Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra) vs Bangle.js 2: which lets you own your data?

Bangle.js 2 scores higher for data ownership (85 vs 35). They differ on official api, data export, gadgetbridge / open firmware.

Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra)Bangle.js 2
Score35/100 (Fair)85/100 (Great)
Official API ⚡Via phone health platform (5/25)Open API (25/25)
Data export ⚡Full account export (15/25)Local raw files (25/25)
Gadgetbridge / open firmware ⚡Not supported (0/20)Supported (20/20)
Home AssistantNone (0/15)None (0/15)
SubscriptionNot needed (15/15)Not needed (15/15)
SubscriptionNoneNone

⚡ = where they differ.

Apple Watch (SE / Series / Ultra)

No cloud API; data stays in HealthKit on your iPhone, readable by apps you authorise. The Health app can export all health data as an archive.

API · Export · Home Assistant

Bangle.js 2

Open-source, hackable JavaScript smartwatch. Full Gadgetbridge support and no account at all. The gold standard for data ownership, traded off against polish and sensors.

API · Export · Home Assistant

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Open in the interactive compare tool

Scores come from each device's cited sources, last verified 2026-10-20. See how we score.

📬 The Data Ownership Digest

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