The best cheap Apple Watch deals in January 2024

Editor’s Note: Apple was recently banned from selling Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to alleged violations Ongoing patent disputes Partnering with medical device manufacturer Masimo.The federal appeals court has temporarily suspended However, the resulting import ban.Learn more about the ban here.

A few months ago, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, launching the Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) and the new Apple Watch Series 9 ($399). Each wearable has its own pros and cons, and so does the second-generation Apple Watch SE ($249), but the introduction of new wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before, and at great deals And much more is owned.

But with all these options, which one should you choose? Generally speaking, you want to buy the latest watch you can afford so that it can continue to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 10, rolled out in September on Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models, although no one can say for sure whether the Series 4 will get the next major software update or if it will be exclusive to the newer watches.

Choosing a watch from the latest (or most recent) generation ensures you’re getting a smartwatch with an updated design, great features, and plenty of sensors. Now, let’s get down to business.

Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest wearable device in Apple’s flagship product line. It introduces the slightly faster S9 SiP chip and second-generation ultra-wideband chip, which enables onboard Siri processing and precise search through iPhone. It also offers a brighter 2,000-nit display and works with Apple’s new “Double-Tap” feature, which lets you tap your thumb and index finger simultaneously to perform various actions. While these improvements are welcome, the Series 9 isn’t all that different from its predecessor, the Series 8.

The Apple Watch Series 9 has only been out for a few months, but the GPS-equipped model is currently available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, starting at $349 ($50 off) for the 41mm size, with the larger 45mm configuration available at Amazon , Best Buy and Target for as low as $379 ($50 off). As for the LTE model with cellular connectivity, it’s currently available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target starting at $479 ($50 off), which is about $20 off the all-time low.

Read our Apple Watch Series 9 review.

Apple Watch SE was updated in late 2022. It has the same chipset as the Series 8, which is great, but has fewer sensors than the Series 8 and Series 9, doesn’t have an always-on display, and has a slightly dated design. These omissions may keep some people from participating, but it could still be just what you’re after. Best of all, the 40mm Wi-Fi/GPS model starts at $249, which is $30 less than the base cost of the previous generation. Opting for cellular connectivity raises the starting price to $299 for the 40mm size (44mm adds $20 per configuration).

The 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS is currently available at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy for $199 ($50 off); the 44mm size is also available for $229 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy ($50 off) ). If you want the LTE configuration, it’s available at Walmart and Best Buy starting at $249 ($50 off), which is one of the lowest prices yet.

Read our Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) review.

Apple’s latest Apple Watch Ultra, launched in September for $799, supports GPS and LTE and is very similar to the original model. This ultra-powerful smartwatch has the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch model to date, and has a display that’s 50 percent brighter than the first-generation Ultra. Like Apple Watch Series 9, this 49mm smartwatch also features Apple’s new S9 SiP and second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, while maintaining long-lasting battery life, accurate GPS tracking and a range of diving-friendly sensors.

Recently, we saw the Apple Watch Ultra 2 drop to $739 during Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday. Thankfully, it’s still on sale (at a slightly higher price) on Amazon and Best Buy, where you can buy it for just $749 ($50 off) with an Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, or Ocean Band strap.

Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.

While all of the Apple Watch models and colors featured here have aluminum casings (except for the Ultras, which come in titanium), Apple does make its more premium series out of stainless steel and titanium. These products are similar in functionality and aesthetics to their aluminum counterparts, but with slightly more refined colors and finishes—polished for stainless steel and brushed for titanium. However, they start at much higher prices at $749 and up. They’re also often on sale, but they’re never discounted less than the standard base model, so we’re not including them here.