Apple Watch

Apple Watch SE 3

Apple's lowest-priced watch, from $249.

77Buy nowBuy-now score 77/100

It's about halfway through its usual update cycle.

Choose a model

$249at Apple · checked Nov 12, 2026

See it at apple.com ↗ Ways to pay less

Apple Watch SE 3 (image: Apple)
Image: Apple

At a glance

Price from$249
ReleasedSep 19, 2025
ChipS10
DisplayAlways-On OLED, 1000 nits
BatteryUp to 18 h (32 h Low Power)
WeightFrom 26.3 g

Our take

The SE line goes years between updates (the SE 3 arrived about three years after the SE 2), so there's little reason to wait. Apple's refurbished store had it from $209 when we checked.

Research-based: we haven't tested this model ourselves. It's built from Apple's specs, published tests and owner reports.

Pros & cons

What's good

  • $249 to start
  • Always-On display
  • $209 refurbished at Apple

What's not

  • Shorter battery (18 h claim)
  • Fewer health sensors than Series 12
Best for

First-time Watch buyers and kids

Skip it if

You want advanced health features

Prices

Model (Apple, US)Price
40mm GPS$249
44mm GPS$279
40mm GPS + Cellular$299
44mm GPS + Cellular$329

Prices checked Nov 12, 2026. They can change at any time. How we get prices.

Ways to pay less

Apple Certified Refurbished$20940mm GPS · $40 less than new, same 1-year warranty · checked Nov 12, 2026

Key specs

Chip
S10
Display
Always-On OLED, 1000 nits
Battery (Apple claim)
Up to 18 h (32 h Low Power)
Weight
From 26.3 g
Connectivity
Optional 5G RedCap / LTE
Finishes
Midnight, Starlight aluminum

How it compares

This pageApple Watch SE 3Apple Watch Series 12Apple Watch Ultra 4
Price from$249$399$799
VerdictBuy nowBuy nowBuy now
ChipS10S11S11
DisplayAlways-On OLED, 1000 nitsAlways-On OLED, up to 2000 nitsUp to 3000 nits, flat sapphire
BatteryUp to 18 h (32 h Low Power)Up to 24 h (38 h Low Power)Up to 50 h (84 h Low Power)
WeightFrom 26.3 gFrom 31.5 g63 g

Compare every spec

More comparisons

vs Apple Watch Series 12vs Apple Watch Ultra 4

Build your own comparison

What's next?

How we worked out "Buy now"
Release cycle33/40419 days since release; this line usually refreshes every ~910 days (mid-cycle).
Price right now12/25Best price we've seen is $249 (0% under Apple's $249). Price history is still short, so this part is scored conservatively.
Successor coming?20/20No credible successor rumour for the next six months.
Software support left11/15Expected to get major software updates until about 2030 (estimate based on Apple's history).

Our scoring method.

Questions people ask

Should I buy the Apple Watch SE 3 now?

Buy now. It's about halfway through its usual update cycle.

How much does the Apple Watch SE 3 cost?

Apple sells it from $249 in the US (40mm GPS: $249, 44mm GPS: $279, 40mm GPS + Cellular: $299, 44mm GPS + Cellular: $329).

When will the Apple Watch SE 3 be replaced?

We haven't seen a credible report of a replacement in the next six months.

Who is the Apple Watch SE 3 best for?

First-time Watch buyers and kids. Skip it if you want advanced health features.

Can I get the Apple Watch SE 3 cheaper?

Apple Certified Refurbished had it from $209 when we checked on Nov 12, 2026, with the same one-year warranty as new.

Sources

Page updated Nov 12, 2026 · Spotted an error? Tell us.