Smartwatches are great tools for keeping an eye on your notifications, tracking your activity, and a lot more. Nothing beats the classic look of an analog watch on the wrist. Analog watches are simple, classy, and look much better than most smartwatches when you put them on. If you're looking for a wearable watch that looks like an analog watch but can also track your activities and notify you, look no further: we've rounded up some of the best hybrid smartwatches out there.
Wait, what is a hybrid smartwatch?
A hybrid smartwatch is a wrist-worn wearable that contains both elements of a traditional analog watch and a smartwatch. Hybrid smartwatches almost always have mechanical watch hands and a static dial. You can have ads too, but not in the way you would see on an Apple Watch or Wear OS watch. Many manufacturers opt for smaller OLED displays with a lower resolution in order to receive basic information such as number of steps, smartphone notifications or training details. As a rule, fashion has priority over function, as these small displays are best suited for quick and clear information.
Interested in the biggest hits only? Check out our roundup of the best hybrid smartwatches:
- The Withings ScanWatch is the best hybrid smartwatch You can buy in 2021 thanks to clinically validated AFib detection and the all-round great health monitoring suite.
- The Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR is The best hybrid smartwatch from the Fossil Group. We are big fans of the classic design and the improved processing quality.
- The Fossil Hybrid HR is another good hybrid smartwatch. It is Fossil's first generation Hybrid HR device with classic Fossil design elements.
- The Garmin Vivomove 3 line is Garmin's best hybrid smartwatch. It has an innovative "hidden" display that really takes the hybrid smartwatch form factor into account.
- The Withings Move and Withings Move ECGs are the best cheap hybrid smartwatches You can buy. The Move is a cheap, customizable hybrid watch, while the Move EKG ... adds EKG.
The best hybrid smartwatches
- Withings ScanWatch
- Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR
- Fossil Hybrid HR
- Garmin Vivomove 3
- Withings Move and Withings Move ECG
Publisher's Note: We'll regularly update this list of the best hybrid smartwatches as new devices hit the market.
Withings ScanWatch: The Best Hybrid Smartwatch You Can Buy
The Withings ScanWatch is our pick for the best hybrid smartwatch you can buy. It has been clinically validated to inform users of signs of AFib and overnight breathing disorders. It has an EKG, a pulse oximeter for SpO2 measurements, a connected GPS, and a fairly accurate heart rate sensor.
The navigation on the device isn't the best (let's face it, which hybrid smartwatch does this part right?), But the small OLED display is good enough for basic functions. When you add the month-long battery life, fantastic build quality, and all-round great sleep tracking, you have a winner yourself.
Only one problem: The Withings ScanWatch is still not approved by the FDA in the USA. So check the Withings website to see if it is available in your region.
advantages
- Premium, elegant design
- Long lasting battery
- The Health Mate app is well designed and easy to use
- Potentially life saving and easy to use ECG monitor
- Clinically validated AFib and respiratory disorder notifications
- Fantastic sleep tracking
disadvantage
- Small display limits intelligent functions
- Few advanced fitness features or insights
Learn more about the Withings ScanWatch in our full review.
Withings ScanWatch specifications
Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR: The best Skagen Hybrid Smartwatch
The 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 larger than the tiny screens on most other hybrid smartwatches. This allows you to see more information on your wrist at the same time without having to interact with the watch. Again, there are some usability issues with Skagen's watch, but we're big fans of the platform overall.
advantages
- Beautiful design
- The e-ink display is innovative and fun
- 2+ weeks of battery life
- Decent (but basic) fitness tracking options
disadvantage
- Software on the device is clunky
You can find out more about the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR in our full review.
Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR specifications
Fossil Hybrid HR: The Best Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch
The functionality of the Fossil Hybrid HR is almost identical to the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR. 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 when compared to Skagen's offering. However, this product may be offered for sale more frequently. The watch was announced in 2019, so it regularly receives discounts on the Amazon and Fossil websites.
advantages
- The e-ink display is great for battery and visibility
- Premium, elegant design
- 2+ weeks of battery life
disadvantage
- Erratic sleep tracking
- Unreliable heart rate monitor
- No GPS options (connected or built-in GPS)
- Limited software functions
Find out more about the Fossil Hybrid HR in our full review.
Fossil Hybrid HR Specifications
Garmin Vivomove 3: The best Garmin Hybrid Smartwatch
We had to add the Garmin Vivomove 3 line to our list of the best hybrid smartwatches. These advanced fitness trackers have almost the same functionality as other Garmin watches, only with a unique "hidden" display that hides when you are not in use. 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 different case and strap materials.
Check out our list of the best Garmin watches to learn more about the Garmin Vivomove 3.
Garmin Vivomove 3 specifications
Withings Move and Withings Move EKG: The Best Cheap Hybrid Smartwatches
Okay, so we're stretching the term "hybrid smartwatches" when it comes to the Withings Move and Move EKGs, but both watches are actually capable fitness trackers that can help you with your overall health journey.
Neither watch has a display - just a traditional watch face accompanied by a secondary watch face to keep track of your daily steps. Both have all-day activity tracking and connected GPS, while the movement ECG has an electrocardiogram sensor. Like the ScanWatch, the Move EKG can take EKG measurements when needed, so you can keep an eye on your heart health.
advantages
- Customizable design (move)
- EKG measurements make it easy to keep up with heart health (motion EKG)
- Accurate fitness tracking
- Connected GPS is a big bonus
- Accurate, insightful sleep tracking
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
disadvantage
- Sleep tracking can be inaccurate
- No smartphone notifications
- No heart rate monitor
- The plastic housing is easily scratched
You can find out more about the Withings Move and Withings Move ECGs in our full reviews.
Withings Move and Withings Move ECG specifications
Why should you trust the editor?
Not only does Jimmy Westenberg love wearables, he also loves helping people find the right devices for their needs. He was our resident fitness reviewer at Android Authority since 2016 and has reviewed dozens of fitness products and other wearables during that time.
With his rigorous testing of fitness products and his in-depth knowledge of health devices and services, you can be sure that Jimmy will give you honest recommendations.
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