Every Apple Watch model, finish, and band available now

Apple’s 2020 release of the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE — the newest models available today — reinforces the widely held view that the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch you can buy. The advanced Apple Watch 6 has every athletic, fitness, and health-related feature available on a smartwatch, while the SE was designed to give a price break to people who do not need quite that level of pro features and case options.

Apple’s stylish wrist computers come packed with an array of comprehensive health and fitness features and the ability of the cellular model to replace your phone for a short time. Our Digital Trends review singles out the Apple Watch Series 6 as “the best, most feature-rich smartwatch you can buy” and the SE as “the best Apple Watch for most people.”

But there’s more than one Apple Watch series available, depending on your price range and craving for the latest and greatest. Several generations of the Apple Watch, including the Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5 are also still available via various channels at discounted prices. We have a look at the Apple Watches available today to help you choose which one is the best for you.

Apple Watch models

Apple now sells the Series 3, the Series 6, and the SE models on Apple.com. The Apple Watch Series 3 now comes in the GPS model starting at $199. The Series 4 and the Series 5, both similar and discontinued, are out there on various secondary channels, at steep discounts, though it may take some effort to locate them. Buyers on the second-hand and refurbished market may be dismayed at how much the Apple Watch holds its value over time.

Here’s a quick spec comparison of the Apple Watch Series 3, 4, 5, 6, and SE.

The Series 6 and the SE models are major upgrades from the Series 3. The Series 3 has a smaller face at 38mm and 42mm for the women’s and men’s models, respectively. Newer models, starting with Series 4, run a slightly larger face at 40mm and 44mm, which seems to have hit the sweet spot in terms of ideal size. Many women found a 38mm watch a tad small, while 40mm is a great fit for both men and women.

If you live an active lifestyle that involves a lot of running and walking, and you don’t want to carry your phone around all the time, or if you’re a speed demon who wants the absolute fastest and longest-lasting Apple Watch on the market, a Series 6 will suit your needs.  The Series 6 watch, like the Series 5, has the always-on display, something that the SE left out, which is more in line with the Series 4 and Series 3. The Series 6, like the Series 5, also comes in titanium, whereas the SE only comes in aluminum. Many other features are exactly the same from the Series 4 on, and all watches continue to use the same size watch band.

If you’re rocking a Series 5, there’s no need for most people to ditch it in favor of a Series 6. However, if you are interested in running the Blood Oxygen or ECG apps, or insist on the gorgeous new blue or (Product Red) colors, then a Series 6 is the only one that offers these features. If you don’t need a cutting-edge processor or special color, or want to save some coin, a Series 3 or the new SE may be right for you. If you’re saving money but also depend on fall detection, international emergency calling, or noise monitoring, then go for the SE rather than the Series 3.

Apple Watch sizes and finishes

Once you’ve settled on the watch you want, you’re going to need to pick the size that feels the most comfortable on your wrist. The 38mm Series 3 watch is the smallest, while the 44mm Series 4, 5, 6, and SE are the largest.

When you go to the Apple Watch website, you’ll notice that the selection goes beyond simply Series 3, 6, or SE. The Apple Watch doesn’t just come in different sizes and hardware, but it also comes in different materials, some of which are exclusive to individual models. Below is a rundown of the finishes available for each device.

The Apple Watch Nike and the Apple Watch Hermès are variations of the Apple Watch Series 6, though the Nike model features an exclusive Run Club app with audio-guided tours and fitness-oriented social features. Every Nike watch face is optimized for the always-on Retina display. The Apple Watch Edition now comes in the titanium exterior only.

Apple Watch bands

If you think you had a hard time deciding which Apple Watch to buy, just wait until you experience the insanity of trying to settle on a watch band. Over time, Apple has introduced a variety of models while expanding the choice of accessories and wristbands — now, you can choose the band you want right out of the box. With the launch of the Series 5, Apple inaugurated the Apple Watch Studio, a brand new way to choose a strap for your new watch. You can buy any band you like for any watch you own upfront, including sport bands and loops, leather, and stainless steel. The Watch Studio stocks over 1,000 different watch bands.

Below is a quick table outlining the specific bands marketed for each device, and we encourage you to check out our guide to the best Apple Watch bands you can buy right now. In reality, any available band will fit any Apple Watch of any generation, and Apple offers a complete inventory of all bands it sells. You just need to choose the smaller or larger size, depending on the model you own.

Two Apple Watch models are differentiated in part by their bands: The Nike and the Hermès. The Nike Sport band is lighter than other Apple Watch bands, thanks to rows of perforations that make it more breathable and comfortable. The newest designs get additional color combinations and reflectivity. The Hermès bands are all about fashion. Some are handmade by artisans in France from Barenia leather, Epsom leather, or Swift leather with an ultra-sophisticated Della Cavalleria print or a sleek all-black design. Others have a sporty new Single Tour mixing woven textiles. A new Jumping Single Tour features bands made from woven textile with a vibrant design for swimming and is available in five colors. The classic Hermès buckle conjures saddle straps in a variety of sophisticated color combinations.

Which one should you buy?

Before you make a decision, check the current price range. The table below represents the base prices on the most affordable models. The real price depends on the casing, branding, band, size, and connectivity options.

Apple Watch Series 7 on the horizon

If you’re still undecided on whether you absolutely must have an Apple Watch, check out our Apple Watch Series 7 news and updates to get the latest on what’s going down with the newest update. It may be hard to improve on near-perfection, but Apple will certainly take its best shot very soon. The Apple Watch design has remained remarkably consistent since Series 4, but the rumor mill is cranking overtime with rumblings that Apple may be planning to shake up the physical design a wee bit. Trusted leak connoisseurs Ming-Chi Kuo and Jon Prosser both predict changes to the physical design, and Prosser has even mocked up some original renders. While the display options are expected to remain similar, the new watch may feature flatter sides and include a new green color option. Reports also indicate that the upcoming Series 7 may feature a blood glucose monitoring optical sensor and improved swim-tracking capabilities.