Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Hybrid Smartwatch is the Garmin vívomove HR.
- Hybrid smartwatches effortlessly combine the classic aesthetic of traditional wristwatches with the technologically advanced features of modern smartwatches.
- Owning a hybrid smartwatch gives you the best of both worlds: the elegance of an analog watch and the functionality of a digital device.
- When selecting the best hybrid smartwatch, consider factors such as battery life, smart features, design, build quality, and price.
Hybrid smartwatches provide the perfect combination of tradition and technology. They offer users a stylish appearance of a traditional watch with the modern smart features of smartwatches. From activity tracking and heart rate monitoring to smartphone notifications and more. They are ideal for tech enthusiasts who appreciate an elegant design and want a discrete and timeless way to wear technology.
After a comprehensive review, our top picks for the best hybrid smartwatches of 2023 are:
- Best Overall: Garmin vívomove HR
- Best for Fitness Enthusiasts: Withings Steel HR Sport
- Best for Comprehensive Health Tracking: Garmin Vivoactive 4
- Best for iPhone Users: Fossil Men’s Collider Hybrid Smartwatch
- Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
#1 Best Overall: Garmin vívomove HR
- Device comes equipped with smart features such as music controls and smart notifications, which include incoming calls, text messages, and calendar reminders
- Uses advanced technology on the wrist to estimate heart rate
- Dimensions of the display are 0.38 inches by 0.76 inches (9.6 millimeters by 19.2 millimeters) and it has a resolution of 64 pixels by 128 pixels
- Features like the ability to track stress levels throughout the day and a timer for relaxation
- Battery can last up to 5 days in smart mode and an additional 2 weeks in watch mode
The Garmin vívomove HR emerges as the #1 Best Overall Hybrid Smartwatch. With a tasteful design and a robust set of smart features, it represents an excellent balance of style and substance. The Garmin vívomove HR offers a range of health monitoring tools, such as heart rate and stress tracking, complemented by fitness tracking capabilities and smart notifications.
The timepiece is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, broadening its appeal. However, the watch may take some time to sync, and the touchscreen sensitivity could be improved.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust health and fitness tracking | Synchronization can be slow |
| Elegant design with a discreet display | Touchscreen sensitivity needs improvement |
| Impressive battery life |
Check out the Garmin vívomove HR on Amazon.
Best for Fitness Enthusiasts: Withings Steel HR Sport
- Heart rate tracking day & night plus continuous tracking during workouts
- Automatically counts steps, calories, and distance
- Gives Fitness Level via VO2 max estimation
- Rechargeable battery that lasts up to 25 days.
- Water resistant up to 50m
The Withings Steel HR Sport is our top pick for fitness enthusiasts. Boasting an exceptional battery life of up to 25 days, it sets itself apart from the competition. The watch’s aesthetic, while sleek and modern, leans towards the understated, making it an excellent choice for those who want to keep their fitness goals discrete.
The Withings Steel HR Sport comes with an integrated GPS, providing detailed route tracking for outdoor workouts. It also excels in sleep tracking, offering a sleep score based on the length, depth, and regularity of sleep. However, some users might find the initial setup process a bit complicated. And while the watch’s minimalist design will appeal to many, it may lack the pizzazz sought by those who prefer a more vibrant or distinctive wearable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional battery life | The setup process can be a bit complicated |
| Comprehensive fitness tracking features | Understated design might not appeal to all |
| Sleek and understated design |
Check out the Withings Steel HR Sport on Amazon.
Best for Comprehensive Health Tracking: Garmin Vivoactive 4
- Health and fitness trackers include pulse oximeter, respiration, stress, sleep, estimated heart rate, women's cycles, hydration, and more
- Download songs from music providers like Spotify and Amazon Music
- 20+ pre-loaded GPS and indoor sports
- Up to 8 days of battery life
- Safety and tracking features can send your real-time location to emergency contacts
The Garmin Vivoactive 4 stands out as the best option for comprehensive health tracking. Known for their unrivaled fitness tracking capabilities, Garmin doesn’t disappoint with this model. The Vivoactive 4 goes beyond step counting, offering heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking, hydration tracking, and the ability to follow animated workouts right on the watch face.
Even with GPS enabled, the battery life can last up to 6 days. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 8 days. Although it may not have the same range of styles as its competitors, it has a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive fitness and health tracking | Limited style options |
| Long battery life | Might be overkill for casual users |
| Animated on-screen workouts |
Check out the Garmin Vivoactive 4 on Amazon.
Best for iPhone Users: Fossil Men’s Collider Hybrid Smartwatch
- Heart Rate works with iPhone and Android
- More than 2 weeks of battery life
- Heart Rate, Activity & Sleep Tracking
- 42mm case diameter
The Fossil Men’s Collider Hybrid Smartwatch has earned our top spot for the best hybrid smartwatch for iPhone users. The device is recognized for its seamless integration with iPhones, offering a comfortable user experience. Its smart features and traditional watch design make it the perfect blend of style and functionality. Furthermore, its robust battery life of up to two weeks outperforms many traditional smartwatches.
However, its advanced features might come with a slightly steep learning curve for some. Also, while it does feature activity tracking and heart rate monitoring, it doesn’t include GPS functionality, which could be a downside for some users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless integration with iPhone | Steeper learning curve |
| Long battery life | Lack of GPS functionality |
| Mix of traditional and smart design |
Check out the Fossil Men’s Collider Hybrid Smartwatch on Amazon. (Please note: As of July 14, 2023 this product is not available on Amazon. Please check back later.)
Best for Android Users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
- Features IP68 water and dust protection
- Uses Bluetooth connectivity to replace the function of your phone
- The battery will last for more than a day before requiring a recharge
- Health and fitness features, such as ECG, blood pressure, and blood air saturation measuring included.
For those using Android, our recommendation for the best option is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. This smartwatch excels with its solid performance, sleek design, and full range of features. It’s able to track 7 different types of activities automatically, supports sleep and stress tracking, and can even offer insights into your running style.
The Watch 3 is compatible with Android and iOS. However, Android users will get the most out of it due to its better integration. This watch provides around 2 days of battery life and provides options for different wrist sizes by coming in two different sizes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, traditional watch design | Pricey compared to competitors |
| Variety of health tracking features | Some features work better with Samsung phones |
| Solid battery life |
Check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Hybrid Smartwatch: Step by Step
When choosing a hybrid smartwatch, there are four main things you should consider:
- Device compatibility
- Design
- Battery life
- Features
Device Compatibility
To get the most out of the smartwatch’s features, it must be compatible with your phone. Most smartwatches are compatible with both Android and iOS, but some will offer more functionality when paired with a certain type of device.
Design
You should consider the design of the smartwatch. Some people prefer a traditional round watch face, while others may prefer a square or rectangular design. There’s also the style of the band and customization options for the watch face that should also be considered.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key factor to consider when choosing a hybrid smartwatch. Some models can astoundingly last up to a week on a single charge, offering you more freedom and less hassle. On the other hand, some smartwatches may need to be charged daily. This factor becomes even more crucial if you plan to use features like GPS and fitness tracking intensively, which can significantly drain the battery.
Features
When shopping for a hybrid smartwatch, think carefully about the features you need. These can include health tracking capabilities, smartphone notifications, built-in GPS, contactless payments, and more. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, prioritize watches with advanced activity tracking and health metrics. On the other hand, if connectivity and communication are important to you, look for models with robust notification systems and smart reply features.
What to Know Before Buying a Hybrid Smartwatch
Before purchasing a hybrid smartwatch, it’s important to understand that these devices, while offering a range of smart features, may not provide the complete capabilities that a full-fledged smartwatch does. App support can often be limited and interaction with notifications is usually more restricted than on more advanced models.
Using a Hybrid Smartwatch: What it’s Like
Using a hybrid smartwatch will provide an appealing balance between traditional aesthetics and modern smart functionality. You can easily keep track of your daily activities and receive smartphone notifications. While also being able to monitor your sleep and even make mobile payments for your coffee, all from your wrist. The user experience can vary significantly between models and brands. Some place greater emphasis on fitness tracking, while others focus more on communication features.
The feel of wearing a hybrid smartwatch is usually its biggest appeal to users. For those who appreciate the subtlety and simplicity of analog watches but like modern technology, this is a winner. Hybrid smartwatches offer a uniquely satisfying solution by blending the old with the new.
Not entirely sure if a hybrid smartwatch is for you? Check out our offer guides:
- The 5 Best Smartwatches for Kids: Reviewed and Ranked
- The 6 Best Garmin Watches for Every Use Case: Ranked and Reviewed
- The 5 Best Smartwatches for Android on Earth Today
- 6 Reasons to Buy a Fitness Tracker Today (and Which Are Best)
- 5 Reasons to Avoid a New Smartwatch Today
Summary Table
| Hybrid Smartwatch | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin vÃvomove HR | Robust health and fitness tracking, Elegant design with a discreet display, Impressive battery life | Synchronization can be slow, Touchscreen sensitivity needs improvement |
| Withings Steel HR Sport | Exceptional battery life, Comprehensive fitness tracking features, Sleek and understated design | The setup process can be a bit complicated, Understated design might not appeal to all |
| Garmin Vivoactive 4 | Comprehensive fitness and health tracking, Long battery life, Animated on-screen workouts | Limited style options, Might be overkill for casual users |
| Fossil Hybrid HR Collider | Seamless integration with iPhone, Long battery life, Mix of traditional and smart design | Steeper learning curve, Lack of GPS functionality |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | Sleek, traditional watch design, Variety of health tracking features, Solid battery life | Pricey compared to competitors, Some features work better with Samsung phones |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Maridav/Shutterstock.com.
