Choosing a Smartwatch in Australia: What Actually Matters
Smartwatches have come a long way from simple step counters. Today's models handle Bluetooth calling, heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, and even GPS — all from your wrist. With so many options on the market, picking the right one comes down to a few key questions: what do you want to track, do you need calling built in, and how long do you need the battery to last between charges?
1. Decide What You'll Actually Use
Fitness-focused shoppers should prioritise accurate heart rate and sleep monitoring, along with a comfortable band for all-day wear. If you want to leave your phone at home on a run or during errands, look for a model with Bluetooth calling built directly into the watch, so you can answer calls and check notifications without reaching for your phone.
2. Battery Life Is the Most Overlooked Spec
Screen-on smartwatches with always-on displays and GPS tend to need daily charging, while simpler fitness-band style watches can run for a week or more. If you don't want to think about charging often, check the advertised battery life before checking anything else.
3. Health Tracking Features to Look For
- Heart rate monitoring — standard on most modern smartwatches
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking — useful for fitness and general wellness monitoring
- Sleep monitoring — breaks down sleep stages so you can spot patterns
- Step and calorie tracking — the fitness basics, present on nearly every model
Our Top Picks from the Emete Store Watch Collection
Here are a few standout options depending on what you're after:
- Best for calling on the go: the Y11 Women's Smart Watch pairs Bluetooth calling with sleep, calorie, and step tracking in a fashion-forward design.
- Best all-rounder: the Q8H Smart Watch covers step tracking, heart rate, and general sports monitoring at a mid-range price point.
- Best for outdoor use: the X2B Smartwatch adds GPS, a barometer, and compass alongside Bluetooth calling for anyone who wants a rugged, outdoor-ready watch.
- Best premium option: the AP6 Smart Watch features a dual camera, 4G connectivity, and full health monitoring including blood pressure and blood oxygen — closer to a mini phone on your wrist.
You can browse the full range in our Watches collection, filtered by men's and women's styles, with fast Australia-wide shipping and free delivery on orders over $150.
Final Thoughts
There's no single "best" smartwatch — it depends on whether you value battery life, calling, health tracking, or a rugged outdoor build. Start with the feature that matters most to your day-to-day, and let that narrow the field before you compare price.