This story is part of Holiday Gift Guide 2020, CNET’s gift picks with expert advice, reviews and recommendations for the latest tech gifts for you and your family.
The Black Friday sales are well underway and Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy have some big savings on the latest 2020 models in Apple’s smart watch line. If you’ve been waiting to get the newest tech for your wrist, now might be the time to take the plunge. Here’s the latest on what you need to know if you’re hunting for a deal:
- The Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE have gotten their first big discounts since their September launch, with discounts sometimes hitting $49 to $69 off on some colors.
- While it’s officially discontinued, we’ve seen the Apple Watch Series 5 pop up at some places. If you can find that model for around $300 new, it’s worth it.
The best deals we’re seeing are below. Note that prices and availability were accurate at time of publication, but they do fluctuate.
Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET
The Watch SE is the stepdown model in Apple’s 2020 wristwatch line. It’s similar to the 2019 Series 5, but without the always-on screen and ECG function. The Watch SE also boasts a more powerful processor and a Retina display that’s 30% larger than the much older Series 3 (see below). Unlike the Series 3, the Watch SE also supports Apple’s new Family Setup feature that lets you set up an Apple Watch for your kid, but you’ll need to spend up for that cellular version (and an accompanying wireless plan). The 44mm SE model had been seeing discounts as deep as $49, but those have subsided. (The discounted 40mm model is now out of stock.)
Read our Apple Watch SE review.
Apple
The latest Apple Watch with even more features is now on sale. In addition to an always-on display and ECG, the Series 6 monitors blood oxygen levels (though you shouldn’t expect medical-grade results there). Regularly $399, Target recently dropped prices to $350. That deal has since disappeared, but Sam’s Club has now dropped the price to as low as $330. Even better, Amazon is matching that price, at least on some colors. This is the first time this watch has gone on any sort of sale, so if you’ve been thinking about snapping it up, now is the time. Read our Apple Watch Series 6 review.
Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET
The larger Series 6 was originally only discounted at Target, but Amazon has since matched the price on some colors, although it looks like the earlier discounts are no longer available and the best deal will save you only $20. This may change as more models come back in stock.
Sarah Tew/CNET
This 2019 model was technically discontinued with the introduction of the Series 6 in September. That said, while it’s lacking the blood-oxygen meter, it has the Series 6 ECG and always-on display features, as well as the identical exterior design. At $300, it’s a good deal if the prices on Series 6 don’t drop back down.
John Kim/CNET
The larger Apple Watch Series 5 is currently priced at $329, down $100 from its regular sales price. This model doesn’t have a blood-oxygen meter, but it does have the same exterior design and display features as the Series 6.
Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET
The Watch SE is the stepdown model in Apple’s 2020 wristwatch line. It’s similar to the 2019 Series 5, but without the always-on screen and ECG function. The Watch SE also boasts a more powerful processor and a Retina display that’s 30% larger than the much older Series 3 (see below). Unlike the Series 3, the Watch SE also supports Apple’s new Family Setup feature that lets you set up an Apple Watch for your kid, but you’ll need to spend up for that cellular version (and an accompanying wireless plan). This model had been seeing discounts as deep as $49, but those have subsided.
Read our Apple Watch SE review.
James Martin/CNET
The larger Apple Watch Series 3 will also be $49 off at Walmart starting Nov. 25.
César Salza/CNET
The latest Apple Watch with even more features is now on sale. In addition to an always-on display and ECG, the Series 6 monitors blood oxygen levels (though you shouldn’t expect medical-grade results there). Regularly $399, you save $49 at Target’s Black Friday Sale. Sam’s Club (membership required) seems to be winning the price war here, with 40mm prices as low as $330, but Amazon is matching that on some colors. This is the first time this watch has gone on any sort of sale, so if you’ve been thinking about snapping it up, now is the time. Read our Apple Watch Series 6 review.
Watch this:
Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 comparison
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.