Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Fossil Commuter Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Screen size:?Battery life:180 daysDisplay type:E-Ink

Fossil Commuter Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 12 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

4.7

Technical score

30%

8.6

Review score ( 8 · 4)

Review score 30% · 8.6 · based on 12 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▼Worse than 79% of smartwatches
4.7

Technical score

Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

3.1

Health

21%

6.4

Fitness

16%

6.5

Battery

14%

4.4

Smart features

12%

2.5

Connectivity

9%

5.9

Display & Design

4%

2.8

Hardware

▼Worse than 91% of smartwatches
8.6

Review score

Review score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (12)
8 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2
≈ estimated
1
Video reviews 2
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 93% of smartwatches
  • fossil-commuter
  • fossil-commuter
  • fossil-commuter
fossil-commuter
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Fossil Commuter

Technical score
Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

3.1

Health

21%

6.4

Fitness

16%

6.5

Battery

14%

4.4

Smart features

12%

2.5

Connectivity

9%

5.9

Display & Design

4%

2.8

Hardware

4.7
Review score
Review score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (12)
8 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 3
✓ explicit
2
≈ estimated
1
Video reviews 2
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Fossil Commuter has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 72.6% of smartwatches.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.9

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.1
Brand name
Fossil
Heart rate monitor
no
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 89.6% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
ECG
no
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 48.2% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
Gyroscope
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 70% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
180 days
Battery life
180 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 180 days which is longer than that of 98.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.2% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
280 mAh
Battery power
280 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 280 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 59.5% of smartwatches and equal to those in 2.8% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Proprietary OS
Operating system
Proprietary OS
This smartwatch runs Proprietary OS which is less advanced than the operating system in 53.5% of smartwatches and the same as that in 42.8% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
no
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 47.7% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
Compass
no
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
Screen size
?
Display type
E-Ink
Display type
E-Ink
This smartwatch uses a E-Ink display type which is less advanced than that of 97.7% of smartwatches and the same as that of 2.3% of smartwatches.
Resolution
320x 320
Resolution
320x 320
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 320x320 which is lower than that of 57% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
?
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
N/A
Internal storage
0 GB
Internal storage
0 GB
This smartwatch uses 0 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 73.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.4% of smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Fossil Commuter vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 173 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    180 days
    This smartwatch offers 180 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    180 days vs 7 days
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • Better band material
    Band material
    leather, stainless steel
    This smartwatch uses leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Hybrid watch design
    Hybrid design
    yes
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • 173 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    180 days
    This smartwatch offers 180 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    180 days vs 7 days
  • Better band material
    Band material
    leather, stainless steel
    This smartwatch uses leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Hybrid watch design
    Hybrid design
    yes
    This smartwatch has a hybrid design, the average smartwatch does not. 8.9% of smartwatches have a hybrid design.
  • Better case material
    Case material
    stainless steel
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    E-Ink
    This smartwatch uses E-Ink display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • No heart rate monitor
    Heart rate monitor
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No pace tracking
    Pace tracking
    no
    This smartwatch does not support pace tracking, the average smartwatch does. 78.6% of smartwatches support pace tracking.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • 5.9% worse value for money
    Fossil Commuter has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (7.1 vs 7.5).
    7.1 vs 7.52
  • No heart rate monitor
    Heart rate monitor
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    Menstrual cycle tracking
    no
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    Smart scale compatibility
    no
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 53.7% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • No elevation tracking
    Elevation tracking
    no
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No pace tracking
    Pace tracking
    no
    This smartwatch does not support pace tracking, the average smartwatch does. 78.6% of smartwatches support pace tracking.
  • No route tracking
    Route support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No auto-pause
    Auto pause
    no
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No voice feedback
    Voice feedback
    no
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 61.9% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    button-cell
    This smartwatch uses a button-cell battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Uses non-rechargeable coin-cell/button-cell battery.
    button-cell vs Li-Po
  • No low-power mode
    Low power mode
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a low power mode, the average smartwatch does. 92.5% of smartwatches include a low power mode.
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a battery level indicator, the average smartwatch does. 97.6% of smartwatches include a battery level indicator.
  • 20 mAh smaller battery capacity
    Battery life
    280 mAh days
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (280 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    280 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • No GPS support
    Route support
    no
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • No compass
    Compass
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.2
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.2 vs 5.0
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    E-Ink
    This smartwatch uses E-Ink display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • 55 g heavier weight
    Weight
    100.0 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (100 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    100.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • No ambient light sensor
    Ambient light sensor
    no
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 60.7% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 20 m lower water resistance depth
    Waterproof depth rating
    30 m
    This smartwatch has a shallower waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (30 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    3 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    30 m vs 50 m
  • 1.4 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    13 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    13 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • No touchscreen
    Touch screen
    no
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.3% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No call controls
    Call control
    no
    This smartwatch does not offer call control, the average smartwatch does. 90.9% of smartwatches offer call control.
  • No passcode
    Passcode
    no
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 67.8% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No gesture control
    Gesture control
    no
    This smartwatch does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 77.7% of smartwatches support gesture control.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2017
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2017 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • 4 GB less storage
    Internal storage
    0 GB
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    No local user storage for apps/media.
    0 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Nicholas Kit
≈ estimated
31/12/2018
Hands-on review · hybrid features and app testing
Verdict
Fossil Commuter has a classic look and useful hybrid features, but its app feels unfinished and needs more functions.
9.0
Geekanoids
≈ estimated
15/02/2018
Hands-on review · design, battery and app pairing
Verdict
Fossil Commuter is a strong hybrid for buyers who want a regular-looking watch with a long battery life.
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 8 · 4

Reviewers love the stylish design and long battery life, but notifications are basic and health tracking is thin.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
05/01/2018
Expert review · Hybrid smartwatch
Verdict
The Fossil Q Commuter looks like a regular watch and runs for a year on one battery, suiting buyers who don't want daily charging.
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
23/03/2018
Setup and features · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Fossil Q Commuter is a well-built hybrid with a brushed metal face, though its alert hours and button setup take time to learn.
9.0
businessinsider.com
≈ estimated
21/02/2018
Personal review · Notification hands
Verdict
The Fossil Q Commuter suits people who want phone alerts and music control on a classic watch, without daily charging.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
06/01/2018
Two-week test · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Fossil Q Commuter is a classic-looking hybrid for buyers who want a real watch with a few smart shortcuts, not detailed activity tracking.
8.0
spider-mac.com
≈ estimated
02/03/2020
Hands-on review · Hybrid watch
Verdict
The Fossil Q Commuter is an elegant hybrid for basic step counting, but has no heart-rate sensor, and its hand alerts are easy to miss.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Fossil Commuter

  • Classic analog design that doesn't look like a typical smartwatch
  • Excellent battery life (4–12 months) without needing regular charging
  • Discreet notifications that use vibrations and moving hands instead of a screen
  • Programmable physical buttons for music control, remote camera shutter, or finding your phone
  • High build quality with stainless steel casing and interchangeable 22mm straps
  • Water resistance up to 50 meters (5 ATM), suitable for swimming

What we don't like about Fossil Commuter

  • Limited fitness and sleep tracking details compared to full smartwatches
  • Visibility issues in the dark as it lacks a backlight (relies on lume)
  • Connectivity and syncing issues reported with the companion app
  • Notification system has a learning curve to remember what assigned numbers represent
  • The 13mm thick case may feel too bulky for those with smaller wrists

Verdict

The Fossil Commuter is a 42mm hybrid smartwatch featuring a classic stainless steel case (13mm thickness), an analogue dial with a dedicated sub-eye, and a 22mm quick-release strap. This 5 ATM water-resistant wearable uses Bluetooth 4.1 to track activity, sleep, and distance via its built-in accelerometer, while offering customisable smart features like music control, a remote camera shutter, and discreet notifications indicated by moving hands. Its primary advantages include a timeless aesthetic that mimics a traditional watch and an impressive battery life of 6 to 12 months powered by a standard replaceable CR2430 coin cell, eliminating the need for daily charging. However, notable drawbacks include a lack of a digital display for reading full text messages, limited app support within the Fossil companion app, and poor visibility in low-light conditions due to the absence of a backlight.

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