Best Apple Watch Deals in 2024
Smartwatches have gradually become an essential technological supplement for many and it should be of no surprise that Apple's appropriately named Apple Watch stands out in an increasingly crowded marketplace with its blend of style, functionality, and health-focused features. The latest models consist of the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and second generation Apple Watch SE. All three of these distinct models cover all bases of smartwatch use cases and the right Apple Watch for you will depend entirely on just what you want to get out of it. Regardless of which model is for you, it's an excellent time to consider an upgrade or make your first purchase. Let's delve into the specifics of these deals to help you make an informed decision. Onwards, to Apple Watch sales!
What Are The Best Apple Watch Deals 2024 Right Now?
Best Apple Watch SE Deals
2nd-Gen. Apple Watch SE GPS 40mm Smartwatch for $179 (28% off) at Walmart
The Apple Watch SE is Apple's entry level smartwatch but don't let that fool you into thinking it isn't feature rich. While it is lacking in some features the higher priced models come with, it's an ideal entry point for the first time smartwatch user or a more casual user. The second generation Apple Watch SE has a Retina display capable of outputting up to 1,000 nits, heart rate tracking, cycle tracking, 50m water resistance, and up to 18 hours of battery. Naturally, it's notably cheaper than the likes of upper tier models, especially the Apple Watch Ultra 2. In spite of this though, it's still a very fully featured smartwatch capable of keeping you connected to your phone with the ability to take phone calls, respond to messages, check notifications, and more. For the first time smartwatch user, especially if you're unsure if you'll get enough benefit to justify the purchase and use of a smartwatch, there's no better option than the Apple Watch SE.
2nd-Gen. Apple Watch SE Cellular Smartwatch for up to $300 off at AT&T when you buy two Apple Watches and add one new line
Cell service providers also stock the Apple Watch SE because of the watch's ability to work entirely independently of your phone. By adding a line specifically for the Apple Watch, all the connectivity that you'd normally get while in proximity of your iPhone becomes available while away from it. This can be particularly helpful when taking advantage of the Apple Watch SE's health and exercise tracking features, allowing you to leave your phone behind when going out for a run for example. By having your Apple Watch SE connected to the likes of Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, you can still get notifications and take calls even when untethered to your iPhone. Neat! In other words, be the lookout for Verizon Apple Watch deals, T-Mobile Apple Watch deals, and AT&T Apple Watch deals.
2nd-Gen. Apple Watch SE GPS 44mm Smartwatch for $219 (22% off) at Amazon
The Apple Watch SE comes into two distinct screen flavors - either 40mm or 44mm. The distinction may seem minor but once that thing is firmly slapped onto your eagerly awaiting wrist, a watch that is either too big or two small will quickly become apparent. So! Do make sure to consider which of the two available sizes is ideal for your wrist in order to avoid disappointment, embarrassment, and a hasty return and exchanging of your Apple Watch. I myself have quite daintily small wrists so it made sense to opt for a smaller size and there's no shame in that. Away with Apple Watch based size shaming I say. Away!
Best Apple Watch Series 9 Deals
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 41mm Smartwatch for $329 (18% off) at Amazon
The Apple Watch Series 9 is more expensive than the Apple Watch SE but there's still plenty of deals to be had to offset that price increase. It's worth pointing out that as a result of paying more, you'll have access to more features such an always on display, allowing you glance at the watch face to tell the time rather than having to raise your wrist to activate the display. This is a lot more useful than you might think it is and the worry of the always on display being distracting in certain situations can be solved by activating Cinema Mode, which turns it completely off until the screen is tapped. The display can produce up to 2,000 nits (double that of Apple Watch SE) and has more advanced health features such a blood oxygen level monitor and the ability to perform an ECG.
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 45mm Smartwatch for $359 (17% off) at Best Buy
What of the often asked Apple Watch 41mm vs 45mm query? Well, these are your screen size options when it comes to the Apple Watch Series 9 but they aren't the largest screens on offer. That is reserved for the mighty Apple Watch Ultra 2 but more on that later. For now, it's worth pointing out that if fast charging is of particular importance to you, that the Apple Watch SE doesn't support it while the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 do.
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS Cellular 45mm Smartwatch for $200 off at T-Mobile with a new line
When it comes to T- Mobile Apple Watch deals, they have you covered with this offer on the Apple Watch Series 9. As with the Apple Watch SE, opting for an Apple Watch Series 9 with its own independent cell line will afford you greater freedom and flexibility as to whether or not lugging your phone around with you is something you actually need to do and who among us doesn't like a nice dose of freedom? A lovely cup of libertea? Tasty! Now, it's best to move swiftly on before this whole thing becomes completely unhinged. Onwards once more!
Best Apple Watch Series 8 Deals
Refurb Apple Watch Series 8 GPS 45mm Smartwatch for $260 (36% off) at Best Buy
If you're looking for an Apple Watch Series 8 sale, let it never be said that buying refurbished isn't also a great option. This line of thinking is especially true in the regards to the slightly older models of Apple Watches. In this case, the Apple Watch Series 8. Despite it not being the latest cutting edge model, it's a more than viable option for the more price conscious shopper who doesn't want to break the bank and isn't concerned with the newest of the new. The main differences between it and the Series 9 are a 30% faster chip, support for Precision Finding for iPhone 15 models, and brighter display. None of these are massive differences and most would agree that the Series 8 is still a very good option. Plus, it's new enough that it's guaranteed to continue receiving WatchOS updates from Apple for the next few years.
Refurb Apple Watch Series 8 GPS 41mm Smartwatch for $288 (28% off) at Best Buy
To reiterate, if you don't mind going back a generation for an Apple Watch Series 8 deal, then purchasing refurbished is a smart move. When buying anything refurbished, you'll of course have to have lower expectations of product condition as only something brand new out of the box will be completely untarnished. However, do be sure to check the return policy and warranty status before buying anything refurbished to ensure you have options should you be displeased with what you end up.
Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 Deals
Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm Smartwatch for $738 (8% off) at Amazon
While the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 9 come in two different screen size arrangements each, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 says "nay!" to such choices and instead is available in a single size. A honkingly large size it is though, at a big 49mm. For comparison, let us remind ourselves that the Apple Watch SE starts at 40mm. There are of course several other notable differences and features that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 brings to the table but the sheer size of it is no doubt the most immediately striking one. Of course it does carry the highest premium of all of Apple Watches but there's always some Apple Watch Ultra deals out there to soften the blow.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS + Cellular 49mm Smartwatch for $728 (9% off) at Best Buy
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is made for the more extreme active user which is why it boasts a titanium frame, a 36-hour battery life, and an S9 SIP processor, among other premium fitness features. It has a swimming water resistance of up to 100m and is also rated for high-speed water sports and recreational diving to 40m. For those that engage in such activities, it makes sense why they might be on the eager lookout for an Apple Watch Ultra sale and while generally speaking they aren't as heavily discounted in terms of percentage than the less expensive models, we're still seeing some relatively healthy deals on a regular basis. It's the newest addition to Apple's watch lineup and it's aimed at power users who Apple suspect will be willing to pay the premium so we may be waiting some time for more substantial discounts on it.
Apple Watch Deals FAQs
How do the best Apple Watch deals compare to 2023?
At the moment, we saw better Apple sales last year compared to 2024. However, this is of course inclusive of Black Friday and Cyber Monday pricing so it shouldn't be too surprising. Having said that though, some of the best Apple Watch deals we've seen this year so far are within touching distance of Black Friday and all-time low offerings which is to say, things are looking pretty promising so far in terms of getting a cheap Apple Watch.
How do Apple Watch deals compare in-store vs online?
If you opt to purchase in-store, depending on where, you'll gain the considerable advantage of being able to check out your potential smartwatch of choice of in person which is a huge plus. This is especially true when it comes to deciding on which model and size of model might feel best on your wrist. You won't likely find better actual deals on Apple Watches in store so that shouldn't be a worry. Ideally, pop into a store to play with one first and get a feel for not only your size preference but also which band type is most comfortable for you. At this point, it's just a matter of whether you want it shipped or to walk out with it in hand (uh, on wrist) as prices shouldn't differ between online or in-store.
What else should I consider when purchasing an Apple Watch?
Focus on the features that matter to you. There's no point in going for an Apple Watch Ultra if you aren't going to be doing any of the activities the smartwatch is designed to take advantage of. Similarly, if you reckon you'll need to charge your watch quickly in a pinch on any kind of regular basis, going for at least Apple Watch Series 9 would make sense. If none of the fancy schmancy top end features matter to so, don't spend more than you need to and instead opt for the very reasonably priced Apple Watch SE. Match up and cross reference your own use case with each model of Apple Watch to ensure you get the one that's right for you as needlessly spending more, even when deals and sales are involved, is to be avoided at all costs.
There's always another sale around the corner. Apple Watches on sale is an all year round phenomenon. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day are arguably three of the big tentpole sale events in the savings calendar to most likely offer the best Apple Watch deals of 2024 but fear not though because sales, deals, and price reductions of varying degrees will always happen on and off between the big events. Don't forget that if you're student, you can of course avail of an Apple Watch student discount offer if you buy from Apple directly. This discount may or may not however be better than other non-student discounts available at the time though.
Apple's lineup of smartwatches gets refreshed every year and while some years see bigger changes than others, it's set to continue to be an important and increasingly popular category of the company's offering. Luckily for us, there's always Apple Watch deals to be had across the entire lineup. We've listed some of them above, and you can always check our smartwatch deals page to keep up with the best Apple Watch deals going right now.