The best hybrid smartwatch is the best of both worlds, bringing you many of the top features of a smartwatch, like heart rate monitoring, step tracking and notifications, rolled into a design that looks more like a regular traditional watch or digital watch.
Think of the best hybrid smartwatches as traditional watches first and foremost with smart features added. So while the best smartwatches and many of the best fitness trackers have on large screens and are packed with the latest smart tech, the hybrid smartwatches in this guide have mechanical hands or simpler digital displays and are selective about which smart features are added into the mix.
Want a deeper explanation of hybrid smartwatches? We've put together a full beginner's guide to watches with hidden tech under traditional faces so you know what to look out for.
Hybrid smartwatches suit people who don’t want a device that looks obviously smart, like the best Apple Watches, but instead want a subtle or traditional look. Because the best hybrid smartwatches don’t need to power big, bright screens they also boast long battery life compared to other smartwatches. This is great if you don't want the hassle of charging up your smartwatch every evening.
However, not all of the best hybrid smartwatches are the same. Because only a few smart features are included, you need to be sure you’re getting the style and features you need. We've tested all of the top hybrid smartwatches, so whether you’re after a traditional-looking watch with only the bare minimum features or the best hybrid smartwatch packed with health sensors, our guide below will help you to decide which is the best hybrid smartwatch for you.
The best hybrid smartwatch 2023: our top picks
The Garmin Instinct Crossover is a bit different to many of the other hybrid smartwatches on our list because it doesn't have a traditional watch look, but instead will appeal to fans of digital watches – particularly for those who like the G-Shock aesthetic.
During our testing we loved the retro charm of the Instinct Crossover. We also enjoyed selected the watch face configuration to show the information you want. Sure you're working with quite a basic 176 x 176px monochrome display but that's the appeal of a (mostly) analog watch.
This hybrid is especially good those who are looking for fitness tracking from their hybrid. With the Garmin Instinct Crossover you get running, swimming and cycling tools. It also measures your heart rate 24/7, offers a heart rate variability measurement, and and an estimated respiration rate to help monitor your exertion during exercise.
It’s a really terrific watch for outdoors fitness in particular, offering environmental information, like sunrise and sunset, from the watch face. You can also see GPS coordinates, elevation information, and your distance from a designated destination, which you can set up in the app.
Read our full Garmin Instinct Crossover review
Our second favorite hybrid watch is from Withings and it's the only device on this list that comes with an electrocardiogram monitor. This is a feature that gives you a reading on your likelihood to suffer from atrial fibrillation, which is a specific heart condition where you can have an irregular beat.
It's not the most accurate tech, but it has been included on later Apple Watch models and this Withings to give you an idea of whether it's something you should investigate further with a doctor.
On top of that, you'll also get a slick looking hybrid smartwatch that's well designed and comes with a selection of impressive fitness features. Plus, it's by no means the most expensive device on this list either.
Read our full Withings Move ECG review
Looking for a small hybrid watch that looks fashionable but can track your heart rate and has a comfortable strap for the odd jog? The Withings Steel HR (sometimes known as the Nokia Steel HR) may be the perfect watch for you, and it sits in third place on our list of the best hybrids.
It has a small second dial so you can see your daily step count (your target can be set in the app), and there's a small screen above it to show other stats.
If you want to know your heart rate it'll appear on the screen along with your step count and notifications such as incoming calls, messages and events coming up in your calendar.
There's a single button on the right of the watch that's sort of disguised as a crown, while the watch is waterproof, so you can wear it in the shower without ruining it.
Read our full Withings Steel HR review
While this is perhaps one of the sportiest devices on our list, don't be fooled by the fact that it carries the Garmin name. The Vivomove HR isn't going to give you high-end running watch features like the brand's Fenix 5 range.
It does, however, offer a heart rate monitor and step tracking, and there are also gym tracking features for when you're doing indoor cardio or recording reps during a weights workout.
The Vivomove HR will also work in the pool as it's waterproof, but it's not particularly great at tracking your swimming, so don't buy it specifically for that task. There are stress-monitoring features, which is something you won't get on any other hybrid watch, and we found that these worked well.
If you're after a good-looking watch with some hidden fitness features, the Vivomove HR from Garmin may be the perfect device for you.
Read our full Garmin Vivomove HR review
You can save on Garmin purchases with our Garmin promo codes.
The Withings Steel HR Sport is very similar to the Nokia Steel and Nokia Steel HR on this list (the company has recently been renamed Withings) and while the design looks similar there are some important differences.
It comes with better notifications as well as VO2 Max monitor that will be able to give you an overall fitness score that you can improve over time.
The battery is meant to last for around a month, and it has connected GPS and heart rate monitoring that means this is suitable for more fitness activities than a lot of other devices on this list.
Read our full Withings Steel HR Sport review
The Withings Move is one of the cheapest devices on this list and you've got a great variety of different designs to choose from too. This is a good choice from you if you don't need many fitness features and you'd just like a way to track your daily step count and sleep with an attractive watch on your wrist.
You've got 18 months of battery life, according to Withings, and while the watch doesn't come with top-end features like a heart rate tracker it is capable of tracking lots of your basic stats.
The design and price are the key highlights here though, and while it won't suit fitness fanatics it may be your perfect idea of a simple hybrid smartwatch.
Read our full Withings Move review
One of the most stylish hybrid smartwatches available right now comes from Fossil, and it's called the Q Commuter.
Fossil specializes in hybrid watches (although it makes Wear OS watches too), and this is one of the best-looking of the bunch, with a vast array of finish and strap combinations to match your look.
The Q Commuter can give you a variety of notifications – although these are sometimes hard to notice as the vibration isn't particularly strong – and there are some limited fitness features here too.
One of the real highlights is the battery life, which can run to a year or more.
Read the full Fossil Q Commuter review
Best hybrid smartwatches: FAQ
How to choose the best hybrid smartwatch for you
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Before you buy a hybrid smartwatch, we recommend seriously considering what it is you're looking for. If there's any chance that further down the line you'll envy the bright, bold screens of the best smartwatches, like the Apple Watch Ultra, we recommend you buy a smartwatch instead. If the price has put you off, we have a guide to the best cheap smartwatches that are well worth your money, and a smartwatch sales and deals guide.
Otherwise, one of the best hybrid smartwatches will suit you. Especially if you don't want the distraction of a large screen or you like knowing you have a battery that'll last you days. The first consideration would be whether you want the look of a traditional watch with hands, like the Withings Move and Fossil Q Commuter above, or a more retro, digital design, like our current top pick, the Garmin Instinct Crossover.
Next up, you'll want to think about features. If you want to track health metrics, make a note of which are a priority and take a look to see which of the hybrid smartwatches above cater to your needs. For example, if you want a smartwatch to keep tabs on your heart rate while you explore the great outdoors, we recommend the Garmin Instinct Crossover. To keep tabs on your heart health, check out the Withings Move ECG. If you don't care too much about health and fitness tracking but want some simple notifications, the Fossil Q Commuter will be smart enough for you.
You'll also want to think about budget. Luckily, most of the best hybrid smartwatches tend to be cheaper than all-singing, all-dancing smartwatches. But there is a big difference in price between some of the more feature-packed hybrids, so be sure you're getting enough features, even if you've got a smaller budget.
