The Apple Watch family of wearables takes multiple spots on our list of the best smartwatches around right now, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best of the bunch. It’s big, rugged and has an aesthetic that shows it means business. But with a whopping $799 price tag, that business isn’t cheap. But while Apple isn’t one for discounts in its own store, third-party retailers often fill the void with deals of their own.
CNET senior editor Adam Oram has worked with our dedicated deals team to bring you the very best offers out there on this sleek and powerful Apple smartwatch. That includes straightforward discounts, as well as trade-in savings and other special offers that you’ll have to jump through a few hoops to get.
Read more: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: A Rugged Watch Comparison
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the original Apple Watch Ultra is still a viable option. It was released back in 2022, so it’s harder to find this first-gen model in stock and deals are pretty scarce. But you can score some significant savings by opting for a refurbished model. They’re readily available at Apple, as well as a handful of other retailers.
It’s worth noting that Apple is in an ongoing legal battle with the US International Trade Commission over a patent dispute with a company called Masimo over its blood-oxygen sensor tech. That means Apple is no longer allowed to ship Apple Watches with the blood-oxygen sensor enabled, so unless it’s specifically mentioned at the point of sale, your new Apple Watch won’t have it.
What is the best Apple Watch Ultra 2 deal right now?
Unless you’re looking to trade in an older smartwatch, Amazon is offering the best Ultra 2 deal at the moment. The online retailer has knocked $110 off most color variants, which means you can pick one up for just $689 right now. And if you’re hoping to get your hands on the new black titanium model, you can find it on sale for $735, which saves you $64 compared to Apple’s price.
Best Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals
Released in September 2023, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most advanced smartwatch to date. It maintains the overall design of its predecessor, while upgrading with the new S9 chip for faster speeds and better battery efficiency. Plus, there’s a new extra-bright display.
Athletes will benefit from more advanced metrics for running and cycling, and the extended altitude range is a boon for hikers and scuba divers. The battery life remains the longest in the Apple Watch lineup at 36 hours per charge or up to 72 hours in low-power mode.
Amazon isn’t currently offering any discounts on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but these prices can often fluctuate and we suggest checking the configuration you like best before placing an order elsewhere.
Trade in your old Apple Watch at Apple for up to $365 off your Apple Watch Ultra 2. Pay with your Apple Card for financing options and 3% cash back.
Best Buy currently sells the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with a small $39 savings and you can trade in another similar device and get a discount. Garmin, Fitbit and Samsung smartwatches are all included, although previous-gen Apple Watch models will score the biggest savings — with the first-gen Ultra netting you a $250 discount.
Best Buy is throwing in three months of free Apple TV Plus, iCloud and Apple Music, as well as four months of Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness with any purchase.
AT&T will let you save $100 when you purchase an Apple Watch Ultra 2 on installment with a qualifying service plan. Stocks are limited right now, so be sure to check the model you like most before ordering.
Trade in your old smartwatch at Verizon for as much as $180 off an Apple Watch Ultra 2. An eligible service plan is required and you’ll see the trade-in credit applied over 36 months as bill credits.
If you choose to combine the purchase with a new 5G iPhone, you can get up to $120 back in promo bill credits, as well. Just note that a new line of service for the Apple Watch is required for this offer.
Best Apple Watch Ultra deals
The first-gen Apple Watch Ultra has been discontinued by Apple, and most retailers have stopped stocking new models. Pickings are slim when it comes to deals and direct discounts, but you can save some cash if you opt for a refurbished model. They’re available at Apple, as well as a handful of other retailers.
Target is offering a price cut on remaining stock of the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra, dropping it to less than we’ve seen the Ultra 2 go at $660. However, that price only applies to one specific configuration right now and is only available for in-store pickup where local stores have it in stock.
Apple has a small selection of refurbished first-gen Apple Watch Ultra models that have been cleaned, repaired and ensured to be in full working condition. And you can snag one for more than $200 off the original list price.
Back Market also has a selection of refurbished Apple Watch Ultra models, which range from fair to excellent condition. They’re slightly more affordable than Apple’s refurbs, though they may exhibit more signs of wear and tear.
Best Buy is another retailer that still has some refurbished Apple Watch Ultra models available. At the moment, all refurbs are priced at $500, and they come with four free months of Apple Fitness Plus and three free months of Apple Music.
How we choose Apple Watch Ultra deals at CNET
For the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we’ve highlighted any retailers offering direct discounts. However, these kinds of discounts can be pretty hard to come by, so we’ve also selected a number of retailers and carriers that are offering more consistent savings in the form of trade-in discounts, bundle deals or free services. Additionally, we’ve selected a number of trusted retailers that have a selection of refurbished first-gen Ultra models for those who want the advanced features of a high-end Apple Watch without the hefty price tag.
Unlike the watches in its flagship lineup, there is only one version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which comes with a hefty $799 price tag. And it’s an extra $100 if you want to upgrade to the titanium Milanese loop.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 features a titanium case that comes in two finishes — the natural metallic finish and the new satin black finish.
The second generation Apple Watch Ultra offers some minor upgrades over its predecessor, including a brighter screen and support for a new Double Tap feature, which allows for hands-free control. It’s also equipped with the improved S9 for faster performance and on-device support for Siri.
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