PLUS: The latest wrist candy.
’Tis the season for new smartwatches. Earlier this month, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Ultra 4. The Series 12 is the Apple Watch I’d recommend to most people, with upgrades like a new Health Sensing System and Audio Intelligence, a suite of ambient-listening features. (Most of those are rolling out until later this year, though.) And yes, after six years, the premium ceramic finish is back.
The Ultra is still the watch to get if you’re an outdoor adventurer or endurance athlete, thanks to its multiday battery life and satellite messaging. But unless you’re regularly diving or disappearing into the wilderness, the Series 12 can do pretty everything the Ultra 4 can for significantly less. Apple didn’t update the SE this time around, but the SE 3 remains the best budget-friendly Apple Watch. If you’re considering the SE 3, I wouldn’t be surprised if the price drops even further on Amazon Prime Day.
If you’re not an Apple person, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch9 arrived in August and is a solid choice for Samsung users. Personally, though, I’d go with the Google Pixel Watch 5 for its domed design, Google Health Premium, and overall smoother user experience. I’ll be refreshing many of our wearables guides over the next month, so check back soon for my takes on the latest releases.
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By Boutayna Chokrane
These WIRED-tested wearables reduce your reliance on a phone while keeping you connected.
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Apple Watch Series 12
$399
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All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
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By Boutayna Chokrane
Samsung adds more health and fitness metrics to an already feature-packed smartwatch, but more data doesn’t make it a better upgrade.
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By Boutayna Chokrane
Before you spend hundreds of dollars, let me help you choose wisely.
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By Boutayna Chokrane
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartwatch. These are the best options under $250.
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By Boutayna Chokrane
Find the right wearable for your lifestyle, workouts, and goals.
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