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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 best smartwatches we've tested for you to consider.
These are the best smartwatches we've tested:
Apple Watch Series 10
The difference between the 2024 Apple Watch and its predecessor are subtle, but apparent. Slightly larger in the screen, yet still a millimetre thinner, the Series 10 sits better on your wrist than previous generations, though you wouldn't know it to look at.
Apple has changed the screen technology to a wide-angle OLED always on display with a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits and a minimum of 1 nit.
The end result is a watch with a gorgeous screen while maintaining the DNA of Apple's smartwatches. The battery life still only lasts about 18 hours, but the Series 10 charges much faster than previous generations.
Other new features include a water depth and water temperature sensor to record your swims and snorkels, though obviously this only makes sense for a certain type of user.
Still, it's the best smartwatch you can buy right now, thanks to Apple's incredible ecosystem of apps and fitness tracking capabilities.
Nick Broughall
Apple Watch Series 9
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.
Nick Broughall
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung's newest wrist-bound wearable is a behemoth. It's huge on the wrist, which means it won't suit everybody's needs.
If you can get past the size, there's a lot to like. Powered by Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has a couple of days of battery life inside, plus intelligent fitness features, like being able to create a multi-sport workout.
It also tracks a huge range of health metrics, which combine in Samsung's Health app to create an Active score to help gamify your wellbeing.
It's robust enough for diving and mountain climbing, making it an ideal option for adventurous types looking to really push their smartwatch to the limit.
Nick Broughall
Withings ScanWatch Nova
More elegant timepiece than smartwatch, Withings has created a watch that looks fantastic, but is packed full of health features.
The design here is everything. From the moment you unbox the ScanWatch Nova, it feels like a prestige watch you'd see on a Hollywood celebrity's wrist.
There's only a small LCD on the top of the watch to track your health, controlled by the crown on the side. A secondary display down the bottom shows how you're progressing on your daily fitness goals.
With the ability to track steps, heart rate, sleep, SpO2, ECG and a whole heap of other data points for an overview of your health, it's no slouch as a fitness device.
However, it's a bit uncomfortable to wear to bed, and there's no integrated GPS< so you need to take your phone with you everywhere.
Nick Broughall
Withings ScanWatch Light
Unlike the other smartwatches on this list, the Withings ScanWatch Light looks more like a traditional analogue watch. Its "smarts" are relegated to a tiny LCD screen at the top.
This gives the ScanWatch the benefit of about 30 days worth of battery life. It tracks your steps and your sleep, and is light and small enough to be comfortable to wear to bed.
Controls are a bit hard because there's no touchscreen, but you do get used to it. And the Withings Health app - on both iOS and Android, does a great job of capturing all the information and conveying it.
If you want more of a watch with smart features than a pure smartwatch, this is the model for you.
Nick Broughall
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 has been superseded by the Galaxy Watch 7, but it's still available and offers plenty of useful features and functions in a small, 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 usage.
It's a great option if you can pick it up at a discount, though I expect the Galaxy Watch 7 will be a better option for most.
Nick Broughall
How we chose the best smartwatches
I've been testing smartwatches and fitness trackers for over a decade, from the Fitbit Zip and the Jawbone Up, to more recent models of the Samsung Galaxy and Apple Watches. In that time I learned that review sites - including this one - are subjective by nature. Everybody has a different opinion of what is best.
So for this guide, I’ve recommended my top smartwatch choices from the models I have tested. I haven't tested everything, but I've covered a wide enough range to feel comfortable recommending these models.
As I continue to test more smartwatches, I’ll update this guide to ensure it is regularly up to date. If there are any models you'd like me to review, reach out.
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.
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