Best Apple Watch Deals March 2024: Save big on a new Apple Watch

An Apple Watch is one of the best companions for your iPhone that you can find, connected to your iPhone with ease and adding some useful functionality. They aren't cheap, however, so it's worth finding the best Apple Watch deals around so that you can save some money.

There are loads of deals to be found on Apple Watches across the board, with savings on everything from the most premium Apple Ultra 2 to the Apple Watch SE. You can find those deals at a variety of different retailers as well, with some of the biggest savings found if you opt for a monthly paid cellular options.

If you really want to save money, then you should go for a lower-end model or a slightly cheaper option, like the Apple Watch SE 2, currently just $199. Black Friday is also coming up, so keep an eye out for sales over the last week of November.

Today's Apple Watch sales

Best Apple Watch sales

Apple Watch SE 2 | $199 at Amazon

Apple Watch SE 2 | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BDHWCKLX%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$199 at Amazon

The Apple Watch SE has seen some upgrades over the previous model, including a new brighter screen and improved battery life. There's also a 'Low Power Mode feature which should help your battery last even longer. If you're looking for Apple Watch deals, this is a great place to start. 

Apple Watch Series 9 | $304 at Amazon

Apple Watch Series 9 | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BDHWYMNS%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$304 at Amazon

The latest Apple Watch features some big updates over the previous model, not least of which is the new temperature sensor. That'll help with improved cycle tracking, as well as better heart monitoring.  

Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $779 at Amazon

Apple Watch Ultra 2 | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BDJBQRX5%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$779 at Amazon

This is the biggest and newest in the Apple Watch family, featuring a massive 49mm screen, titanium case, and new strap design. It'll last you 36 hours on one charge and measure extra parts of your health over its cheaper siblings. This has now been slightly lower, but $20 is still a decent saving.

Apple Watch SE |$279$271 at Amazon&nbsp;

Apple Watch SE | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB09G96SSLB%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$279 $271 at Amazon 

The Apple Watch SE was released in the same vein as the iPhone SE - the perfect, slightly lower-cost entry point for those new to the Apple ecosystem. That doesn't mean it's not loaded with features - far from it. It's got a choice between a 40mm or slightly bigger 44mm Retina display that's bright no matter what conditions it's viewed in, along with a multitude of fitness sensors on the bottom.

Apple Watch strap and accessories sales

Part of the fun of the Apple Watch is that you can switch out the strap with an incredible range of colors, materials, and patterns. You don't even have to stick with Apple if you want to spend a little less, there are plenty of third parties that make some solid strap options. It's also a good idea to pick up a screen protector - it's a screen on your wrist that is sure to see some contact with table corners or desktops. Here are some great options that we've found at great prices on Amazon. Want to look at more Apple Watch Straps? Here are some of the best Apple Watch Straps of 2022.

SOTRADE stretchy nylon loop |$7 at Amazon

SOTRADE stretchy nylon loop | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSOTRADE-Stretchy-Compatible-Adjustable-Elastics%2Fdp%2FB099ZXQ3CB%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$7 at Amazon
Do you want something fabric that doesn't have to be undone to slip the Apple Watch on or off? This guy is a good option - there is an incredible range of colors to go for, and the two face-size options mean it'll fit whatever Apple Watch you want to slip it on.

EPULY stainless steel strap |$16 at Amazon

EPULY stainless steel strap | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FEPULY-Compatible-Business-Stainless-Wristband%2Fdp%2FB07TC5T515%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$16 at Amazon
This is a classy addition to any Apple Watch - it's a segmented stainless steel watch band reminiscent of classic analog watches. It comes in a range of colors and sizes, so there's something for every Apple Watch owner.

Misxi case with tempered glass screen protector |$11 at Amazon

Misxi case with tempered glass screen protector | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FMisxi-Compatible-Protector-Tempered-Protective%2Fdp%2FB07WRBDXZ8%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$11 at Amazon
This will protect not only the screen of the Apple Watch but also the sides of the device as well. Be sure to check this is for the same model as your own Apple Watch as it's for older releases and not the Watch 7.

Smiling built-in tempered glass screen protector | $10 at Amazon

Smiling built-in tempered glass screen protector | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB09KZWZX9D%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">$10 at Amazon
This one is almost the same as the prior option, but this time it's for the 41mm and 45mm Apple Watches. You also get two in the box, so if one breaks, you're still good to go!

Which is the Apple Watch for me?

There aren't as many Apple Watch frames to choose from as there are other Apple product ranges. That being said, there are enough to choose from that it might leave you scratching your head as to which one is the one to go for. Here's how the Apple Watch models compare at a glance:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
CategorySeries 3SESeries 7Series 8
Display38mm/42mm Retina40mm/44mm Retina41mm/45mm always on Retina41mm/45mm always on Retina
ProcessorDual-core S364-bit dual-core S564-bit dual-core S764-bit dual-core S8
Storage8GB32GB32GB32GB
ConnectivityGPS, Bluetooth 4.2GPS
Cellular 5G, Bluetooth 5.0
GPS Cellular 5G, Bluetooth 5.0GPS Cellular 5G, Bluetooth 5.0
Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
talk time up to 1.5 hours
Up to 18 hourstalk time up to 1.5 hoursUp to 18 hourstalk time up to 1.5 hours
Water ResistanceWater resistant to 50mWater resistant to 50mWater resistant to 50mWater resistant to 50m
Thickness11.4mm10.4mm10.7mm10.7mm
ColorsSilverSpace Gray Silver GoldMidnight (PRODUCT) RED Blue Green StarlightMidnight (PRODUCT)RED Blue Green Starlight

Before, the Apple Watch Series 3 was the absolute cheapest way to get a new Apple Watch on your wrist. Now that Apple has stopped production of the Series 3, things can get a little more expensive. That particular Watch is also no longer going to be supported by new versions of WatchOS either, so you'll be a little stuck if you go grab a refurbished model too - instead, look to refurbished models no older than the Series 5. That can save you money if you're looking for something a little cheaper, but it won't be one of the newer models. If you really want an Apple Watch that came out this year then you're much better off looking at the Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch Ultra in a running workout

Apple Watch Series 7 On Table (Image credit: Joe Wituschek)

For those who want to spend a little more but not over $300, the Apple Watch SE is a very good choice. The Retina display on the front has slightly screen options in 40mm and 44mm, and the heart sensor has been upgraded. The digital crown on the side has been upgraded with haptic feedback, and the S5 processor is that bit more powerful for a smoother experience using the watch. There's also a compass on board, along with fall detection that has saved people's lives. These extra features really do justify the extra in the price, and it looks like it'll see continued software support for some time to come.

Want to spend a little more on a new Apple Watch? Then the Apple Watch Series 8 is the way to go. It's got all the latest mod cons including a slightly bigger 41 or 45mm screen, a more powerful S8 chip, and a slightly improved battery. Don't want to spend Series 8 money, but want the bigger screen and something that looks like the Series 8 from a distance? The Apple Watch Series 7 is still a good option that you can often pick up for a decent discount. 

The Apple Watch Ultra is for those with a budget to stretch to $799. For that price, you'll get a monster titanium frame, as well as a much bigger battery and a larger screen. If you can stretch to the large price point, it's well worth the investment - but again, you'll have to pay.

GPS or cellular?

If you want a more detailed comparison of whether you should go with a GPS Apple Watch or a cellular Apple Watch, check out our Apple Watch Cellular vs GPS article.

In short, a GPS Apple Watch has to be tethered to your phone to be able to use all the functions. It uses the cellular connections on your phone to make and receive calls and send messages. You can go phone-free if you're just going for a run and want to listen to music - there's some internal storage on board that you can pop some music on and Bluetooth for wireless headphones. You won't be able to do much else than listen to music and use the fitness sensors, however, so if you're called while you're out sans phone, you'll miss the call.

Apple Watch Se Workout

Apple Watch Se Workout (Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)

Cellular will let you use your Apple Watch if you've left your phone at home. While you'll receive the same messages and calls as your phone, it essentially acts as another number on its own. As it contains more guts, it also comes at a price premium - often $100 more than the GPS variant. You'll also get slightly less battery life with a cellular model, so take that into consideration when choosing your Apple Watch.

You're also going to need a cell plan to go with the cellular Apple Watch, so you'll be paying every month for the privilege of using your watch without your phone. If you're after the cheapest Apple Watch, the GPS will not only cost you less upfront, but also nothing after the initial purchase - which may well help you make up your mind.

Apple Watch straps

You can change out the strap of the Apple Watch, no matter which Apple Watch model you buy. You'll have to make sure that the strap is made to fit your Apple Watch, but once you've found those you'll be golden. We love the best Apple Watch bands.

Where do I find Apple Watch deals?

The best place to find Apple Watch deals is Amazon. In most cases, Amazon has the best prices on Apple Watches that can stick around for a while. Other retailers sometimes match Amazon's prices, but for the most part, the likes of B&H Photo, Walmart, and Best Buy don't tend to undercut Amazon's prices. 

Tammy Rogers
Senior Staff Writer

As iMore's Senior Staff writer, Tammy uses her background in audio and Masters in screenwriting to pen engaging product reviews and informative buying guides. The resident audiophile (or audio weirdo), she's got an eye for detail and a love of top-quality sound. Apple is her bread and butter, with attention on HomeKit and Apple iPhone and Mac hardware. You won't find her far away from a keyboard even outside of working at iMore – in her spare time, she spends her free time writing feature-length and TV screenplays. Also known to enjoy driving digital cars around virtual circuits, to varying degrees of success. Just don't ask her about AirPods Max - you probably won't like her answer.

With contributions from