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Head-to-head · smartwatch

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Series 11 (2025, listed at $429) and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2024, listed at $799) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Apple Watch Series 11
smartwatch

Apple Watch Series 11

The 2025 iPhone all-rounder — brighter always-on AMOLED, hypertension alerts, faster on-device Siri.

$429list price
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Full specs
Apple Watch Ultra 2
smartwatch

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple's most rugged smartwatch — dive-rated, dual-frequency GPS, 36-hour battery in low-power mode.

$799list price
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Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Apple Watch Series 11 wins on weight (36 g vs 61 g) and price ($429 vs $799); Apple Watch Ultra 2 wins on tracked features (9 vs 7) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).

Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (2 to 2). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 specifications
SpecApple Watch Series 11Apple Watch Ultra 2
Battery (rated)1.5 days1.5 days
Weight36 g61 g
List price$429$799
Water rating5ATM10ATM
Tracked features79
Case size46 mm49 mm
DisplayAMOLEDAMOLED
Works withiPhone onlyiPhone only
Listed best foreveryday wellness, health tracking, gym and strength work and runningmultisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure, running and health tracking
Released20252024

Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.

Feature overlap

Both have (7)

  • built-in GPS
  • ECG
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • on-device music
  • contactless payments
  • AMOLED display
  • swim tracking

Only Apple Watch Series 11 (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2)

  • LTE / cellular
  • offline maps

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Apple Watch Series 11 if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $370 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 36 g vs 61 g.
  • Your main use is everyday wellness and gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not.
  • You want the newer model (2025 vs 2024).

Skip it if…

  • • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.5 days per charge.
  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).

Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…

  • You need LTE / cellular and offline maps, which the Apple Watch Series 11 does not list.
  • Your main use is multisport and triathlon and outdoor adventure: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch Series 11 is not.
  • You swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.

Skip it if…

  • • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.5 days per charge.
  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

They are rated the same, at about 1.5 days per charge. Real-world life depends on GPS, display and cellular use.

Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

The Apple Watch Series 11 has the lower list price: $429 against $799 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, they have the same phone support: iPhone only.

Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Apple Watch Series 11: 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Apple Watch Ultra 2: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.

Not sure either is right for you?

Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.

Take the free quiz

Where each one ranks #1 in our quiz

Apple Watch Ultra 2

It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.

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