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Shop Guide · Smartwatches & Wearables

Smartwatch or fitness tracker? How to choose

Check which watches work with your phone, then pick by battery life, health tracking and budget. Plus our picks for every wrist.

5 min read · Updated November 2026 · Live prices

Smartwatch, tracker or ring?

Start with how you’ll use it.

Smartwatch

Notifications, apps, payments
  • Big screen, apps and maps
  • Reply to messages from your wrist
  • LTE models work without your phone
  • Charge every 1 to 3 days

Fitness tracker

Steps, sleep, workouts
  • Slim and light
  • Battery lasts a week or more
  • Lower price
  • Smaller screen, fewer apps

Outdoor watch

Hiking, running, adventure
  • Built-in GPS and maps
  • Rugged build
  • Battery lasts weeks
  • Bigger on the wrist

Smart ring

Sleep and recovery
  • Nothing on your wrist
  • Comfortable to sleep in
  • No screen

What to look for

The things that make the biggest difference day to day.

Works with your phone

This matters most. Apple Watch only works with iPhone, while Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch need Android. Fitbit, Garmin, Amazfit and Xiaomi work with both.

Battery life

Full smartwatches usually need charging every 1 to 3 days. Trackers and outdoor watches can go one to several weeks.

Bluetooth or LTE

LTE lets you call and stream without your phone, but needs a watch plan from your carrier. Check your carrier supports that watch.

Health features

Heart rate and sleep tracking come on almost everything. Built-in GPS, ECG and skin temperature depend on the model.

Size and fit

40 to 42 mm cases suit smaller wrists, and 44 to 47 mm cases give a bigger screen and battery. Bands are easy to swap.

Water resistance

For swimming, look for 5ATM or higher.

Which brand works with your phone?

BrandiPhoneAndroid
Apple WatchYesNo
Samsung Galaxy WatchNoYes (best with Galaxy)
Google Pixel WatchNoYes
Fitbit, Garmin, Amazfit, XiaomiYesYes
Tips

Get more out of it

  1. Wear it snug for workoutsWear it a finger-width above the wrist bone. Heart rate readings are more accurate when it doesn’t slide.
  2. Turn off always-on displayIt’s often the biggest battery drain. Raise-to-wake saves a lot.
  3. Rinse after swimming or sweatRinse in fresh water and dry it, especially after the pool or the beach.
  4. Set up paymentsAdd your card to Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet or the brand’s wallet app, if your watch and bank support it.

Questions we get asked

Can I use a Galaxy Watch with an iPhone?

No. Current Galaxy Watch models only work with Android phones. For iPhone, look at Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, Amazfit or Xiaomi.

Do I need an LTE watch?

Only if you want to leave your phone at home, for example on runs. It costs more and needs a watch plan with your carrier.

Are fitness trackers accurate?

For steps, heart rate and sleep trends, yes. They’re great for tracking progress, but they aren’t medical devices.

Do your watches come with a warranty?

Yes. Every watch we sell comes with an Australian warranty, and you can return eligible items under our return policy.

Still not sure?

Ask our team on live chat or call us, we’re happy to help you choose.

Get help