See also: The best Wear OS watches
Buying the right hybrid smartwatch
Hybrid smartwatches meld traditional watch elements with smartwatch smarts. This usually means these devices feature aesthetics inspired by analog watches but may also include fitness and health tracking elements. Most hybrid watches also pack lengthy battery life owing to their lack of a large display. If a hybrid smartwatch does feature a display, it’s usually large enough to only feed quick, glanceable info to the wearer.
Picking a hybrid smartwatch largely depends on what you’re looking for. Although all the products we list below are stylish, each features a different strength. Of course, if you’re looking for a device that can run apps, place calls, and more, a device like the Apple Watch might be a better option. Just interested in tracking your health? A traditional fitness tracker might be a better option.
The best hybrid smartwatches
- The Withings ScanWatch is the best hybrid smartwatch you can buy in 2021, thanks to its clinically validated AFib detection and all-around great health tracking suite.
- The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR is Fossil Group’s best hybrid smartwatch. We’re big fans of the classy design and improved build quality.
- The Fossil Hybrid HR is another good hybrid smartwatch. It’s Fossil’s first-generation Hybrid HR device, with classic Fossil design cues.
- The Garmin Vivomove 3 line is Garmin’s best hybrid smartwatch. It has an innovative “hidden” display that really embraces the hybrid smartwatch form factor.
- The Withings Move and Withings Move ECG are the best cheap hybrid smartwatches you can buy. The Move is a cheap, customizable hybrid watch, while the Move ECG adds… ECG.
Withings ScanWatch: The best hybrid smartwatch you can buy
The Withings ScanWatch is our pick for the best hybrid smartwatch you can buy. Its been clinically validated to notify users of signs of AFib and overnight breathing disturbances. It has an ECG, pulse oximeter for SpO2 readings, connected GPS, and a fairly accurate heart rate sensor, too.
On-device navigation isn’t the greatest (let’s be honest, what hybrid smartwatch gets this part right?), but the small OLED display is good enough for basic functions. Add to that month-long battery life, fantastic build quality, and all-around great sleep tracking, and you have yourself a winner.
Just one problem: the Withings ScanWatch still isn’t FDA-approved in the US, so be sure to check Withings’ website to see if it’s available in your region.
Pros
- Premium, classy design
- Long-lasting battery
- Health Mate app is well-designed and easy to use
- Potentially lifesaving and easy-to-use ECG monitor
- Clinically validated AFib and breathing disturbance notifications
- Fantastic sleep tracking
Cons
- Small display limits smart features
- Few advanced fitness features or insights
Check out our full review to learn more about the Withings ScanWatch.
Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR: The best Skagen hybrid smartwatch
Fossil Group has brought its Hybrid HR platform to the Skagen brand with the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR. This is our favorite hybrid smartwatch from the company due to its improved design over the Fossil Hybrid HR (below), long battery life, and of course, the innovative e-ink display.
The Jorn Hybrid HR’s e-ink display is bigger than the tiny screens found on most other hybrid smartwatches. This allows you to see more information on your wrist at one time without the need to interact with the watch. Again, there are some usability issues with Skagen’s watch, but we’re big fans of the platform overall.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- E-ink display is innovative and fun
- 2+ week battery life
- Decent (but basic) fitness tracking options
Cons
- On-device software is clunky
Check out our full review to learn more about the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR.
Fossil Hybrid HR: The best Fossil hybrid smartwatch
The Fossil Hybrid HR is nearly identical to the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR in functionality. The main differences between the two are the overall build quality, the companion app, and the price.
While our Fossil Hybrid HR (Collider model) looks wonderful, its build quality is noticeably lacking compared to Skagen’s offering. However, you might find this one on sale more often. The watch was announced in 2019, so it receives regular discounts on Amazon and Fossil’s website.
Pros
- E-ink display is great for battery and visibility
- Premium, classy design
- 2+ week battery life
Cons
- Erratic sleep tracking
- Unreliable heart rate monitor
- No GPS options (connected or built-in GPS)
- Limited software features
Check out our full review to learn more about the Fossil Hybrid HR.
Garmin Vivomove 3: The best Garmin hybrid smartwatch
We had to include the Garmin Vivomove 3 line on our best hybrid smartwatches list. These advanced fitness trackers have much of the same functionality as other Garmin watches, only with a unique “hidden” display that hides away when you’re not using it. It’s just as cool as it sounds.
Depending on which model you choose (there are many different SKUs to choose from), you can opt for a monochrome or color display, one or two displays, and various case and strap materials.
Check out our list of the best Garmin watches to learn more about the Garmin Vivomove 3.
Withings Move and Withings Move ECG: The best cheap hybrid smartwatches
Okay, we’re kind of stretching the term “hybrid smartwatches” when it comes to the Withings Move and Move ECG, but both watches are actually capable fitness trackers that can help with your overall health journey.
Neither watch has a display — only a traditional watch dial accompanied by a secondary dial to keep track of your daily steps. They both have all-day activity tracking and connected GPS, while the Move ECG has an electrocardiogram sensor. Like the ScanWatch, the Move ECG can take on-demand ECG readings so you can keep an eye on your heart health.
Pros
- Customizable design (Move)
- ECG readings make it easy to keep up with heart health (Move ECG)
- Accurate fitness tracking
- Connected GPS is a huge bonus
- Accurate, insightful sleep tracking
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
Cons
- Sleep tracking can be inaccurate
- No smartphone notifications
- No heart rate sensor
- Plastic case is easily scratched
Check out our full reviews to learn more about the Withings Move and Withings Move ECG.
Looking for even more recommendations? Check out even more coverage below:
- The best Garmin watches you can buy: Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and more
- The best Fitbit trackers and smartwatches you can buy
- The best fitness trackers you can buy in 2021
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