If you’re an iPhone owner on a budget looking for a good fitness tracker right now, the latest Apple Watch SE is a great option. That’s especially true today, now that Apple’s most affordable smartwatch is available at Amazon and Walmart in the 40mm, GPS-enabled configuration starting at just $149 ($100 off), an all-time low.
Apple’s entry-level wearable offers all the essentials most people look for in a fitness tracker, allowing you to monitor your sleep quality, heart rate, and other basic workout metrics. Apple also threw in a few extras, including fall detection and emergency calling, along with support for Apple Pay, Family Setup, and even safety features like crash detection. It has the same processor as the Apple Watch Series 8 and the original Watch Ultra, too, so while it might not be as fast as Apple’s latest wearables, it’s a step up from earlier models like the Series 6. It’s even compatible with watchOS 11, meaning you’ll be able to leverage the new Vitals app, new watchfaces, and — most importantly — rest days.
There are some caveats to keep in mind, though. First, rumors suggest a plastic Apple Watch SE may be in the works. Second, you’re going to miss out on the advanced health and fitness features found in the Apple Watch Series 10, such as temperature, EKG, and depth and water temperature sensors. You also don’t get the Series 10’s larger, always-on display or S10 SiP chip, which allows for Apple’s newer double tap gesture and on-device Siri processing. But if you need a good tracker for the basics right now, the current model is worth a look.
