Best Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 Deals: Save on This Luxe Apple Watch While You Can

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In the world of wearables, the Apple Watch family consistently takes multiple spots on our list of the best smartwatches around. 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. 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.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

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 right now there are no active discounts on new models. If you decide to opt for a refurbished model, you'll find those more readily available at a handful of retailers.

The Black Titanium edition of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is displayed against a gradient purple, green and yellow background.
Apple/CNET

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.  

Read more: Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: A Rugged Watch Comparison

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 $50 off most color variants, which means you can pick one up for just $749 right now.

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.

There aren't any straightforward discounts on this watch through Apple, but if you have an older Apple Watch to trade in, you have the potential to save as much as $375 through trade-in credit.

Though it isn't a massive discount, Amazon is offering $50 off the price of the Ultra 2.

Best Buy currently sells the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the full price of $799, but there's the potential to get up to $250 in trade-in credit. Garmin, Fitbit and Samsung smartwatches are all included, however previous-gen Apple Watch models will score the biggest savings.

Best Buy is throwing in three months of Apple Music as well as four months of 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 

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Apple/CNET

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. Right now Apple does not have any refurbished Ultras in stock.

Target is no longer offering a price cut on remaining stock of the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra, so the device is sitting at $799. However, Target is one of the few retailers offering the watch in stock in select color variants. You can get three months of Apple Fitness for free with purchase.

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, which are currently not even available, 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.

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