The Apple Watch Series 11 is CNET’s top pick for the best smartwatch of 2025. But it’s a little pricey with a $399 starting price. The $249 Apple Watch SE 3 is a more affordable alternative that still “delivers nearly everything you’d want from a wearable,” according to CNET reviewer Vanessa Hand Orellana. Plus, it’s even better now that you can pick it up for a record-low price.

You’ll find the budget-friendly smartwatch for $50 off at most retailers right now, with carriers offering even bigger savings for a new line or 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 check back often.

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 promos and more. We’ll add new opportunities as they appear. 

Walmart has knocked $50 off nearly every configuration of the Apple Watch SE 3, which drops the starting price to just $199. 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.

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Save $50, plus free Apple services

Amazon has nearly every Apple Watch SE 3 configuration on sale for $50 off right now. That means you can get the 40mm model for just $199, or upgrade to the 44mm model for $229. Select cellular models are also on sale.

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.*

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Save up to $335 with trade-in, cash back

Best Buy is only offering $30 off the Apple Watch SE 3 right now, which is $20 less than you’d save at Walmart or Amazon. However, the tech retailer also has its own trade-in program where you can save even more in exchange for your old smartwatch.

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.

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Save $30, more with trade-in.

Target’s $30 discount knocks the 40mm SE 3 down to $220, and the 44mm model down to $250. You’ll also save an extra 5% 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.

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Save $30, extra 5% with Target Circle Card

T-Mobile is offering two different deals on the Apple Watch SE 3. Purchasing one on an installment plan automatically saves you $101, which drops the price down to just $8 per month.

You can also purchase one and save $300 on a second — which means you’re getting it for free — with the activation of at least one new 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 for free, and the 44mm model for less than $1 per month. The discounts will be applied as bill credits over 36 months.

Even if you don’t need a new line or have an old smartwatch to trade in, AT&T is still offering some savings on the Apple Watch SE 3. Purchasing the watch on an installment plan saves you $100, which drops the cost to just $6 per month. The discount will be applied as bill credits over 36 months.

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Save $100 with installment plan

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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 up 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 kinds 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.