Buying Guides

Polar Fitness Watches – Polar Vantage V Titan

December 3, 2019 By Jacquelyn Ellis Leave a Comment

For the avid trainer, or the individual who loves to push limits and surpass expectations, the Polar Vantage V Titan could be your best companion. Sporting an exceptionally sleek and light form, it’s one of the best fitness watches out there. The Polar isn’t just spectacular because of its good looks – it has cool features and extended battery life, too.

When Polar watches were first launched, they faced a lot of criticism as they lagged behind the opposition with poor smartphone connectivity. So Polar went back to the drawing board and when the updated versions hit the market, they were much improved. The Finnish-made Vantage V Titan can now be compared to the output of Garmin or Suunto. Let’s find out more below.

Features

The Polar Vantage V Titan Fitness Watch (available on Amazon for $418.99) shows how much detail can be put into a smartwatch to ensure optimal performance. It features a responsive touch screen, improved optical heart rate sensors including an innovative extra sensor that identifies when the watch makes contact with the skin.

This fitness watch delivers comprehensive and precise data for heart tracking. This helps the individual trainer find the right heart rate monitoring for their sport. It also makes it easier for the watch to keep track of biometric data on the go, which can be updated to the Polar Flow to monitor progress.

Polar also worked on the connectivity of the Vantage V Titan to online communities like Strava or Training Peaks for workout planning. The Polar Vantage V use of a “Training Load Pro” feature can help athletes, and fitness enthusiasts check body strain.

The Running index helps to track those everyday jogs and early morning runs, keeping you informed of progress, while the smart calories monitor is as accurate as it can get.

The box contains a manual, charger, smartwatch and essential chest strap.

Design

The Vantage V Titan trumps the older models in its design, with its light weight and comfortable fit. It may be a bit bigger than some rivals, but it sports a slim, sleek body. The body and bezel are made of stainless steel, topped with gorilla glass for extra-durability and screen protection. There’s also a premium titanium model with a polymer back available as well.

The strap, which is soft on the hands, is flexible and sturdy, but is a bit fiddly to secure. The watch has five buttons around the side, which serve as physical control buttons and navigation is boosted by a good touch screen. However, customisation and personalisation is a bit basic compared with Garmin’s, for instance.

Fitness Tracking

The Vantage V Titan’s strength is in its tracking abilities, particularly when using the chest strap, but still is very good. Connectivity with iPhone or Android smartphones via Bluetooth is much better than previous models.

The watch now features smartphone notifications. You’ll be able to see who is calling your phone, as well as text messages and basic notifications, and you can cancel calls too.

Main advantages
– Great metrics for runners
– Supports a wide range of sports
– Comfortable fit
– Brushed steel watch with gorilla 3 glass
– Up to 40 hours of training with GPS
– Up to 30m waterproof
– Hydrophobic coating on the glass makes view in water much clearer

Main disadvantages
– Wrist Based HR gives inconsistent results
– Lacks customisation options
– Does not support music or payment
– Offers very basic notification support

Summary

Overall, the Vantage V Titan is an especially good fitness tracker for runners as it excels in calculating body metrics. The GPS is fast and efficient, with a return routing feature that helps runners track their way back when training in unfamiliar areas. It’s a great way to track progress, not only for running, but also swimming, biking, hiking, and long haul activities such as training for triathlons.

Best Android Watches for 2019

December 2, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

There’s certainly no shortage of Android smartwatches on the market at the moment. These wearables have really hit the mainstream and are proving popular with buyers. However, if you’re planning on purchasing one this year you’re going to need to know which one is the best for you.

Not everyone has the same needs when it comes to choosing a smartwatch. If you’re a serious athlete, you’ll have very different requirements to someone who simply wants to track their sleep and receive notifications. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the best Android watches for 2019 so you can make a well-informed purchasing decision. There’s sure to be one that’s right for you.

Is The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 The Best Android Smartwatch?

Firstly, of all the Android smartwatches on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is arguably the best. Optimized for use with Samsung smartphones, it runs equally well on all other Android devices too and boasts all the fitness features you could possibly want. Lightweight and compact, it offers an impressively long battery life and ensures a great all-round wearables experience.

The touch display is vivid and sharp while also being fun to use and simple to navigate. This device uses the Tizen operating system and, while there isn’t an enormous range of apps to choose from, you’ll find all of the most popular ones like Strava and Spotify.

When it comes to activity tracking, the Active 2 won’t disappoint. It has inbuilt GPS as well as automatic workout tracking, sleep tracking, caffeine, food and water consumption tracking and an improved Running Coach feature.

If you’re only really wearing a smartwatch to receive notifications, the Active 2 still delivers thanks to its outstanding support for the Android notification system. Furthermore, you can reply using the inbuilt keyboard, with a quick response or by using your voice.

Pros:

Well-designed and compact
Long 3-day battery life
Water resistance to 5 ATM
Automated fitness tracking
Inbuilt NFC and GPS

Cons:

The support for third party apps is limited
The Tizen operating system takes some time to understand

The Mobvoi TicWatch E2 – Best Value Watch For The Money

If you’re looking for an Android smartwatch which won’t break the bank, but which can compete with the major contenders, the Mobvoi Ticwatch E2 is a great choice. With its large 1.4”display and stylish good looks, this device offers a long battery life, excellent touch response, an inbuilt heartrate monitor, automated workout detection and waterproofing, consequently it’s a serious player in the Android wearables field. This device runs on the Wear OS which offers notification support as well as Google Assistant. In addition, the TicMotion layer automatically detects your workouts, even monitoring your swimming performance and providing stroke analysis.

Pros:

Robust construction
Waterproofed
Automated workout detection
Outstanding notification support
Inbuilt GPS

Cons:

Bulky design

Skagen Falster 2 – A Super-Stylish Watch Design

If you want a smartwatch that looks just like a regular watch but with great functionality built in, the Skagen Falster 2 is the one for you. Its simply design is paired with a high-quality strap while the 3-button layout and rotating crown makes scrolling through the Wear OS a breeze with no need for a touch screen. The body is made from stainless steel while there’s a choice of straps in silicone, metal or leather in a choice of colours. It’s also water-resistant and comes with inbuilt NFC, heartrate monitor and GPS.

Pros:

Classic, attractive design
Easy to use digital crown
Inbuilt heartrate tracker, NFC and GPS
Water-resistant

Cons:

Short battery life

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music – A Great Watch For Runners

If you’re a serious athlete who needs excellent fitness tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is certainly what you need. It might not be the top performing smartwatch on the market, but it can certainly track your swims, bike rides and runs with great accuracy and it’ll even receive phone notifications.

The battery life is impressive while the screen can easily be seen even in direct sunlight so it’s great for outdoor wear. As an added bonus, it offers music storage as well as the ability to stream from Deezer or Spotify, and its sleep tracking, heartrate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, recovery advisor and advanced workout capture certainly make this a popular choice among athletes.

Pros:

Inbuilt workout guidance and tracking
Long battery life
Easy to read transflective display
Comfortable to wear
Music streaming functionality

Cons:

Limited smartwatch features

The Fitbit Versa 2 – Top Watch For Casual Athletes

Fitbit is no longer only about fitness tracking. For example, The Versa 2 comes with a host of smartwatch functions including useful apps and a long battery life to ensure great value for money combined with excellent functionality. The design is modern and sleek while the speedy processor ensures smooth performance. Furthermore, Android users are able to dictate their replies to notifications through the inbuilt microphone and the Alexa inbuilt support gives you quick answers to your queries. The Fitbit syncs seamlessly with Android phones while the Fitbit social network makes it easy to get active thanks to weekly challenges and pre-made adventures.

Pros:

Attractive design
Long battery life
Good smartwatch features
Choice of colours
Inbuilt Alexa support

Cons:

Limited choice of apps

Which Smartwatch Is For Me In 2019?

To sum up, if you’re looking for the perfect smartwatch for you in 2019, any of the models on this list could be a great choice. Whether you’re looking for excellent fitness tracking functionality, plenty of modern style or great all-round capabilities, one of these devices is sure to be perfect for you.

Lastly, if you’re an Android smartphone user, you’re going to benefit from choosing an Android smartwatch to pair with it. With these models from the top manufacturers and brands in the industry, you’re certainly assured excellent fitness tracking, notification support and plenty of other fantastic features that help you to get more done.

Best Fitness Trackers To Buy On Black Friday

November 27, 2019 By Superwatches Leave a Comment

With all the Black Friday deals rolling out, it can get overwhelming fast. After all, there are innumerable options and some enticing discounts attached. However, the goal is not to find the most discounted item; instead the focus should remain on getting the most bang for your buck.

When it comes to fitness trackers, not all provide the same utility and what is best for you, might not be so for others. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best fitness trackers according to some commonly sought out categories:

Best All-rounder: Fitbit Versa 2

Features

24/7 Heart Rate Tracking Monitors Sleep Displays smartphone notifications Customize with appsIn-built Music controls with Spotify6 Day Battery Life

Water Resistant and Swimming Tracker Bluetooth GPS Personalized RemindersLightweight design FitPay

Having more of a smartwatch look, the Fitbit Versa 2 provides some well-stacked features as a fitness tracker. It can track your heart rate while jogging, swimming, weightlifting, or even as you go about your day. Attending to calls, texts and emails is also an added bonus within a fitness tracker allowing you to extend its use to your life while reducing distractions as you workout.

There are some limitations, however. While there is built-in Spotify functionality for the music lovers, it is limited in comparison to other trackers on the market. The band is not a full-function GPS smartwatch, however. Its GPS function is only available when connected with your phone through Bluetooth.

All in all, as an overall multi-purpose smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a definite contender for its functionality, design and price.

Pros

Smartwatch design in a sleek and compact construction
Amoled display
Long battery life
Alexa functionality available
Water resistant
Tracks various physical activities and sleep
Comes with Always-On mode

Cons

Does not come with in-built GPS
Heart rate is not tracked through an ECG
Limited Spotify functionality

Best Budget Tracker: Amazfit BIP Smartwatch

Features

30-day battery life with quick chargeOptical Heart Rate Monitoring4-Activity modes and Sleep Tracking Built-in GPSReceive alerts from texts, calls and emailsModern smartwatch design

IP68 Water resistance

Among the budget fitness trackers available on the market, the Amazfit BIP smartwatch stands out due to its sheer superiority above the rest. While most fitness trackers boast 2-4 days of battery life, BIP delivers up to 30 days of battery life in a single 2.5 hour charge. This alone provide utility for avid users who are in need of some simple tracking.

Amazfit provides 4 physical activity modes to choose from–namely outdoor running, treadmill, cycling and walking. It will track your steps, calories and distance while also tracking your heart rate. While you cannot reply or use third-party apps, the basic functionality still allows you to receive alerts from your phone.

Pros

Great Price
Long Battery Life
Always On Screen
Durable Construction
Basic Smartphone Functionality Available
In-Built GPS

Cons

No Mic or Speaker
Music Integration Not Available
Limited Activity Options

Best Activity Tracker: Fitbit Charge 3

Features

Sleek, Non-Intrusive Design Heart Rate Monitoring Fitness and Sleep Tracking 7-Day Battery Life Smartphone Notification Alerts ActivatedWater Resistant for Tracking Swim Session

Simple, Straight Forward UI DesignFitPay Available as an Add OnProvides Reminders to MoveTracks Up To 15 Different Activities

Fitbit designed the Charge Series as their traditional take on a fitness tracker. While it does provide some smartphone integration functionalities, the tracker stands out with the range of activities it can monitor. From running to swimming to yoga, you’ll most likely be covered by the modes available; however, there is the standard heart rate monitoring in case you like to stick with the basics.

GPS is available through bluetooth connectivity, but it does not have the feature built-in like many others do. The construction is lightweight and durable while the interface is seamless. Therefore if you’re looking for a tracker to monitor your every move, this might be the one for you.

Pros

Water Resistant (Up to 50M)
Automatic Exercise Recognition and 15 Mode Options
Sleep Tracking and Guided Breathing Based on Heart Rate
Provides Reminders to Move
Discreet, Yet Fashionable Layout
Long Lasting Battery Life

Cons

No Built-In GPS
Heart Rate Calculator Can Be More Accurate

Best For Tracking Calories Burned: Garmin Vivofit 3

Features

Automatic Activity Detection with MoveIQ1 Year Battery Life LCD with Backlit DisplayCalculates steps, calories, distances, intensity and sleep qualityProvides Reminders to MoveWaterproof

Garmin Vivofit 3 exemplifies the less is more mantra. As compared to the current line-up, it has no altimeter, GPS or heart rate tracking, however its use lies in the absence of those features. You can connect a separate heart rate monitor to calculate your intensity and calories burned which provides a far more accurate calculation than typical wrist trackers.

You’ll benefit from the analytics within the Garmin app while the tracker itself possesses a straightforward overview. This band is preferred for individuals with an intermediate fitness level who need accurate data, but are able to perform their own analytics.

Pros

Made for Comfort
Tracks basic activities and metrics required
No-frill UI Design
Waterproof
Long Battery Life

Cons

Design looks cheap
LCD provides a dim display
Slow to register live-activity
Battery will need to be replaced after a year

Best GPS: Samsung Gear Sport

Features

Physical and Nutrition Goal TrackingHeart Rate MonitorWater Resistant Receive Notifications From Your Phone Through Bluetooth Pairing Samsung Pay EnabledSpotify Compatible

Touch and Audio Controls Available Quick View InterfaceDurable BuildIn-Built GPS

Samsung Gear Sport provides many of the features available in other trackers, but it does come with a built-in GPS and bluetooth system. This allows users to drop off their phones at home and go for a run without any distractions. That said, it does considerably drain the battery so you might want to conserve the battery when you’re not using the GPS. Additionally, it might not be suitable for hikers given the limited power.

While it does not provide much in terms of activity categorization, its waterproof functionality provides a decent incentive for runners and swimmers. Additionally, users can also utilize their Spotify Premium to help them listen to music on the go. Overall, if you need a decent integrated GPS tracker, Samsung Gear Sport has you covered.

Pros

Clean UI Design
Embedded Bluetooth and GPS functions
Water Resistant
Sleep Monitoring Available
Great for Swimmers and Runners
Comes With Widgets For Easy Customization

Cons

No Speaker
Battery Drains Quickly From GPS Use
Limited Activity Tracking

Conclusion

Look past the hype this Black Friday and choose the tech which delivers what you need. Remember to keep your fitness level, activities and goals in mind when making the decision. For example, if you want to track your blood pressure, any ordinary heart rate tracker will not suffice and you should explore your options. This will ultimately help you snag the right tracker for your lifestyle.

Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users

November 25, 2019 By Emma Morris Leave a Comment

Many people assume that the Apple Watch is the best match for an iPhone, but that isn’t always the case. We look at some of the best to smartwatches to team with your Apple hardware.

What is a Smartwatch?

In simple terms, a smartwatch is a watch that has many extra features and incorporates technology with telling the time. Common features of smartwatches include receiving notifications, being able to answer calls, read and send text messages and listen to music.

Apple Watch Series 4

If you already have an iPhone then you’ll know how easy Apple products are to use. The Apple Watch and iPhone are great companions because they have been designed to work together.

The Series 4 Apple Watch comes with all the features you’d expect – sending and receiving text messages, reading emails, making calls, streaming music, excellent health tracking software, fall detection and GPS. The number of features makes the starting price of £349 ($448) more bearable!

Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 does everything the Series 4 can do, and then some! The health tracking is improved to allow for an ECG app to accurately monitor your heart and there’s a compass so you know in which direction you are facing.

Safety features such as international emergency calling and emergency SOS will give you peace of mind and the always-on retina display means that you can see your watch display at any time, without having to tap or move your wrist. Starting at £399 ($510) for the WiFi and GPS enabled version, and from £499 ($639)for the cellular option with 32gb of storage, it’s good, but expensive.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Samsung is a potent rival of Apple, as this Galaxy Watch Active 2 proves.

The features on offer on this device are similar to that of the Apple Watch but the look is very different. The round watch face gives a more traditional watch appearance but it is robust and comes with all the necessary software to effectively track your exercise and keep you active.

The rotating dial makes scrolling through apps easy and comfortable, but a major downside of this watch is that it only comes with 4gb of storage. This will be enough to hold songs for your playlists but it doesn’t give you a lot of scope for adding apps and utilising the software to its full capability.

With prices starting at £269 ($345) for Bluetooth and £399 ($510) for the 4G option it definitely shouldn’t be ignored.

Fossil Sport

Fossil isn’t one of the big-name brands but the company has been designing watches for over 30 years. This model is great for people who want a watch to help them out with their fitness regime.

The lightweight design is perfect for wearing to the gym, for a swim or playing sports, and the sporty strap is an excellent choice for the sports-minded target audience. At £219 this is an excellent smartwatch to pair with your iPhone if you are looking for an exercise companion.

TicWatch Pro

This tough and durable smartwatch is another excellent fitness companion and with the price starting from £214 ($274) it is definitely worth considering pairing with your iPhone.

The Wear OS by Google provides a lot of features to the watch including Spotify, Messenger, Google Play, Google Pay, and many more. It has a very sleek design and dual-screen technology which means there is one screen on top of another with tech ensuring you only see one at a time.

It also features an ‘essential’ mode to keep your battery usage down. This may be a newer brand to the market but it’s certainly one to look out for.

Fitbit Versa 2

Fitbit dominated the health and fitness market for some time until the Apple and Samsung smartwatches came along, forcing the company to up its game and add more features.

Fitbit rose to the challenge and this Versa 2 is an excellent alternative to an Apple Watch. Starting from £199 ($255) it is much more affordable than its counterparts and comes with a range of features including heart rate tracking, sleep monitoring and of course the fitness tracking that the brand is famous for.

It also comes complete with Spotify and Alexa. It pairs perfectly with the iPhone and is water-resistant to 50m so you can exercise wherever you like.

Summary

When it comes to finding the right smartwatch for your iPhone it is logical to pair it with the Apple Watch , particularly as no other smartwatch comes with as many features. But with Apple’s high price tags, it’s good to know that there are cheaper alternatives that will work effectively with your iPhone.

You just need to decide what you want from your watch and what your budget is but many on this list would be a great addition to your wrist!

Best Wear OS Watch

November 20, 2019 By Emma Morris Leave a Comment

Wear OS is the Google operating system designed to be used with compatible smartwatches and aims to rival Apple. If you’ve decided that Wear OS is the operating system for you then you will need a smartwatch that meets your needs. We have reviewed some of the best on the market to help you decide.

Fossil Generation 5

With the Fossil Generation 5 Smartwatch you can enjoy phone calls right from your watch and chat with Google Assistant whenever the mood takes you. When in Time Only mode you can expect your battery to last for weeks but this diminishes the more you use other features.

It is comfy to wear and has two side buttons so that you choose whether to use the touchscreen or not. The Fossil Generation 5 is probably one of the best Wear OS watches on the market today and is well worth considering as it starts from only £219.99 ($282).

The Fossil Generation 5 is a beautiful watch that offers great performance and a whole load of features to help make your life easier.

Huawei Watch 2

Huawei has designed the Watch 2 to be fully compatible with Wear OS and has a huge number of features. It starts at around £189 ($243) for the non-4G model, but it has had mixed reviews.

The watch has GPS, can be used with Google Pay and employs a myriad of features that are installed to cover every aspect of your life. The watch was released back in 2017 but the newer Huawei models aren’t Wear OS compatible.

It is a stylish watch that looks great on your wrist and is a comfy choice. It has a sporty design and is designed to track your health and fitness with ease. You can change the straps if you want to mix up your look but the strap design makes it difficult to find alternative straps that aren’t Huawei originals.

TicWatch E2

Are you looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that provides you with all the necessary features? TicWatch E2 delivers on price and has the latest Wear OS software ready for you to use. Starting at £145.99 ($187) the watch boasts a waterproof design and battery that can last two days between charging.

The downsides are that the design isn’t as stylish as the competition and you won’t be able to use Google Pay. However, the fitness tracking is great and if you swim it can track your pool lengths to save you counting as you go.

The watch is comfy to wear and allows you to change the straps so you can change the style quickly and easily. The display is easy to read and the screen is colourful. It’s a great choice if you don’t want to leave a big dent in your wallet.

LG Watch Style

The LG Watch Style is a solid choice in the Wear OS market. It’s a stunning watch made from stainless steel and is incredibly thin at just 10.8mm.

Starting at £110 ($141) it is small in price and the watch is smaller than most smartwatches so it’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t fancy a large timepiece. It is very stylish and has a timeless design that keeps it popular with smartwatch users.

The watch has a crown that rotates so that you don’t need to use the screen but unfortunately it doesn’t come with GPS so not a great choice if you were hoping to track your movements.

Fossil Sport

If you want to combine sports tracking and Wear OS then the Fossil Sport is a great choice. It has a range of features such as a heart rate sensor and fitness tracking so that you can get the most from each workout.

The clear screen makes it easy to tell the time or make your purchases via Google Pay and it looks great on your wrist. The price starts at only £219 ($281) and the battery life is great; combined with its lightweight this helps to make the Fossil Sport not only a great fitness tracker but a great all-round smartwatch.

Misfit Vapor X

The Misfit Vapor X couldn’t be left off our list as it is an amazing watch with some great features, the latest processor and it works well with Google Pay.

It has a modern look and its colourful display makes it easy for you to keep track of what you have been doing. It also tracks your heart rate so you know the effect of each activity you enjoy.

Battery life isn’t the best out there and it will need regular charging each night – but don’t let this put you off as it’s a sleek smartwatch.

Summary

Wear OS may not be as popular as other operating systems but this may work to your advantage. The features of Wear OS are great and the price tag is typically smaller than other brands meaning that you get a great watch at a much smaller price.

There is a wide range of watch options available to you – so if you prefer small and sleek or big and chunky there are watches that will make you smile.

There is no need to compromise on internal features either and the Wear OS is the perfect partner to the beautiful and brilliant smartwatches we have listed.

Best Hybrid Watches

November 18, 2019 By Emma Morris Leave a Comment

Smartwatches have taken the market by storm but their often chunky looks aren’t for everyone. Hybrid watches offer the best of both worlds – with traditional looks but plenty of smart capabilities. Take a look at our recommended list to decide which hybrid watch is the one for you.

Withings Move ECG

The Withings Move ECG which can be used to track your heart and make you aware of any signs of atrial fibrillation. It also tracks your walking, exercise and swimming.

It looks stylish and comes in a range of colours, but the plastic cover lets it down and it doesn’t offer the heart rate monitoring we’ve come to expect in a watch these days. The price is a reasonable £129.9 ($166).

Misfit Phase

The Misfit Phase has contemporary classic looks and comes highly recommended. You would be forgiven for not realising that this watch is a smartwatch, yet it comes with features including text and email alerts, a step counter and sleep tracker. At £203 ($260) it is an affordable watch that will be envied for its sleek design.

Unfortunately, there is no GPS or heart rate tracker with the watch but the six-month battery life makes up it. However, if you are a fitness fanatic then this watch may not the best choice for you – the Phase is more suited to those who want to have access to the more basic tracking features such as steps and sleep.

Mondaine Helvetica 1

The Mondaine Helvetica 1 has a fantastic two-year battery life – the best on any hybrid watch we have found. Starting at around £450 ($576) it is not cheap but it has a range of smart features that include activity tracking, sleep monitoring and alerts that push you to move more. It is compatible with both iOS and Android so you can download the companion app to your phone and enjoy all the features it offers to track your fitness and keep you in touch with family and friends.

Garmin Vivomove HR

It’s no surprise that Garmin has entered the hybrid market. The Vivomove HR impresses with its design features but also the price, with it starting at just £169.99 ($217). The watch looks and feels like a traditional watch and yet is waterproof and can track a range of sports easily.

The watch has a good battery life, lasting up to five days, and we think that is one of the best hybrids on the market today as it doesn’t compromise on design or features. There is a hidden smart screen that you can use to see notifications, fitness info and stress levels.

Kronaby Sekel

The Kronaby Sekel is a real contender in the hybrid market and is currently selling for around £180 ($230). It looks like a traditional watch and is both stylish and comfortable to wear. The battery can last up to two years which puts it high up on the list if you don’t want to spend time charging.

The watch has three side buttons that help you to access smart features such as a step counter and notifications. Whilst it may not have many smart features it is ideal if you want a stylish option that helps you to meet your daily step goal.

Fossil Q Commuter

The Fossil Q Commuter is a stunning watch that can be personalised with straps and different finishes. It is a great choice if you want a more subtle smartwatch that isn’t solely focused on fitness.

It has a vibration mode to let you know when you have a call, text or email and it tracks your daily step goal on the screen so you always know how far you have gone each day.

The battery life is the real selling point as it lasts for around a year even when using the smart functions. The price is affordable at around £159 ($204). We’d certainly recommend this watch if you are looking for a stylish option and don’t need a huge range of fitness tracking.

Skagen Holst

Skagen is known worldwide for producing the lightest watches on the market and is now coupling its watch knowledge with smart features.

The Holst has an unpretentious design and focuses on style over substance. It may not have the smartest features but the ones it does have work well. It counts your steps and lets you know when you are being contacted.

The battery life is around six months and the price starts at £209 ($268). It’s a great gift for the person that wants a beautiful watch that can keep them connected to the ones they love.

Summary

Hybrid watches fill a gap in the market for those who can’t decide between a smartwatch or a more traditional watch and there are options to suit all budgets and all requirements. We’d recommend you buy a hybrid if you want to keep the timeless look of a traditional watch and enjoy accessing the smart features that are popular today.