Apple recently launched its latest fleet of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3. Each wearable offers something a little different (their prices indicate their range of features). A new generation of watches means we probably won’t see any big price drops anytime soon, but we’re officially starting to watch so we can notice any changes in price. Additionally, we still recommend some recent predecessors in Apple’s portfolio, including the Series 10 and Ultra 2, for which discounts are quite common.
But with all those options, which one should you choose? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford to continue receiving software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, was released in September on the Series 6 and newer models. That means those still using a Series 5 or earlier, including the original Apple Watch SE, are falling behind in terms of features.
Apple Watch Series 11 deals
The new Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update to the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s next-generation flagship won’t necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That said, the newest model offers a more energy-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life compared to the Series 10. It’s also the thinnest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-approved hypertension notifications out of the box, which you can now take advantage of on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 as well.
However, if you’re looking to be an early adopter, you can purchase the Apple Watch Series 10 in the 42mm configuration with GPS at Amazon and Walmart for $389 ($10 off), which is a slight introductory discount (it’s also available at Best buy for $399). If you prefer the larger 46mm/GPS model, it is currently available in Amazon and Walmart for $419.99 ($9 off), or at Best buy for its full retail price of $429.
Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.
Apple Watch Series 10 deals
If you’re looking for a real deal, and aren’t particularly tempted by what the Series 11 has to offer, the Series 10 still holds its own. The next-generation smartwatch features the same S10 SiP chip as the Series 11, plus support for fast charging, a gorgeous wide-angle OLED display, and a design that’s still significantly thinner and lighter than previous models. It also features water depth and temperature sensors, along with an FDA-approved sleep apnea detection feature and the aforementioned hypertension notifications, courtesy of watchOS 26.
Fortunately, the Series 10 is still on sale in Walmart in the 42mm size 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. Meanwhile, the 46mm GPS variant is available in Amazon, Walmartand Best buy for their typical retail price of $359 (also $70 off), while LTE models can be found at Walmart from $329 ($170 off).
Read our Apple Watch Series 10 review.
While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 feature some iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant improvement over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for example, allowing you to take advantage of Apple’s double-tap feature, wrist 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 right from your wrist.
On the health front, the SE 3 features a wrist temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with respiratory disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new sleep score that breaks down the time spent in each stage. What you won’t find is the Series 11’s electrocardiogram functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications; They are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
In terms of deals, the Apple Watch Series 3 is currently available at Amazon and Walmart in its base 40mm configuration with GPS for $239.99 ($9 off), which is still the lowest price we’ve seen since the watch arrived in mid-September. You can also purchase the larger 44mm model at Amazon and Walmart from $269.99 (also $9 off), although there are currently no discounts available on 5G models.
Read our full review of the Apple Watch SE 3.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) deals
If you don’t need the latest updates, the last-generation SE is still a solid buy if you can get it at a significant discount. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which still holds up well, but it has fewer sensors (which means fewer features), no always-on display, and a slightly dated design compared to Apple’s newer Watches. Those omissions may leave it out of play for some people, but it may still be exactly what you’re looking for.
Right now, the best deal on the next-gen SE can be found at Amazon and Walmartwhere you can pick up the 40mm model with GPS for around $169 ($80 off), its best price yet. The 44mm/GPS configuration, meanwhile, is available in Amazon and Walmart from $199 ($80 off), matching its all-time low. If you want the LTE configuration, the 44mm model is on sale at Walmart from $189 ($110 off).
Read our review of the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation).
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Deals
As expected, the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available to date. It features a larger wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 to 42 hours, a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a little more life when needed.
As far as deals go, the Ultra 3 is currently receiving a modest $19 discount at Amazon, where you can get it with a trail circuit, an alpine circuiteither an ocean band for $779.99. It is also available in Best buy and Applealbeit only for its full retail price of $799.
Read our full review of the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Deals
If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re looking for, you can save a nice chunk of change by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t much different from Apple’s latest high-end model. The wearable is powered by the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-generation ultra-wideband chip, but that may not matter to you as it still offers accurate GPS tracking, a range of dive-friendly sensors and a long-lasting battery.
Right now you can buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Amazon with an alpine circuit from $649 ($150 off), which matches the watch’s most recent Prime Day low. You can also buy it at Best Buy with a trail circuit either an ocean band for the same price, neither of which are available on Amazon at a significant discount.
