Best Overall
Apple Watch SE 3
$239-$269The best smartwatch for most people—finally gets an always-on display, double-tap gesture, and 5G at $239. Real owners report zero FOMO compared to pricier models.
what experts say
- >“The third-gen Apple Watch SE is an incredible value. So much so, there's not that much of a difference between this entry-level watch and the more advanced Series 11.”— The Verge
- >“Both devices start at $249, and even though the SE 3 has more smart features and the Forerunner 70 has more training tools for runners, when it comes to basic fitness tracking chops, the two are pretty evenly matched.”— Tom's Guide
- >“The updated Watch SE 3 is better value.”— WIRED
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +Always-on LTPO OLED display with improved brightness
- +Double-tap and wrist-flick gestures for hands-free control
- +Fast charging and 5G connectivity (optional)
- +New wrist-temperature sensor for health tracking
- +18-hour battery life with reliable performance
[-] what's not
- -Thicker bezels compared to Series 11
- -Battery life could be longer (18 hours vs 24+ on Series 11)
- -Lacks advanced health sensors like blood oxygen on some models
