Apple Watch Series 8
2022 · Fitness + health
Apple Watch Series 9
2023 · Fitness + health
Apple Watch Series 9 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Series 8 lands at 86 and Apple Watch Series 9 at 88. That puts Apple Watch Series 9 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Apple Watch Series 9 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testDisplay
TieCompared on the display sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Fitness
Apple Watch Series 9Compared on the fitness sub-score
Apple Watch Series 9 leads on fitness (88 vs 86).
Durability
TieCompared on the durability sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2022 | 2023 |
Apple Watch Series 8
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Apple Watch Series 9
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch Series 9
Which is better, Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Series 9? +
Apple Watch Series 9 scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch Series 8 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Is Apple Watch Series 9 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 9 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in display.
Does Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Series 9 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for fitness, Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Series 9? +
Apple Watch Series 9 — leads on fitness (88 vs 86). Compared on the fitness sub-score.