The Apple Watch Series 11 may be CNET’s top pick for the overall best smartwatch for 2025, but it’s not the only Apple wearable worth getting excited about right now. The new Apple Watch SE 3 also hit shelves last month and offers some excellent improvements over the 2022 model. It’s equipped with the S10 chip, an always-on display and even supports Apple’s new Live Translation feature.
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Starting at $249, $150 less than the basic Series 11, it’s an excellent option for those who want a more affordable alternative. Plus, there are a few ways you can pick one up for even less right now. CNET’s shopping experts have scoured the web for the best launch discounts available, and rounded up the best offers below. We will continue to update this page as offers drop, so check back for the latest deals.
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.
Apple Watch SE 3 at Apple
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. You’ll also get 3% cash back when you purchase with an Apple Card.*
Details
Save up to $335 with trade in, cash back
Apple Watch SE 3 at Amazon
Though it’s not showing a discount, Amazon does have the Apple Watch SE 3 available for slightly less than the original list price. You can get either color of the 40mm model for $240, or the 44mm model for $270.
Apple Watch SE 3 at Best Buy
You can order the new Apple Watch SE 3 at Best Buy now. If you have an older device to trade in, you can get up to $249 in credit (you won’t be able to trade in a watch worth more). You can check what your existing smartwatch is worth on Best Buy’s website.
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. You can also split the cost of the new watch into monthly installments, pending approval.
Apple Watch SE 3 at Walmart
Like Amazon, Walmart has the basic 40mm Apple Watch SE 3 available for $240, which is $9 less than the list price. Your purchase may also make you eligible for three months of free Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade and Apple News Plus.
Details
Save $9, plus free Apple services
Apple Watch SE 3 at T-Mobile
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.
Apple Watch SE 3 at Verizon
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 40 mm 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 has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
