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Home / Electronics / Smartwatches / Apple Watch SE
7.6 Tested Aug 21, 2026 by Team RankingRight

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, 40 mm, GPS) review 2026

Most of the Apple Watch for $249: same apps, notifications, fall and crash detection and family setup, without the always-on screen, ECG or temperature

PriceFrom $249 · checked Sep 11, 2026
HR error vs strap2.0 bpm
Battery (measured)1.5 days

Is the Apple Watch SE Worth It?

Best value Apple Watch. The SE does everything most Apple Watch owners actually use for $150 less than the Series 10. Skip it only if you want the health sensors or an always-on screen.

Apple Watch SE Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Same watchOS, apps and safety features as the Series 10
  • Family Setup lets a child or parent use it without an iPhone
  • Heart rate within 2 bpm on our runs
  • $249
Cons
  • No always-on display, ECG, temperature or sleep apnoea
  • Older chip; smaller, dimmer screen
  • Same one-and-a-half-day battery

Apple Watch SE at a Glance

7.6 Editor Score
Health & fitness accuracyHeart rate against a chest strap on runs and intervals, GPS distance against a reference on a measured 5K, sleep staging consistency, ECG and SpO2 where offered.
24/30
BatteryMeasured days per charge with always-on display and daily 30-minute GPS workout.
9/20
Smart features & ecosystemNotifications and replies, payments, apps, calls, phone compatibility, safety features.
18/20
Design & displayScreen brightness and readability outdoors, size options, materials, water rating, comfort in sleep.
7/10
ValuePrice and any subscription needed for headline features.
18/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Health & fitness accuracy 30 · Battery 20 · Smart features & ecosystem 20 · Design & display 10 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

Amazon — $249

Best priceSee Price

Apple — $249

Also sold atSee Price

Apple Watch SE specifications

Works withiPhone only
Battery (measured)1.5 days
GPSYes
ECGNo
LTE optionYes (+$50)
Water rating50 m
DisplayOLED (not always-on)
Sizes40 / 44 mm
Subscription for featuresNone required

Why it scored 7.6

The SE does everything most Apple Watch owners actually use for $150 less than the Series 10. Skip it only if you want the health sensors or an always-on screen.

Where it loses

Display and health sensors.

Still the right pick for

First Apple Watch; kids and parents via Family Setup.

Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 5 → 6; Sep 11 — rank 6 → 7 · all changes

Apple Watch SE7.6 · $249
See Price