OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,948 independent expert reviews and 12,633 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Pebble 2 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Screen size:1.26 inchBattery life:7 daysDisplay type:E-Ink

Pebble 2 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8/10

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

5.1

Technical score

30%

7.5

Review score ( 8 · 12)

Review score 30% · 7.5 · based on 20 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. 6 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–¼Worse than 83% of smartwatches
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 82%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

24%

3.4

Health

21%

6.9

Fitness

16%

6.2

Battery

14%

5.8

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

6.6

Display & Design

4%

4.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 84%
7.5

Review score

Review score
7.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 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.
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 65%
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No image
Best prices
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Smartwatches model ranking

Ranked #421 of 701 models in Smartwatches (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Pebble 2

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

24%

3.4

Health

21%

6.9

Fitness

16%

6.2

Battery

14%

5.8

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

6.6

Display & Design

4%

4.0

Hardware

5.1
Review score
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

70%

5.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.0
Brand name
Pebble
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
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
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 49.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
?
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
7 days
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 7 days which is longer than that of 38.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 17.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
130 mAh
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 130 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 97.2% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.4% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Pebble OS
This smartwatch runs Pebble OS which is less advanced than the operating system in 52.5% of smartwatches and the same as that in 0.9% of smartwatches.
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
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 56.2% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
no
This smartwatch does not include a compass. 52.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.26 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.26 inch which is smaller than the screens of 83.5% of smartwatches and equal to those of 0.5% of smartwatches.
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
144x 168
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168 which is lower than that of 94.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
176 ppi
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 176 ppi which is lower than that of 97.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.6% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.1 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.1 GHz which is slower than that in 87.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 2.4% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0.008 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 0.008 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 73% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.4% of smartwatches.
8 MB internal flash storage.
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Pebble 2 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Route support
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • 13.3 g lighter weight
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (31.7 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    31.7 g vs 45.0 g
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 11.8 mm narrower watch width
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (30.2 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    30.2 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 5.5 mm shorter watch height
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (39.5 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    39.5 mm vs 45 mm
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
    Compatible through third-party apps/workarounds.
  • Route support
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 13.3 g lighter weight
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (31.7 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    31.7 g vs 45.0 g
  • 11.8 mm narrower watch width
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (30.2 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    30.2 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 5.5 mm shorter watch height
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (39.5 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    39.5 mm vs 45 mm
  • Third-party app support
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • Basic display type
    This smartwatch uses E-Ink display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Water resistance is listed as 30M (ATM/pressure rating, not an official IP code).
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 7.5% worse value for money
    Pebble 2 has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (6.99 vs 7.5).
    6.99 vs 7.52
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 53.7% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • No inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 91.7% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 68.4% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No elevation tracking
    This smartwatch does not support elevation tracking, the average smartwatch does. 64.3% of smartwatches support elevation tracking.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 74.6% of smartwatches support route tracking.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 59.3% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • 77 fewer exercise profiles
    This smartwatch supports fewer exercise modes than the average smartwatch (3 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    3 vs 80
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 170 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartwatch (130 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    130 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches support GPS.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 52.6% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch supports an older Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • Basic display type
    This smartwatch uses E-Ink display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • Lower IP rating
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Water resistance is listed as 30M (ATM/pressure rating, not an official IP code).
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • 150 ppi lower pixel density
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (176 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    176 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 0.14 inch smaller screen size
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    1.26 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    144x168 vs 352x430
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.3% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • No music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 67.8% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.6% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 5 year/s older release date
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2016 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2016
    2016 vs 2021
  • Slower CPU speed
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.1 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.1 GHz vs 1 GHz
  • 3.99 GB less storage
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    8 MB internal flash storage.
    0.008 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

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

8.0
Ars Technica
≈ estimated
05/10/2016
Hands-on review · daily use and fitness tests
Verdict
Pebble 2 is a pretty good, affordable smartwatch with simple features, but not the right choice for serious fitness tracking.
9.0
Pocket-lint
≈ estimated
04/11/2016
Short review · features, battery and notifications
Verdict
Pebble 2 is a strong, affordable smartwatch with week-long battery life, though it lacks GPS and a colour screen.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 8 · 10

Reviewers love the long battery life and easy-to-read display, but the apps and software let most of them down.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
arstechnica.com
≈ estimated
05/10/2016
Hands-on review · E-paper fitness watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 is a light, week-long e-paper watch with a built-in heart rate monitor, but its fitness tracking is too thin for serious training.
8.0
coolsmartphone.com
≈ estimated
10/11/2016
Personal review · Retro e-paper watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 is a comfortable, simple watch for notifications on your wrist and a week of battery, rather than a mini computer on your arm.
8.0
stuff.tv
✓ explicit
13/11/2016
Long-term review · Notification watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 is a comfortable, week-long notification watch for people who want a watch first, though its fitness tracking is basic.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
07/12/2016
Hands-on test · Heart rate watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 + Heart Rate is a long-lasting, always-on watch with solid voice replies, but its heart rate and sleep readings were inconsistent in testing.
8.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
31/10/2016
Hands-on review · Simple cross-platform watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 is an easy-to-use, cross-platform watch with long battery life, but its plastic build, black-and-white screen and lack of GPS hold it back.
7.0
hyperborea.org
✓ explicit
07/12/2016
Long-term diary · Everyday watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 is a good everyday watch for telling time and notifications with 5–6 days of battery, though its fitness tracking is most useful for people with a workout routine.
cnet.com
05/10/2016
Not graded yet
wareable.com
05/10/2016
Not graded yet
techradar.com
05/10/2016
Not graded yet
time.com
05/10/2016
Not graded yet
mashable.com
05/10/2016
Not graded yet
theverge.com
27/10/2016
Not graded yet
6.8
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
14/11/2016
Hands-on test · Fitness smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 HR suits people who want long battery life and sleep tracking, but its workout modes are too weak for serious training.
6.0
watchgeneration.fr
≈ estimated
10/12/2016
Retrospective test · E-paper watch
Verdict
The Pebble 2 is a practical e-paper watch with a heart rate sensor and up to a week of battery, though as a watch it impresses no one.
lapetitetrotteuse.com
25/05/2016
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Pebble 2

  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting 5-7 days on a single charge
  • Always-on e-paper display that remains perfectly visible in direct sunlight
  • Affordable pricing compared to competitors like Apple Watch or Samsung Gear
  • Seamless notification mirroring and the ability to reply via voice dictation or canned responses
  • Water-resistant up to 30 meters, making it suitable for swimming and showering
  • Lightweight and comfortable design with a soft, replaceable 22mm silicone strap

What we don't like about Pebble 2

  • Inconsistent and often inaccurate heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking
  • Plastic build quality that can look and feel cheap or 'toy-like'
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to modern smartwatch platforms
  • Monochrome display lacks the vibrancy of color OLED screens found on rivals
  • Narrow viewing angles on the screen can make it difficult to read at certain tilts
  • The 2016 acquisition by Fitbit ended official software support and updates

Verdict

The Pebble 2 is a lightweight smartwatch featuring a high-contrast 1.26-inch monochrome e-paper display with Gorilla Glass 3 and an integrated optical heart rate monitor. It offers 30-meter water resistance, a built-in microphone for voice replies, and an impressive battery life of up to 7 days. Key advantages include its excellent sunlight readability, physical button navigation, and seamless notification support for iOS and Android, though it is hindered by a lack of color, no GPS, and the absence of official software support following the company's acquisition.

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