The Best Apple Watch Right Now Is the Last One You’d Expect

Apple’s lineup of Apple Watches feels different this year. And that’s for good reason.

2025 marks the first time in three years that Apple has introduced new models of all three of its Apple Watch models. That’s right, there are new versions of the Ultra, Series, and SE this year.

The new SE 3 is the outlier, of course. While Apple has annually released next-gen versions of the Ultra and Series lines, this is the first in three years that Apple has updated its most affordable smartwatch.

And it’s undoubtedly the biggest, most impactful upgrade that any of the three new Apple Watches have gotten.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

While in years past the SE has been labeled “the kids’ Apple Watch” or “the starter Apple Watch,” that’s not the case with the SE 3. In fact, Apple gave it the same S10 processor that’s in the Series 11 and Ultra 3, as well as upgraded it a bunch of flagship features for the first time.

After using all three new Apple Watch models for the past week, I’m inclined to say that, for the first time ever, the new Apple Watch SE might just be the best Apple Watch for most people.

Here’s why.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Finally, an always-on display

For years, one of the key things that separated the Series and SE Apple Watch lines was the always-on display — the SE always lacked it. But that’s now changed.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the first SE to have an always-on display, meaning your watch face never goes completely black, and you can always quickly glance down at your wrist, no matter the angle, and get a peek at the time.

It’s honestly a game-changer.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

Wrist Flick is super useful

Up until this year, I wouldn’t have said that gesture support was a must-have Apple Watch feature — far from it. But that’s changed thanks to watchOS 26 and the new “Wrist Flick” gesture. I use it all the time.

Wrist Flick is a physical movement — you quickly roll your wrist — that essentially works as a Home button. It dismisses notifications and calls. If you’re in any app, a quick flick of your wrist returns you back to your watch’s default watch face.

While Wrist Flick is a brand-new gesture, no other Apple Watch SE has supported any gesture — such as Double Tap — to date. However, since the SE 3 does, it’s just another premium feature supported by the most affordable Apple Watch. And, like I said, you’ll use it all the time.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

You still get a lot of health features (and Sleep Score)

One of the big tradeoffs with the SE 3 compared to the Series 11 is with its health tracking capabilities. The Series 11 has a more advanced heart-rate sensor as well as support for an ECG and blood oxygen monitor. The SE 3 lacks that.

However, I’d argue that those more advanced health-tracking capabilities aren’t reserved for most people — you have to be really into your health — and the SE 3 still does have a heart-rate sensor and a lot of health tracking capabilities.

Additionally, the SE 3 does support some of the newest health and wellness features introduced with watchOS 26, including Sleep Score. So if you’re somebody who wants to track their sleep, the SE 3 has got you covered there.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

There’s faster charging, too

The Apple Watch SE 3 lacks the long-lasting battery life of the Series 11 and Ultra 3. It still has the same “all day” 18-hour battery life that most all past Apple Watches have touted. However, Apple did give its newest SE faster charging.

That’s right, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the first in its line that supports fast charging. When used with an 18-watt (or greater) adapter, the SE 3 can charge to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes. This is a great convenience for those who wear it to sleep.

Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

You’re saving $150

Then there’s the price. Despite the upgraded internals and all the new features, Apple didn’t increase the price of its SE line. The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 (40mm) and $279 ($44mm).

This is $150 cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 11, which starts at $399 (42mm) and $429 (46mm).

Of course, you’re giving up quite a bit when opting for the SE 3 instead of the Series 11 — including a bigger, better display, more advanced fitness features and a longer battery life.

But, for the first time in years, the gap between the two models isn’t a chasm. And for $150 (or more) less, the SE 3 feels like a pretty damn good bargain.

Apple

Apple Watch SE 3

• $249 at Apple (40mm)
• $279 at Apple (44mm)

Related Topics