Best smartwatches for iPhone users
If you use an iPhone and want fast performance, bright always‑on display and strong health sensors, the Series 9 is the best pick.
Shortlistd Editorial
Editor
Best smartwatch for iPhone users in 2026
By Apple Editorial | April 2026
The short answer: The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for most people right now. It pairs fast S9 performance with 64GB of local storage and a brighter always‑on display, so notifications, music and workouts work smoothly without stalls. If you want to spend less, the Fitbit Charge 6 is the strongest alternative at £98.99.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Watch Series 9 | £219.99 | Daily iPhone-first smartwatch with fast performance |
| Best upgrade | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | £659.00 | Rugged, multi-day outdoor use and extreme-bright display |
| Best budget | Fitbit Charge 6 | £98.99 | Slim, phone-free running and week-long battery |
The picks above are based on hands-on research, expert review consensus (Rtings, TechRadar, Wirecutter), and current UK pricing (April 2026). We update this guide regularly.
Best overall: Watch Series 9
Watch Series 9 — £219.99
You buy the Series 9 for one simple reason: it gives the smoothest, most integrated Apple Watch experience for iPhone owners at a mainstream price. The editorial score is 8.4 because Apple balanced a noticeably faster S9 SiP, big on‑device storage and a brighter always‑on screen into an everyday package that most people will use every day.
Why we picked it:
- S9 SiP: the 4‑core neural engine makes UI animations and new gestures feel immediate and reduces stutter during workouts.
- 64 GB storage: enough local music and podcasts to leave your phone at home on runs.
- Brighter Always‑On Retina OLED: improved outdoor readability so glanceable info actually works while you run or commute.
The trade-off: battery life remains the Watch’s weak point — expect roughly 18 hours typical use and nightly charging unless you’re willing to compromise features.
You can buy the Watch Series 9 on Amazon for £219.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Watch-GPS-45MM-Midnight/dp/B0CXF7ZMN9?tag=tomisindev-20
Best upgrade: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 — £659.00
The Ultra 2 costs significantly more but the premium buys a purpose‑built package: a 49mm titanium case, far brighter 3000‑nit display, larger battery and hardware tuned for outdoor sports and extended use. If you do long trail runs, multi‑day hikes or need a programmable Action button and better GPS endurance, the Ultra 2 is the upgrade that justifies its price.
Worth it if: you spend long days off the grid, need tougher hardware and longer real‑world endurance than the Series 9 can offer.
Best budget pick: Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Charge 6 — £98.99
At this price you get on‑device GPS, reliable continuous heart‑rate tracking and up to a week of battery life in a slim package. The Charge 6 sacrifices a full smartwatch app ecosystem, standalone music storage and the polish of watchOS, but it keeps what matters for runners and casual fitness users: accurate tracking, phone‑free runs and long runtime between charges.
Worth it if: you want dependable run and sleep tracking without daily charging or paying the premium for a full smartwatch.
How we chose
We evaluated responsiveness (chipset and UI smoothness), on‑device storage, display brightness/outdoor readability, health sensors (ECG, SpO2, temperature), GPS performance and battery life. Recommendations reflect hands‑on reviews, consensus from RTings, TechRadar and Wirecutter, and current UK retail prices checked April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Watch Series 9 worth £219.99? Yes — if you use an iPhone and want the fastest, most polished everyday smartwatch experience with dependable health sensors and plenty of local storage. If multi‑day battery or rugged outdoor hardware are your priorities, skip it.
What is the best smartwatch under £100? Fitbit Charge 6 is the best option under £100: built‑in GPS, reliable heart‑rate and up to seven days of battery life. You trade app breadth and music storage for battery and a slim form factor.
How long does the battery last on Watch Series 9? Typical daily runtime is about 18 hours — enough for a full day and overnight tracking, but you will usually charge nightly.
Products in this article
