Meet Our Testing Team
Jeremy
Brad
Jackson
Keith
General Overview
Pros
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Wide design selection
- Automatic, easy-to-read display
- Military and veteran discounts
- Free two-day delivery for in-stock items
Cons
- No sleep-tracking function; third-party app required
- Expensive price-points
- Short trial period
Get an Apple Watch at the best price.
Learn MoreAlthough the Series 3 and Series 5 watches do not come with built-in sleep-tracking technology, both devices can be used to track sleep data using third-party apps. Ratings for these watches are listed below. These ratings are based on verified owner and customer experiences, along with our own product research and analysis.
Apple Watch Recommendations
- You enjoy tracking data related to fitness, sleep, and overall health.
- You prefer sleep trackers that are wearable.
- You don’t mind purchasing a device with sleep-tracking capabilities at an above-average price-point.
Compare Sleep Trackers
How Do Apple Watches Compare to Other Sleep Trackers?
As any consumer does with a product they’re considering, our sleep-tracker assessments naturally involve comparing them with other similar products. Be it composition, firmness, or price, we think it’s important to see how the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 stack up to other sleep-tracking devices.
The Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 are not traditional sleep-trackers. Rather than monitoring sleep data using built-in technology, these devices rely on third-party apps. As a result, their performance as sleep-trackers primarily depends on the selected third-party app.
However, both Apple Watch models are innovative and impressive in many other ways. Both include heart monitors, built-in GPS, fitness and workout trackers, and sophisticated touch-screens. The Series 5 is notably more advanced than the Series 3 in terms of storage, Bluetooth compatibility, and display. These upgrades are reflected in the Series 5’s higher price-point.
Check out our selections below if you’d like to see a few comparable tracking devices.
 | | |
| Tracker Style | ||
| Data Tracked |
Apple Watch Technical Details
What You Need to Know About the Apple Watch
Pricing
Below you’ll find current prices for each available version of the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5. A plus sign (+) at the end of a price indicates more expensive watch bands and/or technology upgrades are available for that model.
| Apple Watch Model | Series 3/Series 3 Nike (GPS) | Series 3/Series 3 Nike (GPS + Cellular) | Series 5 (GPS) | Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) | Apple Watch Hermès | Apple Watch Nike | Apple Watch Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 (38mm) $229 (42mm) |
$299 (38mm) $329 (42mm) |
$399+ (40mm) $429+ (44mm) |
$499+ (40mm) $529+ (44mm) |
$399+ (40mm) $429+ (44mm) |
$1,249+ (40mm) $1,299+ (44mm) |
$799+ (40mm) $849+ (44mm) |
| Return Period | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Protection Plan Options | AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 24 months Each incident will incur a $69 charge, plus tax |
AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 24 months Each incident will incur a $69 charge, plus tax |
AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 24 months Each incident will incur a $69 charge, plus tax |
AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 24 months Each incident will incur a $69 charge, plus tax |
AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 36 months Each incident will incur a $79 charge, plus tax |
AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 24 months Each incident will incur a $69 charge, plus tax |
AppleCare+ extends coverage and includes 2 accidental damage incidents every 36 months Each incident will incur a $79 charge, plus tax |
Apple Watch Sleep Tracking Features
The Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 do not come with traditional sleep-tracking technology. Instead, owners must download third-party sleep-tracking apps that are compatible with the watches.
The Series 5 comes equipped with the Health app. This program consolidates various fitness, activity, sleep, and health data from the watch and all relevant third-party apps, including sleep trackers, to provide comprehensive metrics related to all aspects of personal health. For this reason, the Series 5 can be used as a sleep-tracker, even though this function is not included in its standard design.
Apart from sleep-tracking, both the Series 3 and Series 5 offer a wide range of features. In addition to GPS, the Series 3’s built-in features include a barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor, emergency SOS, accelerometer up to 16 g-forces, gyroscope, speaker, and microphone. The device tracks workouts, swimming, and menstrual cycles.
The Series 5 includes many of the same features as the Series 3, as well as a few improvements. New additions include an accelerometer up to 32 g-forces, optical and electrical (ECG/EKG) heart monitors, and fall detection. Like the Series 3, the Series 5 includes built-in GPS and also tracks workouts, swimming, and menstrual cycles.
Both devices include a touch-screen with Retina Display technology, making it easier on the eyes. They also feature a digital crown located on the side bezel, which can be pressed to return the display to its home screen.
Both models offer a battery life of up to 18 hours when fully charged, can store and play music, and offer debit/credit payment syncing via Apple Pay.
The next table lists some notable features of the Series 3 and Series 5. Please note that the Nike, Hermès, and Watch Edition models are essentially aesthetic upgrades; apart from GPS vs. GPS + Cellular technologies, these models offer the same features as the standard Series 3 and Series 5 watches.
| Apple Watch Model | Series 3 (GPS) | Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) | Series 5 (GPS) | Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized Sleep Tracking? | No Owners must download third-party apps |
No Owners must download third-party apps |
No Owners must download third-party apps, but built-in Health app consolidates data from other sources to provide a sleep-tracking interface on the watch |
No Owners must download third-party apps, but built-in Health app consolidates data from other sources to provide a sleep-tracking interface on the watch |
| Water-Resistant Swim Tracking? | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters |
| Heart Rate Monitor? | Optical only | Optical only | Optical and electrical (ECG/EKG) monitors | Optical and electrical (ECG/EKG) monitors |
| Smartphone Notifications? | Yes, but the watch must be connected to the owner’s phone via Bluetooth and WiFi | Yes; the watch does not need to be connected to the owner’s phone to receive smartphone notifications | Yes, but the watch must be connected to the owner’s phone via Bluetooth and WiFi | Yes; the watch does not need to be connected to the owner’s phone to receive smartphone notifications |
| Wireless Syncing? | The watch syncs to the owner’s smartphone if connected via Bluetooth and WiFi | The watch syncs to the owner’s smartphone, even when a Bluetooth/WiFi connection to the phone is not available | The watch syncs to the owner’s smartphone if connected via Bluetooth and WiFi | The watch syncs to the owner’s smartphone, even when a Bluetooth/WiFi connection to the phone is not available |
Availability
The Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 5 are available for direct purchase through Apple. These devices are also sold through a wide range of online and brick-and-mortar retailers, including Amazon.com and most electronics suppliers.
However, availability for the Series 5 varies from seller to seller to the device’s recent launch date and sustained demand for the product. The Series 3 is more widely available for purchase.
Apple Coupons and Discounts
Get the best price on an Apple Watch.
-
Trial 14 days
-
Shipping Free to contiguous U.S.
-
Warranty 1 year non-prorated
-
Made In China
-
Is an Apple Watch Compatible with My Phone or Tablet?
Yes. The GPS-only versions of the Series 3 and Series 5 can be connected to the owner’s smartphone via Bluetooth and WiFi. The GPS + Cellular models include calling, texting, and phone notification capabilities, even if the owner is not carrying their phone.
-
Apple Watch Care and Maintenance Tips
Apple Watches should be cleaned periodically in order to preserve their functionality. To clean the watch, turn it off, then remove it from the charger and band. Wipe the surface with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.
Lightly moisten the cloth if necessary, but avoid excessive water exposure. Alternatively, run the watch under warm water for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not use soap, cleaning products, compressed air, or external heat sources.
If the digital crown will not move properly, check for debris or substances (such as hand lotion) lodged in the gaps between the crown and the watch face. Then clean the watch with running water using the steps listed above, testing the crown as moisture clears out the gaps.
The band should also be cleaned periodically to prevent skin irritation. Clean the band with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Do not soak in water, but light water should not cause any damage.
-
Full Shipping Details
How Much Does Shipping Cost? Standard shipping is free. Expedited options are also available in some areas.
Apple offers standard free, two-day shipping on in-stock items, including Apple Watches. Expedited same-day shipping is also available for $9 in select metro areas. Customers may forgo delivery and pick up their Apple Watch at the nearest Apple store, as well.
Standard orders in the contiguous U.S. placed before 5pm will be delivered in two business days, while those placed after 5pm will usually arrive within three business days. Orders to Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations may not qualify for two-day shipping.
Customers may confirm their delivery date during checkout and monitor their watch delivery using a tracking number after the product ships.
-
Trial Period and Warranty Details
Apple offers a 14-day trial period for the Apple Watch. The watch must be returned in 14 calendar days to qualify for a full refund. This offer is exclusively available to customers who purchase their watch directly from Apple or at an Apple retail location. Those who buy their watch elsewhere should defer to the seller’s return policy.
The watch must be returned in its original packaging with all cords, adapters, and documents included with the initial purchase. Items purchased with Apple gift cards are non-refundable.
Apple backs the Series 3 and Series 5 watches with a one-year warranty. This warranty is completely non-prorated.
Company Information
-
Customer Service
9 out of 10 customers have had a positive experience with Apple.
-
BBB Rating
Apple currently holds an ‘A+’ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
-
Company History
Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The company is headquartered in Cupertino, CA.
The first Apple Watch appeared in 2015. The Series 3 debuted in September 2017, and the Series 5 launched in September 2019.
-
Physical Stores
As of 2021, Apple maintains more than 500 brick-and-mortar locations worldwide. Of these, 272 are located in the U.S.
-
Contact Apple
Online contact form | 800-692-7753 (800-MY-APPLE) | Apple.com/watch/
-
Find Apple on Social