4 Best Apple Watches For Teens: Which One To Buy For Your Kid?
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The Apple Watch is and still remains the most popular SmartWatch among teenagers. Maybe you would like to buy one and want to know what to look out for.
Apple has now released 8 generations of Watches, and the Series 8 is the most recent model. The Apple Watch SE is a cheaper version and is from 2020.
The best choice is this one Apple Watch Series 7. It's not the newest but has all the important features and apps at a lower price and is available in 41mm and 45mm. While you can spend more money on the Series 8, your teen doesn't need it at all.
I get that this is quite an expense and you want both you and your child to be happy with it! Read our buying guide below to understand all about these smartwatches!
These are the 4 best Apple smartwatches in a quick overview, after that I'll go into more detail:
Best overalls for teens
In our opinion, the Apple watch Series 7 is the best smartwatch of the moment, with of course a higher but still good price, which is in proportion to everything you get.
Best for sporty teens
There are various apps from Nike+, but you can also simply opt for the great Apple Watch Nike+ Series 6 40mm, a special version with many sporty extras.
Best budget
With cheaper materials and less features, such as the ECG function and the Always-On display. Fortunately, Fall Detection is present!
Best Apple smartwatch previous generation
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Buy at Bol.comWhat we discuss in this comprehensive post:
Apple smartwatch buying guide
An Apple smartwatch is not only beautiful but also has a lot of (great) functions.
With an Apple watch you can play music on your phone, control your Apple TV, give commands to Siri, request info and exchange data with the Health app.
You can also download countless apps, for example if you want to track your sleep or replace your sports watch.
Before you buy an Apple SmartWatch Before your teen passes, it is a good idea to first ask yourself the following questions:
- Where does your child go with the Apple? SmartWatch for use? Do you want to have an EKG with it, for when he sports and maybe you want the Always On display function? If not, you might want to go for the special 'mid-range Apple watch' – the SE – made with somewhat cheaper materials and components and somewhat fewer features.
- What size screen are you looking for? The Apple Watch is available in 40 mm and 44 mm (Series 4 to 6, SE): You now also have a 41 mm or 45 mm screen. For smaller teenage wrists, the 40mm may be the best choice.
- Which material are you going for? You can choose from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and ceramic, which can be combined with interchangeable watch straps made of nylon, leather and stainless steel.
- Which color suits your child? Multiple colors are available, including silver, black, space gray and gold.
- Are you going for a more expensive or cheaper model? The Apple Watch For example, SE is a lot cheaper than the 7 Series smartwatches.
- Are you looking for a watch that is also compatible with Android? Maybe your teen now has a Samsung smartphone, but would rather not have a Samsung SmartWatch...
- Do you want a watch with an NCF chip/reader? To be clear, this chip is used to exchange information with other smartphones or another NFC reader, making it easier to send and receive photos and videos. Apple devices have been equipped with the NFC chip since 2017.
- Are you looking for a specific screen type? For example Retina OLED.
- Also pay attention to the processor for fast performance
All Apple smartwatch generations
Here are the different generations currently available with the most important new features:
- Apple Watch Series 3: OK, but older design
- Apple Watch Series 4: new design and ECG function
- Apple Watch Series 5: Always-On screen and compass
- Apple Watch Series 6: blood oxygen, brighter screen and faster chip
- Apple Watch Series 7: larger, brighter screen and a digital keyboard for messages
- Apple Watch Series SE: affordable version based on Series 5, without EKG, Blood Oxygen and Always-On
Features that make an Apple watch child-friendly
Teenagers find an Apple watch simply 'cool', but there are certainly functions that make this smartwatch useful for kids.
In addition to placing emergency calls or motivational apps that contribute to better health, there are a few other tricks that are very useful for your offspring.
What is Apple Watch Fall Detection?
Fall detection, for example. Enable these for your – sometimes reckless – teen!
If the Apple Watch SE or Series 4,5, or 6 (NOT the Apple Watch Series 3!) detects a hard fall and signals that you haven't moved for a minute, it automatically calls the emergency number.
Please note: with the Series 4 this is only within the Netherlands, with the others also abroad.
A great invention for teens who go out alone, especially those who exercise a lot; mountain biking, cycling, climbing, skating, running and so on.
How do you enable Apple Watch Fall Detection?
If you entered that you are 55 or older when you set up your Apple Watch or in the Health app, Fall Detection is turned on by default.
You can of course enable the fall detection for your child yourself:
- open the Settings app on your Apple Watch
- Choose 'SOS' > 'Fall detection' and switch on 'Fall detection'.
You can also arrange it via the app. If you do not enable or disable wearing detection, an SOS notification will not be sent automatically.
Measure oxygen levels in your blood with your Apple watch
For the young scientists, this function in the Apple Watch is also a very nice one: measure your oxygen level, measure your heart rate or make an EKG.
How cool to understand your body better and measure your health in this way?
In a healthy person, the blood oxygen level is 95% or higher. When a value is measured below this level, you will receive a warning.
The oxygen saturation sensor measures the light reflection in your blood: this is done by means of four sets of green, red and infrared LEDs and the four photodiodes on the Apple Watch case. The value must be between 70% and 100%.
When you sleep, the oxygen level is even measured occasionally in the background, but you can always take a measurement yourself whenever you want.
The Apple Watch is also waterproof
All Series from Apple Watch Series 3 (Series 4, Series 5, the SE and the Series 6) are water resistant to 50 meters according to ISO standard 22810:2010. Good news for the water rats, they can safely keep their Apple watch on!
What does the water drop on the Apple Watch mean?
The water lock is on and the screen does not respond to touch. You can't unlock it until you turn the Digital Crown. The water drop symbol is only seen on Apple Watch Series 2 or later and Apple Watch SE.
Connect Apple watch to your phone
Another handy feature is to configure and manage your teen's Apple watch on your iphone. That means that your teenager does not need it to be able to use the smartwatch.
With Family setup it is possible to:
- Calling and messaging you
- Share location with you
- Determining Screen Time
- Set restrictions on explicit content or purchases
- Set school times (i.e. limited functions during certain hours)
- Make an emergency call
- Track active minutes (instead of calories)
Best 4 Apple Smartwatches for Teens Reviewed
With all that in mind, we can now take a look at Apple's various options. Which smart watch is the best for your teen?
Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), Watch Series 7
- 2,5 times brighter Retina screen
- family setup (manage your young children's watch, even without an iPhone)
- fall detection
- battery life 'only' 18 hours
- pricey
Similar design to Series 4, Series 5 and Series 6, but with new features.
In our opinion, the Apple watch Series 7 is the best SmartWatch of this moment, with of course a higher but still good price, which is in proportion to everything you get.
It will certainly be hard to find an even better sidekick for the iPhone!
This beautiful SmartWatch has power and many functions.
First of all, it has a large display of 45 mm, but is also available in the 41 mm version (also a good size, costs a few tens less).
Still, the new one Apple Watch still lightweight and all older Apple watches watch straps also fit on this one.
The new S6 dual-core processor ensures super-fast performance. The watch has an always on Retina display, just like its predecessor – the 6 Series – but it is now 2,5 times brighter outdoors. You don't have to turn your wrist just right for the screen to turn on.
If you download an app on your iPhone that is suitable for your watch, it will – read: if you choose to – be downloaded there automatically.
WatchOS 7 makes good use of the extra space, with more detailed notifications and new watch faces with more so-called 'complications'. These are small widgets and shortcuts to apps that you can integrate into your watch face.
In addition, the buttons enable interaction with the Apple Watch Series 7 also simpler.
Apple takes the lead with the best fitness trainers in their workout library. The WatchOS 7 update has added Functional Strength Training, Core Training, Dance and Cool Down activity tracking.
You can also set sleep goals and you have the all-important ECG app with optical heart rate sensor and heart rate monitor.
There are cool new straps for the Series 7 like the Solo Loop, an elastic strap without closure, in 7 colors, or the braided strap without closure and a leather strap with ribbing.
This model also features NFC connectivity, 5GHz Wi-Fi and a U1 chip for Ultra Wideband.
It's as if the future has arrived.
Series 7 in brief (what makes this one so good?)
- new colors (blue and red aluminum), with the Nike version you can choose silver and space gray as usual.
- blood oxygen meter
- 2,5 times brighter Retina screen
- new straps
- family setup (manage your young children's watch, even without an iPhone)
- fast S6 processor
- no power adapter included but magnetic charger with USB connection
- Watch 7
- features also for seniors and family members: XL dial and fall detection (also important for athletes)
- 100% charge in 1,5 hours
- always-on altimeter
- you can now also operate with your wrist down
Benefits
- drag tracking
- blood oxygen meter
- heart rate monitor
- charges faster than previous models
- Retina display is even brighter
- fall detection
- automatic calls to emergency services also abroad
- kompas
- de Apple Watch 7 also works with the iPhone SE
Cons
- battery life 'only' 18 hours
- pricey
Features
- diameter: 41mm or 45mm (not 42mm)
- operating system: WatchOS
- water resistant up to 50 meters
- NFC connectivity: Yes
- screen type: Retina OLED
- Compatible with: iOS (and Android)
- S6 dual-core processor (up to 20% faster!)
- material: aluminum (Netherlands, Belgium)
- built-in GPS
- parental control
Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), Watch Nike+ Series 6
- drag tracking
- Nike Run Club App
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Battery life only 18 hours
- Still very pricey
Nike+ is a service from Nike that allows you to measure and record sports performance.
There are various Nike+ apps, but you can also simply choose the great one Apple Watch Nike+ Series 6 40mm, a special version with many sporty extras.
The partnership of Apple Watch and Nike+ is the result of a sporty super smartwatch. They also previously developed the first shoe sensors for the iPod.
So you want a sportier (and even more expensive) version of the 6 Series for your teenager?
This great watch is available in aluminum, but you can also opt for a more classic look; with a stainless steel case and a leather strap.
It's technically identical to the regular Series 6 (and the SE Nike+ to the regular SE too!), but has a special strap and a few extra NIKE watch faces and the Nike Run Club app, which you can also find on the regular models. can install.
It is more expensive than the regular Series 6 smartwatches.
The more affordable one Apple Watch SE in Nike version is the 40 mm Nike+ SE or the 44 mm Nike+ SE.
In any case, my advice is to choose at least the Nike+ Series 4 or 5, because these also have more storage space in addition to a newer design.
The eye-catching watch strap with holes is a signature of the Nike+, or you can choose an übercool woven sports band with reflective fibers so that your teen is clearly visible when running in the dark.
You can choose from 40 mm or 44 mm format and also use it for Apple's new sports service Fitness+.
There is of course – very important – Fall detection in it – just like with the regular Series 6, so that an emergency call goes out the moment you stop moving after a fall.
The Nike+ Run Club app lets you run, with support from the Run community. Always a top athlete, the Nike+ Run Club coach gives you audio guidance!
Nike has special playlists on Apple Music that are suitable for runners, so every workout has its own soundtrack.
Benefits
- drag tracking
- blood oxygen meter
- heart rate monitor
- optical heart rate sensor
- charges faster than previous models
- Retina display is even brighter
- fall detection
- automatic calls to emergency services also abroad
- kompas
- de Apple Watch 6 also works with the iPhone SE
Cons
- battery life 'only' 18 hours
- very pricey
- models in steel (4G) and titanium (4G) only in limited countries
Features
- diameter: 40 mm or 44 mm
- operating system: WatchOS
- water resistant up to 50 meters
- NFC: Yes
- screen type: retina oled
- Compatible with: iOS (and Android)
- S6 dual-core processor (up to 20% faster!)
- Atmerial: aluminum (Netherlands, Belgium)
- built-in GPS
- parental control
- train smarter with Nike through extra data about your running performance
- Run Community Support
Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), Watch Series SE
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor
- fall detection
- Thinner than previous SE models
- Battery life 18 hours
- No charging adapter included
In addition to the Apple top model, you have been able to opt for a cheaper version for a number of years; the Apple Watch Series SE – this one here is rose gold colored.
Previously, these models were based on predecessors, but from now on Apple has the first, and better, special mid-range model Apple Watch, made just like the telephone.
With cheaper materials and less features, such as the ECG function and the Always-On display. Fortunately, Fall Detection is present!
The Apple Watch SE has an S5 chip. This model also has the compass, which you already know from Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5. Unfortunately, no Spotify without an iPhone, WiFi or Bluetooth with this smartphone.
No more Force Touch, the pressure-sensitive technology in the screen. If you now want to see additional options, hold your finger on the screen a little longer. A number of Force Touch actions have now also been replaced by menu options.
But why? 'Just' because the omission of Force Touch means a thinner housing.
You can choose from dozens of workouts with the SE, and keep track of all your movement and training goals (running). The Sleep app helps you sleep better, you can make calls, send messages and listen to music right from your wrist.
Use it for shallow water activities such as swimming, but not for diving or water skiing. When you start a swimming workout, the watch automatically locks the screen with the water lock. Once out of the water, turn the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and remove any water from it.
The SE is largely based on the Series 5 in terms of technology, so if you are in doubt, you could consider purchasing one of the two.
Benefits
- kompas
- heart rate monitor
- optical heart rate sensor
- fall detection
- automatic calls to emergency services also abroad
- thinner than previous SE models
- always-on altimeter
- play music without smartphone
- great price
Cons
- battery life 18 hours
- no charging adapter included
- no more Force Touch
- no spotify without an iPhone, wifi or Bluetooth
Features
- diameter: 40 mm or 44 mm
- operating system: iOS
- water resistant up to 50 meters
- NFC: yes
- screen type: retina oled
- S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 Wireless Chip
- Compatible with: iOS (and Android)
- built-in GPS
- parental control
Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), Watch Series 5
- Compass (also stargazing with app!)
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor
- Cheaper old model but still many functions
- Battery life 18 hours
- Doesn't support newer apps anymore
The Apple Watch Series 5 is also available in 40mm or 44mm, in silver or space gray. It is the SmartWatch which Apple released in 2019; the best not newest Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), SmartWatch.
It looks similar to the previous one, but this model has several minor improvements over the 4 Series, including an Always-On display and a built-in compass.
If you are not looking at the screen, the brightness is dimmed. As soon as you turn your wrist, the screen returns to full brightness.
The performance of the watch itself compared to the Series 4 has not improved.
New with the Series 5 was that you can make your own combination of watch case and strap – yippee! - thanks to Apple Watch Studio. Also twice as much storage for music, photos and the like: 32GB.
The battery life is 18 hours, just like the Apple Watch Series 6 by the way.
The updated 64-bit S5 chip helps the always on screen and the sensors for the compass. The built-in compass always shows you where north is.
A new Compass app has also been introduced for this, which is more advanced than the iPhone version.
Many new features are related to watchOS 6, which means that they are often also available on previous models Apple Watch.
Think of the App Store or the Sound app, with which you can measure ambient noise.
For women there is now the Cycle app, which apparently works fine; you know exactly when the bad days are coming and you learn how to best deal with 'those days'.
The Digital Crown – a kind of 'home' button – that gives taps when you turn it, Apple has maintained with the Series 5.
Also, the Digital Crown still has a flat surface for measuring EKGs. However, there is still something to be desired, for example I miss the standard sleep function.
The Series 4 first got an edge-to-edge display with rounded corners and a relatively larger screen. The Series 5 has the same display.
In addition to aluminum, you can also choose titanium, white ceramic and stainless steel. In addition, there are special editions of the Apple Series 5 smartwatches for Nike+ and Hermes.
More about the relevant over-the-top – Series 6 - Hermès edition soon; so, keep on reading!
Apple Watch Series 5 bands come in a variety of colors and styles. The Sport Loops are now two-tone and have a bright accent on the inside.
Tip: Give your older Apple Watch a cool new look, because they just fit.
The Apple Watchmodels with 4G have always been able to call emergency services. In the Series 5 this is also possible internationally, useful if you are abroad. The function also works with Fall Detection.
If you think the Series 5 is still a bit too pricey, you can also opt for the previous generation Series 4. It also features the edge-to-edge display and is technically still up-to-date.
Or you might prefer to opt for the Apple Watch SE, which is technically based on the Series 5 but lacks some advanced features.
Benefits
- compass (also stargazing with app!)
- 5th generation Apple Watch
- updated 64-bit S5 chip
- heart rate monitor
- optical heart rate sensor
- fall detection
- automatic calls to emergency services also abroad
- always-on screen
- play music without smartphone
Cons
- battery life 18 hours
- in the Netherlands and Belgium only in aluminum and without 4G
- no sleep function
Features
- diameter: 40mm or 44mm V
- operating system: watchOS 6V
- water resistant up to 50 meters
- NFC: yes
- Compatible with: iOS (and Android)
- screen type: LTPO OLED
- built-in GPS
- parental control
And the Apple Watch Series 4?
Then we take a quick look at the Apple Watch Series 4 from 2018.
It has a larger screen and more than ten other improvements over previous models. However, the Series 4 is no longer available from Apple itself, but this model will still receive updates for years to come.
Most important features
- 40 mm and 44 mm
- borderless and larger screen than the 3 Apple Watch
- in space grey, silver and gold
- 64-bit S4 processor
- Bluetooth 5
- improved microphone compared to the 3 Apple Watch
- battery life 18 hours
- fall detection
- automatic calls to emergency services in the Netherlands, but not abroad
- EKG function
- water resistant up to 50 meters
- parental control for young children
- built-in GPS
My advice: rather buy a Series 5, for a few bucks more…
Super deluxe Apple smartwatch: Apple Watch Hermès
Just a fun fact: this is a Superdeluxe Apple Watch, which is (most likely) way too expensive and a 'little' overkill to buy for your teenager!
Nice to pay some attention to this model.
If you know the brand, you also know that for the price of, for example, a Hermès bag, you can already buy a decent car :)
Yet Hermès has released a new collection every year since 2015 Apple Watch released.
You pay about the same for the cheapest watch strap as you would for one Apple Watch Series SE, and for the watch itself you can count on € 1300+.
There are various versions of the Apple Watch Hermès, where the difference is in single or double watch straps: the Single Tour and the Double Tour.
The extras are in the dials and the special watch straps.
Since autumn 2020, the straps have also been supplied with this watch without a power adapter and you will receive the Apple Watch Hermès no extra functions compared to the normal ones Apple Watchmodels.
Apple Watch 5 vs Garmin Venu vs Samsung Galaxy Watch
The Apple 5 certainly remains the most expensive of these 3, but is it better?
The similarities:
- waterproof
- Fitness tracking
- heart rate monitor
- Bluetooth
- touch screen display
The differences:
While the Samsung is only available in black, the Apple 5 and Garmin Venu come in multiple colors.
The Apple 5 distinguishes itself from the others in its rectangular model, its LTPO OLED display and has a speaker.
The Samsung and Garmin watch, on the other hand, have a round shape, an AMOLED screen and no speaker.
The Apple 5 watch has an internal memory of 32 GB dual core, the Samsung watch 4 GB dual core, and the Garmin Venu has no internal memory.
Apple is again the better one here, with all the extensive features.
Conclusion
Apple is and remains a favorite with young and old, and even if you don't buy the latest Apple smartwatch for your child, you can always go for an older model or the SE.
Which Apple Watch is right for your teen? I am sure you will now make the right choice for your child!
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.
