Watch my full review here: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Video Review
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the most capable smartwatches Apple has ever made, but with the newer Ultra 3 now available, is it still worth buying in 2025? In this review for Mark’s Tech Blogs, I’ll cover why I upgraded to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, what makes it such great value, and whether it’s the right upgrade for you.
Why I Upgraded to the Apple Watch Ultra 2
I’ve been using Apple Watches since 2017 and previously had the Series 7. Over time, battery life became an issue, so I decided it was time to upgrade. Instead of going straight for the Ultra 3, I opted for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The reason? Value for money. While the Ultra 3 retails for around £750, I managed to pick up an Ultra 2 for around £400 with warranty, excellent battery health, and in near-new condition. This makes the Ultra 2 one of the best-value Apple Watches available right now.
What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2
If you’re considering the Ultra 2, buying refurbished is often the best way to save money. There are three key things to check:
- Age: The black finish has only been available for a year, so it’s easier to judge how old the watch is. The titanium version has been around longer.
- Battery Health: Ideally, aim for 95% or higher. A replacement battery from Apple costs around £95, so factor that in if needed.
- Condition: Some scuffs are normal, but you’ll want the watch to feel as close to new as possible.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Features
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a 49mm titanium case and an always-on Retina display that reaches up to 3000 nits of brightness, making it clear even in bright sunlight. It includes heart-rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, sleep tracking with sleep scores, sleep apnoea notifications, and temperature sensing. It also supports cellular models with international emergency calling, fall detection, and crash detection.
Water resistance is another standout, with support up to 100m and diving depths of 40m. Inside, the Ultra 2 runs on the S9 chip with support for new gestures like double tap, wrist flicks, precision finding for iPhone, and faster Siri responses.
Design and Build
The Ultra 2 design is rugged yet stylish. The titanium body is durable, and the protective bezel around the display adds extra toughness. The new Action Button makes it easy to launch workouts or customise shortcuts, and while it weighs around 20 grams more than standard models, it still feels comfortable for all-day wear—including overnight for sleep tracking.
Everyday Use
From paying with Apple Pay to unlocking a Mac, controlling smart home devices, or checking notifications, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 fits seamlessly into daily life. Features like Transport Mode make it even quicker to tap onto the London Underground or buses, and the bright display with customisable complications ensures you always have quick access to important information.
The Action Button is especially useful for workouts. I use mine to instantly start outdoor runs, and paired with AirPods Pro 2 or Shokz headphones, the workout buddy feature gives spoken updates without being intrusive.
Battery Life
Apple claims 36 hours of battery life, and that’s accurate in my experience. I usually charge it every day and a half, but pushing it further could get you close to two full days. This makes the Apple Watch Ultra 2 far more reliable for travel or long days compared to older models like the Series 7, which struggled to last even a single day.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra 3
When compared to the Ultra 3, the differences are surprisingly small. The Ultra 3 offers satellite coverage, slightly better battery life, and minor performance gains. However, the Ultra 2 delivers nearly the same experience at a much lower cost if you buy refurbished. For most people, that makes the Ultra 2 the smarter choice in 2025 and even into 2026.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Worth It in 2025?
Yes. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 combines durability, excellent features, great performance, and strong battery life with the advantage of being available at a far lower price than the Ultra 3. If you’re looking for the best value Apple Watch in 2025, the Ultra 2 is the one to buy.
Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2
