Smartwatches · Ranked #2 of 34 · Best for iPhone owners

Apple Watch Series 11

88
Highly rated
Average of 10 professional reviews
9 of 10 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 10 reviews landedRange 77–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 87.9 · 7 printed, 3 estimated · printed scores only: 90

Apple Watch Series 11Image: Apple

10 professional reviewers tested the Apple Watch Series 11, and 9 recommend it. Most praised: battery life and health tracking. Most common complaint: battery life.

Reviewed by Expert Reviews, Tom's Guide, WIRED and 7 more

The catch: It is a small upgrade over the Series 10, and battery life trails multi-day rivals.

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What 10 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 95
    Expert ReviewsThe outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2025

    A very capable smartwatch with accurate heart rate and GPS, but the reviewer is frustrated that endurance remains short and the hardware barely changes.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  2. 95
    Tom's GuideThe outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2025

    The reviewer finds the Series 11 a modest refresh whose 24-hour battery finally ends nightly charging.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  3. 90
    WIREDHands-on review

    Improved battery life is a real game changer that makes sleep tracking and daily use far easier.

    Read WIRED review
  4. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    A small but worthwhile step over its predecessor, mainly through better battery life and a tougher screen.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  5. 90
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2025

    A polished refinement of the Series 10 with longer battery life and sturdier build.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  6. 90
    The DisconnektHands-on review · 2025

    An excellent smartwatch with a light comfortable design, strong health features and slightly better battery life, but only a minor step from the Series 10.

    Read The Disconnekt review
  7. 80
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2025

    The bigger battery is the standout, stretching use to about a day and a half, and the watch is fast and full-featured.

    Read TechRadar review
  8. 89est.
    WareableNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2025

    Another assured iteration that stays the best all-round smartwatch for iPhone users, with a tougher display and excellent GPS and heart rate accuracy.

    Read Wareable review
  9. 83est.
    NBC SelectNo printed score · Buying guide

    The tester's pick for iPhone owners, with an easy-to-read screen, strong app syncing and a notable battery upgrade to 24 hours.

    Read NBC Select review
  10. 77est.
    CNN UnderscoredNo printed score · Buying guide · 2026

    Still a great Apple Watch with excellent battery life and core features, though now supplanted as the top pick by the Series 12.

    Read CNN Underscored review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Battery life7 of 10
Health tracking6 of 10
Display5 of 10

What critics dislike most

Battery life2 of 10
Software2 of 10
Price2 of 10

Other smartwatches critics rate highly

Common questions

Is the Apple Watch Series 11 worth it?

Most critics think so: 9 of 10 recommend it. It is a small upgrade over the Series 10, and battery life trails multi-day rivals.

Do critics agree about the Apple Watch Series 11?

Broad agreement: scores range from 77 (CNN Underscored) to 95 (Expert Reviews), a spread of 18 points across 10 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the Apple Watch Series 11?

Battery life (2 of 10 reviews), Software (2 of 10 reviews), Price (2 of 10 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Apple Watch Series 11?

The Coros Nomad (critic score 89), top pick, narrowly.