Articles by Courtney Lynch

As much as we love the functionality that the best Android smartwatches offer, there’s no denying that traditional, non-smart watches tend to look much better on the wrist. Thanks to the highly competitive market for hybrid wearables, you have the option of finding something that looks like a regular watch but still offers some of the best features of a smartwatch. If you think this is the type of wearable you’re looking for, check out some of the best hybrid smartwatches below!

A hybrid done right

Fossil Men’s Collider Hybrid HR

Staff pick

Fossil is one of the most popular watch brands on the market and its hybrid models are no exception. The Fossil Men’s Collider Hybrid HR provides over 2 weeks of battery life and has heart-rate monitoring, activity tracking, smartphone notifications, and music controls. The 42mm case comes in a variety of fashionable styles, too.

$195 at Amazon
$195 at Walmart

Rose gold life

Fossil Carlie Hybrid Smartwatch

If you’re looking for s…

The first step to finding a fitness smartwatch is knowing what specs and features you need. The Garmin lineup is as robust as ever, especially for the fēnix watches. Keep in mind that these models aren’t geared toward beginners due to all the advanced features and premium perks, but you’ll find a wide array of options for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. We’ve rounded up some of the best Garmin fēnix models below.

An all-around great watch

Garmin fēnix 5 Plus Sapphire

Staff Pick

The Garmin fēnix 5 Plus Series brought some nifty upgrades to the table, including built-in routable topographical maps, music storage, and mobile payments. The advanced mapping delivers at-a-glance navigation and location tracking. You can choose between multiple sizes (including the regular 47mm case) and materials. The battery lasts for 12 days in smartwatch mode, 18 hours in GPS mode, and 8 hours in GPS/music mode, and it’s waterproof up to 100 meters.

$470 at Amazon From $429 at Walmart
…

The Skagen Falster 3 is an excellent smartwatch that’s packed with features. In addition to some major software upgrades, the watch itself is bigger than its predecessor. It comes in a 42mm case, and it’s compatible with 22mm quick-release bands. Whether you’re hitting the gym or you have a formal event to attend, there are plenty of options. We’ve gathered up some of the best Skagen Falster 3 bands for you to pick from!

Best for durability

Barton Elite Silicone Watch Band

Staff Pick

If you’re looking for a band that can withstand high-intensity workouts and look good doing it, go for a silicone band from Barton. Each purchase comes with two different lengths for the long side of the band to ensure you get a perfect fit. The proprietary locking feature will keep it securely in place. Did we mention there are 20 vibrant colors to choose from?

$21 at Amazon

A touch of class

Ritche Leather Watch Band

The Skagen Falster 3 is a classy watch, so it makes sense that you’d …

Finding an Android smartwatch that checks every box on your wish list isn’t always an easy task, especially if you’ve got big plans for your wearable. While the Amazfit smartwatch lineup may not be as massive or well-known as some other industry leaders such as Fitbit and Garmin, it’s still impressive. Not to mention that these smartwatches are typically more affordable than most competitors. The Amazfit Verge stands out as the best Amazfit smartwatch for various reasons. It’s easy to use, reasonably priced, and packed with useful features. There’s plenty more where that came from, too.

Best overall: Amazfit Verge

If you’re seeking a well-rounded lifestyle smartwatch that offers solid fitness tracking and features, the Amazfit Verge is the best choice. It offers a fitness-focused design that consists of an AMOLED display, a polycarbonate body, and a stay-clean silicone watchband. It comes in one size, 43mm, and is available in three colors, including Shadow Gray, Twilight Blue, a…

Casual exploring

Garmin Instinct

From $192 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM
Activity/sleep tracking
TracBack Routing
Affordable price tag
Multiple design options

Cons

No advanced training metrics
Lacks NFC for Garmin Pay

Whether you’re a casual explorer, a first-time buyer, or a budget shopper, the Garmin Instinct is an incredible smartwatch for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a few different models to choose from, depending on your needs. This is the best choice for those who want an affordable GPS smartwatch designed for rugged adventures.

Serious adventuring

Garmin fenix

$495 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Activity/sleep tracking
Advanced training metrics
Power Manager
Incident detection

Cons

Insanely expensive
Only a few design options

If you’re used to spending a lot of time outdoors and you’d benefit from a premium multisport GPS smartwatch, a Garmin fenix model is the way to go. It’s certainly more expensive, but it’s made for advanced users who want more …

Cheaper & more advanced

Fitbit Sense

From $229 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Activity/sleep tracking
More reasonably priced
ECG, EDA, SpO2 tracking
Built-in microphone & speaker

Cons

Only one size option
Shorter battery life than Venu 2

If you want an advanced health smartwatch with many sensors and features, you’ll likely lean toward the Fitbit Sense. You get a full 6 days of battery life on a single charge, activity/sleep tracking, Fitbit Pay, and a mic/speaker with voice assistants. In comparison to the Venu 2, it’s also a much better value.

Pricey & slightly lacking

Garmin Venu 2

$400 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Activity/sleep tracking
Pulse Ox & Body Battery
Superior battery life
Two size options

Cons

Insanely expensive
No mic or speaker
Lacks ECG/EDA sensors

Those who are already fans of Garmin might not mind paying a bit more for the Venu 2. It’s available in two sizes and offers amazing battery life. You get activity/sleep trac…

Whether you’re a casual or professional athlete, GPS is often one of the most sought-after features when buying an Android smartwatch or fitness tracker. Depending on your budget and what features you’re seeking, there are some great options out there, but you may have to pay more for the privilege of GPS. If you’re serious about tracking your activities and want all the details plus built-in GPS, we’d recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music as the best GPS smartwatch. It has plenty to offer, especially if you’re an active individual who’s committed to fitness tracking.

Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

If you enjoy exercise just as much as you enjoy tracking it, you’ll love the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It comes with a built-in GPS that’s reliable and accurate. It also promises at least seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode. You’ll get a total of six hours in continuous GPS mode with music playing, which is more than enough juice to track even your most acti…

While some fitness enthusiasts are content with the original band that comes with their Android smartwatch, others crave more. Keep your active lifestyle in mind as you shop for the best Garmin Forerunner 245 bands. This wearable is also available in a music version, both of which are compatible with 20mm quick-release bands. Whether you want a different material for improved comfort or you’re seeking a more attractive design, there are plenty of options to choose from.

For the elite

Barton Elite Silicone Watch Band

Staff Pick

If you’re looking for a high-quality watch band that can go the distance on every workout, this is an ideal choice for you. The durable silicone combined with the proprietary locking feature ensures your watch will stay in place during all of your adventures.

$21 at Amazon

Personalize it

JIELIELE LIghtweight Soft Silicone Band

For a skin-friendly band that’s lightweight and available in many unique designs, you’ll love this silicone option fro…

Fitness companion

Fitbit Versa 2

From $170 at Amazon

Pros

Activity/sleep tracking
Heart-rate monitoring
SpO2 tracking
Voice assistant
Fitbit Pay

Cons

No GPS
Not quite as stylish

The Versa 2 may not be made with luxury in mind, but it offers an ideal blend of fitness tracking and smartwatch features that most people will love. For example, you’ll have detailed health/activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, Amazon Alexa, and NFC for Fitbit Pay.

Style icon

Fitbit Luxe

$150 at Best Buy

Pros

Activity/sleep tracking
Heart-rate monitoring
SpO2 tracking
Active Zone Minutes
Stylish design

Cons

Expensive for a tracker
No GPS, NFC, or voice assistant

Perhaps you want to start tracking your health and fitness, but you still want to showcase your luxury sense of style. If so, you’ll have met your match with the Fitbit Luxe. It’s an attractive accessory that tracks important metrics, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and mo…

Premium running watch

Garmin Forerunner 945

$600 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Full-color maps
Up to 2 weeks of battery life
Advanced training metrics

Cons

Only comes in one size and color
Must pay for a model with LTE
Not the most attractive design

If you consider yourself a serious runner, then you’ll probably need much more than a basic lifestyle watch. The Garmin Forerunner 945 offers premium features and advanced training metrics that will probably meet all of your needs. It’s expensive, but it may just be worth it.

Casual lifestyle watch

Apple Watch Series 6

$349 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Attractive design
Two size options
ECG and SpO2 readings

Cons

Lacks full-color maps
Poor battery life
Not for Android users

If you’re an iOS user seeking a lifestyle smartwatch that’s perfect for daily wear, the Apple Watch Series 6 might be the best option for you. You get solid app support, activity/sleep tracking, plenty of storage, Apple Pay, optional LTE…