16 Best Hybrid Smartwatches in 2024: Stylish Displays & Smartphone-Connected

Hybrid Smartwatches
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Written by Matthew Croft

Updated - November 15th, 2023

Finding a stylish smartwatch timepiece won’t break your bank; it’s not ostentatiously costly and for some tech-heads it accommodates an ever so busy lifestyle. If you’re worried about this wearable-tech device’s battery lifetime, durability or comfort on your wrist, then keep a record of these advantages we’ve ascertained.

As the name suggests, a hybrid smartwatch consists of both a traditional and modern watch-face composition and is eloquent by all types of chosen watch-designs. It packs analogue hands and traditional design for telling the time with extra features like smartphone notifications and versatile activity tracking. We highly recommend reading on to find out what suits you and your needs.

Withings Steel HR Sport Smartwatch

Withings Steel HR Sport Smartwatch (40mm) – Activity Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, Sleep Monitor, GPS, Water Resistant Smart Watch

Most Popular

Benefits

  • Luxury design at an affordable price
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • The battery can last for weeks without recharging
  • All-around fitness tracker

Drawbacks

  • Takes a bit too long to show pulse readings
  • Step tracker could be more accurate
Fossil Men's Machine Stainless Steel Hybrid Smartwatch

Fossil Q Men’s Machine Stainless Steel Hybrid Smartwatch

Premium Pick

Benefits

  • It utilizes quartz movement
  • You can customize the buttons to your preference
  • A fairly large case diameter
  • It does not require charging

Drawbacks

  • It could use additional “smart” functions
  • A qualified expert should replace the battery
Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Stainless Steel

Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch The Carlyle HR Black Silicone

Benefits

  • Interface is logical and non-intrusive
  • Comfortable and stylish watch
  • Google Pay is untroublesome unlike other devices which I have seen take time to connect properly
  • Audio and mic transmission to make phone calls is very practical

Drawbacks

  • Intermittent notifications can be irritating
  • The battery life is adequate for an average user, but for serial athlete or heavy user consumption will result in an abysmal battery life.

The Best Hybrid Smartwatches (Top 16 Updated)

1. Most Popular: Withings Steel HR Sport Smartwatch (40mm) – Activity Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, Sleep Monitor, GPS, Water Resistant Smart Watch

The Withings Steel HR Sport wearable advocates a healthier lifestyle to any sports enthusiast. The craftsmanship seems a luxury, yet it’s offered at an affordable price. The Withings Steel HR Sport is highly durable, covered with a stainless steel mold. The band is made of silicone, and the battery is long-lasting and rechargeable. A fully charged battery can last for several weeks, but it ultimately depends on your usage. As a running athlete, I tested the Withings Steel HR Sport and noticed how simple it is to activate the track-timer speedily at the beginning of your runs. The watch-band material also feels soft. It’s also very flexible, so pulling the watch-band further up your arm is desirable for anyone who wants a perfect fit for your wrist.

With exceptions to hot summer days, glare and sunlight can make it difficult to see the watch-screen interface, so ensure you are in a spot that is dim.

When it comes to the fitness tracker, all the expected features are there, including a GPS to track your path and measure distance, and heart rate and pulse monitoring. The watch will track you around the clock, and it has more than 30 different activities for training sessions. However, the step tracker could be more accurate, and it seems that the device takes a bit too long to display pulse readings.

The smartwatch also offers sleep tracking, and it will estimate the quality of your sleep based on regularity and interruptions. You can feel free to take it swimming or showering, and even snorkeling since it is water-resistant from up to 150 feet.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Recognizes different activities | Water resistant | Looks classy

Benefits

  • Luxury design at an affordable price
  • Long-lasting and durable
  • The battery can last for weeks without recharging
  • All-around fitness tracker

Drawbacks

  • Takes a bit too long to show pulse readings
  • Step tracker could be more accurate

2. Premium Pick: Fossil Q Men’s Machine Stainless Steel Hybrid Smartwatch

If you are not sure what smartwatch to choose, go with a renowned brand. Fossil is a reputable manufacturer of traditional watches, but do they maintain the same quality as smartwatches?

If we are judging by this unit, the answer is yes. The design is traditional, and it offers a brown leather brand and the case made of stainless steel with the black color dominating around it. The case is 12mm thick, and the watch utilizes quartz movement.

The unit has an integrated battery that doesn’t need recharging. Its estimated life is between four and six months, and the only drawback is that you should take it to a qualified expert for replacement.

The smartwatch can connect to your smartphone by utilizing Bluetooth technology. It will display alerts and notifications, and you can also control the music, adjust the date, and personal goals.

You can also use the product as an activity tracker, and preset music and other functions to particular buttons. Although the buttons are fully customizable, you can’t browse through the playlist, and it seems like the watch lacks some additional “smart” functions.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Reputable brand | Beautiful color combination | Customizable buttons

Benefits

  • It utilizes quartz movement
  • You can customize the buttons to your preference
  • A fairly large case diameter
  • It does not require charging

Drawbacks

  • It could use additional “smart” functions
  • A qualified expert should replace the battery

3. Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch The Carlyle HR Black Silicone

The Fossil Gen 5 is a next-level android release powered with wear OS by Google – designed for smartwatches, plus for Apple iOS users 12.0+. The Battery life extends to 24 hours + multi-day extended mode, concurrent with how many applications you run, daily usage and the amount of memory you fill your device with.

Best of all, recharging your Fossil Gen 5 is easier than ever using the USB magnetic charger which snaps to rings on the back of the watch akin to 360 degrees. So any charging position is available even if you have a disorganized workspace. Typically, we’ve found it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach 80%.

This smartwatch sizing corresponds to the following: Case size: 44mm; Band size: 22mm; interchangeable with all Fossil 22mm bands. Heart Rate & Activity Tracking using Google Fit is a useful add-on. For example, I’ve found Strava the Fitness App to function properly during hiking trips. Moreover, if you’re a swimmer you can be covered with the water-resistant design 3ATM so it can be worn while swimming in shallow water or even when showering. This ensures it lasts for years. Lastly, if you require a good-nights rest, the Fossil Gen 5 is equipped with automatic sleep tracking technology. This helps you to monitor restfulness and set sleep goals at night. Overall, the design is very impressive and I totally recommend it just for that matte-black appeal.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Receive notifications seamlessly | Google Pay NFC Detection | Sleek Black Design | Absurdly Comfortable

Benefits

  • Interface is logical and non-intrusive
  • Comfortable and stylish watch
  • Google Pay is untroublesome unlike other devices which I have seen take time to connect properly
  • Audio and mic transmission to make phone calls is very practical

Drawbacks

  • Intermittent notifications can be irritating
  • The battery life is adequate for an average user, but for serial athlete or heavy user consumption will result in an abysmal battery life.

4. NOWA Superbe Smartwatch Designed for Simple Outings

The watch has a durable case made of stainless steel, as well as flat mineral glass with sapphire coating. The bezel is highly-polished while the strap is made of mesh steel and Italian leather. It is vital to note that the strap is interchangeable.

The product doesn’t require any charging, and the battery can last up to two years. When it comes to smartwatch features, you can expect versatile activity tracking such as the activity monitor and sleep tracking features. It allows you to place daily goals for the number of steps you want to make, as well as check out data history. We do have a feeling fitness tracking could be more advanced, but it is something to look forward to in future versions.

The unit will automatically update the time zone, and you can also use it to answer or reject calls or find your smartphone. You will need to have at least Android 8 or iOS 8 for the app to be compatible.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Crowdfunded project | A mix of classic and temporary | Easy to use the app

Benefits

  • A beautiful and simplistic look
  • Fitness and sleep tracking
  • It doesn’t require charging
  • Interchangeable strap

Drawbacks

  • The app is only compatible with newer versions of iOS and Android
  • Fitness tracking could be more advanced

5. Garmin vívomove HR, Hybrid Smartwatch

If you ask us, Garmin has made an intriguing hybrid smartwatch. First of all, you can choose between multiple color combinations, and they also offer different sizes, which increases the chances of finding a watch that will be a perfect fit.

The design is partially attractive because even though the diameter case is large, the mechanical hands can be tricky to see when the light is not optimal. Additionally, they are not that precise, and the watch may need recalibrating occasionally.

When it comes to “smart” features, the list is quite impressive. Everything starts with the basics, such as connecting to your phone to activate notifications on the digital displays. The product also has an activity tracker available around the clock.

One of the innovative features this unit has is its heart rate monitoring feature which will tell you when you are under stress. That is when you should utilize the relaxation timer for some breathing exercises to reduce stress. It may seem like a small addition, but it can significantly contribute to your health.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Pick your favourite design | Stress management feature | A fairly reliable activity tracker

Benefits

  • Instant notifications for calls, messages, and reminders
  • Around the clock activity tracker and heart rate monitoring
  • It helps to manage stress
  • A large case and multiple design options

Drawbacks

  • The analogue hands may be tricky to see in low-light conditions
  • You might need to recalibrate occasionally

6. Skagen Connected Men’s Jorn Stainless Steel and Leather Hybrid Smartwatch

Skagen is another reputable name in the world of hybrid smartwatches, and this is an entry-level unit suitable for those that are looking for the best of both worlds while ensuring the price is acceptable.

The watch has a classic and elegant design, which helps you look stylish on any occasion. Additionally, the tan leather band is interchangeable with any other 22mm bands made by the same company. The case is made of stainless steel, and it is quite thick and durable, and the silver colou fits nicely with the overall appearance.

As for the performance, the watch sports classic watch capabilities through the use of Japanese quartz movement, and its analogue display is very accurate. When it comes to smartphone integration, you can connect it only to six phone apps, but even that should be enough when you are on the go.

The smartwatch will inform you by vibration when a notification arrives on your phone. However, the vibration is not that strong, and it may go unnoticed if you are busy with another activity. The product uses a built-in battery that will last for approximately months. You can swim with the unit around your wrist as it is water-resistant.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Looks stylish | Doesn’t need charging | Leather band

Benefits

  • A classic and elegant design
  • It utilizes an integrated battery
  • Water resistant up to 100 feet
  • The band is interchangeable

Drawbacks

  • It can only connect to six phone apps
  • The vibration alerts are not particularly strong

7. Diesel On Time Hybrid Smartwatch

Diesel entered the market of hybrid smartwatches with this model, which looks modern and stylish. You could say that the design is what we expect from this company – it is contemporary and features a large case with big analogue hands.

The oversized smartwatch features a stainless-steel case and leather strap. Both the top ring and the band are black while the analogue hands have a silver and white outline for an added high-tech look. But enough about design and let’s talk performance.

In that area, this hybrid smartwatch offers only basic features, but they should be enough for an average user. You can assign notifications the way you want so that you are not disturbed by every small thing, and the multi-functional buttons are great for controlling music or taking photos with the camera.

The official app is suitable for both Android and iOS, and it is reliable to use. It allows you to track your steps, sleep, and even fitness objectives easily. The product uses a built-in battery that has a long life before it needs replacing.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Familiar oversized style | Multifunctional buttons | The app is simple to use

Benefits

  • Contemporary high-tech design
  • Assign notifications to your preference
  • The official app is reliable
  • It has an integrated battery

Drawbacks

  • Only basic smart features
  • It doesn’t have a digital display

8. DREAM SPORT Hybrid Smart Watch

DREAM SPORT designed another hybrid smartwatch that features a casual design, which makes it suitable to wear every day. You can also choose between several different colors based on your taste. The feature that makes the watch stand out is the self-adjustment of the analog hands. When the watch connects to the app, it automatically syncs up to the same time settings on your phone. The LED light makes it possible to tell time at night, and the product is also water-resistant, which means you don’t have to take it off when showering or washing hands.

The biggest problem with this smartwatch is that it doesn’t inform you when you receive calls or messages. While some users may appreciate this as it means nobody will alarm them when exercising, it is still a pretty basic feature missing from this unit.

Despite that, the product seems to offer a good deal for the price. You get a hybrid smartwatch of limited durability but packed with some neat features.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Pick your favourite colour | You can use it at night | Water-resistant

Benefits

  • Impressive battery life of up to eight months
  • Self-adjustable analogue hands
  • LED light enables users to look at the watch at night
  • Multiple colors available

Drawbacks

  • The durability could be better

9. Michael Kors Men’s Rose Goldtone Strap Gage Hybrid Watch

Of course, our list would not be complete without reviewing Michael Kors’ designer smartwatch. As soon as you take a look at this watch, it becomes obvious a professional designed it. It is a round unit with a black band and dial, and a gold-tone strap for added elegance.

As the manufacturer indicates, this is primarily an analog watch. It has a durable case made of stainless steel and leather calfskin band. The product will automatically update time, and it also supports multiple time zones.

When it comes to smart features, it has everything you may expect, including activity and sleep tracking, playing music, and even taking photos. You can also set alarms as reminders, and receive notifications for up to six selected people. The three buttons on the side are used for navigation and are extremely useful.

Overall, the product is reliable and durable. It doesn’t require any charging and the batteries will last for months. You can change them yourself as the company provides all the necessary tools, but make sure to be careful in the process.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Looks classy | Suitable for all occasions | A reliable app

Benefits

  • A designer smartwatch
  • No charging required
  • A large and durable case
  • Multiple time zones available

Drawbacks

  • Some might not love this design
  • You can get notifications only for up to six selected people

10. Misfit Command

Misfit Command is where style meets productivity. It comes in four designs: matte black with copper detailing, entirely black, dark blue with rose gold detailing, matte silver with stainless steel. This smartwatch is definitely for someone who values aesthetics and functionality. Albeit its minimalistic and sleek analogue face, it offers more than the average smartwatch.

It does have the basic smart features like seamless syncing with your other smart devices. Alarms, reminders, messages, calls, even pausing your music and controlling your camera, are all within this watch’s capabilities. You will literally have everything at your fingertips (technically your wrist, but you get the gist).

And the best part? It does not require a regular recharge — thanks to the fact that it lasts at least one year of battery life. Another one of its advanced features includes having a second smaller dial within its face to indicate your progress on completing a set goal for the day. To view more in-depth information from the smartwatch’s versatile activity tracking, it also comes with a complimentary application that you can download on your smartphone or tablet.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Seamless Device Compatibility | Sleek Design | Lasting Battery Life

Benefits

  • Built-in step-tracker
  • Built-in calorie-tracker
  • Built-in sleep-tracker
  • Provides notifications for messages, alarms, calls and reminders
  • Water-resistant
  • One-year battery life

Drawbacks

  • Lacks heart rate monitor feature
  • The buckle can be uncomfortable

11. Kronaby Apex

The Kronaby Apex is a gorgeous and beautifully crafted quartz watch. It sports the classic Swiss watch design and makes it a versatile styling piece that goes with every outfit. This is a tough smartwatch — its face is made of sapphire crystal that is resistant to scratches, accompanied by the rest of the stainless steel body and is water-resistant. You really would have to try hard for it to break. Plus, it lasts for two years without the need to recharge and has an easily replaceable battery when it goes flat.

Hybrid smartwatches relay notifications via vibrations; which the Kronaby Apex does but in gentle waves. It’s not as aggressive as the average unit, but has a simple enough vibration pattern that you will get used to. Its app offers configuration of syncing messages and calls. However, this only works well with standard built-in apps, and not with other messaging applications, or social media. Additionally, it tracks your daily activity which can be checked through the app.

While the Kronaby Apex lacks variation in its accompanying smartphone app, it is definitely a smart device made for someone who is on the go and values a high-quality, durable watch that delivers basic functionality.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Delicate & Intricate Design | Versatile | Classic

Benefits

  • Two-year battery life
  • Water-resistant
  • Stainless steel
  • Professionally crafted
  • Provides simple notifications
  • Provides simple tracking

Drawbacks

  • Little app support

12. Mondaine Helvetica Smartwatch

The Mondaine Helvetica Smartwatch brings pleasure to any owner’s experience with seamless connectivity, versatile activity tracker, simple notifications and stunning craftsmanship. This smartwatch comes in four different colours as well: black, blue, white with grey detailing and white.

Mondaine succeeds right off the bat by providing a comprehensible and dynamic complementary app to keep your notifications and activity tracking in check. Its watch interface has four letters: ‘A’, ‘M’, ‘T’ and ‘S’, which serve as notification markers for step count, message notification, call notification and sleep tracking respectively. To view or stop notification, it’s as easy as pressing the button of the crown.

It’s ideal for someone who wants functionality and prefers a small face diameter for style versatility.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Beautiful Design | Comfortable Fit | Versatile Activity Tracking | Easy to Use

Benefits

  • Classic & simple Swiss-made watch
  • Anti-reflective sapphire crystal face
  • Water-resistant
  • Innovative functionality
  • Two-year international warranty
  • Two-year battery life

Drawbacks

  • Leather straps may be stiff at first

13. Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch

The Frederique Constant Horological smartwatch brings watch owners the experience of an insightful fitness tracker and beyond. It is paired with a smartphone app with a variety of innovative applications you can set up for maximum personalization; like sleep tracking, step tracking, recommendations on your activity levels and real-time accurate notifications. Besides that, you never have to worry about resetting your watch’s time whenever you travel because it will do that for you automatically.

One of its advanced features is called “coaching”, where it provides you insight and suggestions based on your steps, sleep pattern and calories data. It has very defined fitness-relevant application features like a stopwatch and calorie tracker. This is ideal for someone who values the benefits of a fitness tracker and the classy looking watch. Furthermore, it’s a relatively user-friendly app that is not too hard to navigate.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Stylish | Versatile Activity Tracking | Dynamic App Features | Intuitive Features

Benefits

  • Automatic time zone setting
  • Active notification alerts
  • Great activity & sleep tracking
  • In-depth insights from smartwatch application
  • Damage-resistant
  • Cloud backup

Drawbacks

  • A bit pricey
  • Set up tracking activities manually

14. Alpina Seastrong Horological Smartwatch

A hybrid smartwatch with a sporty yet classy look for someone on the go and loves fitness. It has the basic smartphone application features like activity tracking and simple notifications which you can adjust to suit your lifestyle. Furthermore, the Alpina Seastrong Horological Smartwatch has an impressive battery life that lasts for four years.

Just like Frederique, this provides classic craftsmanship to any watch owner with very simple smart features. If you are looking for a hybrid with basic functionality to stay connected, Alpina is the product for you.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Classic Style | Easy App Navigation | Sport-friendly

Benefits

  • Four-year battery life
  • Active notifications and tracking
  • Water-resistant
  • Cloud backup

Drawbacks

  • Basic application features
  • Lacks a date window
  • The rubber band can cause scuffing

15. Timex Men’s IQ+

The Timex Men’s IQ+ sports a daunting and modern design but brings a simplified functionality for ease of use. This combines simplicity and basic activity tracking — providing an efficient smartwatch experience through accurate tracking of sleep patterns and steps taken. It has a smaller face that can either track your steps and help you track your distance too. At the end of the day, it is easy to sync the smartwatch with the app by just pressing its crown button.

This may not be the best hybrid smartwatch for someone needing a device that prioritizes fitness tracking. Additionally, it comes with a leather band, which may not be ideal to wear for exercises.  However, it does not fail to provide an efficient smart experience and look like a classic piece of arm candy that can be easily paired with any outfit.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

15. Timex Men’s IQ+

Benefits

  • Impeccable design
  • Accurate features
  • Dynamic step and sleep tracking

Drawbacks

  • Basic smart features

16. Emporio Armani Hybrid Smartwatch

Emporio Armani succeeds in designing a stylish hybrid smartwatch that looks modern and fashionable. Made from stainless steel and comes in a stunning matte black colour, it definitely is a statement piece that deserves to be shown off on any wrist. It has some weight to it and also is fastened with a double clasp, which can cause some discomfort.

However, it only has basic smart features and is not fitness-focused, so it cannot provide a stopwatch function. However, you are still equipped with basic smart features like camera remote or music control. The accompanying app is very easy to set up as well. It can be connected to notifications for six applications too and has three different vibration patterns to choose from.

Gadget Features Inspired For You

Classical Craftsmanship | Easy Syncing | Simple App Features | Discreet & Hidden Features

Benefits

  • Modern design
  • Basic activity tracking
  • Simple user interface
  • Six months of battery life

Drawbacks

  • Not activity-tracking focused
  • Metal clasp can be uncomfortable

How to Choose the Best Hybrid Smartwatches

Are you eager to know how to find the perfect hybrid smartwatch out there? Here is an in-depth look at the factors to consider during the buying process.

“Smart” Features

It comes as a given that your watch will offer some high-tech perks, but it is up to you to choose how advanced you want them. There is an expectation that a hybrid unit should have a combination of classic watch capabilities and smart innovative features. The basic models mostly have smartphone notifications, activity, and sleep tracking. However, you can also look out for advanced features like controlling music, taking photos, and even monitoring heart rate and stress levels. For example, the Garmin Vivomove HR watch has an extra feature that will notify you when you are under stress upon detecting heart rate anomalies.

Battery Type and Life

We believe this is a vital thing to consider as it significantly affects your watch’s performance. The first option is an integrated battery that doesn’t require charging. These typically last for about six months, and you can either replace them yourself or take them to a qualified specialist.

The other alternative is a rechargeable battery. These will last anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks depending on your use, and you will need to monitor battery life to ensure that your watch doesn’t die in the middle of an activity.

Other Factors to Consider

Please take a look at the list below as we mentioned some other things worth considering when buying a smartwatch:

  • Material – a case made of stainless steel and leather band is the most frequent combination that secures optimal durability, but you are welcome to choose based on your preference.
  • Water-resistance – it is vital if you want to go swimming, or you do not want to take off your watch when showering.
  • Design – since you will be wearing it all the time, it is only natural that you should find the product appealing and stylish. Besides style, the watch should be designed to cater to your needs, be it fitness-centric or lifestyle-centric.
  • Compatibility — An overlooked area by many customers is forgetting to check if the hybrid smartwatch is compatible with their smartphone. Especially when an application is meant to complement the experience of the watch. It is important to check if the corresponding phone applications are compatible with your smartphone model.

Final Verdict

The article offered a selection of the best hybrid smartwatches money can currently buy. We tried to cover different tastes and preferences, and we hope that you will easily find the desired model to combine the classic watch design with high-tech features!

FAQ

Matthew Croft
Matthew Croft

Matthew Croft is an avid traveler and tech enthusiast. He tends to highlight on the best travel and luggage gadgets to bring on his holidays. He's also a regular publisher of many gadget reviews that will excite you!