The Pebble Round 2: The Top Smartwatch of CES 2026

The ongoing tech extravaganza in Las Vegas, known as the largest tech show globally, is showcasing some of the most extravagant and pricey tech innovations imaginable. Amidst all the cutting-edge gadgets, there is one particular item that has caught my eye – a $200 smartwatch.

The Pebble Round 2, the object of my desire, has the potential to make me switch from my current Pixel Watch 4, which I fondly refer to as ‘pebble perfection.’ After being acquired by Fitbit and subsequently Google, Pebble has made a comeback under the leadership of its original owner, Eric Migicovsky, now operating as Core Devices and releasing new Pebble devices.

Putting the complex history aside, the resurgence of Pebble means the introduction of brand-new Pebble smartwatches. Following the Pebble 2 Duo and Time 2, the upcoming Pebble Round 2 has piqued my interest.

The Pebble Round 2 serves as the spiritual successor to the iconic Pebble Time Round from 2015. Despite not having reviewed the original model, the prospect of the new iteration excites me even more.

Square-shaped smartwatches don’t appeal to me; I have a preference for round designs, and the Pebble Round 2 is one of the most aesthetically pleasing wearables to date. Described by Pebble as “The Most Stylish Pebble Ever,” I wholeheartedly concur.

For the first time, Pebble has a presence at CES, where the device was unveiled alongside the recently announced Index 01 – a smart ring capable of recording notes and ideas.

Pebble

Emphasizing both style and substance, Pebble has claimed to have “improved in every dimension” with the Round 2. The absence of a bezel allows the 1.3-inch color e-paper display to occupy the entire front surface.

While the original Pebble Round held the title of the thinnest smartwatch ever at 7.5mm, the Round 2 is slightly thicker at 8.1mm. Nevertheless, it remains impressively slim, approximately a third thinner than the Google Pixel Watch 4, ensuring comfort, especially during travel. Additionally, it boasts an extended battery life of up to two weeks, surpassing many flagship smartwatches.

Key features include a touchscreen, backlight, four buttons, dual microphones, water resistance up to 30m, and health tracking functionalities like step counting and sleep monitoring. With thousands of available apps and watch faces, including the enticing Super Mario option, the Pebble Round 2 offers a diverse user experience.

Pebble

Catering to various preferences and wrist sizes, the Round 2 is available in three colors, encased in a stainless steel frame, with two different band sizes:

• Matte black (20mm)
• Brushed silver (14 or 20mm)
• Polished rose gold (14mm)

Each watch includes a Pebble charging dongle and silicone band, with other options like leather bands or standard 14/20mm bands available. Compatible with both Android and iPhone devices, the Pebble Round 2 is designed for versatility.

Priced at $199, the Pebble Round 2 is set to begin shipping in May 2026 through RePebble.