Best Apple Watch to buy in 2024

Used Apple Watch: more choices with refurbished apple watches

In April 2015, the first Apple Watch came onto the market and, in Apple fashion, each one is optimised and given new features. You can currently buy the Apple Watch 9, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2 directly from Apple. At Back Market however, you are lucky enough to also get the earlier versions such as the Apple Watch 3, 4, 5 and 6. 

Why does Back Market have the older generations? At Back Market you can buy used Apple Watches, which means that they have either already been used, are second-hand goods or were previously used as display items (think Apple stores). No matter where the devices come from, they are all tested by experts who repair any defects spotted. This is how our expansive catalogue of products is populated on the website to give you even more opportunities to find the right Apple Watch for you. 

BUT: More options also lead to more confusion? Don't worry, that's why we've collected all the information about the Apple Watches here so that you can make your decision with peace of mind. So, let's answer your question about the best Apple Watch in 2024, and which Apple Watch you should buy - or at least shortlist.

Apple Watch SE: New design and optimised interior

One could say that the SE editions from Apple are always the cheaper models. The Apple Watch SE has slightly fewer functions than the Apple Watch 6, but it clearly stands out in terms of value for money. Both watches carry the same Apple S6 system chip and we have highlighted further similarities and differences here:

So you can see at a glance that some functions, such as the heart rate monitor, electrocardiogram and oxygen saturation are missing in the SE version when compared to the Apple Watch 6. In return, however, you get a smartwatch in a new design with rounded corners and a large OLED display. Otherwise you can use all normal sports functions and a compass is also included in the SE version. Good to know is that you can choose between two different sizes: 44 mm and 40 mm. You can get the Apple Watch SE used from Back Market for around A$239. 

Important tip: An Apple Watch SE requires an iPhone 6s or newer iPhone model with iOS 14 to pair with, you should take this into account when purchasing. You cannot pair the Apple Watch with any Android phone. 

👉 Not looking for a smartwatch, but looking for a new smartphone instead: Check out our smartphone comparison tool and find your dream smartphone.

Apple Watch 3: The inexpensive entry-level variant

The variant is for everyone who is not quite sure whether a smartwatch is generally something for them and for active athletes who want to professionalise their training even further. The good thing about a fitness watch is that you don't have to carry your iPhone or smartphone with you when you exercise. The GPS function records all information and forwards it to the relevant apps when there is a WiFi connection - so you can optimally track your progress more easily.

What's so good about the Apple Watch 3? 

• Optical heart rate monitor: Whether in everyday life or during training, the heart rate monitor measures the heart rate and reports when the data exceeds or falls below a certain value

• Height sensor: This measures the metres in altitude that you have covered in training or simply the steps that you walk in everyday life

• Community spirit: The user can connect with other Apple Watch users and motivate each other

The battery lasts about two days, then you have to recharge the smartwatch. You can choose between an aluminium gold, silver or space grey variant for the design. If you're looking for a cheap yet efficient smartwatch, then the Apple Watch 3 is a good idea. The Apple Watch 3 costs less than A$175 on Back Market and is often around 30-70% cheaper than a new device. 

Attention: The Apple Watch 3 can only be paired with the iPhone and unfortunately not with other smartphone brands.

Apple Watch 6: The high-end smartwatch

Since the introduction of the Apple Watch 5, the display has been an "always-on display" i.e. it always shows the time. Of course, this was also continued with the 6th generation. With the appearance of the Apple Watch 6, the predecessor will be completely replaced - at Apple it was even taken directly from the range. Reason: The new generation can do a lot more for less money. We have listed the most important and exciting facts about the Apple Watch 6 here:

• Always-on display with scratch-resistant design

• Apple Pay makes paying easy 

• Independent thanks to the mobile version

• sleep tracking

• ECG and blood oxygen measurement

• Exact heart rate measurement

One of the most exciting technological innovations is the measurement of the oxygen content in the blood. The smartwatch takes 15-second measurements during the day and night, provided that the arm has to be completely still. For example, nightly dropouts can be recorded and tracked the next day.

In addition, Apple offers its own sleep tracker with watchOS 7 without having to do this through third-party providers. Unfortunately, one has to say here that there are a few more details from other providers. However, if you are just looking for a simple sleep tracker, you will be satisfied with this.

Other helpful features include easy handling when using the smartwatch for: answering calls, e-mails, WhatsApp - everything can be done easily and intuitively via the display. You can decide when you buy whether you want "GPS + Cellular". Then you can equip your Apple watch with a SIM card and go online without WiFi. This is important if you don't always have your iPhone with you, for example when hiking - if you really want to switch off. 

👉  Apple Watch 5 vs 6 - who will emerge victorious? We have compiled all the facts for you here.

What other second hand Apple Watches are there?

In addition to the Apple Watches mentioned above, there are other models on sale at Back Market are:

• Apple Watch 4: This is the last version without “always-on-display” and without a compass, but technically it costs around A$195, which represents excellent value for money for the functions included

• Apple Watch 5 : The predecessor of the Apple Watch 6 is a slightly cheaper model for less than A$215 and can do almost everything that the 6 series can do with the exception of measuring oxygen saturation and the barometric altimeter. In contrast to the successor, the watch charges about 1 hour slower and the battery capacity depletes an hour earlier - but that's complaining at a very high level ;)

• Apple Watch 7 : Is the latest premium model from Apple and comes with some extraordinary innovations to date.

Our last word on the best Apple Watch to buy in 2023

As with so many Apple products, the budget often determines the model.

• If you have an unlimited budget, you should turn to the Apple Watch 7.

• If you prefer to stay under A$215, you should buy the Apple Watch 5 refurbished.

• For everyone who would like to have the latest technology but only want to pay a fraction for it, we recommend the Apple Watch SE, but only if you don't need the always-on display!