Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Apple Watch Series 8

$399

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers advanced health sensors, including sleep tracking, to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay connected.

Our take

A powerful blend of connectivity and health tracking.

Alright, so the Apple Watch Series 8 is out, and if you're into smartwatches, it's got some cool stuff going on. First off, the design hasn't gone through any dramatic changes, which isn't a bad thing since it's already sleek. But, here's the kicker: the display is even brighter now, which makes it super easy to see outside. Battery life, though, is still kind of a letdown. You will probably need to charge it every day, especially if you're using all the features. It's kind of like having a smartphone on your wrist, but needing to plug it in all the time can get old.

Now, the health features are where this thing really shines. It's got temperature sensing for tracking your cycles, which is pretty neat if you're after detailed health insights. The ECG and blood oxygen monitoring are also solid additions, particularly if you're health-conscious or just love data. But if you’re just looking for basic fitness tracking, this might be overkill. It’s kind of like buying a Ferrari just to drive to the grocery store.

When it comes to user experience, it’s classic Apple — smooth and intuitive. The new watchOS makes navigation a breeze, and the app selection is great, so you can customize it to your heart's content. But, let’s be real here: if you’re not already in the Apple ecosystem, this watch isn’t going to magically make everything better. It's not a standalone device, so you need an iPhone to get the most out of it, which is a bummer for Android folks.

Another thing worth mentioning is the durability. Apple put some effort into making this thing tougher with crack-resistant glass and better water resistance. If you’re into sports or just accident-prone, this is a nice bonus. However, keep in mind that tough doesn’t mean indestructible. Scratches and dings are still possible, so a little extra care goes a long way.

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a solid piece of tech with cool new features, but it comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re all about the latest health tech and already love Apple products, this could be your jam. But if you’re just dipping your toes into the smartwatch world or are on a budget, you might want to check out some other options first to make sure you’re getting what you really need. It’s a slick watch, but definitely not a one-size-fits-all.

Subscription-based

$39.95/year

$6.99/month

$8.99/month