The Apple Watch SE 3 may be the cheapest smartwatch to Apple, but it still “offers just about everything you could want in a wearable,” according to CNET’s Vanessa Hand Orellana. That makes it a great option for those on a tight budget, and we’ve found a few ways to buy one for less right now.
This 2025 wearable normally costs $249, and while direct discounts are pretty low right now, you can knock hundreds off the starting price with the right trade-in. Also, some carriers offer discounts with a new phone or when you buy more than one. We’ve rounded up the best of these deals below, and we’ll continue to update this page as new deals become available. Be sure to check back whenever you want to upgrade.
Apple Watch SE 3 works
We’ve collected the best gifts below for you to order Apple Watch SE 3 for less with trade-ins, carrier promotions and more. We will add new fees as they become available.
If you have an old device to trade in, you can go up to $295 in trade credit. If your trade-in exceeds the cost of a new watch, you’ll get the rest as an Apple gift card.
You’ll also get 3% cash back when you shop with an Apple Card.
It’s a very limited selection for pricing right now on Amazon, but it does have select configurations available for $10 off the regular price. You can get the basic model for $239 or the mobile version for $289 right now.
Walmart does not currently offer direct discounts on the Apple Watch SE 3 at this time. However, you’ll 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 currently have direct discounts, but it does have its own trade-in program where you can earn some cash back. Discounts vary depending on what smartwatch you’re selling, but even older Apple Watches like the Series 9 will set you back at least $100 if you want to upgrade.
The deal 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. Buying one with a new Watch Plan Plus line saves you $300, gets the 40mm Apple Watch SE 3 free and drops the 44mm model to $30.
You can also buy it and save $300 per second — which means you get it for free — by adding at least one watch face.
Verizon customers with an eligible unlimited plan can save up to $300 on the Apple Watch SE 3 with an eligible trade-in. That puts the 40mm model in your hands for free and drops the 44mm model to less than $1 a month. Discounts will be used as credit cards within 36 months.
AT&T is offering $300 when you buy two Apple Watches. You need to activate at least one new phone to be eligible for the offer. Also, you can save more money if you have a qualified tool 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 a cellular connection.
What colors does the Apple Watch SE 3 come in?
Apple Watch SE 3 comes in midnight and starlight. You can choose from three types of bands: rubber, fabric and stainless steel.
Should I upgrade to Apple Watch SE 3?
It has an issue. Your wants, needs and budget for your new smartwatch will dictate your next step. CNET analyst Vanessa Hand Orellana said in her review of the Apple Watch 11 that, “The 11 Series feels like a great watch with long battery life and a lightweight design. The Apple Watch SE 3 is a better valueand the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is best for anyone chasing long battery life and pro-level gaming features.” So if you’re sitting with Apple Watch Series 10you probably don’t need to upgrade, but if you have an older Apple Watch from a few generations ago, upgrading can provide significant improvements.
If you want to buy previous Apple Watch models, our collection of best deals on Apple Watch includes sales on Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9 and SE as well as Ultra 2.
Switching to an Android smartwatch? We got a lot Samsung Galaxy Watch and Google Pixel Watch existing agreements, too.
* All information about the program Apple Card and Target Circle Card are independently compiled by CNET and have not been reviewed by the issuer.
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