Right now, Verizon is offering an Apple Watch SE 3 for free with the right plan. That’s one of the best deals we’ve seen. Even so, we’ve also found deals that can help you save with trade-in and even a few that offer savings of up to $30 off if you’d rather purchase an unlocked smartwatch. That means you won’t have to overspend to grab high-quality wearable tech.
Starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s most affordable smartwatch, but it doesn’t feel stripped down of features. It still “delivers nearly everything you’d want from a wearable,” according to CNET’s Vanessa Hand Orellana. Better yet, there are ways to pay even less right now.
To help you find the best way to save, CNET’s shopping team has rounded up the top Apple Watch SE 3 deals available right now. We’ll keep this list updated as offers change, so it’s worth checking back if you’re waiting for the right moment to buy.
Apple Watch SE 3 deals
We’ve gathered the best offers below so you can order the Apple Watch SE 3 for less with trade‑ins, carrier promotions and more. We’ll add new offers as they appear.
If you’re after the basic 40mm SE 3, you’ll select configurations for $219 at Walmart, which is $30 off the usual starting price. Cellular configurations of certain SE3 watches are out of stock at Walmart right now.
You’ll also get three free months of Apple TV, Apple Fitness Plus and Apple News Plus, as well as four free months of Apple Music and Arcade with the purchase, as long as you’re a new or returning subscriber.
The only Apple Watch SE 3 savings you’ll find at Amazon is $30 off all configurations, which drops the starting price to $219. The discount applies to both color options as well.
If you have an older device to trade in, you can get up to $335 in trade-in credit. If your 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.*
Best Buy isn’t currently offering any direct discounts on the Apple Watch SE 3. However, with its trade-in program, you can potentially save hundreds. Discounts vary depending on which smartwatch you’re trading in, but even older Apple Watches like the Series 9 will net you at least $100 if you’re looking to upgrade.
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 currently offering any direct discounts on the SE 3. However, you can save 5% if you make the purchase with your Target Circle Card.*
New or returning subscribers can also get three free months of Apple Fitness Plus with the purchase.
T-Mobile is offering two deals on the Apple Watch SE 3. Purchasing one with a new Watch Plan Plus line saves you $300, making the 40mm Apple Watch SE 3 free and dropping the 44mm version to $30.
You can also purchase one and save $300 on a second — which means you’re getting it free — with the activation of at least one watch line.
Verizon customers on a qualifying unlimited plan can save up to $300 on the Apple Watch SE 3 with an eligible trade-in. That puts the 40mm model on your wrist free, and drops the 44mm model to less than $1 per month. The discounts will be applied as bill credits over 36 months.
AT&T is offering $300 off when you buy two Apple Watches. You need to activate at least one new wearable line to be eligible for the offer. Plus, you can save a little extra if you have an eligible device to trade-in.
How much does the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?
Prices for the Apple Watch SE 3 start at $249 for the 40mm model, and jump to $279 for the 44mm model. It’s an extra $50 if you want cellular connectivity.
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 types of bands: rubber, textile and 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 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.
Leave a Comment