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8 Best Apple Watches in 2026: Tested & Ranked by Experts
Quick answer: The best Apple Watch for most people in Australia is the refurbished Apple Watch Series 11 at A$449, for its 24-hour battery, hypertension notifications, and sleep score. If you want current-generation health sensors for less, the Series 9 at A$269 runs the same ECG, crash detection, and temperature suite. Athletes and hikers should take the Ultra 2 at A$679 for up to 60 hours of battery and dual-frequency GPS. On the tightest budget, the Series 6 Nike at A$199 still covers GPS, ECG and heart rate. Every watch here is refurbished, professionally graded, and backed by a 12-month warranty from Phonebot, an Australian refurbished-device retailer based in Melbourne.
Apple Watch is the best-selling smartwatch in Australia, and it is easy to see why. Every model, from the most affordable to the most premium, comes with GPS, ECG, heart rate monitoring, and crash detection as standard. These are features you do not get at this price on any other smartwatch brand.
The lineup covers 8 models across a wide price range, from budget-friendly older generations to the performance-focused Ultra 2 and the exclusive Hermès collection. Whether you are buying your first smartwatch, upgrading an older model, or looking for a gift, this guide covers everything you need to make the right call.
8 Best Apple Watches 2026
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 from A$679
- Apple Watch Series 11 from A$449
- Apple Watch Series 10 from A$369
- Apple Watch Series 9 from A$269
- Apple Watch Series 9 Hermès Collection from A$499
- Apple Watch Series 8 from A$229
- Apple Watch Series 7 from A$219
- Apple Watch Series 6 Nike from A$199
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Apple Watch Ultra 2
A$679 | 49mm Titanium | GPS + Cellular
The Ultra 2is the most powerful Apple Watch Apple makes. It is built for people who push their limits: long-distance runners, hikers, triathletes, and anyone who needs a watch that keeps up with them for days, not hours.
The biggest difference between the Ultra 2 and every other Apple Watch is battery life and GPS accuracy. While standard models last around 18 hours, the Ultra 2 delivers up to 60 hours in Low Power Mode. Its dual-frequency GNSS locks on faster and tracks more accurately than single-band GPS, especially in areas with weak signals, such as dense cities or mountain trails.
The 49mm titanium case is large and built to handle impact, water, and extreme temperatures. It is heavy-duty without feeling cheap.
Who it is for: Serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, and men who want the most capable smartwatch available in Australia.
Key specs:
- Battery: up to 60 hours (Low Power Mode)
- GPS: dual-frequency GNSS
- Cellular: Yes
- ECG, crash detection, temperature, SpO2
- Case sizes: 49mm only
Apple Watch Series 11
From A$449 | GPS | 42mm or 46mm
The Series 11 is Apple's current flagship and the best all-around Apple Watch for most iPhone users in Australia. It keeps the thin, light design introduced with the Series 10 but fixes the one complaint people had about every flagship before it: battery life. The Series 11 runs up to 24 hours on a charge, or up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode, so you can track a full night's sleep and still get through the next day.
Two health features are exclusive to this generation. Hypertension notifications watch for signs of chronic high blood pressure over 30 days, and Sleep Score grades each night's rest out of 100 with tips on improving it. The aluminium models also use a ceramic-coated Ion-X glass that is twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10, and cellular versions step up to 5G.
Who it is for: Anyone buying their first Apple Watch, upgrading from a Series 8 or older, or who wants the newest health features and the longest battery of any standard model.
Key specs:
- Battery: up to 24 hours (38 hours in Low Power Mode)
- Hypertension notifications and Sleep Score
- ECG, crash detection, fall detection, temperature, SpO2
- 2x more scratch-resistant display, 5G on cellular models
- Case sizes: 42mm or 46mm
Apple Watch Series 10
From A$369 | GPS | 42mm or 46mm
The Series 10 was Apple's flagship before the Series 11 and remains the best value in the current-generation lineup. It is the thinnest and lightest Apple Watch design, with a larger, brighter always-on display than anything before it.
Against the Series 11, you give up hypertension notifications, Sleep Score, the tougher glass and 5G. The core experience is otherwise identical: same size options, same display, same health sensor suite, same everyday performance, for A$80 less.
It comes in three variants. Pick based on wrist size and whether you need cellular:
- 42mm Aluminium, lighter and ideal for smaller wrists
- 46mm Titanium, larger screen and premium material
- 42mm Edition Titanium + Cellular, adds cellular for phone-free use
All three carry the same internals: S10 chip, ECG, crash detection, temperature sensor and SpO2. The only differences are size, material and connectivity.
Who it is for: Anyone upgrading from Series 7 or older, and buyers who want a current-generation design without paying Series 11 prices.
Key specs:
- Battery: up to 18 hours
- GPS: single-band
- ECG, crash detection, temperature, SpO2
- Double Tap gesture
- Case sizes: 42mm or 46mm
Apple Watch Series 9
A$269 | 41mm Aluminium | GPS
The Series 9 is two generations behind the Series 11, but the performance difference in daily use is minimal. It runs the same core health sensors, including ECG, crash detection, temperature and SpO2, at A$100 less than the Series 10 and A$180 less than the Series 11.
The 41mm case makes it the most popular Apple Watch for women in Australia. It sits slim and light on the wrist without feeling oversized. It also supports cycle tracking with temperature-based insights, making it one of the most complete health watches for women at this price point.
Who it is for: Women looking for a modern, fully featured Apple Watch at the best value price. Also a strong choice for anyone who wants recent-generation specs without flagship pricing.
Key specs:
- Battery: up to 18 hours
- GPS: single-band
- ECG, crash detection, temperature, SpO2, cycle tracking
- Double Tap gesture
- Case sizes: 41mm only
Apple Watch Series 9 Hermès Collection
From A$499 | Stainless Steel | GPS + Cellular
The Hermès collection is where Apple Watch meets luxury fashion. The hardware is identical to the standard Series 9. The difference is entirely in the design. You get an exclusive stainless steel case, handcrafted Hermès leather and woven bands, and a set of Hermès-only watch faces unavailable on any other model.
At A$499 it sits between the Series 10 and the Ultra 2 on price, which makes it the most affordable route into a genuinely exclusive Apple Watch. Cellular is included as standard across the Hermès range, so it works independently of your iPhone once a carrier plan is set up.
Who it is for: Women and fashion-conscious buyers who want a premium, design-led Apple Watch that stands apart from the standard lineup.
Key specs:
- Battery: up to 18 hours
- GPS: single-band
- Cellular: Yes
- ECG, crash detection, temperature, SpO2
- Exclusive Hermès bands and watch faces
Apple Watch Series 8
A$229 | 45mm Aluminium | GPS
The Series 8 is a few generations old, but it still holds up. At A$229, it is the most affordable Apple Watch in Australia that includes crash detection, a feature that automatically contacts emergency services if it detects a severe impact.
For anyone with a budget under A$250, the Series 8 is the one to buy. The health sensor suite, covering ECG, crash detection, temperature, and SpO2, is the same as what you get on much more expensive models.
Who it is for: First-time Apple Watch buyers, anyone upgrading from an older model, and budget-conscious buyers who do not want to compromise on safety features.
Key specs:
- Battery: up to 18 hours
- GPS: single-band
- ECG, crash detection, temperature, SpO2
- Case sizes: 45mm only
Affordable Apple Watches
If budget is the main priority, these two models are still worth considering. They are older generation, so they miss some newer features, but both include GPS, ECG and heart rate monitoring at prices that are hard to beat.
Apple Watch Series 7
A$219 | 41mm Aluminium | GPS + Cellular
The cheapest Apple Watch in Australia with cellular connectivity. It works independently from your iPhone once a carrier plan is set up. There is no crash detection, but GPS, ECG, and an always-on display are all present.
Best for: Budget buyers who specifically need cellular.
Apple Watch Series 6 Nike
A$199 | 44mm Aluminium | GPS + Cellular
Built for runners, and now the most affordable Apple Watch on this list. It includes exclusive Nike Sport Bands and deep integration with the Nike Run Club app, one of the best free running coaching platforms available. It shares the same limitation as the Series 7, with no crash detection.
Best for: Budget runners who train with Nike Run Club, and first-time buyers on the tightest budget.
Want one for less?
Every model on this list is refurbished, professionally graded, and ready to pair with your iPhone.
Shop refurbished Apple Watches →From A$199 · Tested · 12-month warranty · 30-day returns
How to Choose the Right Apple Watch
What is Your Budget?
Budget | Best pick |
Under A$250 | Series 6 Nike (A$199), Series 7 (A$219) or Series 8 (A$229) |
A$250 to A$400 | Series 9 (A$269) or Series 10 (A$369) |
A$400 to A$600 | Series 11 (A$449) or Series 9 Hermès (A$499) |
A$600 and above | Ultra 2 (A$679) |
Do You Need Cellular?
Cellular models work independently from your iPhone, handling calls, messages and music without your phone nearby. You will need a carrier plan from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, which costs around A$5 to A$10 per month. If you train or travel without your phone, it is worth it. If your phone is always with you, GPS only is fine.
Which Case Size Suits Your Wrist?
- 41mm or 42mm: smaller wrists, lighter feel, popular with women
- 44mm or 45mm: medium to large wrists, more screen space
- 46mm or 49mm: large wrists, bold look, best for men
Which Material is Right for You?
- Aluminium: lightest and most affordable, suits everyday use
- Titanium: stronger than aluminium, lighter than steel, best for active use
- Stainless Steel: premium finish, heavier, exclusive to the Hermès range
Ready to choose?
Apple Watch from A$199, with every model tested, graded, and backed by a 12-month warranty.
Shop refurbished Apple Watches →Browse all Apple Watch models →Posted by Liam Harris
Liam Harris
I’m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.
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