ZDNET’s Essential Insights: The Pebble 2 Duo has officially arrived, offered at a competitive price of $149 and available in two sleek, classic color options—black and white. This release represents a continuation of Pebble’s well-known philosophy of practicality and minimalism. The device distinguishes itself through its ultra-lightweight construction, approachable cost, and impressive endurance that extends for several weeks on a single charge. It is also backed by a remarkably passionate and continuously evolving development community, which has contributed thousands of creative apps and custom watch faces. Nevertheless, potential users should know that the Pebble 2 Duo forgoes some of the more advanced health-tracking capabilities found in modern smartwatches, and its physical buttons, while durable, lack the tactile sharpness that some users may expect.
My personal connection with the Pebble brand goes back quite some time. In 2013, I supported its debut model through Kickstarter, drawn by its promise of a new kind of smartwatch experience. A few years later, I purchased the Pebble 2, which built upon the original’s foundation. Fast forward to the present, and I have been wearing the Pebble 2 Duo for several weeks. This new model represents both a refinement and partial reinvention of the previous generation—its very name, ‘Duo,’ a subtle nod to both partnership and the idea of a ‘do-over,’ symbolizing the product’s fresh approach while staying faithful to its roots.
At first sight, the Pebble 2 Duo closely resembles the Pebble 2 from years prior. It retains the familiar aesthetic characterized by a high-contrast e-paper display that remains easily visible in sunlight, ensuring both clarity and energy efficiency. The device includes a standard 22mm quick-release watchband for effortless customization, one multifunctional button positioned on the left, and three on the right—continuing Pebble’s distinctive control layout. Beyond physical form, compatibility spans both iOS and Android ecosystems, giving users flexibility regardless of their smartphone loyalties. Furthermore, Pebble’s legacy of open development thrives: its active community has produced well over 10,000 applications and watch face designs. This creative network is one of the brand’s most valuable assets, as it continually reinvigorates the platform with fresh ideas.
After spending multiple weeks with the Pebble 2 Duo, I can conclude that this particular smartwatch remains one of the more polarizing yet intriguing wearable options of 2025. Substantial technical and functional improvements have been integrated since the original Pebble 2’s 2017 release. Perhaps most noteworthy is the leap in battery performance—from roughly a single week of use per charge to nearly a full month. Water resistance has also been enhanced, evolving from a basic 30-meter depth rating to a more robust iPX8 standard, offering greater protection against extended water exposure. In addition, a new-generation Bluetooth module ensures faster and more reliable connections, while updated sensors, including a speaker, barometer, and compass, expand the device’s practical capabilities. Collectively, these improvements translate into a smoother, more worry-free experience, liberating users from constantly monitoring power levels or connectivity interruptions.
It is critical to understand that the Pebble 2 Duo is not positioned as a direct rival to flagship models such as the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Google’s Pixel Watch. Nor does it seek to compete head-to-head with the specialized endurance and performance-oriented solutions from Garmin or Suunto. Instead, Pebble’s focus lies elsewhere—this is a smartwatch that channels nostalgia and simplicity, merging retro appeal with utility. For many, it will symbolize a refreshing retreat from the overstimulation of today’s technology ecosystem. Its elongated battery life and streamlined interface make it ideal for users who prefer to minimize distractions, avoiding screens overflowing with notifications and pop-ups.
Pebble’s open-source operating system continues to impress. It offers a responsive, clean interface with subtle yet appealing animations, while the app catalog provides thousands of customizable options. Despite its modest hardware profile, the Pebble 2 Duo excels at enabling core wrist-based interactions—quick communication, notifications, and timekeeping—executed with clarity and efficiency.
The included 22mm silicone band exemplifies thoughtful ergonomic design. Its soft, thick material provides notable comfort, allowing the watch to be worn effortlessly for extended periods, whether during daily activity or while sleeping. However, while the control buttons are adequately sized and intuitively arranged, their tactile feedback remains somewhat muted. Pressing them yields little resistance, which may disappoint users accustomed to the mechanical click typical of other devices. Still, Core Devices—the company currently maintaining the Pebble legacy—notes that these buttons are engineered to offer thirty percent greater durability compared with those in prior generations. This subtle compromise between feel and lifespan will likely appeal to users prioritizing longevity.
Installation and setup are admirably straightforward. Most of the configuration process is accomplished through the Pebble companion application on the user’s smartphone. In my testing, I paired the Pebble 2 Duo primarily with an iPhone 17 Pro Max. Out of the box, core functions such as time display, notifications, and activity tracking operate immediately. For those seeking to tap into Pebble’s expansive ecosystem, creating a Rebble account remains essential. Rebble serves as the gateway to the immense repository of legacy and newly developed apps, extensions, and watch faces produced by a decade’s worth of enthusiastic developers.
During my week of exploration, I browsed through dozens of familiar applications and tested several personal favorites from earlier Pebble years. The overwhelming majority remain compatible with the updated hardware, although the slightly larger display may alter the layout of certain interfaces. Some connected services might not yet be functioning at full capacity, but that is expected during early release stages. The key takeaway for users is that experimentation remains at the heart of the Pebble experience—customization in this ecosystem rewards curiosity and patience, even if it occasionally presents minor challenges.
Looking back to Pebble’s origins, founder Eric Migicovsky launched the original model in 2013, setting then-unprecedented crowdfunding records on Kickstarter. His ongoing dedication to the brand’s philosophy—accessible, long-lasting, and purpose-driven technology—endures in the craftsmanship of the Pebble 2 Duo. After substantial testing and daily integration into my routine, I find myself pleasantly impressed by how cohesively the watch balances nostalgia with essential functionality.
At a $149 price point, the Pebble 2 Duo confidently distinguishes itself as a strong recommendation for newcomers curious about smartwatches, as well as for technology veterans who appreciate a device that prioritizes endurance and communication without overwhelming them with superfluous software. Of course, those seeking advanced metrics, deep ecosystem integration, or luxury finishes have abundant alternatives in the marketplace. Still, few of those competitors are likely to capture the same intrigue—or the same admiring glances from fellow enthusiasts—as this unobtrusive yet charming little watch, which embodies the belief that technological progress and simplicity can still coexist harmoniously.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-this-minimalist-timepiece-a-viable-alternative-to-smartwatches-my-verdict-after-a-week/
