With new Apple Watches arriving, older models like the Series 8, 6, and 5 have become tempting budget options on the refurbished market. The rock-bottom price of a Series 5 or 6 is appealing, but are you sacrificing too much for the savings?
The Price Landscape in 2025
As we enter the fall of 2025, these older models are only available on the used and refurbished market. Here’s what you can realistically expect to pay:
- Apple Watch Series 5 (2019): As a six-year-old model, this is the ultra-budget pick, often found for around $70 - $110.
- Apple Watch Series 6 (2020): This five-year-old watch offers a slight step-up and typically sells for $100 - $150.
- Apple Watch Series 8 (2022): At just three years old, this is the modern value choice, with refurbished prices generally in the $200 - $260 range.
The Deal-Breaker: Software Support (watchOS)
This is the single most important factor when buying an older Apple device. In late 2025, Apple's latest software is watchOS 12.
- The Apple Watch Series 5 is highly unlikely to support watchOS 12, meaning it will no longer receive new features or, more critically, important security updates.
- The Apple Watch Series 6 is on the absolute edge of the support window and is also at very high risk of being cut off from new updates.
- The Apple Watch Series 8 is guaranteed to support watchOS 12 and will continue to receive updates for several more years.
The bottom line: The Series 8 is a much safer, longer-lasting investment. Buying a Series 5 or 6 now means accepting that your "new" watch may be immediately outdated and less secure.
The Health Sensor Evolution
A primary reason to own an Apple Watch is for its health-tracking capabilities. Here’s how the features evolved across these three models:
- The Baseline (Apple Watch Series 5): It established the core modern features, including the ECG app for monitoring heart rhythm and Fall Detection. It has an always-on display.
- The Step-Up (Apple Watch Series 6): This modeladded one major sensor: the Blood Oxygen app. This is a key health metric that the Series 5 lacks.
- The Modern Standard (Apple Watch Series 8): This watch introduced two significant health upgrades. It added a Temperature Sensor, which is used for advanced cycle tracking and retrospective ovulation estimates. It also features Crash Detection, a vital safety feature that can automatically call for help after a severe car crash.
Design and Display: A Bigger, Brighter View
While they look similar at a glance, the Series 8 has a significant design advantage. It features the larger, edge-to-edge display that was introduced with the Series 7. This screen is not only more immersive and easier to read, but it's also built with a more durable front crystal, making it more resistant to cracks than the displays on the Series 5 and 6.
The Verdict: Which Watch Should You Buy in 2025?
- Avoid the Apple Watch Series 5. Even at its rock-bottom price, the lack of a Blood Oxygen sensor and the near certainty of being cut off from software updates make it a poor value.
- Consider the Apple Watch Series 6 only if... your budget is strictly under $150 and you absolutely want the Blood Oxygen sensor. You must accept the major risk that it will not be supported by the latest software.
- Buy the Apple Watch Series 8. For the majority of people, this is the smartest and best choice by a wide margin. The price jump from the Series 6 is easily justified by years of guaranteed software updates, modern health sensors (Temperature, Crash Detection), a superior display, and a faster processor.
Investing in a Longer, Healthier Lifespan
While the low Apple Watch price of a Series 5 or 6 is tempting, the lack of future-proofing is a hidden cost that makes them a risky buy in 2025. The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, delivers a truly modern experience and a long runway of software support. It represents the best balance of price and performance, making it the wisest investment for anyone seeking value without compromising on essential features and security.