Is It Worth Buying Apple Watch Series 5 in 2025
Introduction
The Apple Watch Series 5 was a highly popular smartwatch when it launched in 2019, introducing the Always-On Display for the first time. It was a major upgrade from previous models, offering ECG monitoring, a built-in compass, and 32GB of storage. In 2025, it remains available in the Certified Refurbished market at a starting price of $130, making it one of the most affordable Apple Watch options.
However, before making a purchase, it's important to consider its lack of software support. Apple has stopped providing watchOS updates for the Apple Watch Series 5, meaning it no longer receives new features, security patches, or app compatibility updates.
Given this limitation, we recommend upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 6 instead. For just $10 more ($140 for Certified Refurbished models), the Apple Watch Series 6 offers continued software support, a faster processor, and more advanced health tracking features.
Is the Apple Watch Series 5 still worth buying in 2025? Let’s explore in detail.
About Apple Watch Series 5
When Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 5, it brought significant improvements over its predecessor, the Series 4. The biggest upgrade was the Always-On Retina Display, which allowed users to check the time and notifications without raising their wrist.
Key Features of Apple Watch Series 5 at Launch:
- ✅ Always-On Display – First Apple Watch to feature an always-visible screen.
- ✅ ECG App & Heart Rate Monitoring – Advanced heart health tracking.
- ✅ Compass & Improved Navigation – Better direction tracking for hiking and running.
- ✅ 32GB Storage – More storage for music, apps, and offline content.
- ✅ watchOS 6 Compatibility – Added new fitness tracking and health features.
At the time, these features made the Apple Watch Series 5 one of the most advanced smartwatches available. However, as technology has advanced, how does it hold up in 2025?
Why Apple Watch Series 5 May Not Be the Best Choice in 2025
Despite its great features at launch, the Apple Watch Series 5 has several drawbacks in 2025, making it a less-than-ideal investment.
1. No More watchOS Updates
Apple has stopped providing software updates for the Series 5, which leads to several issues:
- ❌ No watchOS 11 or newer features.
- ❌ No security patches, making it vulnerable to security risks.
- ❌ Decreasing compatibility with newer iPhones and apps.
Without software support, users may find that key apps and functions stop working over time.
2. Potential Security Risks
Since the Series 5 no longer receives security patches, it is more vulnerable to privacy threats, hacking risks, and software bugs. This could make sensitive data like Apple Pay transactions and personal health information less secure.
3. Slower Performance with an Aging Processor
The S5 processor in the Apple Watch Series 5 was fast in 2019, but in 2025, it struggles to keep up with modern apps. Users may notice:
- ❌ Longer app loading times.
- ❌ Slower Siri response and voice recognition.
- ❌ Reduced efficiency in fitness tracking.
By comparison, the S6 chip in the Apple Watch Series 6 is 20% faster, delivering a much smoother experience.
4. Battery Life Concerns
Most used or refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 models will have batteries that have degraded over time. While Apple allows for battery replacements, the Series 6 offers better power efficiency and faster charging.
5. No Blood Oxygen Sensor
Unlike newer models, the Apple Watch Series 5 lacks a Blood Oxygen Sensor, which was introduced in the Series 6. This is a major health tracking feature that monitors blood oxygen levels, a critical metric for fitness enthusiasts and individuals with respiratory conditions.
✅ Verdict: While the Apple Watch Series 5 was a fantastic device at launch, its lack of software updates, slower processor, and missing health features make it a poor investment in 2025. Instead, we recommend getting an Apple Watch Series 6 for just $10 more.
Better Alternative: Apple Watch Series 6
If you’re looking for an affordable Apple Watch that still supports the latest software in 2025, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a much better option than the Series 5.
Why Choose Apple Watch Series 6 Over Series 5?
- ✅ Still Receives Software Updates – Supports the latest watchOS version in 2025.
- ✅ Always-On Display – Improved brightness over Series 5.
- ✅ Faster Performance – S6 processor is 20% faster than the S5 for better speed.
- ✅ Blood Oxygen Sensor & ECG – Advanced health tracking features not available on the Series 5.
- ✅ Better Battery Life & Charging – More power-efficient with 20% faster charging.
At $140 for Certified Refurbished models, the Apple Watch Series 6 offers more longevity, better performance, and improved features, making it the best budget-friendly option in 2025.
Introduction
The Apple Watch Series 5 was a highly popular smartwatch when it launched in 2019, introducing the Always-On Display for the first time. It was a major upgrade from previous models, offering ECG monitoring, a built-in compass, and 32GB of storage. In 2025, it remains available in the Certified Refurbished market at a starting price of $130, making it one of the most affordable Apple Watch options.
However, before making a purchase, it's important to consider its lack of software support. Apple has stopped providing watchOS updates for the Apple Watch Series 5, meaning it no longer receives new features, security patches, or app compatibility updates.
Given this limitation, we recommend upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 6 instead. For just $10 more ($140 for Certified Refurbished models), the Apple Watch Series 6 offers continued software support, a faster processor, and more advanced health tracking features.
Is the Apple Watch Series 5 still worth buying in 2025? Let’s explore in detail.
Specs Comparison: Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Apple Watch Series 6
If you're deciding between the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6, comparing their features side by side can help you make the best choice.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 5 | Apple Watch Series 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 |
| Software Support | No longer receives updates | Still supports latest watchOS in 2025 |
| Processor | S5 (64-bit dual-core) | S6 (64-bit dual-core, 20% faster) |
| Display | 1.57" (40mm) / 1.78" (44mm) OLED Retina with Always-On Display | 1.57" (40mm) / 1.78" (44mm) OLED Retina with Always-On Display (brighter) |
| Health Features | ECG, Fall Detection | ECG, Blood Oxygen Sensor, Fall Detection |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours, 20% faster charging |
| Charging Time | ~2.5 hours | ~1.5 hours (20% faster) |
| Always-On Display | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Brighter) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Price (Certified Refurbished, 2025) | Starts at $130 | Starts at $140 |
✅ Verdict: The Apple Watch Series 6 is the better choice, with continued software support, faster performance, better health tracking, and improved charging—all for just $10 more than the Series 5.
Price and Availability in 2025
If you're looking for an affordable Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 5 starts at $130 in the Certified Refurbished market in 2025. However, considering its lack of software updates, the Apple Watch Series 6, starting at $140, is the better long-term investment.
| Model | Certified Refurbished Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 5 | $130 |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | $140 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | $160 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | $180 |
✅ Availability Note: Older Apple Watch models sell out quickly, and prices fluctuate based on demand. If you’re considering an Apple Watch Series 6, it’s best to buy early before prices increase or inventory runs low.
Used vs. Certified Used / Refurbished
When shopping for an Apple Watch Series 5 or 6, it’s important to understand the difference between Used and Certified Used / Refurbished devices.
Used Apple Watch
- ❌ Sold as-is by individual sellers, with no guarantees on condition.
- ❌ Battery health is unverified, leading to shorter lifespan.
- ❌ No warranty or return policy, making it a risky purchase.
- ❌ Higher risk of scratches, damage, or faulty hardware.
Certified Used / Refurbished Apple Watch
- ✅ Professionally inspected and tested for functionality and battery health.
- ✅ Guaranteed to work, with a return policy and warranty.
- ✅ Screen, battery, and sensors checked to meet high-quality standards.
- ✅ Certified Sellers by UpTrade, ensuring transparent condition ratings.
💡 Verdict: Buying Certified Used / Refurbished ensures a risk-free purchase, making it the best option for long-term reliability. In case you didn’t know, Certified Used Refurbished Apple Watch can be listed on UpTrade. You can find the best deal on our website.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 5 was a fantastic smartwatch when it launched, but in 2025, it no longer receives software updates, making it less secure and limited in features. While its $130 price may seem appealing, the lack of support makes it a poor long-term investment.
For just $10 more, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a much better choice—it supports the latest watchOS updates, has a faster processor, better battery life, and advanced health tracking like the Blood Oxygen Sensor.
👉 Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable Apple Watch in 2025, we highly recommend skipping the Series 5 and choosing the Apple Watch Series 6 for better longevity, performance, and features.
💡 For the best deals on Certified Refurbished Apple Watches, check out UpTrade, where you can find high-quality devices at the lowest market prices. 🚀
