Powerful communications tools built into Apple Watch

As long as the watch is within about 33 feet from an iPhone, the-GPS only version of an Apple Watch can make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, access Siri and handle any other task that requires internet access using one of the watch's preinstalled or optional apps. But, the GPS + Cellular version of the watch can handle all of that and more, even when the iPhone is not nearby. In fact, you can leave your phone at home when you go for a walk, head out to the gym, or wander away from your desk at work.

The Apple Watch itself has a built-in microphone and speaker system which allows it to serve as a speakerphone with surprising clarity. When it comes to composing text messages using the watch, there are four options. You can use the small virtual keyboard that appears on the display, use your finger to draw one letter/number at a time on the display, you can dictate the message with your voice and have Siri transcribe it, or you can send a pre-written response with a single on-screen tap.

And if you want to communicate with other Apple Watch users, there's also the Internet-based walkie-talkie feature and FaceTime audio. It's true these are all features offered by previous Apple Watch versions, but the faster processor and brighter screen of the current models make using the watch easier. Plus, Siri now has better accuracy when dictating messages.

Apple Watch is also a customizable productivity tool

Another great thing about the Apple Watch is that it shares data automatically with many of the apps on your iPhone, including the Calendar, Notes, Contacts and Reminders app. This means you can use the watch to keep you running on time, while keeping all of your responsibilities organized.

Oh, and don't worry about having your wallet with you when you shop at a store or eat out. Apple Watch is fully compatible with Apple Pay and virtually all apps for restaurants, like McDonald's and Starbucks.

Instead of having to constantly look at your phone when you receive notifications, all of this information is well organized and easily accessible. Another useful tool is the Apple Watch's integration with Apple News. This allows you to read news headlines, stay up-to-date on breaking news events and even read more in-depth articles directly from the watches screen. And when the Apple Watch has internet access, it can be used to remotely control other smart equipment, such as your smart TV, video doorbell, smart lights, home security system, or even your smart coffee maker.

And the Apple Watch can keep you entertained

If you get the GPS-only version of any Apple Watch, as long as the iPhone it's paired with is nearby, the watch can stream music or podcasts, play simple games and display pictures stored in your iCloud Photo Library. The Apple Watch also works with Audible for listening to audio books. There are also plenty of other streaming music apps you can download and use with the watch.

With the GPS + Cellular version of the watch, these functions can be used anytime and virtually anywhere. So you can hear your favorite playlist while on a run, listen to a podcast as you walk your dog, or browse through your photos while you're waiting in line at the checkout counter of a supermarket.