Expert Reviews100
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a highly recommended, cost-effective wearable that offers nearly all the functionality of the flagship Series 11 for a significantly lower price.
Apple Watch SE 3
10 expert reviews#1 in smartwatchesChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Apple Watch SE 3 has a critic score of 88 out of 100 from 10 professional reviews, and 10 of them recommend it. It ranks #1 of 3 smartwatches we score. Critics praise its picture quality and performance. The most common complaint is missing features.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best value
Our verdict
All 10 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.
The catch: Missing the newest health sensors.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 80 to 100
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What do critics say about the Apple Watch SE 3?
The Verge90
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a standout device that offers exceptional value by incorporating many high-end features from the Series lineup, making it the most compelling choice for most users.
TechRadar90
The Apple Watch SE 3 is an outstanding value that brings essential features like an Always-On display and high-end performance to an entry-level price point, making it the best choice for most users.
Macworld90
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a significant and impressive upgrade that offers excellent value, featuring a long-awaited always-on display and surprisingly strong battery life.
CNET90est.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a standout value that finally bridges the gap with flagship models by including essential features like an always-on display and the S10 chip, making it the best choice for most users.
ZDNET88
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a highly recommended, well-rounded upgrade that offers significant improvements like the S10 chip and fast charging while maintaining an accessible price point.
CNN Underscored85est.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is an excellent entry-level smartwatch that offers most of the features found in the flagship models at a significantly lower price point.
Engadget85est.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a highly capable entry-level smartwatch that offers most of the essential features found in premium models, making it an excellent value for the vast majority of users.
PCMag Middle East80
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a highly capable and budget-friendly smartwatch that offers excellent battery life and performance, though it lacks some of the advanced health sensors found in the flagship Series 11.
PCMag80
The Apple Watch SE 3 remains an excellent value proposition, offering core smartwatch features and solid performance at a significantly lower price point than the flagship models, despite missing some advanced health sensors.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Picture quality9 of 10
Performance7 of 10
Value for money5 of 10
What critics dislike most
Missing features8 of 10
Battery life4 of 10
Size and weight2 of 10
Alternatives
Not sure about the Apple Watch SE 3?
Common questions
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 worth it?
Most critics think so: 10 of 10 recommend it. Missing the newest health sensors.
What do critics dislike about the Apple Watch SE 3?
Missing features (8 of 10 reviews), Battery life (4 of 10 reviews), Size and weight (2 of 10 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple Watch SE 3?
The Garmin Venu 4 (critic score 83), longest battery.