The Apple Watch SE 3 may be the most affordable smartwatch in Apple's lineup, but it still "delivers nearly everything you'd want from a wearable," according to CNET's Vanessa Hand Orellana. That makes it a great pick for those on a tight budget, and we've found a few ways to snag one for even less right now.
This 2025 wearable typically costs $249, and while direct discounts are pretty slim right now, you can knock hundreds off the starting price with an eligible trade-in. Plus, some carriers are offering discounts with a new line or when you buy more than one. We've rounded up the best of these offers below, and we'll continue to update this page as new deals pop up. Be sure to check back whenever you're looking to upgrade.
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.Â
If you have an older device to trade in, you can get up to $295 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.*
It's pretty slim pickings for deals right now at Amazon, but it does have select configurations available for $10 off the usual price. You can grab a basic model for $239 or a cellular model for $289 right now.
Walmart isn't currently offering any direct discounts on the Apple Watch SE 3 at the moment. However, you will 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.
Best Buy doesn't have any direct discounts at the moment, but does have its own trade-in program where you can score some savings. 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's current offer saves you 5% with its Target Circle Card.* Keep in mind that the Apple Watch SE 3 is listed for $1 more than other retailers right now.
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.Â
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. Â
Switching to an Android smartwatch? We've found plenty of Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch deals available, too.  Â
*All information about the Apple Card and Target Circle Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
