Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 4
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025, listed at $799) and Apple Watch Ultra 4 (2026, listed at $774) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.
Specs last updated · table prices are list prices; each card shows Amazon's current price when available
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple's 2025 adventure flagship — satellite messaging, 5G, and the longest-ever Apple Watch battery.
Apple Watch Ultra 4
Apple's 2026 adventure flagship: 49 mm titanium, a 3,000-nit display, up to 50 hours per charge, 100 m water resistance and satellite connectivity.
The verdict
On the numbers we track, Apple Watch Ultra 3 wins on weight (61 g vs 63 g) and tracked features (9 vs 8); Apple Watch Ultra 4 wins on battery life (2.1 days vs 1.7 days) and price ($774 vs $799).
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
| Spec | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch Ultra 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (rated) | 1.7 days | 2.1 days |
| Weight | 61 g | 63 g |
| List price | $799 | $774 |
| Water rating | 10ATM | 10ATM |
| Tracked features | 9 | 8 |
| Case size | 49 mm | 49 mm |
| Display | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Works with | iPhone only | iPhone only |
| Listed best for | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure, running and health tracking | multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure, running and health tracking |
| Released | 2025 | 2026 |
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 (8)
- built-in GPS
- ECG
- blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
- on-device music
- LTE / cellular
- contactless payments
- AMOLED display
- swim tracking
Only Apple Watch Ultra 3 (1)
- offline maps
Only Apple Watch Ultra 4 (0)
Nothing unique.
Which one should you pick?
Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if…
- You want a lighter watch: 61 g vs 63 g.
- You need offline maps, which the Apple Watch Ultra 4 does not list.
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 1.7 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).
Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 4 if…
- You want to spend less: it lists for $25 less.
- You want fewer charges: about 2.1 days per charge vs 1.7 days.
- You want the newer model (2026 vs 2025).
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 2.1 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 Ultra 3 or the Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has the longer rated battery life: about 2.1 days per charge against 1.7 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.
Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has the lower list price: $774 against $799 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.
Do the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes, they have the same phone support: iPhone only.
Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Apple Watch Ultra 4?
Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 10ATM. 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 quizWhere each one ranks #1 in our quiz
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