More and more Australians are jumping on the wearables trend as health-tracking tech becomes more accurate and more meaningful – even for non-athletes. Shop smart with our round-up of the best new releases armed with key health-boosting features.
If you don’t have a fitness-tracking device strapped to your wrist, you might soon be in the minority, with smart watches continuing to grow in popularity among Australians who like to keep an eye, quite literally, on their key health metrics.
Sales of smart watches in Australia were up 25 per cent in the second half of last year, compared to the year prior, with 1.5 million “smart wrist wearables” sold. And the market is set to keep growing, with analysts predicting a compound annual growth rate of 14.5 per cent between now and 2026.
Globally, it’s the same story, with the category recording growth of 13 per cent for the fifth consecutive year.
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With the Christmas gifting period just around the corner, many of the main players have recently launched new and improved smart watch offerings to the market in the hope
of inspiring those who are already addicted to “closing their rings” or tracking their steps to upgrade to a bigger, better model. Or to perhaps lure those non-smart watch wearers to come to the dark side. Or the light side, depending on your perspective.
Whether sleep, fitness, fertility, improved efficiency, heart health or outdoor adventuring is your area of focus, there’s now a smart watch to track your progress, every step of the way.
How a smart watch can reduce your screen time
Libby Babet is busy. She runs five small businesses, parents two small children and trains clients at her Sydney fitness studio The Upbeat, and says wearing the Apple Watch Series 8 lets her be more efficient.
“One of the biggest ways my smart watch has helped with parenting is that if my phone is close by, I find it near-impossible to stay completely present with my kids. When staff or customers are pinging me, the pull to check emails/ scroll/do other work once you open that phone is real.
“I need to know if there’s an emergency, like a trainer is unwell and can’t teach, so having the watch for a quick check is a game changer.
“If buying one for the first time, keep in mind that you may not need the top of the range. I worked my way up to the Series 8, but I started with the entry-level model, which has almost all the [key] functions. I recommend the top-of-the-range [models] to my super-athletic clients who want to make the most of new functionality, but for most of us, the entry level is a good place to start and then you can level up when you’re ready.”
Lasting 21 days on one charge, this can handle any outdoor adventure you throw at it.
Withings ScanWatch Horizon, $699, jbhifi.com.au
Medical-grade tech means this analoguelook watch is packed with health-tracking features.
Apple Watch Ultra, $1299, apple.com/au
A larger face and “action” button makes this rugged watch a handy addition to any adventurer’s kit.
Apple Watch Series 8, $629, apple.com/au
Ovulation tracking with 24/7 temperature sensors makes identifying your fertility window easier.
Fitbit Inspire 3, $179.95, fitbit.com
Even with its accessible price point, this wearable still tracks all of the major markers, including menstrual health.
Google Pixel Watch, from $549, store.google.com/au
If sleep tracking is your jam, this stylish and lightweight watch is the perfect style to snooze in.
Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Smartwatch, $1499, rebelsport.com.au
Tested to US military standards and with a battery life of 37 days, this watch will go the distance.
Huawei Watch GT3 Pro, $849, binglee.com.au
It has the look of a regular watch, but this fitness-focused smart watch is ideal for people who dive.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro Bluetooth, $799, samsung.com/au
Built for Android users, this hardier model is made to be taken off the beaten track.
