Apple recently launched its latest fleet of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3. Each wearable offers something a little different (their prices indicate their breadth of features). A new generation of watches means we probably won’t see big price drops soon, but we’re officially beginning our watch so we can note any change in price. Additionally, we’re still recommending some recent predecessors in Apple’s portfolio, including the Series 10 and Ultra 2, for which discounts are fairly common.
But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, launched in September on the Series 6 and newer models. That means those still using a Series 5 or older — including the original Apple Watch SE — are getting left behind in terms of features.
Apple Watch Series 11 deals
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update of the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s last-gen flagship may not necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That being said, the newest model does tout a more power-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications out of the gate, which you can also now leverage on the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
If you’re looking to be an early adopter, however, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 10 in the 42mm configuration with GPS at Amazon and Walmart for $389 ($10 off), which represents a slight launch discount (it’s also available at Best Buy for $399). If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s currently available at Amazon and Walmart for $419.99 ($9 off), or at Best Buy for its full retail price of $429.
Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 review.
Apple Watch Series 10 deals
If you’re looking for a real deal — and you’re not particularly tempted by what the Series 11 offers — the Series 10 still holds its own. The last-gen smartwatch packs the same S10 SiP chip that’s in the Series 11, as well as support for fast-charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display, and a design that’s still significantly slimmer and lighter than previous models. It also features both depth and water temperature sensors, along with an FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection feature and the aforementioned hypertension notifications, courtesy of watchOS 26.
Thankfully, the Series 10 remains on sale at Walmart in the 42mm sizing with GPS starting at $329 ($70 off), which is about $50 more than the all-time low we saw during Amazon’s most recent Prime Day. The 46mm GPS variant, meanwhile, is available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for its typical sale price of $359 (also $70 off), while the LTE models can be found at Walmart starting at $329 ($170 off).
Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review.
While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduce a handful of iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, letting you take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast-charging, and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist.
On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score that breaks down time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications — those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
In terms of deals, the Apple Watch Series 3 is currently available from Amazon and Walmart in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for $239.99 ($9 off), which remains the lowest price we’ve seen since the watch arrived in mid-September. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model at Amazon and Walmart starting at $269.99 (also $9 off), though there currently are no discounts available on the 5G models.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 review.
Apple Watch SE (second-gen) deals
If you don’t need the latest upgrades, the last-gen SE remains a solid buy if you can pick it up at a significant discount. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which still holds up well, but has fewer sensors (meaning fewer features), no always-on display, and a slightly outdated design compared to Apple’s newer watches. Those omissions might take it out of the running for some people, but it still may be exactly what you’re after.
Right now, the best deal on the last-gen SE can be found at Amazon and Walmart, where you can pick up the 40mm model with GPS starting at around $169 ($80 off), its best price to date. The 44mm / GPS configuration, meanwhile, is available at Amazon and Walmart starting at $199 ($80 off), matching its all-time low. If you want the LTE configuration, the 44mm model is on sale at Walmart starting at $189 ($110 off).
Read our Apple Watch SE (second-gen) review.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals
Unsurprisingly, the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available thus far. It features a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as both satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 hours to 42 hours — a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a bit more life when necessary.
As far as deals are concerned, the Ultra 3 is currently receiving a modest $19 discount at Amazon, where you can grab it with a Trail Loop, an Alpine Loop, or an Ocean Band for $779.99. It’s also available from Best Buy and Apple, though only for its full retail price of $799.
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 review.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals
If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re after, you can save a good bit of change by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t vastly different than Apple’s latest top-of-the-line model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, but that may not matter to you since it still offers precise GPS tracking, a range of diving-friendly sensors, and long-lasting battery life.
Right now, you can buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Amazon with an Alpine Loop starting at $649 ($150 off), which matches the watch’s most recent Prime Day low. You can also purchase it at Best Buy with either a Trail Loop or an Ocean Band for the same price, neither of which is available at Amazon at a significant discount.
