The best hybrid smartwatches (Feb. 2021): Analog watches with smartwatch smarts

Smartwatches are great tools for staying on top of your notifications, tracking your activity, and more. However, nothing beats that classic look of an analog watch strapped to your wrist. Analog watches are simple, classy, and look much better than most smartwatches when you’re dressing up. If you want a wearable that looks like an analog watch but can also track your activity and give you notifications, look no further: we’ve rounded up some of the best hybrid smartwatches on the market.

Wait, what is a hybrid smartwatch?

A hybrid smartwatch is a wrist-worn wearable that has elements of both a traditional analog watch and a smartwatch. Hybrid smartwatches almost always have mechanical watch hands as well as a static dial. They can also have displays, but not like you’d see on an Apple Watch or Wear OS watch. Many manufacturers opt for smaller, lower-resolution OLED displays to feed you basic information like your step count, smartphone notifications, or workout details. They usually prioritize fashion over function, as these small displays are best for quick, glanceable information.

Just interested in the greatest hits? Check out our summary of the best hybrid smartwatches below:

• 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.

The best hybrid smartwatches

1. Withings ScanWatch
2. Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR
3. Fossil Hybrid HR
4. Garmin Vivomove 3
5. Withings Move and Withings Move ECG

Editor’s note: We will update this list of the best hybrid smartwatches regularly as new devices launch.

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 for 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.

Check out our full review to learn more about the Withings ScanWatch.

Withings ScanWatch specs

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.

Check out our full review to learn more about the Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR.

Skagen Jorn Hybrid HR specs

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.

Check out our full review to learn more about the Fossil Hybrid HR.

Fossil Hybrid HR specs

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 lots of 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.

Garmin Vivomove 3 specs

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.

Check out our full reviews to learn more about the Withings Move and Withings Move ECG.

Withings Move and Withings Move ECG specs

Why you should trust the editor

Not only does Jimmy Westenberg love wearables, he loves helping people find the right devices to suit their needs. He’s been our resident fitness reviewer at Android Authority since 2016, and in that time has reviewed dozens of fitness products and other wearables.

Through his rigorous testing of fitness products and deep knowledge of health devices and services, you can rest assured knowing Jimmy will give you honest recommendations.

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