Walmart Is Clearing Out These Smart Watches

Finding a great deal on technology is always a thrill, and smartwatches are no exception. As new models are released each year, retailers like Walmart often need to clear out older inventory, creating fantastic opportunities for savvy shoppers. These clearance events aren't just for obscure brands; you can often find top-tier names at a fraction of their original price. Understanding which models are likely to be on sale can help you snag a high-quality device without breaking the bank.

Here’s a look at the types of smartwatches you can frequently find in Walmart's clearance section, giving you a powerful piece of tech for a much more accessible price.

1. Previous Generation Apple Watches

Apple is known for its annual product refreshes, which means that as soon as a new Apple Watch Series is announced, the previous models often see significant price drops. While you might not find the latest flagship on clearance, models like the Apple Watch Series 3 or the first-generation Apple Watch SE are common finds. These devices are far from obsolete. The Apple Watch SE, for instance, offers the core Apple Watch experience, including excellent fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, notifications, and access to a massive app ecosystem. It's a perfect entry point for anyone with an iPhone who wants to see what the fuss is about.

These older models are particularly great for first-time smartwatch users, teenagers, or anyone who doesn't need cutting-edge health sensors like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring. They handle all the essentials—like tracking workouts, receiving texts and calls, and using Apple Pay—flawlessly. Because they are still supported by Apple's software updates for several years after release, you can buy with confidence, knowing your clearance find will remain functional and secure for a long time.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch (Older Models)

For Android users, Samsung's Galaxy Watch line is the direct competitor to the Apple Watch, and it follows a similar discount cycle. When a new Galaxy Watch hits the market, previous versions like the Galaxy Watch 4 or the Galaxy Watch Active 2 often get marked down. These watches are celebrated for their vibrant, circular AMOLED displays, intuitive rotating bezels (on some models), and robust integration with the Android operating system. They offer comprehensive health tracking, including sleep analysis, automatic workout detection, and body composition measurement on newer-but-not-newest models.

The Galaxy Watch Active series, in particular, is a frequent star of clearance sales. These models focus on a lightweight, sporty design that's comfortable to wear 24/7. Even if it's a generation or two old, a Galaxy Watch can still offer GPS, NFC for payments via Samsung Pay, and a solid selection of apps through the Google Play Store. For any Android phone owner, finding one of these on clearance at Walmart is an incredible value.

3. Fitbit Versa and Charge Series

Fitbit built its brand on fitness tracking, and its devices are still some of the best in the business for monitoring health and activity. When new versions like the Charge 6 or Versa 5 are released, you can bet that older models like the Fitbit Versa 2, Versa 3, or Charge 5 will be moved to the clearance aisle. The biggest advantage of opting for a slightly older Fitbit is that you still get access to its industry-leading sleep tracking and user-friendly mobile app, which presents your health data in an easy-to-understand way.

The Versa series offers a full smartwatch experience with a large color screen, notifications, and music controls, while the Charge series is a slimmer, more band-like tracker with a more focused feature set. A key selling point for many clearance Fitbit models is their exceptional battery life, often lasting several days on a single charge—something that flagship Apple and Samsung watches can't match. If your priority is health monitoring and long battery life over having tons of apps on your wrist, a clearance Fitbit is an unbeatable choice.

4. Fossil and Skagen Hybrid Smartwatches

Not everyone wants a bright, digital screen on their wrist. For those who prefer the look of a traditional analog watch but still want basic smart functionality, hybrid smartwatches from brands like Fossil and Skagen are a perfect fit. These watches often end up on clearance as the fashion seasons change. Hybrids use physical watch hands to show you the time but connect to your phone via Bluetooth to track steps, monitor sleep, and provide subtle notifications through vibrations or small hand movements.

The beauty of a hybrid watch is its subtlety and incredible battery life, which can last for months or even a year since there's no power-hungry screen to maintain. You get the best of both worlds: a stylish, timeless accessory and the core benefits of a connected device. Finding one of these in the Walmart clearance section is a great way to add a touch of intelligence to your wrist without sacrificing classic style.

Understanding Why Smart Watches End Up on Clearance

It's natural to wonder if a clearance item is somehow flawed, but when it comes to technology, it's usually about the product lifecycle. The tech industry moves at a rapid pace, with major brands launching new smartwatch models every single year. When a new product is introduced, it makes the previous version "old" in the eyes of the market, even if it's still an incredibly capable device. Retailers need to make shelf space for the new inventory, so they mark down the older models to sell them quickly.

Often, the upgrades from one generation to the next are incremental. A new watch might have a slightly brighter screen, a new sensor for a niche health metric, or a faster processor. While these are nice improvements, they don't render the previous model useless. For the average user, an older model provides 90% of the functionality at a much lower price point, making clearance deals an exceptionally smart way to shop. You're simply taking advantage of the natural cycle of tech innovation to save money.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Clearance Smart Watch

Getting a great price is exciting, but it's important to make sure the device you choose is the right one for you. Answering a few key questions can ensure your clearance find is a perfect match for your lifestyle and technology.

Is an Older Model Still Worth It?

In most cases, absolutely. The biggest factor to consider is software support. Major brands like Apple and Samsung provide software and security updates for their devices for several years. For example, an Apple Watch that is two or three years old will likely continue to receive updates for another two or three years, ensuring it remains secure and compatible with the latest apps. Before buying, a quick search for the device's "end of life" or "software support window" can provide peace of mind.

You should also think about features. Do you truly need the absolute latest health sensor or the fastest possible processor? For most people, the core functions—notifications, heart rate tracking, step counting, GPS for workouts, and mobile payments—are more than enough. These features have been standard on premium smartwatches for years, so even an older clearance model will handle them perfectly.

How Do I Check for Compatibility?

This is arguably the most important question to answer before you buy. Not all smartwatches work with all phones. The rule is simple but critical: Apple Watches only work with iPhones. You cannot pair an Apple Watch with an Android phone. On the other side, Samsung Galaxy Watches are designed for Android phones (and work best with Samsung phones) but do not work with iPhones.

Brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Amazfit are generally platform-agnostic, meaning they are compatible with both iPhones and Android devices. Always check the product description or the manufacturer's website to confirm compatibility with your specific smartphone. Buying an incompatible watch, no matter how great the deal, will only lead to frustration.

Final Thoughts on Finding Smart Watch Deals

Walmart's clearance section can be a treasure trove for anyone looking to enter the world of smartwatches or upgrade from an older device. By focusing on previous-generation models from top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit, you can acquire powerful, feature-rich technology for a significantly reduced price. These deals aren't about buying outdated tech; they're about making a smart purchase at the right point in a product's lifecycle.

Before you buy, remember to confirm that the watch is compatible with your smartphone and consider what features are most important to you. Whether you prioritize deep fitness tracking, seamless smart features, or classic style, there's likely a clearance deal waiting for you.

For further research, you can explore offerings directly on the retailer's website or check reviews from trusted tech sources:

• Walmart Electronics Department
• CNET's Best Smartwatch Reviews