10 best smartwatches for women to buy online in Australia
No longer do you need to forego fashion for wearable tech. These smartwatches will elevate your health and wellness with sleek style.
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While the tech-savvy among us have long been aware of the benefits of a wearable device, the analog lovers may be wondering why people are spending so much money on what appears to be a glorified digital watch.
The reality is, although a smartwatch may look like little more than a tiny phone that tells the time, these little life helpers offer their wearers so much more.
The newest iteration of digital devices are able to assist with tasks both great and small, from letting you know when that person finally likes your Instagram post, to paying for eyeshadow when you forget your wallet at the Priceline checkout.
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It makes a great fitness tracker, and can also help you track down the phone you swear you put next to your keys when you got home last night … but now seems to be lost to another dimension.
“But wait”, I hear you say. “Aren’t they … ugly?” Wrong again.
Smartwatches have come a long way from their chunky rubber roots. With many accessory designers finally embracing the device’s versatility, there have never been so many attractive options available.
Here’s where to find the best wearable tech to fit your lifestyle and budget.
BEST OVERALL SMARTWATCH FOR WOMEN
Apple Watch Series 6, Amazon Australia, $549 (RRP $749)
While Apple certainly didn’t invent the smartwatch, they are easily the most recognisable (and sought after!) option on the market. Apple’s latest iteration, the Apple Watch 6, features a faster processor and brighter retina display than previous smartwatch models – and it charges faster too. Available in a range of eye-catching colours, this smartwatch can help you track your sleep, GPS location, workouts, calories, heart rate and blood oxygen levels, plus give you full access to Apple Pay, Apple Music, the Apple Store and Siri. Phew. This is clearly a device that does it all … making this high-tech smartwatch a pretty darn hard one to resist.
BEST WATERPROOF SMARTWATCH
Fitbit Charge 4 Smartwatch, THE ICONIC, $224 (RRP $249.95)
One for the traditional Fitbit lovers, the Fitbit Charge 4 smartwatch is a sleek, attractive, wearable tech option. It features a textured resin strap with an unobtrusive small screen, and is water resistant to 50 metres, allowing you to swim and shower safely. Get regular movement reminders, monitor your sleep and heart rate, and be guided through a personalised breathing session when said heart rate is looking a little too high. One huge bonus? The Charge 4 features menstrual health tracking, giving you the ability to learn more about your period length, fertile window and ovulation days.
BEST LOOKING, MOST STYLISH SMARTWATCH
Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway Smartwatch, Amazon Australia, $248.95
A brand favourite of fashion gals everywhere, Michael Kors has long been the go to for elegant, menswear-inspired timepieces. The MKT5053 model is a great option for those who want something sleek and stylish without being too glitzy. It is water resistant to 5ATM (so don’t worry about a splash while washing your hands) and has a nifty inductive charging magnet – meaning less tangled cables required. Additionally, you can view your heart rate, receive notifications on the go, automatically track activity, and customise the full-round display with digital dial designs that’ll fool people into thinking you’re wearing an analog watch.
BEST CHEAP SMARTWATCH
FitSmart Active Smart Watch, news.com.au Store, $73.99 (RRP $126)
Nabbing a good quality smart watch for under $100 is pretty hard to come by. That’s why we recommend snapping up this offer while you can, epecially if you’re shopping on a budget. The low price point doesn’t take away from all the cool features you’d normally get. We’re talking a large battery capacity, 24 hour heart rate monitoring, waterproofing and more.
BEST SMARTWATCH FOR RUNNING
Fitbit Sense Lunar White, THE ICONIC, $449 (RRP$499.95)
Perfect for the runners out there, Fitbit’s Sense smartwatch has the benefit of voice control commands - via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant - making it easier to maintain your pace (and your soundtrack!) without stopping to look at a screen. The sleek, minimally designed device also has the cardio side of things all locked up, with blood-oxygen and temperature monitor, ECG and a nifty lil’ EDA stress scanner – which allows you to monitor how your body reacts to stress, plus serves as a regular reminder to take a moment for yourself.
BEST SAMSUNG SMARTWATCH
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, The Good Guys, $649
The latest Samsung smartwatch is gaining attention for its light, slim and attractive appearance, featuring a high quality leather strap and a multitude of watch face combinations. The Galaxy Watch 3 has all the bells and whistles a user may be looking for in their wearable tech – with access to home workout programs and running monitor, Spotify compatibility, and phone call and text message shortcuts. It even includes hard fall detection, which sends an SOS alert to your emergency contact if you’ve taken a tumble. A host of five-star reviews praise how easy it is to use, so if you’re looking for a quality smartwatch that’s ready to go in an instant, this is the one for you.
BEST FITBIT
Fitbit Versa 3, THE ICONIC, $369.95 (RRP$399.95)
Fitbit’s popular smartwatch model, the Versa 3, is a perfect match for those out there who are serious about their movement. This tech device is able to track a huge range of indoor and outdoor exercises, from which the resulting GPS data can be synched to the Fitbit app (and other fitness tracking apps) to help you improve your performance. It comes in a range of cute case and strap colours, and like its sister device, the Sense, it is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
BEST FITNESS SMARTWATCH
Huawei Watch Fit, The Good Guys, $249
Fit by name, fit by nature. The Huawei Watch Fit is one for the fitness lovers, giving you access to 11 sport modes (including running, cycling and swimming), plus 85 custom workout modes, covering everything from HIIT to yoga activities. It’s easy to track your heart rate, exercise duration and calories burned – and while it does resemble an Apple watch, reviewers say it is lighter to wear, making it perfect for those on the lookout for a streamlined smartwatch option. Also, it’s pink - need I say more?
BEST SPORT SMARTWATCH
Garmin Instinct Smartwatch, THE ICONIC, $399
A fantastic option for the outdoor lovers, the Garmin Instinct smartwatch has a great oversized, sporty look, featuring a graphite plastic case and silicone strap. It has GPS and satellite technology, a host of pre-loaded sports apps, and is both splash and sweat resistant. This endurance-ready device has been built to U.S. military standards for thermal and shock resistance, plus has the ability to charge its own battery using solar power – a huge bonus when you’re a regular on the sporting field.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A SMARTWATCH?
While the obvious answer here encompasses both fitness and communication, there are a host of other reasons why you might want a smartwatch in your life.
You can keep an eye on your health with step count and heart rate trackers, or use it to check social media notifications and text messages on the go. Set up mobile payments to take advantage of a handbag-free brunch date, and listen to music or podcasts without a phone when you’re out running.
And for those times when you’re feeling a little lost? Some smartwatches can give you a buzz to steer you along a directional route – so you’ll never look like an awkward map-wielding tourist again.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A SMARTWATCH?
While each buyer should consider how certain smartwatch features will pair with their lifestyle, there are a few general things to look out for – so be sure to do your research.
• Compatibility: If you’re a strict Samsung or Apple phone fan, you’re likely to get the best usage from the same brand’s wearable device, as they’re designed to work hand-in-hand. Some operating systems are not compatible with certain devices, and others may require you to use a companion app to access all the features.
• Battery life: Much like your phone, the amount of time your smartwatch can go for without charging depends on your chosen model, and how often you’re using it. Traditional fitness trackers are likely to last longer than high colour, high quality displays, so think about what you want it for before you buy.
• Appearance: Don’t forget to consider your personal style when choosing a smartwatch. Do you want a large or small face? Full colour display or something a little less hectic? How about the band? Leather, rubber or the option for both? This is a purchase you’ll be wearing every single day, and if you don’t like wearing it, you’re far less likely to get your money’s worth.
HOW DO I SET UP MY SMARTWATCH?
While your smartwatch’s specific setup will vary depending on the manufacturer, here’s a quick how-to guide.
Turn on your watch, pair it with your phone and follow the instructions displayed. Check to see if your manufacturer has a custom app designed for your device, as this will make it easier to set the display and tools to your preferences.
Once installed, you’ll likely find a bunch of preloaded apps waiting for you. Customise your home screen and decide which apps are a priority. Set up the background and watch dial, plus the widgets you might find most useful – from calendars to weather forecasts.
Finally, set up mobile payments if your device is compatible – and don’t be afraid to move preset suggestions around to suit you, you’re the one wearing it!
Searching for the perfect basic to show off your new accessory? Make sure your smartwatch is the focus of your outfit with our special edit of the best black T-shirts for women.
On the lookout for more timesaving tech devices? Check out our Best Of Electronics section. There you’ll find everything from the hardest working tablets to the $139 earphones that rival Apple airpods.
Lastly, news.com.au has all the best deals. Be sure to get the best prices on all your favourite brands – from The Good Guys to Dell – in our Coupon section.
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