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When looking at the best smartwatches in Australia today, It’s remarkable to think that the smartwatch category has really only been around for about 10 years.
From the early success of the Kickstarter-backed Pebble back in 2012, to the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015, smartwatches started off as little more than slightly larger fitness trackers.
With each generation, however, the devices have become more advanced and offer more functionality. Today’s smartwatches feature skin temperature sensors, heart rate monitors and even the ability to call emergency services if you are in a car accident.
While Apple dominates the market these days, there are plenty of viable alternatives from other electronics brands.
In order to help you choose which is the right smartwatch for your wrist, we’ve pulled together this list of the seven best smartwatches to consider.
We analysed the recommendations from the top ranking sites on Google, and collated the results. You can get more detail on our approach below.
A quick note: Everybody has different needs and wants from a smartwatch, so if these picks don’t fit your need, let us know.
These are the best smartwatches in Australia right now:
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Recommended by 100% of review sites
Apple’s flagship Apple Watches see all of the exciting new technology added every generation, which conveniently keeps the costs up fairly high. To cater to the more affordable area of the market, Apple has the Apple Watch SE.
The SE is a cut down version of the Apple Watch Series 8. It doesn’t feature an always-on display, cuts out some of the more premium sensors and has a slightly smaller screen.
But those sacrifices are represented in the price difference, making this the Apple Watch for the masses.
Well, that’s the pitch, anyway. It’s still pretty pricey compared to other budget offerings.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Recommended by 90% of review sites
The sequel to Google’s first smartwatch goes a long way to improving much of the criticism aimed at the original.
Battery life has been vastly improved, and everything is snappier and more responsive.
It’s still stylish and comfortable to wear, though there is only a single screen size available. And if you want the full gamut of Fitbit’s health features, you’ll need to fork out for an extra subscription on top of the cost of the watch.
But Google has done a good job with its second gen Pixel Watch, making it a worthy inclusion in this list.
Apple Watch Series 9
Robert Lewandowski 2018-19 Panini Donruss Optic – FC Bayern Munich #17 Editor choice
Recommended by 80% of review sites
It almost goes without saying that Apple is the brand to beat when it comes to smartwatches.
The 9th generation of Apple Watch looks practically identical to previous models, but some massive improvements to the chip inside makes this an incredible upgrade.
The Series 9 can offer on-device Siri, so you can finally set timers and calendar appointments without needing an internet connection.
The screen is brighter than ever before, and everything is quick and responsive.
Plus, with WatchOS 12 you get a refined UI and the Double Tap feature, which lets you control the watch hands-free.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Recommended by 80% of review sites
Bulkier than your traditional Apple Watch, the Ultra 2 is a refined wearable with battery life that can last up to three days.
Made from titanium, the Ultra 2 can last up to 3 days between charges, and is designed for extreme situations. It’s waterproof to a depth of 100 metres, and can be used as a dive watch.
The Ultra 2 offers the same S9 chipset that powers the Series 9, so you get the advanced performance of Double Tap and on-device Siri as well.
It comes at a pretty significant price premium, but if you want a rugged smartwatch for adventure sports, this is one of the best.
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
Recommended by 80% of review sites
Mobvoi may not have the same brand recognition as Apple, Google or Samsung, but it has packed the TicWatch Pro 5 with impressive hardware.
Powered by the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 platform and running Google’s WearOS, the watch is lightweight, comfortable and responsive.
The 628 mAh battery on board promises up to 80 hours of battery life, with a 30 minute charging taking you from 0 to 65% fully charged.
It also has a second ultra-low power display that sits on top of the OLED display, so you can access critical info for days without a charge,
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Recommended by 80% of review sites
Big and bold, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic looks stylish and elegant on the wrist. Available in both 43 mm and 47 mm versions, you get a huge screen with plenty of functionality.
This watch will tell you the time, sure, but it also tracks your activity, your heart rate while you work out and your body temperature. You can use it to run an ECG, analyse your body composition, and track your sleep.
Including a rotating bezel feels a little superfluous given you can do everything with the touchscreen. But if you like your watch to be a large, round, bold fashion statement, this is a great option.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
-$21* NEW Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 SM-R945 44mm LTE-4G Graphite Wrnty + Milanese
Recommended by 80% of review sites
Samsung’s smaller Galaxy Watch 6 brings many of the same features and functions as the classic to a smaller, more lightweight design.
There’s not a huge amount of development in the design over the previous generation. You do get a better processor and more memory, though, so everything runs a bit smoother.
The screen is great in all lighting conditions, and the battery will get you through a day and a bit, depending on your usages.
How we chose the best smartwatches
Review sites – including this one – are subjective by nature. Everybody has a different opinion of what is best.
So to try and counter the fact that every best guide on the internet has a different opinion of what is best, we approached our list by combining the results of some of the top sites recommending smartwatches on the market today.
To determine this list, we followed the same journey most consumers would follow: we went to Google.
We searched for “Best smartwatch” and identified 12 of the top results. It’s important to note that Google results can change often. The full list of sites we referenced is outlined below:
- Tom’s Guide
- Wired
- TechRadar
- PCMag
- CNet
- Tech Advisor
- Trusted Reviews
- Digital Trends
- Android Authority
- ZDNet
- T3
- Wareable
We listed out all of the smartwatches listed on each site, tidying up any slight differences in spelling for consistency.
We calculated the frequency in which each product was mentioned across those 12 guides. The more frequently a product is mentioned, the more agreement there is between experts reviewing these products that it is, indeed one of the best products available.
We set a minimum of five mentions across all 12 guides to be eligible for inclusion here.
Before we created this page we took some time to remove products that are either unavailable, or difficult to find in Australia.
We also leveraged our own experience with products to ensure that we wouldn’t be recommending any product that doesn’t deliver.
Best smartwatches buying guide: What to look for when choosing your next smartwatch
Whether you’re after one of the models listed above or something completely different, the decision factors you need to consider when buying a smartwatch is the same.
Smartphone compatibility
The Smartwatch is an extension of your smartphone, so you need to know that it will work with your phone.
Fortunately, the choice is fairly easy. If you want an Apple Watch, you’re going to need an iPhone. If you want to get the most out of a Samsung watch, you should have a Galaxy smartphone.
Other than that, it’s best to check before you purchase.
Fitness features
The biggest selling point for a smartwatch is its fitness credentials. That means tracking the number of steps you take every day and the amount of sleep you get each night. Increasingly, it also means things like your resting heart rate and your body temperature.
You want to make sure that you are going to get the most out of this device for your needs. So, if you’re an active swimmer, you need to make sure you can track strokes on your device of choice. Likewise, if you enjoy golf, maybe you want to track your game.
Productivity features
This is really what separates smartwatches from fitness trackers. Do you need to check your upcoming calendars on your watch quickly? Or ask a digital assistant to remind you to buy milk on your way home from work?
Can you send a text message or make a call from your watch?
A great indicator of whether a device is strong on the productivity front is to look at its app store. Apple has a really strong store for productivity apps for its Apple Watch, but Fitbit’s is still somewhat lacking.
And while it’s not strictly productivity, this stretches to things like music and podcasts. You need to know that you have something to entertain you on your 10km run now, don’t you?
Battery life
Somehow, Apple managed to convince people to buy a watch that needed charging every day. In many cases, 24 hour battery life is as good as you can expect from a smartwatch.
However, there are models that offer more than that. Usually this comes in the form of a bulky body like the Apple Watch Ultra, or an analogue hybrid that ditches the touchscreen.
Wi-Fi or 4G
Some smartwatch models offer a variant that has an integrated SIM card (or e-SIM). This allows you to leave your phone at home while exercising. These models can make and receive calls just like a phone, using mobile networks.
Because of this, you’ll also need to pay the mobile network for the privilege – the cost won’t be a part of your mobile plan.
It can be hugely convenient if you like to leave the phone at home. However, consider whether that added monthly cost is worth it for your needs.
Customisation
Watches are fashionable accessories, so it’s no surprise that the fashion of the smartwatch is just as important as its functionality.
When choosing your smartwatch, make sure you can customise its band to suit your style. Interchangeable bands can help your watch suit many different outfits, whether you’re at the gym or a wedding.
Also consider the flexibility in choosing a watch face. Most models let you pick and choose, but the selection can be limited sometimes.
Price
Smartwatches are an accessory, and could almost be considered a luxury item. And so price is perhaps a little less important here.
Pricing can vary greatly between makes and models, so understand your budget before choosing your next smartwatch.
Update history
- 12 December 2022 – First Published
- 10 January 2023 – Updated the number of recommendations for products. Removed the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3.
- 9 March 2023 – Updated the number of recommendations for products.
- 8 June 2023 – Updated the number of recommendations for products.
- 11 September 2023 – Updated the number of recommendations for products. Added Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 and Garmin Vivomove Trend. Removed Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
- 15 December 2023 – Updated the number of recommendations for products. Added Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Google Pixel Watch 2. Removed Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Google Pixel Watch.
- 22 March 2024 – Updated the number of recommendations for products
