Apple Watches are sleek, functional, and powerful—but they don’t come cheap. With prices starting around $250 and climbing to $799 or more for premium models, many people are looking for smart ways to score one without breaking the bank. So, you might be asking: How can I get a free Apple Watch?
While there’s no magic button to get one instantly, there are legitimate paths to getting an Apple Watch for free, especially if you’re willing to put in a little effort or meet certain requirements.
Here are real, tested ways to earn or receive a free Apple Watch in 2025.
Get a Free Apple Watch Through Health Insurance Programs
Several health insurance providers offer free or discounted Apple Watches through wellness incentive programs.
Popular Providers Offering Apple Watch Incentives:
| Provider | Program Name | Requirements |
| UnitedHealthcare | Motion Program | Track activity and meet movement goals |
| Vitality (John Hancock) | Vitality Health Program | Complete weekly exercise goals |
| Medicare Advantage | Wellness Benefit Programs | Some include wearable device coverage |
How It Works:
- Sign up for a plan that includes the wellness incentive
- Complete activity or fitness goals (like daily steps)
- Earn credits that apply toward the Apple Watch cost
- In many cases, you pay $0 upfront, then reduce monthly payments to $0 if goals are met
Tip: Check with your employer or HR department—some companies offer Apple Watch incentives as part of their corporate wellness plans.
Participate in Research or Health Studies
Apple often collaborates with universities and health organizations through the Apple Research app. Occasionally, these studies offer free Apple Watches to participants.
Examples of Past Studies:
- Apple Heart Study (Stanford)
- Apple Hearing Study
- Women’s Health Study
These studies typically focus on collecting anonymized health data. In some rare cases, participants may be selected to receive an Apple Watch as part of the trial.
Get a Free Apple Watch Through Carrier Deals
Cellular providers occasionally offer Apple Watch promos when you add a new line or trade in a device.
Look for Deals Like:
- Buy an iPhone, get an Apple Watch free
- Add a smartwatch line, get Apple Watch SE free
- Get $300 off Apple Watch with trade-in and new line
Carriers to Watch:
- Verizon
- AT&T
- T-Mobile
- US Cellular
These promos usually require:
- An installment plan or contract
- New service line or device activation
- Trade-in of eligible old device
Make sure to read the fine print, especially regarding monthly bill credits and cancellation fees.
Enter Giveaways and Sweepstakes
Many tech blogs, influencers, and YouTube creators run Apple Watch giveaways, especially around major Apple events, holidays, or product launches.
Where to Find Legitimate Giveaways:
- YouTube (search “Apple Watch giveaway 2025”)
- Instagram pages of tech reviewers
- Reddit communities like r/Giveaways
- Official brand partnerships on Twitter and TikTok
Always verify:
- The giveaway is from a verified or reputable account
- No payment is required to enter
- You’re not asked to click on shady links
Trade or Barter for a Used Apple Watch
If “free” means you’re not spending cash, consider trading items you no longer use on sites like:
- Facebook Marketplace
- OfferUp
- Craigslist
- Swappa
- Reddit’s r/hardwareswap
Offer something of value (e.g., a gaming console, smartphone, headphones), and you might find someone willing to trade their Apple Watch.
Use Credit Card Reward Points
Many credit card reward portals let you redeem points for electronics, including Apple Watches.
Examples:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards
- American Express Membership Rewards
- Discover Cashback Bonus Store
- Capital One Shopping
While not technically free, using points from everyday purchases feels like a no-cost way to get an Apple Watch.
Take Online Surveys and Earn Gift Cards
Apps and sites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints allow users to earn gift cards through small tasks like:
- Watching videos
- Taking surveys
- Playing games
- Shopping online
Redeem your points for Apple Store gift cards or Amazon credits, then use those to get an Apple Watch.
Student or Employee Promotions
Occasionally, Apple or third-party sellers offer Apple Watch bundles to students, teachers, or employees during seasonal sales.
- Check Apple Education Store
- Look for deals during Back-to-School Season (July–September)
- Some companies run employee perks platforms with gadget rewards
Try Tech Testing Platforms
Tech testing platforms like BetaBound or UserTesting may recruit people to test new apps, features, or wearable devices.
While rare, some testers receive Apple Watches as a reward or tool for the program.
FAQs
Can you actually get an Apple Watch for free?
Yes, but usually by fulfilling specific requirements—such as joining a wellness program, participating in a giveaway, or signing a new phone contract.
Does Apple give away free Apple Watches?
No, Apple does not run public giveaways, but it partners with insurance, research, and universities that do.
Are giveaway sites safe?
Only if they’re run by reputable companies or creators. Avoid giveaways that ask for money, credit card info, or non-secure links.
Can I get an Apple Watch through Medicare?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer wearable devices for health tracking, but this varies by provider and state.
Which Apple Watch models are given away the most?
Usually the Apple Watch SE or older generations, since they’re more affordable for promotional offers.