Apple Watch Series 6 vs SE: Which device is the right fit for you?

We’ve said it before: Apple smartwatches are hard to beat. Even the Apple Watch Series 6 is still a powerful device. Now outdone by the Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, and Series 10, the Series 6 can also typically be found on sale from third-party retailers. The Apple Watch SE was originally launched to offer an overall excellent value as well, but unfortunately, it won’t receive the latest software update. Luckily, the Apple Watch SE 2 has replaced the SE as a fantastic budget buy.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE

The specs

The features

The Apple Watch SE and Series 6 are very similar in design. The only differences between the smartwatches are case materials and available colorways. Users will find the SE in aluminum only, while the Series 6 comes in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. If you opt for a higher-end Series 6, you can upgrade your device with sapphire glass. The Apple Watch SE is limited to Ion-X Glass, which is more susceptible to scratches.

Color-wise, the Series 6 comes in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Blue, and Red cases, but you will only find the SE in Silver, Space Gray, and Gold cases. Luckily, Apple Watch bands are interchangeable across the lineup, so there are plenty of opportunities to add color to either pick.

As far as display, only the Series 6 offers always-on functionality. The SE, meanwhile, will turn on whenever you raise your wrist. Both have 32GB of internal storage and house internal microphones and speakers. The Series 6 uses a newer system on a chip than the SE, which Apple claims is up to 20% faster than its predecessor. Meanwhile, the SE sticks with the same specs as the Series 5. We have no complaints about the SE regarding speedy performance, but it is a differentiating data point.

However, only the Apple Watch Series 6 is eligible to update to watchOS 11, Apple’s latest software. That means the SE can no longer access the latest tools, features, or updates to the user experience. This makes it a hard device to recommend shoppers invest their money into. The Series 6 may be an aging model, but its still supported.

Aside from software, other major health and fitness features to consider when comparing the Apple Watch SE vs the Apple Watch Series 6 are sensors. The SE model lacks blood oxygen monitoring and an electrocardiogram sensor. During our Apple Watch Series 6 review, we found these sensors accurate, but not tools every user necessarily needs. The Apple Watch SE does all-day heart rate monitoring and like the Series 6, it can identify abnormally high or low heart rates, and both devices will notify you if they detect irregular heart rates.

After hours, differences in sleep tracking are also worth considering. If you choose the Series 6, you can use the SpO2 sensor to track your blood oxygen while you snooze. Unfortunately, it’s not a clinically validated sensor, so it can’t alert you to any potential signs of sleep apnea. The Apple Watch SE, meanwhile, doesn’t offer SpO2 monitoring.

As for fitness tracking, both devices automatically track various workouts and can manually track many others. Both track steps, resting and active heart rate, active and resting energy burn, standing minutes, distance, floors climbed, and more. However, Apple’s fitness tracking has also received major software updates that cannot be accessed on the original SE.

The price

Originally, it was hard not to get excited about the price tag of the Apple Watch SE. It launched at $279, falling right between the $199 Series 3 and the Series 6 at $399. In other words, users could cash in on an improved processor and better display for just $80 more than the cost of a Series 3. Now, the original SE can be found for even cheaper, given the launch of the 2022 SE model.

The Apple Watch Series 6 launched at $399 for the 40mm Bluetooth-only model and $499 for the LTE model. When the Apple Watch Series 7 launched, Apple stopped selling the older model directly, but you can still find one from retailers such as Amazon. We think the Series 6 stands up to the Series 7, with many of the same specs and features. The Apple Watch Series 8, Series 9, and Series 10 each add a few more unique features to the line, making those devices a more worthwhile upgrade.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs SE: Which should you buy?

We consistently rank the latest Apple Watch as the best smartwatch you can buy. In the past, we would have recommended the SE for most shoppers as it offers a competitive price point with a few trade-offs. However, now that it is no longer supported via software updates, the original SE isn’t a very good purchase. Shoppers are much better off looking at the second-generation SE or an Apple Watch Series model.

The Series 6 is still worthy of consideration. Compared to the SE line, it is especially helpful for anyone with a medical history of heart conditions or users specifically interested in advanced health monitoring. It’s also worth shopping around to see if a Series 7, Series 8, or Series 9 can be found for a comparable price as each of these boasts a larger displays and other generational upgrades.