The best smartwatches, according to hackers
20 smartwatches recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
- Most recommendedApple Watch246 people recommend it
- Built to lastPebble smartwatchowners report a median of 12 years
- Least regretBangle.js 2 smartwatch13 recommend, 0 criticize
All smartwatches
- Apple WatchRecommended for long-term health and sleep tracking, triaging notifications without picking up your phone, silent alarms and Apple Pay; critics cite iPhone lock-in, distracting nags and questionable VO2 max estimates.246recommend
- Pebble smartwatchRecommended for week-plus battery life, an always-on readable screen, physical buttons and an open, hackable platform with a devoted community; critics cite hardware durability issues and the Rebble dispute.117recommend
- Pebble Time 2Recommended as an open-source smartwatch with tactile buttons, always-on sunlight-readable display and long battery life. Critics note broken screens and smartphone dependence.53recommend
- Google Pixel WatchPeople recommend it for calls and texts without a phone, a repairable design and multi-day battery life on newer models, but critics say it needs charging almost every day.41recommend
- Pebble Round 2Recommended for a thin, stylish smartwatch with weeks of battery life and a simple button-driven interface; the main caveat is the 30-day manufacturing warranty.38recommend
- Apple Watch UltraPraised for battery life that rarely needs charging, strong health sensors and multi-day outdoor use. Critics say battery life trails dedicated sports watches and the interface can lag.33recommend
- Pebble 2 DuoRecommended for its readable display, long battery life and open third-party apps. The most common caveat is rubber buttons that crack or fail, plus shipping delays.17recommend
- Bangle.js 2 smartwatchRecommended for its open, hackable JavaScript platform and battery life that lasts days; critics find the single physical button limiting.13recommend
- PineTime smartwatchA cheap, open, hackable smartwatch that runs custom software and has good battery life. Critics say its RAM and processing power are too limited, and the case can crack.12recommend
- Samsung Galaxy WatchPeople recommend it for good hardware, a usable One UI and features they use daily, such as the rotating dial and swipe navigation. The most common caveat is battery life, which tops out near 36 hours.11recommend
- Apple Watch SECheap Apple smartwatch that handles the basics well: calendar, timers, alarms, and sleep and swimming tracking. Main caveat: battery life is poor without a connected iPhone or Wi-Fi.9recommend
- Garmin VivoactiveRecommended for multi-day battery life that frees owners from nightly charging. Critics say battery runs down faster with run tracking and that accuracy is weak.9recommend
- Amazfit smartwatchPeople recommend Amazfit for week-plus battery life, built-in sport and message apps, and sensor accuracy near higher-end Garmin. Common caveat: the UI feels English-second and confusing.9recommend
- Amazfit BipPeople recommend it for a very long battery life of around a month, a thin body, and a display that stays readable in sunlight. The most common caveat is that the battery wears down over time, and some owners report swelling.8recommend
- Garmin VenuPeople recommend the Venu for its long battery life, with some saying it lasts days or about two weeks between charges. One critic says the charging is poor.7recommend
- Withings ScanWatch 2Recommended as an analog-look watch with fitness tracking, notifications and a long battery life for some owners. Critics cite charger failures and worsening software.7recommend
- Withings smartwatchPraised for month-long battery life and data collection; the most common caveat is paid subscriptions for app features and health data sync.6recommend
- SQFMI WatchyOpen, hackable e-paper smartwatch that you can program yourself, with reliable timekeeping. The most common caveat is that it is bulkier than expected and not built for daily wear.6recommend
- Pebble SteelRecommended for its highly visible screen, good battery life and long lifespan, with batteries replaceable to extend use. One critic reports screens corrupting on some units.5recommend
- Core Devices Time 2Fans back its plan to fund Pebble-style hardware and software and say it revived their watch on iOS. Critics distrust its ethics and its treatment of Rebble.5recommend