Apple
Apple Watch Series 9
2023 · Fitness + health
88
/ 100
From $399
VS
Apple Watch Series 9 wins by 2
Apple
Apple Watch Series 8
2022 · Fitness + health
86
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Series 9 lands at 88 and Apple Watch Series 8 at 86. 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 9 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Apple Watch Series 9 88
vs 86 Apple Watch Series 8
Score breakdown
Apple Watch Series 9
88 battery 72
display 88
fitness 88
health 86
durability 86
Apple Watch Series 8
86 battery 72
display 88
fitness 86
health 84
durability 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
Apple Watch Series 9
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Apple Watch Series 8
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 8
Which is better, Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Series 8? +
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 9 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 9 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in display.
Is Apple Watch Series 8 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Does Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Series 8 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.