The Apple Watch SE 2 pictured with the Spigen Crystal Liquid Professional Apple Watch band.
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Apple's widespread watch gadgets can be found in several models, and the Watch SE 2 is not the newest base possibility anymore. In September, Apple lastly unveiled a refresh to the wearable within the Watch SE 3. The SE 2 does not embody all of the options of the brand new SE 3, but it surely's nonetheless an ideal base mannequin wearable that's good for a curious, first-time smartwatch purchaser or a baby — and it is the least costly Apple Watch you should buy new proper now.
The SE 2 presents nice worth for these seeking to observe primary well being and health metrics, hold in touch with ease, and profit from connection to the Apple ecosystem, a lot in order that I nonetheless will not be upgrading from my very own SE 2.
Additionally: Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Watch SE 2: I compared the two models, and there's a clear winner
I personal the Watch SE 2, and it has been the right smartwatch companion to my principally low-key tech way of life. It is confirmed nice for monitoring my exercises, steps, and different well being metrics, and it has been introduction to sleep monitoring, too. Proper now, you possibly can seize my favourite watch mannequin (nonetheless), the Watch SE 2 for up to $79 off at Amazon. This is applicable to some coloration and band choices, together with the Midnight and Starlight sport bands.
Additionally: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here's why I recommend this model the most
The bigger 44mm Apple Watch SE 2 is on sale, too, for $199 in choose colours. This value nonetheless is not fairly as little as I noticed the watch drop throughout Black Friday 2024 gross sales (the place it was briefly on sale for $149), but it surely's nonetheless a good quantity of financial savings, even when it is an older mannequin. Take into account that this mannequin seemingly will not be accessible in new-in-box situation for for much longer, because the Watch SE 3 will start to take over the cabinets.
The brand new Watch SE 3 prices $249, and hasn't seen any main reductions as of but. It is potential that it'll drop wherever from $10-$40 off in November, however we'll have to attend and see.
If you happen to're not searching for the superior options provided within the newer Sequence 10, 11 or SE 3 fashions, the Watch SE 2 is a superb purchase with all of the necessities. You would be shocked how properly this mannequin compares to Apple's different contenders.
The SE presents customers as much as 18 hours of battery life and 32GB of inner storage. It does supply a number of the similar well being and security options because the Sequence 9, 10, and Extremely, although it does not observe blood oxygen, carry out ECG coronary heart checks, or test your temperature.
Additionally: The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best deal right now – but I'm not upgrading for 2 big reasons
Throughout Black Friday gross sales final yr, I upgraded from the Sequence 3 Apple Watch to the 40mm SE mannequin, and I've by no means been happier with a tech buy. The SE has all the mandatory options with out the sophisticated bells and whistles I did not need (or want) — but it nonetheless presents a crisp show, quick response charge, and seamless use. It is nonetheless completely good for monitoring my exercises and walks and for shortly answering texts, emails, and extra. Plus, with the financial savings I bought from buying the extra primary SE mannequin, I used to be capable of snag a number of totally different watch bands to decorate my lookup or down.
You can too store the Watch SE 2 at Best Buy and Walmart, although financial savings could differ.
In search of the subsequent finest product? Get knowledgeable opinions and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
Primarily based on the as much as $79 financial savings being provided, ZDNET's score system offers this a 3/5 Editor's deal score. This isn't the bottom supply I've seen in my time protecting Apple Watch offers. The Watch SE 2 has been accessible throughout choose sale durations for as little as $149 or $100 off. Nevertheless, these presents match the financial savings costs I've seen provided throughout different sale occasions like Amazon Prime Day.
However, it might be worthwhile to spend a bit extra and pay the $249 for the newer Watch SE 3 (or await it to see its first sale), however the older and cheaper SE 2 continues to be a strong possibility for a first-time or no-fuss person that does not need high options or is getting their toes moist within the wearables market.
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