Thinking about picking up a new Apple Watch? It might be tempting to order one of the Series 7 models, but newer hardware always comes at a premium. And while Apple’s latest wearable offers a slightly larger display and some improvements to durability, it is largely the same Apple Watch we’re familiar with.
Thankfully, each Apple Watch model offers ample functionality and has seen its fair share of discounts over the last year. So which ones should you consider if you’re in the market for Apple’s popular smartwatch while trying to shop smarter?
There are currently four Apple Watch models to choose from, all of which support watchOS 8. The highest-end is the Apple Watch Series 7 starting at $399 (less when it’s discounted, which happens regularly). The last-gen model, the Series 6, has received a modest discount at some retailers since its release but is still usually found starting at $399, at least when it’s available. If either of those models seems too expensive, however, you can save about $120 by opting for an Apple Watch SE, which will set you back $279. This model has also been discounted on a semi-regular basis.
Finally, there’s the aging Series 3, the most affordable Apple Watch to date. It has a starting retail price of $199, but it frequently goes on sale for far less. We don’t consider it to be a good buy, however, especially now that we know watchOS 9 will not support the Series 3 when it launches later this year. So if you want something more future-proof — which we highly recommend — you’ll want to consider one of Apple’s newer watches. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the best Apple Watch deals below, regardless of which model you prefer.
Starting at $279 for a 40mm version or $309 for the 44mm, the Apple Watch SE is a good midrange wearable that shares some features found on the like-minded Series 6 and Series 7, including a built-in accelerometer and hand-washing detection. However, it doesn’t have the always-on display found on Apple’s latest flagships, nor does it feature blood oxygen monitoring.
At the moment, the 40mm, GPS-equipped configuration is available at various retailers in black (Amazon, Walmart), blue (Amazon), and a creme-colored shade (Amazon, Walmart) for $229, which is $50 less than the MSRP. If you’re keen on the cellular model, Amazon is selling the 40mm, LTE version in black or blue for $280 instead of $329 at checkout. Walmart has the LTE-ready black and creme-colored models for $299.
If you have a larger wrist and want the 44mm-sized Apple Watch SE with LTE, Walmart is offering a stellar deal. The silver aluminum model with a blue sport loop is just $209 instead of $359.
Apple’s midrange wearable, the Apple Watch SE, serves as a step up from the Series 3, with features and a design similar to the last-gen Series 6.
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Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS + LTE)
Apple’s midrange wearable, the Apple Watch SE, serves as a step up from the Series 3, with features and a design similar to the last-gen Series 6.
While it’s no longer officially a part of Apple’s wearable lineup, you can still buy the Apple Watch Series 6 at several retailers. The Apple Watch comes in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, which start at $399 and $429, respectively. The Series 6 features built-in sleep tracking, a great ecosystem of third-party complications, and more sensors than previous models, including one that allows the device to detect your body’s blood oxygen levels.
Deals often come and go quickly on the Series 6. While there are currently no noteworthy deals available on the 40mm configuration, right now, you can pick up the 44mm, GPS-enabled model in red at Adorama for $389.99 instead of $449. Although, the 45mm, GPS-enabled Series 7 is currently on sale at Amazon for $359, so we suggest picking up that model instead.
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The Contour watchface is exclusive to the Series 7.
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
With a slightly altered design and larger display, the new Series 7 comes in either a 41mm configuration starting at $399 or a 45mm model starting at $429. Right now, you can pick up the 41mm, GPS-equipped model in most color configurations at Amazon, Walmart, and Target for $329 ($70 off), one of its best prices to date. If you prefer the 41mm with a dash of cellular capability added, that model is on sale at Amazon, Walmart, and Target right now for $429 ($50 off), matching its lowest price to date.
If you’re trying to pick up the larger, 45mm variant with GPS, it’s currently available in select colors at Walmart, and Amazon for $359, its steepest price cut yet. All three retailers are also selling the 45mm model with LTE for $459 instead of $529 – its lowest price to date — in several colors (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy).
A note on the more premium models
While all of the Apple Watch models and colorways covered here are encased in aluminum, Apple does make a more premium range built out of stainless steel and titanium. These offerings have similar designs to their aluminum counterparts, with slightly refined colors and finishings — polished for the stainless steel and brushed for the titanium. However, they start at much steeper prices of $749 and above, and they are functionally the same, save for some exclusive digital watch faces Apple reserves for these premium models. They, too, can often be found on sale, but they’re never discounted as low as the standard base models.
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