In the world of wearables, the Apple Watch family is steadily gaining ground on our list of devices best smart watches around. On Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best of the bunch. It's big, rugged and has an aesthetic that shows it means business. But at a whopping $799, that business doesn't come cheap. While Apple isn't an in-store discounter, retailers often fill the gap with their own deals.
CNET Senior Editor Adam Oram worked with our dedicated deals team to bring you the best deals on this sleek and powerful Apple smartwatch. That includes direct discounts, as well as trade-in savings and other special offers that you'll have to jump through a few hoops to get.
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If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the original Apple Watch Ultra is still a viable option. It was released in 2022, so it is harder to find this first generation model in stock and there are currently no active discounts on the new models. If you decide to go for a refurbished model, you'll find them more affordable at several 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 technology. This means that Apple is no longer allowed to ship Apple Watches with a blood oxygen sensor included, so unless 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 solid watch comparison
What's the best deal on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 right now?
Unless you're looking to trade in an older smartwatch, Amazon has the best deal on the Ultra 2 right now. The online retailer came knocking $50 off most color variantswhich 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 running and cycling metrics, and the extended altitude range is a boon for hikers and divers. 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 are no outright 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 a trade-in credit.
While it's not a huge discount, Amazon is offering $50 off the price of the Ultra 2.
Best Buy is currently selling the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at full price of $799, but there's the potential to get up to $250 in trade-in credit. All Garmin, Fitbit and Samsung smartwatches are included, but previous-generation Apple Watch models will see the biggest savings.
Best Buy is spending three months of Apple Music as well as four months of Apple Fitness with every purchase.
AT&T will let you save $100 when you buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in installments with a qualified service plan. Stock is limited at the moment, so check the model you like best before ordering.
Trade in your old smartwatch at Verizon for up to $180 off an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Eligible service plan required and you'll see a 36-month trade-in credit as bill credits.
If you choose to combine your purchase with a new 5G iPhone, you can get up to $120 back in promotional credits. Just note that this offer requires a new line of Apple Watch service.
Best Apple Watch Ultra deals
The first generation Apple Watch Ultra was discontinued by Apple, and most retailers stopped stocking new models. The selection is slim when it comes to deals and direct discounts, but you can save money by opting for a refurbished model. Apple currently has no refurbished Ultras in stock.
Target is no longer offering a price cut on the remaining stock of the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, so the device is $799. However, Target is one of the few retailers that offers the watch in stock in select color variants. You can get three months of Apple Fitness for free with a purchase.
Back Market also has a selection of refurbished Apple Watch Ultra models ranging from fair to excellent condition. They're a little more affordable than Apple's refurbs, which aren't even available right now, though they may show more signs of wear and tear.
Best Buy is another retailer that still has some refurbished Apple Watch Ultra models available. Currently, all upgrades are priced at $500 and come with four free months of Apple Fitness Plus and three free months of Apple Music.
How we pick the Apple Watch Ultra deals at CNET
For the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we've highlighted all the retailers offering direct discounts. However, these types of discounts can be pretty hard to come by, so we've also selected a number of retailers and carriers that offer more consistent savings in the form of trade-in discounts, bundle deals or freebies. Additionally, we've selected a number of trusted retailers that have a selection of refurbished first-generation Ultra models for those who want the advanced features of a high-end Apple Watch without the high price tag.