Experts recommend Apple Watch SE more than Apple Watch 7
As of 11 Jan 2025, experts prefer Apple Watch SE over Apple Watch 7, but both Smartwatches have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Apple Watch SE received 5 recommendations: from Reviewed (18 Jul 2024), Tom's Guide (14 Nov 2024) PCMag (26 Nov 2024) and 2 others. By contrast, Apple Watch 7 received only 1 recommendation from Ars Technica (19 Nov 2021).
| Rank | Change | Price | Smartwatch | Reviewed  | Android Authority  | Trusted Reviews  | Tom's Guide  | Popular Science  | PCMag  | Ars Technica  | Wareable  | TechRadar  | ZD Net  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | +1 | Check price |  Apple Watch SE The Apple Watch SE is a comprehensive fitness tracking device with heart rate monitoring, fall detection, noise monitoring, steps and general activity tracking, and a wide range of workouts, making it a great option for those who prioritize fitness tracking and health monitoring. | 2 | - | - | 4 | - | 6 | - | 9 | - | 6 |
| 12 | N/A | Check price |  Apple Watch 7 The Apple Watch 7 is a highly capable smartwatch with excellent health and fitness tracking, a durable and stylish design, and seamless connectivity with iPhones, making it a great choice for iOS users who prioritize health and fitness tracking and app integration. | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Smartwatches ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 19 Nov 2021 Ars Technica ranked Apple Watch 7 as #1
Rank Smartwatch Comment #1 out of 9 Apple Watch 7 The best smartwatch overall... ... ... Source: arstechnica.com - On 18 Jul 2024 Reviewed ranked Apple Watch SE as #2
Rank Smartwatch Comment ... ... ... #2 out of 11 Apple Watch SE Best Value... ... ... Source: www.reviewed.com - On 14 Nov 2024 Tom's Guide ranked Apple Watch SE as #4
Rank Smartwatch Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 8 Apple Watch SE The best affordable smartwatch on the market... ... ... Source: www.tomsguide.com - On 26 Nov 2024 PCMag ranked Apple Watch SE as #6
Rank Smartwatch Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 10 Apple Watch SE Best Affordable Apple Watch... ... ... Source: www.pcmag.com - On 8 Jan 2025 Wareable ranked Apple Watch SE as #9
Rank Smartwatch Comment ... ... ... #9 out of 9 Apple Watch SE Best affordable Apple Watch (iOS only)Source: www.wareable.com - On 3 Jan 2025
ZD Net ranked Apple Watch SE as #6
Rank Smartwatch Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 9 Apple Watch SE Best value Apple Watch... ... ... Source: www.zdnet.com
After counting and adding up the 83 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Apple Watch SE outranks Apple Watch 7. This is not to say that Apple Watch 7 is a bad option. Like Apple Watch SE, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, Apple Watch SE is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while Apple Watch 7 is not.
| Rank | Change | Price | Smartwatch | Reviewed | Android Authority | Trusted Reviews | Tom's Guide | Popular Science | PCMag | Ars Technica |
Wareable | TechRadar | ZD Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Check price |  Apple Watch Series 10 | - | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 | - | 1 | - | 2 |
| 2 | - | Check price |  Apple Watch Ultra 2 | 6 | - | 8 | 6 | - | 7 | - | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| 3 | - | $399 |  Google Pixel Watch 3 | - | 1 | - | 3 | - | 9 | - | 2 |
4 | 3 |
| 4 | +1 | $300 |  Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | - | 3 | - | 2 | - | 5 | - | 4 | - | 5 |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [37]
Total expert reviews: 37
- with a score: 23
- without a score: 14
| Highest score by Macworld | 560 |
| Average score based on 37 reviews | 153 |
| Lowest score by idropnews.com | 80 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [36]
Total expert reviews: 36
- with a score: 22
- without a score: 14
| Highest score by Creative Bloq | 100 |
| Average score based on 36 reviews | 81 |
| Lowest score by The Verge | 70 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 7 — The most advanced Apple Watch features powerful health innovations like sensors and apps to measure your blood oxygen and take an ECG. The larger, Always-On Retina display makes it easier to use and read. The most durable Apple Watch. Charges faster so you can get going quicker.
- Read more
From Seller:
- GPS + Cellular model lets you call, text, and get directions without your phone
- Large Retina OLED display
- Up to 2x faster processor than Series 3
- Track your daily activity on Apple Watch and see your trends in the Fitness app on iPhone
- Read more
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