Technologies
The 20 Best PS5 Games Right Now
CNET gaming experts have listed the top 20 PlayStation 5 games you can play right now, like Astro Bot, God of War: Ragnarok and Helldivers 2.
Over four years after its release, Sony’s PlayStation 5 has bested Microsoft’s Xbox to dominate this console generation. If you want a plug-and-play experience with the latest games, PS5 is a fantastic choice.
The PS5 introduced several tech advancements over its predecessor, from the extra functionality you get from the DualSense controller’s advanced haptics and triggers to instant load times with its solid-state storage, as well as the PSVR 2 headset. But the PS5’s biggest appeal, building on all the best PS4 games it’s backward-compatible with, is its lengthy catalog of exclusive and cross-platform games spanning multiple genres. Sony has leveraged its intellectual property to create everything from the gritty narratives of God of War: Ragnarok and The Last of Us Part II to the colorful, nostalgic platforming of Astro Bot — there’s something for everyone on the PS5.
We’ve curated this list of the best Sony PlayStation 5 games you can buy right now, including some stellar titles that showed up on CNET’s 2024 Game of the Year list.
Best PS5 Games — June 2025
Best PS5 game FAQs
Recent updates to the list
- March 2025: Added Split Fiction, Monster Hunter Wilds.
- June 2025: Added Days Gone Remastered, Returnal and Death Stranding Director’s Cut
How we determined CNET’s best PS5 games
When creating this list of best PS5 games, we factored in how unique and enjoyable these games are for most players, from impressive graphics to novel gameplay to compelling narratives. Our picks cover a variety of genres from fantasy to retro platformers to shooters to racing games, and while we favored console-exclusive games you won’t find on Xbox, PC or Nintendo Switch, we also included some can’t-miss games that appear on multiple platforms. If you’re looking for help choosing your next game, CNET’s top PS5 list is a good place to start narrowing your choices.
Technologies
Everything Announced at PlayStation State of Play in June
Some of the biggest upcoming PlayStation 5 games got trailers, including Ghost of Yōtei, a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, a 007 game and more.
Sony’s State of Play online event on Wednesday showcased plenty of trailers of upcoming games launching later in 2025 and into 2026. The preview, which lasted less than an hour, showcased new and previously announced PS5 titles as well as a new controller.
The last State of Play was in February and featured previews of games from the studio behind Returnal, including Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, Lies of P: Overture and Saros.
This time, Sony released a few teasers for many of its most-hyped games, including Ghost of Yōtei, Silent Hill F, Pragmata, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remaster of the original Final Fantasy Tactics and even more levels from last year’s fan-favorite hit Astro Bot.
The trailer fest also included a reveal of a new official Sony fighting stick, which Sony has given the codename Project Defiant (a final name is forthcoming). While it doesn’t have a release date or price, the company noted that it will have wired or «ultra-low latency» wireless connectivity, a durable design and a sling carry case included for easy transport.
How to watch Sony State of Play
State of Play streamed live on YouTube and Twitch starting at 2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET).
007 First Light
We got our first look at the new James Bond game from Amazon MGM Studios, 007 First Light. From the trailer, it’s clear that the game will cover the origins of the super-spy set in what seems like the groovy 1960s. Bond is young and eager, getting his start at MI6, with missions that will take him around the world. 007 First Light is coming in 2026.
Ghost of Yotei
The spiritual sequel to Ghost of Tsushima had a trailer that showed more vibes than gameplay, pretty much just teeing up a gameplay reveal stream coming in July. Ah well.
Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls
Ignore that word salad title — this is a heretofore unlooked-for Marvel fighting game from Arc System Works, famed for the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series as well as Dragon Ball FighterZ. While a little more grounded than Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (where are my super jumps?), Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls will have 4v4 tag team battles, promising tight gameplay and fun new costumes for Marvel heroes. It’s coming to PS5 and PC in 2026.
Lumines Arise
A new game in the Lumines universe is coming from the creators of Tetris Effect: Connected, and you can see the impact with a synesthetic combination of music and visuals working together. Lumines Arise comes out in the fall of 2025 for PS5.
Pragmata
Our second big trailer for Pragmata, Capcom’s next single-player adventure, shows even more of the relationship between the astrogear-wearing protagonist and the robot (looking like a small girl) with more capability than she seems. Pragmata comes out in 2026.
Romeo is a Dead Man
Romeo is a Dead Man, a new game from Grasshopper Manufacture, was created by noted game developer Suda51 (Killer7). The trailer opened with a bloody protagonist origin transitioning into gameplay of him, newly reborn, slashing and shooting his way through hordes of dead demon-like things. This game — and whatever panoply of styles and oddball features suitable for Suda51 — is coming in 2026.
Silent Hill f
Another trailer for the next Silent Hill game set in 1960s Japan, this game interspersed cutscenes with some gameplay of main character Hinako, a schoolgirl, fighting horrific mannequin-like monsters in schools and shrines across a mist-covered town. The game comes out on Sept. 25.
Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement
The next game in the Bloodstained series of Castlevania-likes is another side-scrolling, grim action game, which is coming out in 2026.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
A new Digimon game from Bandai Namco, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a story-rich RPG with a cel-shaded anime style set in a Japan invaded by monsters. The game comes out Oct. 3.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
A remaster of the Final Fantasy Tactics classic, the game has two versions: the original game and the enhanced version with fully voiced dialogue, improved graphics and more. It will launch on PS5 and PS4 Sept. 30.
Baby Steps
Described by one CNET colleague as «open world QWOP,» Baby Steps looks to be a surrealist adventure of a character with one goal: make it to the bathroom. It looks like a zany idea brought to life in Garry’s Mod (and I meant that as a compliment). Baby Steps comes out Sept. 8.
Hirogami
Hirogami is a beautiful-looking platformer starring protagonist Hiro, a master of origami folding themself into different forms to traverse the locations. It’s got a unique animation look where your character moves «on the 2’s», or with half the frame rate to give it the stylized look of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. Hirogami is out Sept. 3.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
From the makers of the Blasphemous games comes the next side-scrolling action entry in the Ninja Gaiden series, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, featuring two heroes from rival clans who must team up to defeat evil. It’s out July 31 on PS5 and PS4.
Cairn
The upcoming climbing game Cairn got another trailer ahead of its release later this year. In Cairn, you climb using natural handholds, but it’s more than just the ascent — the main character, Aava, has her own personal journey to make in her ascents. Cairn comes out for PC and PS5 on Nov. 5.
Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection
Over 20 different versions of the original Mortal Kombat games are coming to PS5 and PS4 later in 2025. Retro game restorers Digital Eclipse have bundled the first four Mortal Kombat games (as well as Mortal Kombat 3 Ultimate) and more into the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, which will also let you challenge players online.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Another trailer for the remake of the third Metal Gear Solid game, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, showed off more bosses and, curiously, a crossover with Ape Escape (capture the ape and get a robo-ape mecha to deploy?). Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is out Aug. 28.
Nioh 3
Nioh 3 is coming next year. The reveal trailer for the next entry in the samurai demon-killing game showed off its open-world design and a new ninja play style to complement its armored samurai fighting. The game has a PS5 demo out on Wednesday and will be released in early 2026.
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow
A new game in the storied Thief franchise, Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, is a PSVR 2-only game that follows in its predecessors’ medieval stealth adventure footsteps — except this time, players get a virtual reality hands-on perspective. Made by Vertigo Games, creators of Metro Awakening and Arizona Sunshine, Thief VR is coming later in 2025.
Tides of Tomorrow
An oceanborne post-apocalypse game that looks like Waterworld by way of the wildly vibrant Sunset Overdrive, Tides of Tomorrow has another feature that could distinguish it from the crowd: a multiplayer story. Though its exact processes are hard to tell from the trailer, players can follow their friend or favorite streamer to see how their choices shape the collective story of the game. Tides of Tomorrow comes out on Feb. 24, 2026.
Sea of Remnants
Have you ever wanted to sail the seas as a puppet? Sea of Remnants seems like an even more colorful and zany single-player Sea of Thieves with some interesting color and combat mechanics. The trailer showed off dragons and massive floating crab bosses whose shells are coated in gold. Also, what looks like mermaid bosses? Sea of Remnants is coming in 2026.
Sword of the Sea
Yes, Sony debuted a third sea-themed game at State of Play — or rather, one mixing seas and deserts from game makers versed in both. Sword of the Sea is a new indie adventure game from Giant Squid, creators of the iconic games Journey, Abzu and The Pathless. And yes, we’re getting another soundtrack from Austin Wintory. Sword of the Sea comes to PS5 and PlayStation Plus on Aug. 19.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, June 5
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 5.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword could be tricky. 1-Across and 7-Across really threw me, and I had to wait till other answers filled in those letters to guess the full answers. Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Church tower topper
Answer: SPIRE
6A clue: Boardwalk addition that raises rent to $2000
Answer: HOTEL
7A clue: Plant in the agave family
Answer: YUCCA
8A clue: Informal discussion
Answer: CHAT
9A clue: P.R. buzz
Answer: HYPE
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Having trouble making friends on the first day of school, say
Answer: SHY
2D clue: Holder of a baby kangaroo
Answer: POUCH
3D clue: Like wool sweaters
Answer: ITCHY
4D clue: Sports write-up after a game
Answer: RECAP
5D clue: Make happy
Answer: ELATE
How to play more Mini Crosswords
The New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day’s Mini Crossword for free, but you’ll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.
Technologies
Best Apple Watch for 2025
From budget friendly to feature-packed, these are the best Apple Watches to consider right now.
Our Experts
What to consider
iPhone or Android
Most smartwatches only work with one platform. The Apple Watch will only work with an iPhone, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch only pair with Android phones, for example. Garmin and Fitbit are the two major brands that currently offer smartwatches that work with both Android and iPhone.
Size and design
Smartwatches reflect your personal style and come in a variety of finishes, from aluminum to titanium, with a seemingly endless variety of watch bands to choose from. There’s also a watch size and design to suit every wrist, so you’ll want to ask yourself if you prefer a round screen for that classic wristwatch look or a square display like the Apple Watch. It’s best to try in-store before you buy.
Health and fitness features
Smartwatches have become the de-facto way to measure activity from your wrist and can encourage you to get moving. It’s increasingly common for them to offer health features like a blood oxygen sensor. Some may even have an ECG (also known as an electrocardiogram) which can check for signs of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.
The Apple Watch is a worthy iPhone companion. It flows seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, with frequent software updates that keep it feeling fresh and health features that build on the strengths of both devices to help you reach your goals. But not all Apple Watches are created equal and understanding the differences is key to finding the right fit for your needs and budget. Whether you’re buying your first Apple Watch, upgrading an older model or shopping for a family member, we’ve highlighted the best smartwatch options to help you land on the right choice.
SMARTWATCH DEALS OF THE WEEK
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$200 (save $50)
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$450 (save $200)
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$220 (save $80)
What is the best Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 10 takes everything great about its predecessors and elevates it. Compared to the Series 9, it offers a larger, brighter screen without adding bulk (it’s actually lighter), more power under the hood and faster charging than any other Apple Watch, including the Ultra 2.
While its features may not drastically differ from the Series 9, its next-gen processor ensures it will likely outlast its predecessor in terms of software updates. It also includes a few more subtle upgrades, like voice isolation for calls, music playback and a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor for aquatic activities.
Best Apple Watches for 2025
Pros
- Incredibly light on the wrist
- 1Hz refresh rate = ticking second hand!
- Voice isolation on calls is excellent
- Bigger screen makes readability better on the smaller size case
- Sleep apnea notifications at launch
Cons
- No improvements to battery life
- No significant changes to Double Tap
- Smallest 42-mm size might still be too big for some wrists
The Apple Watch Series 10 takes a winning formula and updates it for the Apple Watch’s tenth birthday. It is slimmer and lighter than earlier Apple Watches, with two new case sizes: 42 millimeter or 46 millimeter. The wide-angle OLED screens make the watch brighter when looking at it off-axis. And the LTPO3 technology also brings a ticking second hand to the always-on display. The Apple Watch Series 10 also comes with sleep apnea notifications, which can detect signs of this potentially dangerous condition over a 30-day period.
Battery life is still rated for 18 hours although you can push it to a day and a half with lighter use. The Apple Watch Series 10 now has even faster charging though, which makes up for the battery life somewhat, able to charge to 80% in 30 minutes. Overall, it’s an incredibly polished smartwatch and the best choice for most iPhone owners.
Why we like it
The Series 10 is a refined version of its predecessors on the surface and under the hood. It’s lighter and slimmer than the Series 9 but has a larger, brighter screen that’s easier to read from every angle. It has the most powerful processor of the entire Apple Watch lineup and, as a result, longer shelf life for software updates. Plus it comes with additional perks, like the ability to play music through the speaker and background noise reduction during calls.
Who it’s best for
The Series 10 is ideal for most iPhone users upgrading from an existing Apple Watch, or anyone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who wants a premium smartwatch experience out of the box (including the latest health sensors). It brings enough upgrades to feel like a true step up, while retaining all the features that make the Apple Watch great.
Pros
- Lower price
- Same performance as the Series 8
- Car-crash detection for additional safety
Cons
- No always-on display
- No QWERTY keyboard
- Most new features can be found on older watches too
The Apple Watch SE retails for $250 but you can regularly find it discounted to $200 or less, which makes it an excellent choice for the budget-conscious buyer. Expect most of the same features found on more expensive Apple Watch models like the Series 9, including activity tracking, third-party apps and safety features like Emergency SOS. It does miss out on an always-on display and heart-health features like the ECG.
Why we like it
The second-generation SE offers all the essential features you’d want from an Apple Watch for at least $150 less than what you’d pay for the cheapest model of the Series 10. It covers everything you need, including advanced health and fitness tracking, crash and fall detection, and seamless integration with your iPhone.
Who it’s best for
This is a great option for first-time Apple Watch buyers or anyone upgrading from a much older model (Series 0–4), as it’ll still feel like an upgrade without making you feel like you’re missing out on newer features like the always-on display or advanced health sensors like ECG or temperature tracking, which you never had in the first place. It’s also the best option for children (LTE model) as a way to stay connected with parents or caregivers without having to go all in on a smartphone.
Pros
- Incredibly bright screen
- More accurate dictation and on-device Siri
- 64GB storage means more space for music and apps
- Double Tap is very useful
Cons
- Battery life is the same as first Ultra
- Limited recovery metrics
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s best smartwatch, with a tough titanium construction and an Action button to quickly start workouts or launch apps. It has the brightest screen of any Apple Watch at a maximum of 3,000 nits that makes it incredibly easy to see when adventuring in the great outdoors. For adventurers and athletes, it also has a built-in siren for safety and a dual-band GPS for accurately tracking your route. LTE is also onboard so you can venture out without a phone and still stay connected.
Although it’s designed to be an outdoor watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still a fantastic all-around smartwatch. Inside is the same S9 chip as found on the Apple Watch Series 9 which supports gestures like Double Tap and allows the watch to process Siri commands on-device. This means you can use Siri without being online and later in the year you’ll be able to ask the voice assistant for health data. Like earlier Apple Watches, the Ultra 2 also comes with a blood oxygen sensor, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) app, fall detection and emergency SOS. The battery also lasts at least twice as long as all other Apple Watch models. It’s only compatible with the iPhone so if you have an Android phone, you’ll want to look at another option on this list.
Why we like it
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an all-terrain smartwatch that’s built to go the distance with nearly twice the battery life of other Apple Watches (three days on a charge), and a durable, titanium exterior. It has a larger screen than other models and an action button that can be programmed for easy access no matter what the conditions. Extras like dual-band GPS, a built-in siren, and LTE connectivity add another layer of safety when you’re off the grid.
Who it’s best for
Outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes looking for a middle ground between a traditional Apple Watch and a full-fledged sport watch like a Garmin. The Ultra 2 is also a smart pick for current Apple Watch users who are frustrated with daily charging and willing to invest more for an extra day and a half of battery life.
Best Apple Watches Compared
See how all the Apple Watches measure up when it comes to the specs.
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | |
| Shape | Square | Square | Rectangular |
| Watch size | 42mm, 46mm | 49mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Materials, finishes | Aluminum, titanium | Titanium | Aluminum, Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Display size, resolution | 42mm: 1.65-inch OLED 446 x 374 pixels; 46mm: 1.81-inch 496 x 416 pixels | 1.91-inch, 502 x 410-pixel OLED | 40mm: 324 x 394, 44mm: 368 x 448 |
| Dimensions | 42mm: 42 x 36 x 9.7mm; 46mm: 46 x 39 x 9.7mm | 44mm x 49mm x 14.4mm | 40mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7 mm, 44mm: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm |
| Weight | 42mm (Wi-Fi): 30 g; 42mm (cellular): 29.3 g; 42mm (titanium): 34.4 g; 46mm (Wi-Fi): 36.4 g; 46mm (cellular): 35.3 g; 46mm (titanium): 41.7 g | 61.4g | 40mm GPS: 26.4g, 40mm Cellular: 27.8g, 44mm GPS: 32.9g, 44mm Cellular: 33g |
| Colors | Jet black, rose gold, silver; titanium: slate, gold, natural | Natural titanium | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Always On | Yes | Yes | No |
| Interchangeable bands | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes (L1 and L5) | Yes |
| Automatic workout detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes (operating range: -500m to 9,000m) | Always-on altimeter |
| Water/Dust resistance | Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM), IP6X (dust) | 10ATM (100 meters) and recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters | Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM) |
| Calls | Yes | Yes | Yes (Cellular only) |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes (3-mic array) | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Yes (Siri) | Yes (Siri, on-device) | Siri |
| Mobile Payments | Yes (Apple Pay) | Yes (Apple Pay) | Ys (Apple Pay) |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Period tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, altimeter, gyro sensor, temperature sensor, compass, third-gen optical heart sensor, electrical heart sensor, ambient light sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor | SPo2 (blood oxygen), ECG, optical heart, ambient light, high dynamic range gyroscope, high-g accelerometer, water temperature, depth gauge + app | Second-gen optical heart sensor, accelerometer, High dynamic range gyroscope, Compass, Always-on altimeter, Ambient light sensor |
| Emergency features | Fall detection, crash detection, Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, noise monitoring, Backtrack | International emergency calling, Emergency SOS, crash detection | Emergency SOS, International emergency calling, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Noise monitoring, Backtrack |
| Compatibility | iOS 18 and newer | iOS 17 | iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 and newer |
| Software | WatchOS 11 | WatchOS 11 | WatchOS 11 |
| Processor | S10 SiP with 64‑bit dual core processor, 4‑core Neural Engine | Apple S9 | S8 SiP, 64-bit dual-core, 2-core Neural Engine |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, 2nd gen Ultra Wideband chip | LTE and UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3, LTE/UMTS (Cellular model) |
| Memory and storage | 64GB | 64GB | 32GB |
| Charging | USB-C fast charging cable | USB-C magnetic fast charging | Magnetic charging cable, 80% in ~1.5 hours |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours normal use; up to 36 hours in low power mode | Up to 36 hours; up to 72 hours (low power mode) | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery capacity | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | Unavailable | Not specified |
| US price | 42mm: $399 (Wi-Fi); 42mm: $499 (cellular); 42mm: $699 (titanium); 46mm: $429 (Wi-Fi); 46mm: $529 (cellular); 46mm: $749 (titanium) | $799 | 40mm GPS: $249, 44mm GPS: $279 40mm GPS + Cellular: $299, 44mm GPS + Cellular: $329 |
| UK price | 42mm: £399 (Wi-Fi); 42mm: £499 (cellular); 42mm: £699 (titanium); 46mm: £429 (Wi-Fi); 46mm: £529 (cellular); 46mm: £749 (titanium) | £799 | 40mm GPS: £219, 44mm GPS: £249, 40mm GPS + Cellular: £269, 44mm GPS + Cellular: £299 |
| Australian price | 42mm: AU$649 (Wi-Fi); 42mm: AU$809 (cellular); 42mm: AU$1,199 (titanium); 46mm: AU$699 (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth); 46mm: AU$859 (cellular); 46mm: AU$1,279 (titanium) | AU$1,399 | 40mm GPS: A$399, 44mm GPS: A$449, 40mm GPS + Cellular: A$479, 44mm GPS + Cellular: A$529 |
Recent updates
In October 2024, we added the Apple Watch Series 10 to our list. The new watch replaces last year’s Apple Watch Series 9 and is the best Apple Watch for most people.
Factors to consider when buying an Apple Watch
All Apple Watches share the same core DNA: a square screen with rounded edges, a rotating crown, interchangeable straps and Apple’s WatchOS with Siri integration. The differences lie in the details with factors like advanced health sensors, durability, battery life and screen size. Oh, and price.
Budget: If you’re on a budget and want the best deal, it might be worth waiting for major discount days like Black Friday when most retailers, including Apple, offer sales or gift-card cash-back incentives. Another way to cut costs is by purchasing a refurbished Apple Watch directly from Apple. They come with the same one-year warranty as new models, eligibility for AppleCare and a 14-day return window.
Design: There are a lot of ways to customize your Apple Watch, including different finishes and watch bands. But dressing up your Apple Watch doesn’t always come cheap and some of the more premium design options like the titanium finish and stainless steel band can increase the base price by $600. You can also customize the size of your screen; older models or the 2nd SE will have the smallest option (40mm) while the Apple Watch Ultra offers the largest (49mm) display.
Battery: Battery life continues to be a major pain point for Apple Watch users, with no model going past the three-day mark like some Android models. And while Apple has made strides in this category, it’s best to taper your expectations by accepting that you’ll probably get a day’s worth of charge (with the always on display) on most models. If that’s a deal breaker, you’ll need to splurge on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is the only model that lasts up to 72 hours.
Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular: Most users will find the Wi-Fi version sufficient. It tracks workouts and makes mobile payments independently from the phone but needs to be in range of your iPhone to access some of the smart features like notifications, messaging and calls. Cellular and Wi-Fi models are only worth the splurge (an additional $100) if you plan to ditch your iPhone on a regular basis and need the watch to be a standalone device and have access to all the features. And it’s your only option if you’re buying the Ultra 2 as it doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi only option.
How we test Apple Watches
We test all our Apple Watches in the real world and focus on any new features or claims in addition to all the other features you’ll be using on a regular basis like fitness tracking and connectivity. All Apple Watches, including the cellular models, need to connect to an iPhone so we also assess how easy the companion software is to navigate.
Durability and design: Smartwatches are something you wear on your body so we assess how comfortable they are to wear. We also know that everyone has a different-sized wrist so we try to see how it fits and feels on a variety of people. Then we look at how it stands up to wear and tear with daily life. Some models, like the Ultra 2, offer increased durability like dust resistance or water resistance that’s suited for activities like scuba diving and, where possible, we’ll test this out for ourselves.
Battery: Battery life will vary depending on how you use a smartwatch so we test battery life with a few standard tests. We see how long it generally lasts on a single charge with features that represent typical use, like the always-on display, sleep tracking and doing one outdoor workout with GPS.
Fitness and health sensor accuracy: We test the accuracy of the Apple Watch using a few different methods. The heart rate sensor, for example, is compared against the readings taken from a chest strap, considered the gold standard in consumer heart rate tracking, during a variety of cardio-based activities like running or cycling. We also check to see how long it takes to connect to a GPS signal when doing an outdoor workout. Other health sensors, like a blood oxygen sensor (not active on newer models), are compared against a pulse oximeter for spot readings where possible, and for the ECG feature, we tested it against a hospital grade ECG.
Other Apple Watches we tested
While no longer sold directly by Apple, the Apple Watch Series 9 is still a strong option if you can find it. Stores like Best Buy and Target often have it in stock for about $100 less than the Series 10. You’ll miss out on the larger, redesigned screen and ultra fast charging but it still includes key health features not available on the cheaper SE, like the ECG app, temperature sensing and sleep apnea notifications.
Apple Watch FAQs
What to look forward to in 2025
Smartwatches are only getting smarter about health and the Apple Watch is no exception. Whether it’s better sensors, new metrics or more personalized coaching, Apple may be taking a queue from competitors like Garmin and Google and leaning more on AI to make sense of your data to personalize insights. One trend I’d love to see the Apple Watch adopt this year is better battery life; smarter software and hardware upgrades like the dual CPU architecture on the OnePlus Watch 3 are finally making multi-day wear feel realistic. Meanwhile, the definition of a wearable is expanding fast with more smart rings making their debuts as well as upgraded earbud options with built-in health sensors that are already nudging into smartwatch territory. They probably won’t replace watches entirely but they’re definitely raising the bar and will continue giving the Apple Watch a healthy push forward.
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