If you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch that can still punch above its weight class, then you’re going to want to get the Apple Watch SE 3. While the new Apple Watch Series 11 may be CNET’s top pick for the Best Smartwatch of 2025, it’s expensive, starting at $399, whereas the SE 3 starts at just $249.
A handful of retailers are already offering 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 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 the Apple Watch SE 3 available starting at just $199. 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.
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$50 off and some free Apple services
Though it just hit shelves, Amazon is already offering a $50 discount on the new Apple Watch SE 3. That drops the 40mm model down to $199 and the 44mm model down to $229. Just note that these discounts only apply to the starlight color.
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 also offering $50 off, but on top of that, it has a fairly impressive trade-in program.
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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$50 off or more with trade-in
Target is offering $30 off the SE 3 if you’re a Target Circle member. Luckily, signup is free. You can save even more 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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$30 off for Target Circle
T-Mobile is offering some significant savings on the Apple Watch SE 3. You can get the Apple Watch SE 3 for just $199 with a new line on a qualifying plan. Or, take advantage of its “Buy One, Gift One” offer, where if you buy one Apple Watch, you can get a discount of up to $300 on the second Apple Watch. To be eligible, it is necessary to purchase two eligible Apple Watches on a monthly installment plan, activate at least two wearable lines and pay sales tax upfront. The discount will be given through 24 monthly bill credits for the lower-priced watch. The eligible models for this offer are the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, SE (2nd or 3rd gen) and Ultra 2 or Ultra 3.
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$199 with new line, buy two and save up to $300 off with new line
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 is offering $100 off the Apple Watch SE 3 if you add a new line as you purchase the watch. 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 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 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.
