#1 Apple Watch Series 11 Best Overall
Editor's take
Top-tier health features, 5G and tougher glass make it the most advanced Apple Watch yet.
Replace the existing Series 10 entry with this model and update its label accordingly.
The Apple Watch Series 11, unveiled in late 2025, brings meaningful upgrades in health monitoring, durability and connectivity. It retains the same case sizes (42 mm and 46 mm) and the S10 processor as the previous generation, but introduces hypertension-notification capability, a refined sleep-score metric, 5G cellular support, tougher front glass and up to 24 hours of typical battery life. On the health front, Series 11 is capable of analysing a 30-day pattern of blood-vessel response to detect possible hypertension, integrates a new Sleep Score algorithm to assess sleep quality based on duration, stage transitions and waking frequency, and continues to support ECG, SpO₂, wrist temperature and heart-rate monitoring. The display for the aluminium models now uses an Ion-X glass with a ceramic atomic-level coating that Apple claims makes it twice as scratch-resistant. Connectivity gains include full 5G cellular in GPS+Cellular models, improved antenna design for better signal in weak-coverage areas, and gesture support such as wrist-flick to dismiss notifications and return to the watch face. Fitness and workout features are enhanced with the new Workout Buddy AI-assist (via Apple Fitness+), improved running metrics, and tighter integration with iPhone and ecosystem hardware. Battery life tops out at 24 hours of typical use, with fast-charging delivering up to 8 hours of use from a 15-minute charge. While the case and screen sizes remain familiar, the improvements across health, durability and connectivity make Series 11 a strong contender for those seeking a future-proof Apple smartwatch. For users already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 11 offers the latest sensor suite and the only major brand smartwatch with built-in hypertension monitoring (via optical sensors and algorithm). If you’re less focused on iPhone integration or prefer longer multi-day battery life above all, there might still be alternatives. Nonetheless, Series 11 reaffirms the premium position in the Apple wearable lineup.
The Apple Watch Series 11, unveiled in late 2025, brings meaningful upgrades in health monitoring, durability and connectivity. It retains the same case sizes (42 mm and 46 mm) and the S10 processor as the previous generation, but introduces hypertension-notification capability, a refined sleep-score metric, 5G cellular support, tougher front glass and up to 24 hours of typical battery life. On the health front, Series 11 is capable of analysing a 30-day pattern of blood-vessel response to detect possible hypertension, integrates a new Sleep Score algorithm to assess sleep quality based on duration, stage transitions and waking frequency, and continues to support ECG, SpO₂, wrist temperature and heart-rate monitoring. The display for the aluminium models now uses an Ion-X glass with a ceramic atomic-level coating that Apple claims makes it twice as scratch-resistant. Connectivity gains include full 5G cellular in GPS+Cellular models, improved antenna design for better signal in weak-coverage areas, and gesture support such as wrist-flick to dismiss notifications and return to the watch face. Fitness and workout features are enhanced with the new Workout Buddy AI-assist (via Apple Fitness+), improved running metrics, and tighter integration with iPhone and ecosystem hardware. Battery life tops out at 24 hours of typical use, with fast-charging delivering up to 8 hours of use from a 15-minute charge. While the case and screen sizes remain familiar, the improvements across health, durability and connectivity make Series 11 a strong contender for those seeking a future-proof Apple smartwatch. For users already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 11 offers the latest sensor suite and the only major brand smartwatch with built-in hypertension monitoring (via optical sensors and algorithm). If you’re less focused on iPhone integration or prefer longer multi-day battery life above all, there might still be alternatives. Nonetheless, Series 11 reaffirms the premium position in the Apple wearable lineup.
Key specs
- Display size: 42 or 46 mm
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours typical
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, 5G optional eSIM
- Health features: Hypertension notifications, ECG, SpO₂, wrist temperature
Pros
- Leading health sensor set including hypertension alerts
- 5G connectivity and improved durability
- Seamless integration with iPhone and Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Battery still only one full day in real-use for many
- Premium price tier
- Best value requires iPhone and Apple services
Brand: Apple · Model: Series 11 · Release: 2025