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9 Best Hybrid Smartwatches

Updated: Jan 27, 2024 1:44 PM
best hybrid smartwatch featured image that shows the top three best smartwatch models

If you’re shopping for the best hybrid smartwatches, you’ll want to think about the watch design and how much data you want the watch face to display — if at all. Also, think about the type of metrics being collected and whether you’ll need to access an app to review them or see quick data on the watch face. Think about the functionality and whether you want a watch that can only collect data or one that gives you some control over managing features like notifications for texts and calls, or controlling music through the watch bezel. Also, consider the battery life as some hybrid smartwatches are designed to be recharged after a few days and others offer replaceable batteries.

After reviewing countless customer reviews, we nominated the Garmin vivomove HR as the best hybrid smartwatch. Keep reading to learn more about these watches. You can also compare them with the best smartwatch on the market.

Top 9 Best Hybrid Smartwatches

 #1  Garmin vivomove HR Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: A fun hybrid smartwatch for casual wearable users that supports on-face displays for data and push notifications of texts and calls, while also tracking health and fitness metrics.

Pros
  • Notifications and music controls
  • Health and fitness tracking support
  • 5ATM water-resistance
Cons
  • Device may drop pairing frequently

Considering that hybrid smartwatches give people the functionality of a wearable device without looking like one, this Garmin hybrid smartwatch is a good starter watch for people that are thinking about investing in a smartwatch. You’ll get the robust functionality that Garmin is known for, in a sleek design that’s able to transition from work to play without standing out. While this isn’t a touchscreen device, you do get on-screen displays for more than just fitness metrics. Specifically, you can also get smartphone notifications for texts and calls.

We like that the Garmin watch pairs with both Apple and Android devices and allows you to sync your fitness and health stats in the background. For a deep dive, you can access the Garmin app on your smartphone to fully review fitness and health metrics. But on your watch face, you can see heart rate, steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, and VO2 max. You’ll also get a battery that can run for five days in smart mode or up to two weeks in watch mode before it needs to be recharged. However, we noted that common complaints centered around the device frequently disconnecting the Bluetooth pairing and that the steps tracker could be inaccurate and failed to log activity. If tracking capabilities are important to you, the best smartwatch for running might be a good option as well. Or, if you are a hiker, check out our review of the best hiking watches.

 #2  Withings Steel HR Sport Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple water-resistant hybrid smartwatch that syncs with multiple health tracking apps including Apple Health and Fitbit to give you direct access to more robust fitness and health metrics.

Pros
  • Compatible with Apple & Android devices
  • Fitness and sleep tracking
  • 5ATM water-resistance
Cons
  • Some may not like the sporty design

The Withings hybrid smartwatch is another great option for people interested in focusing on their health and fitness goals, but with a device that can easily transition between work and play. This watch is compatible with both Apple and Android devices but what makes it stand out is that it syncs with existing health and fitness tracking apps — ensuring that you don’t have to download another app on your phone. Specifically, this smartwatch is compatible with Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, and Strava and can also be integrated with Amazon Alexa. But if you prefer, you can download the proprietary Health Mate app to manage and store metrics.

You’ll get continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and activity monitoring. We like that this is a waterproof watch for up to 50 meters meaning you can swim with it. In terms of on-screen display, you’ll have access to heart rate, sleep score, and notifications for calls and texts. We like that this Withings watch promises to give you 25 days of battery life in standard mode and an additional 20 days (45 days total) in power reserve mode on a single charge. And with over 30 sport modes, you can  easily monitor all of your activities, along with a connected GPS function to track your runs or walks. And for fitness tracking, you have access to GPS support for steps, heart rate, and various motion modes with the best fitness smartwatch.

 #3  Garmin vivomove 3s Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: A stealthy touchscreen display that supports on-screen notifications, with a five-day battery life and a robust health and fitness tracker that can help you reach your health goals.

Pros
  • 5-day battery life
  • Hidden touchscreen display
  • Health and fitness tracker
Cons
  • Watch hands may malfunction

The Garmin vivomove 3s hybrid smartwatch is similar to their vivomove HR but is designed to be smaller. This makes it ideal for people who feel that some smartwatches are too bulky — especially if they have smaller wrists. You’ll get the look of an analog watch face but an enhanced smart screen functions like a stealthily hidden touchscreen. Based on your wrist movements, the digital displays can be activated to show your heart rate, notifications, and activity monitoring stats. However, one drawback of this feature that we noted repeatedly in negative customer reviews was that the touchscreen requires the analog watch hands to move away. As a result, some people struggled with the watch hands not returning to the correct time. As of writing this review, this was a known issue by Garmin but there hasn’t been an advertised fix for it.

Still, notifications can include heart rate, step counting, activity levels, incoming texts and calls, calendar events, stress tracking, and body battery — a unique metric that tracks your body’s energy levels so you can determine when you should rest. Fitness tracking includes daily steps, floors climbed, intensity minutes, and more. You’ll get a watch that’s water-resistant to 50 meters with a battery life that can range from five minutes in smartwatch mode to an additional week in watch mode (no smart notifications). We do like that this Garmin watch supports music controls and that there are numerous activity modes so you can track your stats whether you’re running or at the gym. For the office, professionals might also like the best smartwatch for business.

 #4  Withings Move Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple budget-friendly hybrid smartwatch that offers an impressive 18-month battery life with 24/7 tracking support that can be integrated into multiple existing fitness tracking smartphone apps.

Pros
  • Compatible with select fitness apps
  • 18-month battery life
  • 5ATM
Cons
  • Only sleep score displays on watch screen

If this is your first time looking at hybrid smartwatches and you’re not sure if they’re worth the investment, this wallet-friendly pick from Withings is a good idea. The Move hybrid smartwatch gives you the functionality you want without the heartache that comes with plunking down a lot of money on a technology that you may or may not like. One of the things we like about the Withings Move watch is that it offers an impressive 18-month battery life. However, the downside is that the battery must be replaced.

Just like other smartwatches from Withings, this pick can display data through the proprietary Health Mate app or you can sync it with Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, or Strava. However, in terms of on-screen displays, you’ll only get access to a sleep score. All other activity and sleep tracking metrics such as heart rate, steps, calories, activity, and more must be viewed through an accompanying app. Still, you’ll get a watch with a stainless steel case that’s water-resistant to 50 meters. If you’re into cycling, the best smartwatch for cycling has some great features as well.

 #5  Fossil Men’s 42MM Collider HR Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST DISPLAY

WHY WE LIKE IT: An enhanced hybrid smartwatch that gives you the option to customize the watch face, that displays steps and heart rate, with bezel buttons to control music and two weeks of battery life between charges.

Pros
  • Up to 2-week battery life
  • Customizable watch face
  • Supports music controls
Cons
  • No support for Google Pay

The Fossil HR hybrid is one of those hybrid smartwatches that goes the extra mile by creating a customizable watch face. We like that you can opt for the sleek standard screen or select from a few fun designs. Along with that, you’ll get instant access to always-on key metrics such as heart rate and steps along with the weather and date. This is another watch that also supports notifications for incoming calls, texts, and calendar updates.

This Fossil hybrid smartwatch is a men’s style with a 42-millimeter case size that also features buttons on the bezel that can be used to control music as well as navigate through widgets. You’ll also get water resistance to 50 meters. And while we’re showing a watch with a leather band, the straps are removable so you can opt for a sport-friendly silicone strap if you prefer. Note though, that Fossil smartwatches run on Wear OS which means that some Apple users may have limited functionality for some of the smart features. But for all users, note that Google Pay isn’t supported. For photogs, the best smartwatch with a camera is a good option as well.

 #6  Mondaine Helvetica Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST ANALOG STYLE

WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple timepiece that pushes all health and fitness metrics to an app but tracks sleep, health, and fitness in the background with 30-meter water resistance and a scratch-resistant screen.

Pros
  • 3ATM water-resistance
  • Tracks sleep, health and fitness
  • Scratch-resistant screen
Cons
  • No data displays on watch face

If the idea of data flashing on your watch face sounds incredibly distracting, you’ll like the Mondaine Helvetica hybrid smartwatch. This is one of the few hybrid smartwatches in our guide that doesn’t display any data on its face. Instead, you’ll need to sync it with your Apple or Android device to access all of your data.

Still, you’ll get access to sleep, fitness, and health metrics such as heart rate, steps taken, activity levels, and more. This is also a water-resistant watch to 30 meters, meaning that it’s not rated for swimming. But you’ll get a scratch-resistant screen that’s reinforced with sapphire crystal for enhanced durability and a silicone strap that can go wherever you need it to. And if you’re a clinical worker, consider the best smartwatch for nurses that offers hands-free support so that you don’t need to glance at your phone between patients.

 #7  Timex Women’s IQ+ Move Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST ACCESSORIES

WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the best smartwatches for women thanks to a 37-millimeter case and the inclusion of an additional silicone strap so you can easily switch from work to play.

Pros
  • One year battery life
  • Ideal 37mm case for women
  • 5ATM
Cons
  • No data displayed on watch face

One of the main reasons people get a smartwatch is to track fitness and health metrics. And inevitably, this means that you’re going to be using your watch while you’re exercising. With hybrid smartwatches, this can be problematic if you only have a leather or metal strap. We like the Timex Women’s IQ+ because we think it’s one of the best smartwatches because it comes with an additional strap. While the watch arrives in the box on a leather strap, you can swap it out for the included silicone strap so that you won’t ruin the leather strap with sweat or water.

This comes in handy since the IQ+ watch is water-resistant to 50 feet. You’ll get a 37-millimeter watch that doesn’t display any data on the screen but relies on the Timex Connected app which is Apple and Android compatible to store and track data. You can access sleep, heart rate, steps, calories, activity levels, and distance traveled. This is a hybrid smartwatch that doesn’t require frequent recharging. You’ll get a replaceable battery that can run for a year before it needs to be swapped for a new one. Speaking of batteries consider the best rugged smartwatch that features the Max Battery GPS Mode that can run up to 145 hours on solar charging.

 #8  Misfit Command Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST CONTROLS

WHY WE LIKE IT: A simple hybrid smartwatch with support for music controls through the buttons on the bezel and a stylish watch face with a battery that lasts up to a year before needing to be replaced.

Pros
  • 1-year battery life
  • Silicone strap with leather backing
  • Stylish watch face
Cons
  • Lacks heart rate monitor

By now you’ll notice that some hybrid smartwatches are designed to be recharged every so many days while others contain traditional watch batteries that must be replaced. The Misfit Command is a hybrid watch that’s designed with a replaceable battery that lasts a year before you need to get a new one. While it doesn’t show data on the watch face, you can sync it with the Misfit app to log key metrics like sleep, steps, and activity levels. Strangely though, this watch won’t track your heart rate. That makes little sense since heart rate monitoring is a key aspect of whether or not you’re reaching your target health goals.

While there’s no on-face data display, you can sync this watch with your phone and use the buttons in the bezel to control music. Additionally, you have the option to create alerts and notifications via vibration mode for calls, incoming texts, and even social media app updates. But frequent notifications may shorten the projected one-year battery life. This watch is set on a silicone strap that has a leather backing. But many people noted that the catch in the straps that allows you to swap them out can scratch you throughout the day. Now in case you’re an iPhone user, consider the best smartwatch for iPhones that comes with a silicone strap, or you can always upgrade to metal, fabric, or other strap designs either through the Apple system or with third-party vendors.

 #9  Alpina Men’s Hybrid Smartwatch

Award: BEST BATTERY LIFE

WHY WE LIKE IT: A luxury hybrid smartwatch with a replaceable battery that lasts up to two years, with a 100-meter water resistance rating that tracks activity, sleep, and select health metrics.

Pros
  • Apple and Android compatible
  • 10ATM water-resistance
  • Tracks activity and sleep
Cons
  • No data displayed on watch face

For luxury shoppers, it’s even more important to prioritize hybrid smartwatches as these have a premium look that most standard smartwatches can’t match. The Alpina Horological luxury hybrid smartwatch gives you the luxury effect you’re seeking while quietly tracking data in the background. This Swiss-made watch features a quartz movement and includes a secondary activity dial on the watch face. There are no on-watch data displays with this pick.

The biggest feature is that this has a two-year replaceable battery which frees you from looking for charging cables and available USB ports. But this is an Apple and Android-compatible watch that relies on MotionX and SleepTracker to log data. You’ll get access to daily activity, sleep, steps, distance, and calories burned. This watch is also water-resistant to 100 meters, making it safe for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The 44-millimeter case makes this an oversized pick for men and is paired with a textile-based band. You might also enjoy the best smartwatch for kids which features a dial pad that can be disabled through the parental controls app on your cell phone.

How We Decided

Hybrid smartwatches are a great option for people that want a bit of smartwatch functionality without the typically clunky or sporty designs associated with them. To create our guide, we focused on a range of features that included design, durability, functionality, and battery life. All of our picks are designed to work both with Android and Apple devices.

Design is an important feature so we included many picks with sophisticated designs that offered leather straps. And in one case, we included a pick that came with two straps so you switch between a sporty silicone strap and a more upscale leather version. But design also includes considering the watch face. While most hybrid watches aren’t designed with touchscreens, some models do more than simply display limited health and fitness data. It’s possible to find models that also provide notifications for texts, calls, calendar events, and even social media app notifications.

Durability is another concern and considering that many hybrid watches heavily promote their sports features, silicone straps are still fairly common. Key durability factors included water resistance with options ranging from as low as 30 meters to as deep as 100 meters. At 30 meters, you have limited protection against occasional splashes or showering. 50 meters is rated for swimming in shallow water while 100 meters are designated for snorkeling and diving.

Functionality varied widely with hybrid watches. While some watches provided on-screen metrics, others don’t support any on-screen displays and instead require you to look at an accompanying app to view fitness and health data. Although, we did find a few watches that didn’t display data but supported notifications through options such as vibrations and strategic watch hand movements to indicate what specific notification event was occurring (text, email, app update, etc.).

Battery life was also another interesting feature that was very diverse with this product category. Some watches were designed to be recharged frequently while others featured traditional watch batteries that needed to be removed after a certain period — usually anywhere from five to 24 months.

Best Hybrid Smartwatches Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Factors to Consider

  1. Design
    If you’re shopping for a hybrid smartwatch, the design is going to be the most important factor for you. You’re most likely seeking a watch with a more upscale design that could work in a professional office environment, or even on a date night. However, hybrid watches can fall into two categories — upscale touchscreens, and traditional watch faces. Models with a traditional watch face are not touchscreen models and have limited fitness data that is displayed along with the watch hands. A touchscreen hybrid smartwatch will act just like a standard smartwatch, just in a nicer package. Thankfully, there are plenty of traditional watch brands such as Movado and Fossil that have entered the smartwatch niche and have an array of options that mimic the look of their iconic watch styles while still serving as wearable tech.
  2. OS Compatibility
    Most smartwatches are designed to be compatible with both Apple and Android devices. But some hybrid smartwatches don’t need to be connected to a device. And in other cases, some hybrid smartwatches run on third-party platforms such as Google’s Wear OS, which is also compatible with most smartphone OS options.
  3. Durability
    Because hybrid watches are designed to look more like a premium traditional watch, you’ll want to ensure that the bezel, watch face, and straps are durable enough to avoid getting scratched or dented — especially if you want to maximize the fitness tracking features and wear your watch while you’re exercising.
  4. Functionality
    Most smartwatches are designed to serve as a fitness and health tracker while also supporting smart functions like notifications, access to calendars, app support, along with text and talk access. Many hybrid watches lack a touchscreen, so you may be limited to simple fitness data. Because many hybrid smartwatches run on Wear OS, Apple users should be aware that some of the smart support might be limited. This is especially true for replying to texts, accessing streaming music, accepting calls, or contact-free payment since Google Pay doesn’t always sync with Apple devices through smartwatches. Another issue hybrid watches experience is that their fitness tracking may not be as accurate as more traditional smartwatches. It’s not uncommon to find that the step counter struggles to accurately log all steps taken because the accelerometer is not as finely calibrated for all forms of motion as with standard smartwatches. If you are concerned about fall detection, you should probably consider checking out the top smartwatches for seniors.
  5. Battery Life
    No one wants a watch that can’t survive through an average day of use. Of course, “average” varies depending on whether you’re looking for a watch that serves as a companion to your smartphone or as a hands-free replacement. The more robust smart features you have access to, the more likely that the battery life will be greatly lowered. Ideally, though, you should be able to find a watch that can last at least 24 hours before needing to be recharged.

9 Best Hybrid Smartwatches Questions (FAQ)

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