Under 20 and looking for a new Apple Watch? Here’s the one to buy
- feb
- 16
Apple Watches are available in various styles and price points. For teens, we recommend the still popular Apple Watch Series 3, which is available at an excellent price and still has great features despite being an older model. We've also included other models to help you make a better-informed decision.
Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a smaller display area than the more recent model and older internals. However, it's still packed with many of the same features that make it worth considering, especially for students and young people looking for a deal. These include an onboard optical heart sensor, water-resistance up to 50m, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 18 hours between charges, and a barometric altimeter.
The Series 3 doesn't include the refreshed design first introduced with the now-discontinued Apple Watch 4, and there's no gold finish option. Despite this, you can't deny the awesome price on this still impressive wearable device.
Pros:
- Price is right
- Supports watchOS 6
- Great for swimming
Cons:
- Limited selection
- Older design
Best Overall
Apple Watch Series 3
It still packs a punch
The 2017 Apple Watch Series 3 is still a great choice that's available at a steep discount.
Best Alternative: Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch Series 5 is Apple's current flagship wearable device. It includes a larger display, thinner bezels, and more rounded corners than previous versions. New this year is an always-on display and built-in compass. With an S5 64-bit dual-core processor, the Apple Watch Series 5 doubles the performance of the Apple Watch Series 3.
If there's one downside to buying the Apple Watch Series 5, it's the price. Depending on the model, the newer version is at least $200 more than the Apple Watch Series 3.
This Apple Watch version also features an electrocardiogram (ECG) system that's capable of detecting whether you're experiencing cardiac abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation. There's also a built-in fall detection tool that automatically contacts emergency services if you fall. The Apple Watch Series 5 also includes a louder speaker, which is ideal when receiving calls, ceramic and sapphire crystal back, and increased storage capacity. It's up to you to decide whether all these features are worth the extra price.
Pros:
- Large display
- Two times faster than Apple Watch 3
- Includes always-on display
Cons:
- Pricey
- Might be overkill for many teens
Best Alternative
Apple Watch Series 5
The current flagship
The Apple Watch Series 5 is available in various styles and price points. New for this year is an always-on display and compass.
Best for Sport: Apple Watch Series 5 Nike+
The Apple Watch Series 5 Nike+ is precisely the same as the regular Series 5 model in terms of features. However, with this model, you'll also get an already installed Nike Run Club app with audio-guided runs, and exclusive Nike+ Analog and Digital watch faces.
Hardware-wise, the Nike+ version is only available with an aluminum case, and there's no gold finish option. The Apple Watch Series 5 Nike+ is available in 44mm and 40mm with GPS only and GPS + Cellular.
Pros:
- Same price, more faces that regular Series 5
- Works with the same bands
Cons:
- Only available with aluminum case
- No gold finish available
Best for Sport
Apple Watch Series 5 Nike+
More watch faces
If you're indifferent to which Apple Watch Series 5 to choose from, you might want to get this one. For the same price, you'll get extra watch faces.
Best Premium: Apple Watch Edition
Are you a teen headed to college? Do you have some extra bling to spend? It's time to consider the Apple Watch Edition for Series 5. The Watch Edition for 2019/20 is available in titanium, space black titanium, and white ceramic. Keep in mind, however, that inside, it's precisely the same as the regular Apple Watch Series 5.
Pros:
- Premium materials
Cons:
- Pricey
- Same as regular Apple Watch Series 5
Best Premium
Apple Watch Edition
Something different
Whether as a gift or for yourself, the Apple Watch Edition is terrific. Choose your band wisely.
Bottom line
If you're a teen looking for a new Apple Watch, you'll quickly notice there's a wide selection of versions available. Our favorite model for those under 20 is the Apple Watch Series 3. Although it's an older model, the wearable device still packs a punch, and you can't deny its impressive price.
The Apple Watch Series 3 supports the latest version of watchOS6, includes an onboard optical heart sensor, offers water-resistance up to 50m, and includes a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Did we mention its low price?
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe