Apple Watch SE 3
Exact average 86.9 · 8 printed, 3 estimated · printed scores only: 87
Image: AppleAll 11 reviewers recommend the SE 3 as the best-value Apple Watch: an always-on screen, fast charging and the core health features at a lower price. It skips the newest health sensors of the Series 12.
Reviewed by Expert Reviews, Macworld, AppleInsider and 8 more
The catch: Missing the newest health sensors.
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What 11 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 95Expert Reviews
The reviewer says most iPhone owners should consider the SE 3 because it offers nearly everything of the Series 11 at about half the price, but the poor battery life is a real caveat.
Read Expert Reviews review - 90Macworld
A big step forward for the SE with an always-on display and surprisingly strong battery life; the reviewer recommends it without hesitation, noting only some missing health sensors.
Read Macworld review - 90AppleInsider
The most improved SE yet and the sensible pick for most people, gaining a faster chip, always-on display, gestures and fast charging while staying the cheapest Apple Watch.
Read AppleInsider review - 90The Verge
The reviewer considers the SE 3 the best Apple Watch for most people, with nearly all of the Series 11 experience at much lower cost.
Read The Verge review - 90TechRadar
Judged the best Apple Watch for most people: it has the always-on display and the same fast chip as pricier models at a low price.
Read TechRadar review - 80Tech Advisor
The cheapest Apple Watch does the basics well and is the best value pick for most iPhone owners.
Read Tech Advisor review - 80PCMag Middle East
A strong budget alternative to the Series 11 that matches its chip and even beat it on battery in tests, but lacks the extra health sensors and has large bezels.
Read PCMag Middle East review - 80Tom's Guide
Adds an always-on display, 5G and richer health features, giving an experience close to the Series 11 for much less.
Read Tom's Guide review - 89est.Engadget
The reviewer finds the SE 3 good enough to replace a Series 11 for most people, with only small caveats such as slower charging, dimmer screen and thick bezels.
Read Engadget review - 89est.CNN Underscored
After three weeks of daily wear the reviewer calls the SE 3 a no-brainer for budget buyers, as it matches most of the Series 11 for far less money.
Read CNN Underscored review - 83est.NBC Select
Named the best budget watch for iPhone users; it feels close to pricier Apple models and syncs well with Apple apps.
Read NBC Select review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other smartwatches critics rate highly
Compare head to head
Common questions
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 worth it?
Most critics think so: 11 of 11 recommend it. Missing the newest health sensors.
Do critics agree about the Apple Watch SE 3?
Broad agreement: scores range from 80 (Tech Advisor) to 95 (Expert Reviews), a spread of 15 points across 11 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the Apple Watch SE 3?
Battery life (5 of 11 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple Watch SE 3?
The Coros Nomad (critic score 89), top pick, narrowly.