Apple Watch Ultra 3
Exact average 85.3 · 5 printed, 4 estimated · printed scores only: 87
Image: Apple9 professional reviewers tested the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and 8 recommend it. Most praised: display and health tracking. Most common complaint: price.
Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, Tom's Guide, TechRadar and 6 more
The catch: It is expensive and bulky, and a small step over the Ultra 2.
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What 9 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 90Trusted Reviews
The reviewer calls it a hard-to-fault top smartwatch, with a bigger screen, satellite SOS and better battery.
Read Trusted Reviews review - 90Tom's Guide
Judged the most capable smartwatch available, with the biggest screen, long battery, 5G and satellite messaging.
Read Tom's Guide review - 90TechRadar
After two weeks of use the reviewers see it as the top Apple Watch, strong for adventurers and as a daily watch.
Read TechRadar review - 85OutdoorGearLab
Tested thoroughly and named the best adventure smartwatch, with strong features and everyday usability.
Read OutdoorGearLab review - 80Tech Advisor
A superb rugged smartwatch that is only a small step over its predecessor.
Read Tech Advisor review - 92est.Wareable
A considered evolution that the reviewer calls the best overall smartwatch available, with a larger brighter display, top-tier GPS and heart rate accuracy and useful satellite features.
Read Wareable review - 85est.The Quantified Scientist
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a top-tier sports and health tracker with excellent heart rate and sleep tracking performance.
Read The Quantified Scientist review - 79est.DC Rainmaker
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a highly capable smartwatch with excellent satellite connectivity features, though it has some limitations in off-road navigation and heart rate accuracy compared to dedicated sports watches.
Read DC Rainmaker review - 77est.CNN Underscored
A rugged, feature-packed watch for athletes and power users with long battery life and satellite-style extras, but at roughly $800 it is only for those who want the most.
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
Watch a video review
- The Quantified Scientist on YouTube ↗Counted in the score: 85
- DC Rainmaker on YouTube ↗Counted in the score: 79
From YouTube channels we vetted by hand. Videos paid for by the brand are never listed.
What critics praise most
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Common questions
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth it?
Most critics think so: 8 of 9 recommend it. It is expensive and bulky, and a small step over the Ultra 2.
Do critics agree about the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Broad agreement: scores range from 77 (CNN Underscored) to 92 (Wareable), a spread of 15 points across 9 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
Price (5 of 9 reviews), Battery life (2 of 9 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
The Coros Nomad (critic score 89), top pick, narrowly.