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How low will the Series 11 go?
The Apple Watch Series 11 is still selling for its lowest price ever, $329 for the 42mm GPS (no-cellular) model. That’s a savings of 18% or $70 off… but will the Series 11 go any lower?
With major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all offering the same exact deal, and with the sun setting on Cyber Monday, it seems unlikely that we will see any further price reduction. But, never say never!
I’ll be monitoring all the best last-minute Cyber Monday deals for the remainder of the day, and will update accordingly if and when any new bargains emerge, whether on Apple Watches or accessories.
A cheap Apple Watch band that does the trick!
This simple, nylon Apple Watch strap is perfect for any wrist and nearly any occasion (but remember, no smartwatches with formal wear!). It’s also compatible with just about every Apple Watch model ever released. Sweat-wicking and infinitely adjustable, the Sunnywoo makes a great stocking stuffer for your favorite Apple Watch fan. Oh, and it’s just $6, down from $9.
Apple Watch 11 vs. SE 3 vs. Ultra 3… Which one should you get?
If you’re shopping Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals but you’re not even sure which Apple Watch to buy, check out the video from our YouTube channel. It includes reviews of each the Series 11, SE 3 and Ultra 3 as well as comparisons between them. Hopefully it should provide a strong foundation for making your choice!
Apple Watch 11 down to its lowest price
As we head towards the latter part of the afternoon on Cyber Monday, Apple Watch deals are getting ever slightly so better: The Apple Watch 11 has seen its sale price decrease by $10 across most models, down to its lowest sale price yet. Now, you can get it for $70 off its regular price. Not bad for something that just launched a couple of months ago.
Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS): was $399 now $329 @ Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS): was $429 now $359 @ Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS+ cellular): was $499 now $429 @ Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11 (46mm, GPS): was $529 now $459 @ Amazon
Get an Apple Watch 11 for free
One of the most intriguing deals we’ve seen during Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Verizon’s deal that get you the Apple Watch 11, iPad, and iPhone 17 Pro Max for free. The big catch? You have to sign up for cellular service for all three devices, and the iPhone has to be on one of Verizon’s unlimited plans. However, if you were thinking of getting an Apple Watch for your kid so you could keep track of them, this deal could be worth it.
Apple Watch 11, iPad, and iPhone 17 Pro Max: Free w/plan at Verizon
The newest affordable Apple Watch
The Apple Watch SE came out just a couple of months ago, and it’s already enjoying its first major discount. You can grab the Apple Watch SE 3 for less than $200 right now, which is a major steal.
In our review, we said it’s the best-value smartwatch around. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, now’s the time.
Another Apple Watch alternative
The Amazfit Bip 6 is a fantastic Apple Watch alternative. With a bright LED screen and a gorgeous bezel, it could be an Apple Watch. You could easily trick people into thinking this $70 watch is a $300 watch.
I reviewed the Bip 5 last year and loved it. The newest version, the Bip 6, sees the same excellent fitness tracking, but increases the number of workout types to 140 and has a whopping 14-day battery life.
Could your Apple Watch do that? I think not.
For the serious athletes
If you want the best of the best and you’re not afraid to put your money where your mouth is, then why not treat yourself to the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
This rugged, sturdy watch is suitable even for scuba diving and is IP6X dust rated, making it ideal for extreme outdoor sports. It’s even got dual-frequency GPS and cellular to keep you connected while hiking.
This is the one Apple Watch I’d buy with my own money
If you want an Apple Watch that works hard to prove its worth, I’d recommend the Apple Watch 10. Although it’s sold out in the smaller sizes, the 46mm version is a huge $150 off at Walmart now, bringing the price down to just $279.
Yes, it’s a year old, but for a watch that still performs like a flagship product, $279 is an utter steal. The Apple Watch 10 has Apple’s impressive fitness tracking, sleep tracking, and even premium features like body heat tracking, heart health monitoring, and mindfulness functions.
Should you get an Apple Watch?
Even though the most affordable Apple Watch is just $129 right now, that’s still a decent amount of money to spend on a product you may end up not using.
I think Apple Watches are great, but I would only recommend them wholeheartedly for those who already have other Apple products like an iPhone or AirPods. If you’re an Android user, you might want to check out Samsung’s respective fitness watches, or even go third-party with great super-budget options from Amazfit.
Here’s my go-to budget fitness tracker recommendation, if you’re on the Android ecosystem or if you want a fitness tracker for as cheap as possible.
The cheapest Apple Watch on sale for Cyber Monday right now
Is the Apple Watch SE 2. Although this one’s a couple of years old, it’s still got an amazing range of features. On top of the standard fitness and sleep tracking, the SE 2 also monitors your heart health.
If you want an Apple Watch for as cheap as possible, it’s gotta be the Watch SE 2.
Apple Watch wearers can snap up screen protectors for just $9
Goton waterproof cases fit Apple Watch Series 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, SE, and SE 2nd generation in sizes 45mm, 44mm, 41mm, 40mm, and Ultra 49mm. The 2-in-1 case combines a premium matte PC material with tempered glass screen protector and a hard rear bumper frame, so that you can benefit from full 360 protection, and it’s waterproof without losing touch sensitivity.
Package includes: waterproof screen protector case and cleaning kit.
Amazon’s best-selling Apple 3-in-1 charging station just $16
Grab Amazon’s best-selling wireless charging station, which allows you to re-juice multiple Apple devices like the iPhone 17, 16e, 16, 15, 14 Pro Max, 13, 12, and 11, plus the Apple series watches, SE, and Ultra Series and Airpods.
A lil charger to keep your Apple Watch powered for days
The modern Apple Watch is truly a wonder of modern technological engineering, with the ability to monitor your health, fitness, safety, and more… provided you keep it charged up. With the latest SE 3 offering just 18 hours of battery per charge and the Series 11 rated at 24 hours per charge, investing in a portable, backup power supply ain’t a bad idea. Fortunately, you can snag this 2500 mAh, pocket-friendly portable charger for just $13. It’s got enough juice for up to four full recharges!
Apple Watch Sport Loop vs Sport Band: which is better?
Apple Watches typically comes with a silicone Sport Band or a nylon Sport Loop when you buy them, and if you’re struggling to choose between the two, let me fill you in on their pros and cons as someone who has used both bands for over a decade.
The silicone Sport Band is easier to clean and you can dry it off quickly after a sweaty workout or a shower. It’s incredibly durable, probably the best pick for swimmers in particular.
I prefer the nylon Sport Loop myself though. It’s more comfortable and the fit is more adjustable, and I find that it’s easy enough to keep clean and that it doesn’t take too long to dry after a shower.
One advantage for the Sport Band right now, however, is that a couple of colors are included in the sales, whereas Apple hasn’t reduced the Sport Loop.
I ran a marathon with the Apple Watch Ultra 3
If you’re a keen runner and wondering how the Apple Watch Ultra 3 shapes up against the best sports watches, I can tell you it does pretty well. I’ve tried all the top Garmin, Coros and Suunto devices, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a great option for runners who want its extra smart features on top of reliable run tracking.
I used the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to run the Loch Ness Marathon earlier this year and it was not only accurate on the day, but also handy while travelling to and from the event thanks to the Apple Wallet storing boarding passes and the like.
The battery life also shocked me, in a good way. I charged the Apple Watch Ultra 3 up to 100% on the Friday before I left for Inverness, and it didn’t need charging until midday on the Monday — impressive given it tracked a full marathon on the Sunday.
Save $90 on a terrific charging pad
If you have an Apple Watch, you also have an iPhone, and you need to charge both of those things regularly. Every night, really, and the best way to do that is with a dedicated MagSafe charging pad with space for both your watch and your phone.
Those charging pads don’t come cheap, but you can save an incredible $90 on one of the best of them, with the Nomad Base One Max 15W being reduced to $59 at Best Buy right now.
What’s the best Apple Watch for you?
Apple has three watches in its current line-up; the Apple Watch SE 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the entry-level model and lacks some of the features you get on the more expensive models, like ECG measurements, as well as having an older design with a smaller display.
In the middle of the range is the Apple Watch Series 11, which is slimmer and lighter than the Apple Watch Ultra 3, as well as being substantially cheaper.
The main reasons to upgrade to the Ultra 3 are its extra button, longer battery, more durable design and dual-band GPS. It’s a better watch for those who exercise a lot outdoors, but the Series 11 is a lot smaller and still a great sports watch.
All three Apple Watch models have their merits. As a marathoner I tend towards to the Ultra 3 myself, but I prefer the smaller design of the Series 11, and the SE 3 is undeniably great value.
Buy 10 fun watch bands for just $6
These Maledan bands aren’t made by Apple, but they work with almost all Apple Watch sizes (38mm to 49mm), including Ultra and SE models. With 10 soft, stretchy nylon straps in bold colors and an adjustable buckle, it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to make your watch look like more you.
Never catch your Apple Watch die with a portable charger
It’s genuinely heartbreaking when your watch battery dies and you’re left accessorising your outfit with a blank rectangle. This pocket-sized charger brings it back to life with enough power for 2 to 4 full charges, a magnet that snaps your watch into place, and built-in protection to stop overheating. Clip it to your keys and charge anywhere, because not all heroes wear capes, some wear keychains.
Get an Apple Watch 11 (and an iPad and an iPhone 17 Pro Max) for free!
You heard that right: Verizon is offering the Apple Watch Series 11, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the iPad (A16) for free, provided that you also sign up for cellular service for both the iPad and the Apple Watch. You’ll also need to choose either Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate or postpaid Unlimited Plus plan, too.
Apple Watch 11, iPad and iPhone 17 Pro Max: Free with Verizon subscription
Save on my favorite Apple Watch Ultra band
I’m obsessed with Apple Watch bands and have a lot of them at home, including a lot of third-party straps.
While I’d definitely say it’s worth making the saving and getting third-party bands most of the time, and I’ll pick out some good deals on those later, the official Apple bands are certainly a little nicer, and you can save $29 on my favorite Apple Watch Ultra band right now.
It’s the blue Trail Loop, which is down to $70 at Amazon right now. It’s the best band for runners in particular, offering a secure and comfortable fit, and it dries quickly after you wash the sweat off it.
Treat yourself to titanium
The Apple Watch Series 11 comes with either an aluminum or titanium case, with the main advantage to the titanium watch being extra durability, especially as it also has a sapphire crystal display, which is tougher and more scratch-resistant than the Ion-X glass on the aluminum Series 11.
While the standard Series 11 has proved more that durable enough for me during testing, the discounts available on the titanium model right now make it a more tempting proposition.
You can get the titanium Apple Watch Series 11 42mm watch with a Milanese band for $649 at Amazon right now, a $100 saving and a deal to consider for those who want a rugged smartwatch but prefer the smaller Series watch over the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 or Apple Watch SE 2 the better buy in the sales?
While opting for the older models of the Apple Watch Series and Ultra watches makes sense to me, it’s a harder call with the Apple Watch SE.
That’s because the newest watch in the line, the Apple Watch SE 3, is a major upgrade on the previous model. It has an always-on screen and a much faster processor, and offers health features like sleep apnea tracking that aren’t on the Apple Watch SE 2nd gen.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is also just $199 in the sales, which is a fantastic price. While the Apple Watch SE 2nd gen is still cheaper in the sales at $129, I’d be tempted to upgrade to the SE 3 myself, if only for the always-on display, which is a big improvement.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 — do you need the latest model?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has some noticeable updates on the Ultra 2, including longer battery life, satellite connectivity, a faster processor and a slightly larger display.
That battery life boost is noticeable when using the watch — the Ultra 3 lasted me a full week while running a marathon — and it charges incredibly quickly as well.
However, I didn’t really notice the larger display during testing, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers the same sports and smart features as the newer model for the most part. Unless you often head off the grid and really need the satellite connectivity, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the better buy for $100 less in the sales, in my opinion.
Should you get the Apple Watch 10 or Apple Watch 11 in the sales?
The main upgrades you get by opting for the Apple Watch Series 11 over the Apple Watch Series 10 are longer battery life and faster charging, a more durable screen and 5G connectivity.
I’ve tested both models and while the battery life boost is welcome, it’s not enough for me to spend a lot more to get the Series 11 over the 10, and right now you can save $90 by opting for the 46mm Series 10 instead of the 46mm Series 11.
There is a catch here though, which is that Walmart has the best deal on the Series 10 and is running low on stock, so you’ll have to move fast to grab the older watch at this price.
Save more by getting an older Apple Watch
While it’s exciting to get the latest models of the Apple Watch, you can save even more money by opting for the previous gen in the sales, and you’ll still be getting an excellent smartwatch.
Walmart has the best deals on the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen and Apple Watch 10 right now, while you can get the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $599 at Best Buy, that’s $100 less than the Ultra 3 is going for in the sales.
I’ll come onto the specific differences between the latest and older models in my next few posts, but the upshot is, I’d make the saving, especially on the Apple Watch Series 10, which is very similar to the Series 11 all round.
The best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals
Black Friday has come and gone, but the best Apple Watch deals are still available for Cyber Monday, and we’ll be highlighting those deals and hunting down any new ones right here throughout the day.
The best Apple Watch deal available anywhere remains the $50 saving on the Apple Watch SE 3 at Amazon, which takes the entry-level smartwatch below $200, while the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple watch Ultra 3 are also available for their lowest ever prices in the sales.
This is likely to be your last chance to get these Apple Watch deals for some time, because once Cyber Monday is over we expect prices to revert to normal, so don’t miss out on these smartwatch savings.
