The Apple Watch SE 2 pictured with the Spigen Crystal Liquid Pro Apple Watch band.
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
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Apple’s popular watch devices are available in several models, and the Watch SE 2 isn’t the latest base option anymore. In September, Apple finally unveiled a refresh to the wearable in the Watch SE 3. The SE 2 doesn’t include all the features of the new SE 3, but it’s still a great base model wearable that is perfect for a curious, first-time smartwatch purchaser or a child — and it’s the least expensive Apple Watch you can buy new right now, particularly during Black Friday sales.
The SE 2 offers great value for those looking to track basic health and fitness metrics, keep in contact with ease, and benefit from connection to the Apple ecosystem, so much so that I still won’t be upgrading from my own SE 2.
Also: Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Watch SE 2: I compared the two models, and there’s a clear winner
I own the Watch SE 2, and it’s been the perfect smartwatch companion to my mostly low-key tech lifestyle. It’s proven great for tracking my workouts, steps, and other health metrics, and it has been a good introduction to sleep tracking, too. Right now, you can grab my favorite watch model (still), the Watch SE 2 for up to $90 off at Walmart, dropping the price to $160. This applies to a few color and band options, including the Midnight and Starlight sport bands.
Also: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here’s why I recommend this model the most
The larger 44mm Apple Watch SE 2 is on sale, too, for $190 in select colors. This price still isn’t quite as low as I saw the watch drop during Black Friday 2024 sales (where it was briefly on sale for $149), but it’s still a fair amount of savings, even if it’s an older model. Keep in mind that this model likely won’t be available in new-in-box condition for much longer, as the Watch SE 3 will begin to take over the shelves.
The new Watch SE 3 is also on sale for $199, down from $249.
If you’re not looking for the advanced features offered in the newer Series 10, 11 or SE 3 models, the Watch SE 2 is a great buy with all the essentials. You’d be surprised how well this model compares to Apple’s other contenders.
The SE offers users up to 18 hours of battery life and 32GB of internal storage. It does offer some of the same health and safety features as the Series 9, 10, and Ultra, though it doesn’t track blood oxygen, perform ECG heart checks, or check your temperature.
Also: The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best deal right now – but I’m not upgrading for 2 big reasons
During Black Friday sales last year, I upgraded from the Series 3 Apple Watch to the 40mm SE model, and I’ve never been happier with a tech purchase. The SE has all the necessary features without the complicated bells and whistles I didn’t want (or need) — yet it still offers a crisp display, fast response rate, and seamless use. It’s still absolutely perfect for tracking my workouts and walks and for quickly answering texts, emails, and more. Plus, with the savings I got from purchasing the more basic SE model, I was able to snag several different watch bands to dress my look up or down.
Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
Based on the up to $90 savings being offered, ZDNET’s rating system gives this a 3/5 Editor’s deal rating. This is not the lowest offer I’ve seen in my time covering Apple Watch deals. The Watch SE 2 has been available during select sale periods for as low as $149 or $100 off. However, these offers match the savings prices I’ve seen offered during other sale events like Amazon Prime Day.
But, it may be worthwhile to spend a bit more and pay the $199 for the newer Watch SE 3 now that it’s on sale, but the older and cheaper SE 2 is still a solid option for a first-time or no-fuss user that doesn’t want top features or is getting their toes wet in the wearables market.
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