Smartwatches 101 – Since the introduction of the Apple Watch, a plethora of manufacturers have also followed suit, offering their own interpretation of what they believe makes a great smartwatch. And whilst it’s hard to look beyond Apple’s monopoly on the market, a variety of tech brands and luxury maisons have entered the arena, each bringing their own flair to the evolving landscape.
Modern smartwatches have certainly come a long since their earlier predecessors, seamlessly blending contemporary communication features – like calls, music streaming, and messaging – with advanced fitness tracking capabilities, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and water resistance for swimming. They’re even tracking our sleep cycles so that we can recover more effectively after our workouts.
They represent yet another step of technological evolution, and will slowly become an essential part of our daily lives. For now, smartwatches are getting smarter every year, so choosing the right smartwatch for your needs isn’t as easy as it once was.
Apple Watch Series 10
If you don’t read any further, our favourite pick has to be the latest Apple Watch Series 10. It’s Apple’s thinnest-ever design without compromising on any of the tech inside.
Pros
- Thinnest Apple watch ever
- Biggest screen
- Built for fitness
Cons
- Not the cheapest available
What you need to consider before buying a smartwatch:
- Battery life
- Health functions
- Productivity functions
- Design & Comfort
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best smartwatches you can buy, covering their main features (i.e., why you’ll want one) and that all-important battery life.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Battery Life: Up to 36 hours / Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
Price: $1,399 AUD / $964 USD
I’ve had the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 for about a year now and it’s completely changed the way that I govern my life… and that’s a good thing. Apple wants the new Ultra 2 to be able to travel to the highest peaks and the deepest of depths. With its rugged design, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is built to withstand extreme conditions; an all-action smartwatch that packs a serious punch, making it ideal for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
The standout feature for me has to be the way it’s able to track your health with the latest fitness apps, which includes an updated heart rate sensor, blood oxygen monitoring, and an ECG app, meaning I can keep a close eye on my metrics when I’m out for a Bondi coastal run or hitting the gym after work. Notable mentions include advanced GPS capabilities, a longer battery life, and a brighter display for visibility in direct sunlight.
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
Price: From $2,100 AUD / $1,800 USD
It was clear that smartwatches weren’t just a flash in the pan when prestigious watchmakers such as TAG Heuer got involved. The Swiss luxury brand’s Connected smartwatch was first launched back in 2015, and since then has undergone a number of tweaks and changes to keep it ahead of the pack.
The latest version of the Connected, the Calibre E4, is the best yet: available in either a 42mm or 45mm case size, it’s a very fitness-focused watch, boasting a built-in heart rate monitor, altimeter and GPS for accurate tracking plus heaps of bespoke fitness apps including running, cycling, swimming and guided workout programs. There’s even a dedicated Golf Edition of the Connected for those looking to boost their golf game. Navigation is simple thanks to the mechanical pusher buttons on the side, saving you from having to use the touchscreen during a workout.
What’s so great about the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is that you’re able to customise it to your preferences before you purchase. Personally, I’d go for the stainless steel bracelet and case; it’s a seriously sporty number that can double up for the office and any formal event in the evening. It might still be an idea to get a rubber strap for training.
It’s by no means the cheapest option on the market, but then again, other smartwatches aren’t TAG Heuers. So, if having luxury accessories and the best of the best is a top priority for you, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is hard to beat.
Apple Watch Series 10
Battery Life:
Price: $649 AUD / $399 USD
Apple didn’t just stop at the Ultra 2 for 2024’s big releases: the Apple Watch Series 10 has enjoyed a major update too, and it’s more than just a pretty face. This year’s 10 is the thinnest watch ever released by Apple, but the American tech giants have been able to introduce the biggest and most advanced display yet, it hasn’t compromised on any of the innovative features inside.
Fitness is still a big driver for Apple and that’s clear with the new Apple Watch Series 10: The new watch features enhanced health monitoring capabilities, including advanced heart rate tracking, improved sleep analysis, and a new blood oxygen sensor, providing users with deeper insights into their wellness. The updated Fitness app now includes more workout types and personalised coaching, making it easier for users to achieve their fitness goals.
The Watch Series 10 also comes in three polished titanium finishes for a watch that’s 20% lighter than previous iterations whilst still being extremely durable. Apple has also announced a huge partnership with French luxury house Hermès to produce a series of different straps and finishes for the 10, making this model the ultimate (smart) dress watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Battery Life: Up to 100 hours
Price: $1,299 AUD / $649 USD
There are many great rivalries within tech and Apple vs Samsung is one of the most fierce. If you own an Android device, Samsung is undoubtedly the first brand you’ll turn to. So, it’s no surprise that Samsung makes a great smartwatch rival to the Apple Watch, but it takes a slightly different approach.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most powerful addition to the Galaxy Watch portfolio, built with performance in mind. The latest release stands out with its performance-oriented features, including advanced health tracking and a stunning AMOLED display. Built from durable Grade 4 Titanium, it offers a sleek design while remaining lightweight and robust.
With a remarkable battery life, impressive water resistance, and AI-powered metrics, it caters to fitness enthusiasts and tech lovers alike. You can check out our full review here.
Fitbit Sense 2
Battery Life: Up to 7 days
Price: From $449.95 AUD / $300 USD
Yes, Fitbit does make a smartwatch too. While the company has long been a champion within the fitness wearable arena, it has also moved into the smartwatch space. The Fitbit Sense 2 is the very latest smartwatch to join the company’s line-up, and it comfortably lays claim to being one of the company’s best.
Capable of being able to track pretty much anything you can think of, whether it be a health-related metric or a workout, as well as being able to accept calls and give you the option of replying to messages, it does everything you could possibly need, firmly cementing its place as one of the best smartwatches around. Plus, the battery life is incredible, especially when compared to rivals.
Customers who purchase via the link will receive a complimentary 6-month Fitbit Premium membership to ensure you get the best out of your new model.
Garmin Fenix 8
Battery Life: Up to 9 days
Price: From $1,699 AUD / $1,099.99 USD
Available in 43mm, 47mm and 51mm, the all-new Garmin Fenix 8 is the ultimate smartwatch for adventure. This latest iteration builds on the legacy of the Fenix series, which has consistently set the standard for multi-sport smartwatches.
Offering multiple configurations, the Fenix 8 excels in tracking outdoor activities and fitness metrics, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on everyday functionalities. The Garmin Fenix 8 is equipped to track an extensive range of activities – from hiking and skiing to swimming and golfing – providing real-time metrics and personalised insights. With advanced navigation features and durable construction, it’s built for both the rugged outdoors and daily wear.
The Garmin Fenix 8 can do so much, there actually wouldn’t be enough space in this section to write it all down. Basically, if you want to track it, the Fenix 8 will give you the option. It’s not cheap, but when it replaces your conventional watch and then some, it’s worth every cent.
Timex iConnect Active+
Battery Life: Up to 7 days
Price: From $110 AUD / $115 USD
Don’t let the low price fool you, the Timex iConnect Active+ is still a great smartwatch and one that fitness enthusiasts, in particular, should take note of.
That’s because it’s a dab hand at recording accurate information. It has a built-in GPS and a heart-rate monitor, which constantly measures your heartbeat, even without having to select an option, and all data can be viewed within the companion app – along with sleep data – to get a clear overview of your health and fitness progress. It’s water-resistant to 50-metres too, so can survive a dunk.
As a smartwatch, it will show you notifications from your phone for things such as calls, messages and emails, although you can’t necessarily reply to these directly from the watch. We appreciate the iConnect Active+ might not offer the full bells and whistles as some of the other smartwatches on this list, but for those on a budget who require great fitness features, it’s well worth looking at.
Garmin Venu 3
Battery Life: Up to 14 days
Price: From $749 AUD / $515 USD
If you don’t have a minimum of $1,699 AUD to spend on the Fenix, but like Garmin’s approach to the smartwatch market, the Venu 3 might be a more appealing option for you.
For just $749, the all-new Venu 3 goes above and beyond on health and workout tracking for a number of different sports. It can also give you a comprehensive breakdown of your sleep score, improving your sleep to give you a more holistic review of the quality of your sleep, helping you to recover from exercise more effectively.
Additionally, the Venu 3 includes built-in access to popular music streaming apps, allowing you to enjoy your favourite playlists while on the move. While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, the Venu 3 strikes a balance between functionality and affordability, making it a fantastic all-rounder for anyone looking to elevate their fitness journey.
Apple Watch SE
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Price: From $429 AUD / $279 USD
Apple has, for a long time, offered a more wallet-friendly version of its flagship products allowing even more people to buy into the Apple ecosystem. The same can be said of the Watch, as the Apple Watch SE undercuts the Series 7 by some margin, yet doesn’t really miss out on too many features.
The main areas of differentiation are in the display: the SE’s is ever so slightly smaller and not as bright, and it doesn’t get an ECG monitor or Sp02 blood oxygen sensor. But, given these are features that have only been added to watches recently – and some cynics will say they’re unnecessary and just an excuse to claim smartwatches are evolving – you might not see that as a dealbreaker.
Fossil Gen 6
Battery Life: Up to 14 days
Price: From $247.40 AUD / $146 USD
Like TAG Heuer, Fossil started life producing traditional analogue watches, before moving into the smartwatch segment. With its fully-digital models being just as wallet-friendly as you’ve come to expect from the brand, they’re one of the best for those looking to make their first jump into the world of smartwatches.
The Gen 6 is the company’s latest, offering a solid, albeit not exactly feature-packed, smartwatch experience. You can track activity, pay for things and install all manner of third-party apps from the wearOS store – one of the best smartwatch operating systems, we’ll have you know.
Battery life is pretty good, and with interchangeable straps available for it, it doubles up as a traditional watch still.
Suunto Race S
Battery Life: Up to 120 hours in Tour mode
Price: From $599/ $349 USD
The Suunto Race S is one of the best smartwatch and fitness tracker packages to come from the Finnish company, Suunto. Dominating the Suunto Race S is a bright, clear, high-definition AMOLED display that is used to show you health information, with Suunto’s software collating your workout and rest data to give you an overall picture of your current health.
The Suunto Race S claims to be the ultimate performance watch for racing and training. Just smaller. And to be perfectly honest, they’re not far off. This watch uses Google’s wearOS platform, meaning you can download third-party apps for offline use. But you can also see and reply to messages, accept and make calls, and even store music on the watch itself so you can stream to wireless headphones without the need for your phone. It’s an accomplished, good-looking package that plays nicely with Android and iOS devices, although Android users will be able to take advantage of all the onboard features.
If you’re not necessarily loyal to a particular brand, I’d say check out the Suunto Race S.
Casio G-Shock GBDH2000-1A9
Battery Life: Up to 14 hours in High Rate, but 23 months in power-saving mode
Price: From $599 AUD
A smartwatch disguised in a classic Casio G-Shock body? Sign us up. Of course, this isn’t a smartwatch like any of the others on this list, but it certainly delivers all the features that you’ve come to expect.
G-Shock watches are known for their legendary toughness, and this model from Casio is no different, being immune to shocks and water-resistant to 200-metres. It’s capable of tracking a wide range of health metrics, including heart rate, along with specific data for a range of sports including running, cycling and swimming (data can also be viewed within the companion G-Shock Move app).
Data can be viewed on the built-in display, and since it runs on wearOS, you can view and manage phone-based notifications too, such as messages, emails, and calls to name but a few. For those looking for a smartwatch with some nostalgic charm, look no further.
Montblanc Summit 3
Battery Life: Up to 7 days
Price: From $2,085 AUD
Another entry into the world of luxury smartwatches is the Montblanc Summit 3. Hailing from the German brand, you can be sure of a quality product, and as such, the Summit 3’s case is made from titanium for a piece of smart luxury for your wrist.
Understanding that it will be appealing to those who spend their time flying for business, the Summit 3 has a built-in jet lag app, along with a suite of fitness apps to keep you accountable when you’re on the go. And, because it runs on wearOS, you’re able to interact with it as you would any other Google-powered smartwatch, i.e. you can reply to messages, make and receive calls and control music playback, and there is 8GB of onboard storage so you can store music to streaming without the need for a connected phone.
It’s a gorgeous watch, make no mistake, and is incredibly quick and easy to use. But for the price, you should expect as much.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Horizon
Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
Price: From $4,200 AUD/ $2,700 USD
Louis Vuitton is one of the most well-known luxury fashion houses in the world, and with its Tambour Horizon smartwatch, you can expect not only a luxurious experience but one of the best smartwatch experiences, period.
That is, if you don’t need fitness features. The Tambour Horizon doesn’t have GPS, and it doesn’t have a heart-rate monitor. It’s more interested in allowing you to show off your wealth as you travel the globe. With that in mind, you do get two dedicated apps: one that points you in the direction of places to check out when you’re in one of seven selected cities, and another to remind you of your flight times and itinerary.
LV is also keen to point your attention towards the plethora of watch faces available to have displayed on your Tambour Horizon. Some allow you to have widgets for quick access to apps, and when the display goes off, numbers are still displayed around the outer edge so you can easily tell the time. Yes, it’s expensive and it doesn’t offer what could be considered basic features you’d get from some other models on this list, but as an experience, it’s well worth checking out.
Timex Metropolitan R
Battery Life: Up to 12 days
Price: From $324 AUD / $179 USD
While the Timex Ironman R300 may have a more fitness-orientated approach to smartwatches, the Metropolitan R is a far more conventional affair. For starters, it looks like a traditional watch, complete with a leather strap and buckle. It’s also relatively compact, depth-wise, so won’t look cumbersome when worn on the wrist. It doesn’t use Google’s wearOS platform, but rather a proprietary one that has been borrowed from Amazfit, a rather accomplished but perhaps unknown smartwatch manufacturer.
But with that, you still get everything you’d expect: access to heart rate data and fitness-related metrics, and it has built-in workouts for a variety of sports, including skiing and climbing. You also have access to music controls, messages, calls and all the other usual suspects. On top of that, battery life is incredibly good, and the Timex will outlast many of the others on this list.
Withings Steel HR
Battery Life: Up to 25 days
Price: From $300 AUD / $180 USD
Withings likes to do things a little differently when it comes to smartwatches. A company that very much champions the hybrid approach – combining a regular-looking watch with smart insides – meaning you can come across as though you’re wearing a traditional watch, all the while knowing your vital stats are being tracked.
The Steel HR is one of the best examples of this. It’s a rather elegant looking thing, and wouldn’t look out of place at a formal event. But take a closer look at the dial and you’ll see a small display, which shows you your heart rate, steps taken and other health-related information. It’s also here that you’ll see various notifications from your apps.
From a fitness perspective, the Steel HR can automatically detect when you’re performing a variety of sports, and all recorded data can be viewed in the companion app. As a smartwatch, the display can display messages you receive in full, so you know what a friend might have asked you, before replying to it later.
It’s a very accomplished smartwatch, with stellar battery life. We definitely recommend it.
Skagen Jorn
Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks
Price: From $195 USD
Continuing the hybrid smartwatch trend is the rather attractive Skagen Jorn. Styled with classic Scandinavian lines, the Jorn matches a traditional watch in the sizing stakes. You get actual moving hands too, sitting on top of an E ink display, which is used to give you information around heart rate, steps taken, the weather and other notifications from your phone.
The pusher buttons can be customised to perform any number of actions, with the companion app, available for iOS and Android taking care of everything. GPS tracking does require you to have your phone nearby, as it isn’t built-in, but it makes up for it by offering sleep tracking and having an extra-long battery life.
The Jorn isn’t available directly from Skagen in Australia, but you can pick one up from The Iconic for AU $329. So, for those who don’t have cash burning a hole in their pocket, but they want a smartwatch that doesn’t immediately look like one, the Skagen Jorn is the way to go.
Frédérique Constant Vitality
Battery Life: Up to 11 days
Price: From $1,650 AUD
Swiss watch manufacturer Frédérique Constant has also gotten in on the smartwatch action, with the Vitality. The company was originally founded in 1988 by a husband and wife team, and has become of the largest producers of Swiss watches by volume. They’re no doubt hoping the Vitality will help the company to appeal to an even wider audience.
And it should because it’s an incredibly capable smartwatch. It also takes on a hybrid approach; after all, they’re known for Swiss manufacture, so that should still ring true for the new brethren of smartwatches. This means you’re presented with a regular watch face, with a digital display at 6 o’clock.
The Vitality can track your heart rate and sleep, as well as provide coaching for various sports and breathing exercises. There’s no GPS built-in, but it will happily piggyback onto your phone, and notifications for smartphone apps can also be displayed on the digital screen. Available with a range of straps, including bracelets, it could be one of the best smartwatches to replace your traditional watch.
