Apple Watch SE 3 drops to $199 for Black Friday — best budget Apple Watch

Apple’s entry‑level smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3, has fallen to an all‑time low of $199 for Black Friday. The deal makes the SE 3 our top pick for a budget Apple Watch — it delivers many of the core features you want from Apple's ecosystem without the Series price tag.

The SE 3 runs on the same modern chipset used in Apple's flagship models, giving it snappy performance for apps, fitness tracking and notifications. It also gains an always‑on display and fast‑charging support, which improves daytime glanceability and makes overnight sleep tracking more convenient.

Key features

• Chipset: Same generation chipset as Apple's newer flagship watches — smooth and responsive performance.
• Display: Always‑on mode for quick glances at time and stats.
• Battery & charging: Fast‑charging support helps make sleep tracking practical; typical all‑day use.
• Fitness & health: Core workout tracking, heart rate monitoring and integration with Apple Fitness and Health apps.

Apple’s flagship Watch Series 11 is also on sale for about $339, offering longer battery life, more advanced health features and gesture controls if you want the top experience. For many buyers, though, the SE 3 hits the sweet spot between price and capability.

If you want to grab the deal, check current retailer listings (affiliate link, opens in new tab): Apple Watch SE 3 on Amazon. For official specs and comparisons, see Apple's page (opens in new tab): apple.com/apple-watch-se/.

Shopping tips: Confirm whether the discounted model is GPS‑only or GPS + Cellular, since prices and features vary. Also check return windows and any bundled watch bands or warranties before purchasing.

Discussion: Is $199 enough to make you buy the Apple Watch SE 3, or would you pay more for the Series 11? What will you use a smartwatch for most — health tracking, notifications, or something else?