Best hybrid smartwatches 2023: balance smart and style
Assisting you in choosing a classic appearance with hidden smart features
Explore the world of hybrid smartwatches if you’re considering a new smartwatch but are put off by full touchscreens, rectangular cases, and short battery life.
Many of the fitness tracking, health technology, and notification features found on a typical smartwatch, like the Apple Watch Series 7 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, are packed inside a hybrid watch that has hands and numbers and a conventional appearance.
In other words, you get the best of both worlds by allowing notifications, activity tracking, sleep tracking, health data, and other features on your wrist while maintaining the familiar appearance of your regular analogue watch.
We have tested a large number of hybrid smartwatches over the years from manufacturers like Fossil, Garmin, and Withings, making us uniquely qualified to advise you on the important factors.
Browse our rankings below to determine which is best for your wrist.
- View more affordable options with our list of the best cheap smartwatches.
- Find the best smartwatches available for Android users.
- Narrow wrists? Check out the top smartwatches for women.
Also read our guide SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch (46mm, GPS, Bluetooth) – Silver/Black (US Version)
HOW TO BUY THE BEST HYBRID SMARTWATCH
In contrast to smartwatches, which frequently prioritize their technology over their design, hybrids resemble traditional watches more. This indicates that there is a wide variety of styles and sizes available. Even a well-known Swiss brand like Mondaine and its Helvetica 1 hybrid or the Hybrid Manufacturer by Frederique Constant are viable options.
The manufacturer of the Withings Steel hr Sport (which recently acquired itself back from Nokia), is at the other end of the price spectrum.
The majority of hybrid watches accept conventional straps, making it simple to customize them to match your favorite outfits.
If you want your watch to serve as both a personal trainer and a heart rate monitor, you must take this into consideration. Some hybrids have heart rate monitors, but some don’t. Similar to this, some have more fitness tracking features than others, some are more water resistant, and the majority of watches sold by members of the Fossil Group (Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch) have a closely related smartphone app. As do a number of hybrid Swiss cars and their centralized MMT app.
Withings Steel HR Sport Hybrid Smartwatch
HONORABLE MENTION
Why We Enjoy It:
A straightforward hybrid smartwatch that is water-resistant that connects to several health tracking applications, such as Apple Health and Fitbit, to give you direct access to more detailed fitness and health metrics.
Pros
- Compatible with Android and Apple devices.
- Sleep tracking and exercise.
- Water resistance of 5ATM.
Cons
- The sporty style might not appeal to everyone.
Another fantastic option for those looking to concentrate on their fitness and health goals while using a device that can easily switch between work and play is the Withings hybrid smartwatch.
The fact that this watch syncs with existing health and fitness tracking apps rather than requiring you to download a new app for your phone sets it apart from other watches that are compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
This smartwatch can be integrated with Amazon Alexa and is specifically compatible with Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, and Strava.
To manage and store metrics, you can download the exclusive Health Mate app if you’d like.
Heart rate, sleep, and activity levels will all be continuously monitored. We like that you can swim with this watch because it is waterproof up to 50 meters. Heart rate, sleep quality, and call and text notifications are all available on the on-screen display.
We appreciate that this Withings watch claims to have a long battery life – of 25 days in standard mode and an additional 20 days (a total of 45 days) in power reserve mode.
Additionally, you can easily keep track of all of your activities thanks to the more than 30 sport modes and connected GPS function. And with the best fitness smartwatch, you have access to GPS support for steps, heart rate, and different motion modes for fitness tracking.
Garmin vivomove HR Hybrid Smartwatch
TOP PICK
Why We Enjoy It:
Fun hybrid smartwatch that tracks fitness and health metrics and supports on-face data displays and push notifications for texts and calls for casual wearable users.
Pros
- Good selection of sizes and colors.
- Constant heart monitoring.
- Touchscreen display discretely tucked under a traditional face.
Cons
- Devices occasionally lose their pairing.
This Garmin hybrid smartwatch is a good entry-level watch for people who are considering purchasing a smartwatch because it offers wearable device functionality without looking like one. With a stylish design that can easily go from work to play, you’ll get the reliable functionality for which Garmin vivomove is renowned.
There are on-screen displays for more than just fitness metrics, despite the fact that this is not a touchscreen device. You can receive smartphone notifications for calls and texts specifically.
We like that the Garmin watch connects to both Apple and Android devices and enables background syncing of your health and fitness data. You can access the Garmin app on your smartphone to thoroughly review fitness and health metrics for a deep dive.
But you can see your heart rate, steps, calories, distance, intensity minutes, and maximum oxygen consumption on your watch face.
Additionally, you’ll receive a battery that lasts up to two weeks in watch mode and five days in smart mode. We did discover that the device’s frequent Bluetooth pairing disconnections and the steps tracker’s potential for error were the most frequently voiced complaints.
The best smartwatch for running may also be a good choice if tracking capabilities are significant to you. Alternatively, if you like to hike, read our review of the top hiking watches.
Garmin vivomove 3s Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST QUALITY
Why We Enjoy It:
Covert touchscreen display with on-screen notifications, a five-day battery life, and a powerful fitness and health tracker that can assist you in achieving your health objectives.
Pros
- Battery life of 5 days.
- Concealed touchscreen display.
- Fitness and health tracker.
Cons
- Watch hands may malfunction
The Garmin vivomove 3s hybrid smartwatch is made to be smaller but is similar to their vivomove HR. This makes it the perfect smartwatch for people who dislike how bulky some of them are, especially if they have smaller wrists. The enhanced smart screen has the appearance of an analog watch face and performs like a covert touchscreen.
The digital displays can be activated to show your heart rate, notifications, and activity monitoring statistics depending on how you move your wrist.
The touchscreen, however, necessitates the analog watch hands to move away, which is one disadvantage of this feature that we repeatedly noticed in unfavorable customer reviews. As a result, some people had trouble getting their watches to reset to the right time.
This was a known problem by Garmin at the time this review was written, but there hasn’t been a fix made public.
Nevertheless, notifications may include heart rate, step count, activity levels, incoming texts and calls, calendar events, stress tracking, and body battery—a distinct metric that monitors your body’s energy levels so you can know when to take a break.
Steps taken each day, floors climbed, intensity minutes, and other fitness metrics are tracked.
With a battery life that can range from five minutes in smartwatch mode to an additional week in watch mode, you’ll receive a watch that is water-resistant to 50 meters (no smart notifications).
We appreciate the fact that this Garmin watch has music controls and a variety of activity modes so you can track your statistics whether you’re working out at the gym or running.
Professionals may also prefer the best smartwatch for business for the workplace.
Withings Move Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST ON A BUDGET
Why We Enjoy It:
A straightforward, reasonably priced hybrid smartwatch that can be integrated into a number of popular smartphone fitness tracking apps and boasts an impressive 18-month battery life.
Pros
- Suitable with particular fitness apps
- Battery life of 18 months
- 5ATM
Cons
- Only sleep score displays on watch screen
This budget-friendly option from Withings scanwatch is a good idea if you’re considering hybrid smartwatches for the first time and aren’t sure if they’re worth the money.
With the Move hybrid smartwatch, you can get the functionality you need without having to worry about spending a lot of money on a product you might or might not like.
The Withings Move watch’s impressive 18-month battery life is one of the features we like best about it. The disadvantage is that the battery needs to be changed.
Like other Withings smartwatches, this choice can sync with Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, or Strava in addition to displaying data through the company’s exclusive Health Mate app.
However, you will only have access to a sleep score in terms of on-screen displays.
The accompanying app is required to view all other activity and sleep tracking metrics, including heart rate, steps, calories burned, activity, and more.
Nevertheless, you will receive a watch with a stainless steel case and 50-meter water resistance.
The best smartwatch for cycling has some excellent features if you enjoy cycling.
Fossil Men’s 42MM Collider HR Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST DISPLAY
Why We Enjoy It:
An improved hybrid smartwatch that lets you personalize the watch face, shows steps and heart rate, has buttons on the bezel for music control, and has a two-week battery life.
Pros
- 2-week battery life maximum
- Watch face that can be changed
- Allows for music controls
Cons
- No support for Google Pay
One of those hybrid smartwatches that goes above and beyond by offering a programmable watch face is the Fossil HR hybrid.
We like that you can choose between a few entertaining designs or the classy standard screen.
Along with that, you’ll also have immediate access to always-on vital statistics like heart rate and step count in addition to the time and weather.
Another watch that provides call, text, and calendar update notifications is this one.
With a 42-millimeter case size and a men’s design, this Fossil hybrid smartwatch has buttons on the bezel that can be used to navigate widgets and control music.
Additionally, you will have 50-meter water resistance.
While we’re showing a watch with a leather band, the straps are changeable, so if you’d rather, you could choose a silicone band that’s suitable for sports.
But keep in mind that because Fossil smartwatches use Wear OS, some Apple users might only be able to use a portion of the smart features.
However, be aware that Google Pay is not supported for all users.
The best smartwatch with a camera is also a good choice for photographers.
Mondaine Helvetica Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST ANALOG STYLE
Why We Enjoy It:
A straightforward watch with 30-meter water resistance and a scratch-resistant screen that pushes all health and fitness metrics to an app while tracking sleep, health, and fitness in the background.
Pros
- Water resistance of 3ATM
- monitors fitness, health, and sleep
- Screen that won’t scratch
Cons
- Watch face doesn’t display any data.
You’ll like the Mondaine Helvetica hybrid smartwatch if the thought of data flashing on your watch face sounds incredibly annoying.
One of the few hybrid smartwatches in our guide that doesn’t have any data displayed on the face is this one.
To access all of your data, you must instead sync it with an Apple or Android device.
However, you will have access to metrics related to your sleep, fitness, and health, including heart rate, steps taken, activity levels, and more.
This watch is also water-resistant up to 30 meters, so swimming is not recommended for it.
But you’ll also get a silicone strap that can be worn anywhere and a screen that is scratch-resistant and strengthened with sapphire crystal for increased durability.
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.
Timex Women’s IQ+ Move Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST ACCESSORIES
Why We Enjoy It:
One of the best smartwatches for women due to its 37 millimeter case and additional silicone strap that make switching between work and play simple.
Pros
- 12-month battery life
- Ideal 37mm case for females
- 5ATM
Cons
- Nothing is shown on the watch face.
The ability to track fitness and health metrics is one of the main reasons people purchase smartwatches. And unavoidably, this implies that you’ll be checking your watch while you work out. If your hybrid smartwatch has only a leather or metal strap, this can be a problem.
We like the Timex Women’s IQ+ because it has an extra strap, making it one of the best smartwatches. Although the watch comes with a leather strap, you can swap it out for the silicone strap that is also included to prevent sweat or water from damaging the leather strap.
Since the IQ+ watch is water-resistant up to 50 feet, this is useful. You’ll receive a 37-millimeter watch that relies on the Timex Connected app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android, to store and track data instead of displaying any information on the screen.
Sleep, heart rate, steps, calories burned, activity levels, and distance traveled are all accessible.
This hybrid smartwatch doesn’t need to be charged frequently. You will receive a replaceable battery that can last for a year before needing to be replaced.
When it comes to batteries, think about the best rugged smartwatch, which has a Max Battery GPS Mode and can operate for up to 145 hours on solar power.
Misfit Command Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST CONTROLS
Why We Enjoy It:
A straightforward hybrid smartwatch that supports music controls through the bezel’s buttons and has a fashionable watch face, with a battery life of up to a year.
Pros
- Battery life of one year.
- leather backing and a silicone strap.
- Elegant watch face.
Cons
- Heart rate monitor is absent.
By now, you’ve probably noticed that while some hybrid smartwatches have traditional watch batteries that need to be changed, others are designed to be recharged every so many days. The hybrid watch called the Misfit Command has a battery that can be changed and is made to last for a year before needing to be replaced.
You can sync it with the Misfit app to track important metrics like sleep, steps, and activity levels even though it doesn’t display data on the watch face. But oddly, this watch won’t monitor your heart rate. That doesn’t make much sense because heart rate monitoring is important for determining whether or not you’re accomplishing your desired health goals.
Although this watch lacks an on-face data display, you can sync it with your phone and control music with the buttons on the bezel. Additionally, you have the choice to set up vibration mode alerts and notifications for incoming texts, calls, and even social media app updates. The anticipated one-year battery life, however, might be shortened by frequent notifications.
This watch is mounted on a leather-backed silicone strap. However, a lot of people pointed out that the catch on the straps, which allows you to switch them out, can itch you all 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.
Alpina Men’s Hybrid Smartwatch
BEST BATTERY LIFE
Why We Enjoy It:
High-end hybrid smartwatch that tracks activity, sleep, and specific health metrics, has a replaceable battery with a two-year lifespan, and is water resistant up to 100 meters. Just like the Alpina and the Frederique Constant watches, Mondaine’s hybrid smartwatch was developed by the Swiss company Manufacture Modules Technologies.
Pros
- Compatible with both Apple and Android.
- 10ATM water resistance.
- Sleep tracking and activity tracking.
Cons
- Nothing is shown on the watch face.
Prioritizing hybrid smartwatches is even more crucial for luxury consumers because these models have a high-end appearance that few standard smartwatches can match.
While discretely gathering data in the background, the Alpina Horological luxury hybrid smartwatch gives you the opulent appearance you desire. This quartz-powered watch from Switzerland has a secondary activity dial on the watch face.
With this selection, there are no on-watch data displays.
The main benefit is the two-year replaceable battery, which eliminates the need to search for charging cables and open USB ports.
However, this watch works with Apple and Android devices and uses MotionX and SleepTracker to record data. You’ll have access to data on your daily routine, sleep, distance traveled, and calories burned.
Additionally, this watch is waterproof up to 100 meters, making it safe to use while diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
This oversized choice for men has a 44-millimeter case and a band made of textile.
The best smartwatch for kids has a dial pad that can be turned off using the parental controls app on your phone, so you might also like that one.
How We Decided best hybrid watch
For those who want some smartwatch functionality without the typically clumsy or sporty designs attached to them, hybrid smartwatches are a great option. We concentrated on a variety of features, such as design, robustness, functionality, and battery life, to develop our guide. Each of our selections is made to function on both Apple and Android devices.
Design is a crucial component, so we selected many items with elegant designs and leather straps. And in one instance, we chose a watch that had two straps so you could alternate between a sporty silicone strap and a classier leather strap. But taking into account the watch face is also part of design.
While the majority of hybrid watches lack touchscreens, some models are capable of more than just showing a small amount of fitness and health information. Models that offer notifications for texts, calls, calendar events, and even social media app notifications are available.
Another issue is durability, and silicone straps are still widely used despite the fact that many hybrid watches prominently advertise their sports features. Water resistance was a crucial component of durability, with options available from 30 meters to 100 meters deep. At 30 meters, you have little defense against sporadic splashes or showers. 100 meters are designated for diving and snorkeling, while 50 meters are recommended for swimming in shallow water.
The functionality of hybrid watches varied greatly. Others don’t support any on-screen displays and instead require you to look at an accompanying app in order to view fitness and health data, whereas some watches offer on-screen metrics.
However, we did discover a few watches that supported notifications through features like vibrations and deliberate watch hand movements to signal what specific notification event was occurring but didn’t display data (text, email, app update, etc.).
Another intriguing feature that was extremely varied with this product category was battery life. While some watches had rechargeable batteries, others had conventional watch batteries that needed to be changed after a set amount of time, typically five to 24 months.
Hybrid Smartwatches FAQs
Are hybrid watches good?
They can, indeed. A hybrid smartwatch can be a good compromise for people who like the idea of a smartwatch but don’t like the more practical or sporty designs typically associated with them.
Despite having more of a traditional watch-like appearance, you still have access to most of the common features like fitness and health tracking and smart support. And because of this, a stylish or business-minded individual can wear it in a variety of settings without coming across as too casual.
What is the difference between a hybrid and a smartwatch?
Depending on the watch, yes. Although they have touch screens, many smartwatches from well-known watch brands like Movado and Fossil technically qualify as hybrid watches. However, the primary distinction between a hybrid watch and a typical smartwatch is that a hybrid watch lacks a touch screen and has a watch face that resembles a conventional wristwatch.
What do hybrid watches do?
A hybrid watch is primarily used to track fitness and health information. Some may also support vibration alerts, such as ones that remind you to move around or indicate when your heart rate has reached a target range.
How long do hybrid watches last?
According to the watch you choose, Like a typical smartwatch, some hybrid watches require recharging every few days. However, hybrid smartwatches with replaceable batteries that need to be changed after a few months to as long as two years are also widely available.