In a world where a number of brands are releasing countless excellent smartwatch models, finding the right one can be tricky. However, in my personal opinion, the new Apple Watches have become the best for most users. While their compatibility is currently limited to iOS only (and that probably never will change), they still offer the most advanced features for Apple users and are undisputed in many key areas, including the five below.

1. Ecosystem Features

As an Apple enthusiast who uses all of the company's major devices, I consider ecosystem features to be the unique selling point of the Apple Watch. Sure, Apple is generally known for its tight-knit ecosystem, but the wearable can actually be a bridge between different devices to simplify many tasks. For example, your Mac can automatically unlock when you're nearby and wearing your Apple Watch. That's not to say that macOS also lets you confirm certain dialogs with your watch instead of using biometrics or typing your password. Similarly, when masked, your watch can bypass Face ID on your iPhone. However, it's not just about safety. The Apple Watch can control music playback on your iPhone or HomePod. This way I can easily adjust the queue from my wrist, wherever I am at home. Similarly, you can silence or snooze iPhone alarms, make and receive calls, text people, and even control your HomeKit accessories. The Apple Watch blends in really well with the rest of your iDevice suite.

2. Health and fitness

If you are conscious about your health or fitness habits, the Apple Watch also responds to this. Recent models support ECG, blood oxygen measurements, heart rate monitoring, recording dozens of different exercise types, estimated steps walked, calories burned and minutes exercised, menstrual cycle tracking, fall detection, and the list goes on. This little device can act as a 24/7 watchman and is ready to detect heart-related irregularities, accidents, car accidents and more. That is not to say that it also includes a built-in coach that helps you lead a more active life through gaming physical activity. Apple is also leaning into the outdoor crowd with the Apple Watch Ultra. It also goes beyond physical health and fitness. The Apple Watch also supports meditation exercises, breathing guidance, mood tracking, and medication reminders. It really is a must-have device if you are concerned about their well-being, and the success stories shared by countless customers on online platforms only prove how effective this device really is.

3. Autonomy

The Apple Watch is a great smartwatch to connect to your devices, but it also works without it. You can even pretty much use it as an independent smartphone after setting it up with an iPhone for the first time. You can download music for offline listening, install apps from the dedicated App Store, track your steps, heart rate, and other fitness-related stats, call and text people, navigate with Apple Maps, update the operating system, use the Calculator app, set set an alarm, pay on supported terminals and much more - all without having an iPhone to hand. So if you're an Android user, you can simply ask a family member with an iPhone to set up your portable wearable and then use it on its own indefinitely. It really has unparalleled power compared to the other smartwatches out there.

4. Third-Party Accessories

Another small but valid reason why the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch is the plethora of third-party accessories. When you buy an Apple Watch, you're not limited to official bands. You can explore thousands of different strap styles and colors offered by companies around the world. This way you can build a colorful collection without spending a fortune. That's not to say that you can also easily find Apple Watch cases and screen protectors. While there are undoubtedly third-party add-ons available for other wearables on the market, there's no denying that the Apple Watch supports the largest and most diverse collection out there. And no matter which country you are in, there are probably plenty of stores that carry these unofficial accessories. That is certainly not the case if you look at smartwatches from other brands.

5. Resale Value

Last, but not least, when you buy an Apple Watch, you're investing in a premium device that will last you for years to come. That said, if you decide to sell it later on, it's guaranteed to get a better price compared to the trade-in value of other smartwatches. So you can use the device reliably for a long time and you will get part of your money back if you upgrade to a newer model.

Beyond Apple Watches

When we look at the reasons that make the Apple Watch the best wearable on the market, we find that many of these apply to other Apple products as well. They pretty much all offer the tight ecosystem features that push you to buy more device types from the company and tend to keep their resale values ​​down the road. And of course, finding cases and other accessories for new iPhones and iPads is generally much easier than looking for add-ons designed for other phones and tablets. This is exactly what makes Apple an attractive brand that many customers look for, even if they don't particularly like the company's policies, philosophy or direction.

Apple Watch Series 8

$329 $399

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The Apple Watch Series 8 is Apple's latest smartwatch. It's not a huge change from the Series 7, but it brings new features like crash detection, a new temperature sensor and more.