The new Apple Watch Series 11 may be CNET’s top pick for the best smartwatch of 2025, but not everyone wants to spend $399 on the latest and greatest tech. For those on a budget, the Apple Watch SE 3 is much more affordable alternative at just $249. Plus, there are plenty of ways to put one on your wrist for less right now.
A handful of retailers are already offering some direct discounts, and you can save even more if you’ve got an older smartwatch to trade in. To help you make the most of these offers, CNET’s shopping experts have rounded up all the best Apple Watch SE 3 deals available right now below. We’ll continue to update this page as new discounts pop up throughout the holiday shopping season, so be sure to check back often.
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Apple Watch SE 3 deals
We have gathered information on where you can order the Apple Watch SE 3 for less with trade-in, carrier offers and more below. We will keep adding offers as more retailers and carriers share similar opportunities.
You can order the new Apple Watch SE 3 at Apple now. Plus, if you have an older device to trade in, you can get up to $335 in trade-in credit. If you’re trade-in exceeds the cost of the new watch, you’ll get the rest back as an Apple gift card.
You’ll also get 3% cash back when you make the purchase with an Apple Card.*
Walmart has the Apple Watch SE 3 available starting at just $229, which is $20 less than you’d pay at Apple. Your purchase may also make you eligible for three months of free Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple TV, Apple Arcade and Apple News Plus.
Unlike Amazon and Walmart, you won’t find any direct discounts on the Apple Watch SE 3 at Best Buy. Buy you can get up to $249 in credit (you won’t be able to trade in a watch worth more) if you’ve got an older device to trade in.
The purchase also comes with three free months of Apple Music and four free months of Apple Fitness Plus if you’re a new or returning subscriber.
Target isn’t offering direct discounts on the new SE 3, but you will save 5% instantly if you make the purchase with your Target Circle™Card*.
New or returning subscribers can also get three free months of Apple Music with the purchase.
T-Mobile is offering some significant savings on the Apple Watch SE 3. Those adding a new watch line (including business watch lines) get $200 off, which drops the total cost to just $99. Plus, those looking for two watches can buy one and get up to $300 off on the second with a new line. The discount will be applied as bill credits over 24 months.
Verizon is offering both new and existing customers up to $300 off the Apple Watch SE 3 with an eligible trade-in, which means you can get the basic 40mm model for free or the 44mm model for less than $1 per month.
Discounts will be applied as bill credits over 36 months.
AT&T isn’t offering any discounts on an individual Apple Watch SE 3, but you will save $300 when you purchase two and activate at least one new line of service, which scores you the second watch for free. The discount will be applied as bill credits over 36 months.
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How much does the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?
The 2025 Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 and is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes.
What colors does the Apple Watch SE 3 come in?
The Apple Watch SE 3 comes in midnight and starlight. You can pick from three kinds of bands: rubber, textile or stainless steel.
Should I upgrade to the Apple Watch SE 3?
It’s subjective. What your wants, needs and budget are for your new smartwatch will determine the best course of action. CNET expert Vanessa Hand Orellana said in her Apple Watch 11 review that, “The Series 11 feels like a big leap with its longer battery life and sleeker design. If you don’t need advanced health sensors such as ECG or the new hypertension alerts, though, the Apple Watch SE 3 is a better value, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is best for anyone chasing longer battery life and pro-level sports features.” So if you’re sitting with an Apple Watch Series 10, you may not need to upgrade, but if you have an older Apple Watch from several generations ago, upgrading could offer significant improvements.
If you’re looking to shop for previous Apple Watch models, our roundup of the best Apple Watch deals includes sales on the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9 and SE, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Switching to an Android smartwatch? We’ve found plenty of Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch deals available, too.
*All information about the Apple Card and Target Circle™ Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
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