Introduction: A New Era of AI Gadgets?
In a world obsessed with screens, Rabbit R1 dares to do the opposite — a screenless AI device that promises to replace your phone, apps, and even your assistant. But after the hype, influencers, and launch events, one question remains: Is Rabbit R1 worth it in 2025?
Let’s break it down — features, real-life usage, pros, cons, and whether you should spend $199+ on this futuristic gadget.
What Is Rabbit R1?
It is a pocket-sized AI assistant powered by a Large Action Model (LAM), not just a Large Language Model (LLM) like ChatGPT. Instead of chatting, it performs tasks for you — like booking rides, setting up calendars, sending texts, and even controlling smart home devices — using voice commands only.
Think of it as:
Smartphone minus the screen
Siri, but with a brain
An assistant that uses your apps, not just tells you how
Top Features of Rabbit R1
- Voice-Only Interface: No screen, just your voice and AI.
- App Control: Works with Spotify, Uber, DoorDash, and others.
- Privacy First: Local actions, not cloud-based tracking (as claimed).
- Gesture Navigation: Turn the wheel to switch modes.
- Camera + Mic Combo: For object recognition and voice capture.
Hands-On Experience: What It Feels Like to Use
Using Rabbit R1 is exciting… for the first week.
You press the talk button, ask it to book a ride, play music, or set reminders — and it often works. But here’s the catch: speed and reliability vary.
What Works Well:
- Saying “Play jazz on Spotify” = instant playback.
- “Order a latte from Starbucks” = works if your account is linked.
- “Show me directions” = gives audio turn-by-turn instructions.
What Feels Broken:
- It gets confused with accents or complex commands.
- No screen = no visual confirmation.
- Struggles in noisy environments.
In short, it’s cool — but not a full replacement for your phone yet.
Rabbit R1 vs Smartphone: Can It Replace Your Phone?
| Feature | Rabbit R1 | Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| App Access | Limited (linked) | Unlimited |
| Screen | ❌ | ✅ |
| AI Control | ✅ | ✅ (but less advanced) |
| Battery Life | 6–8 hours | All-day (avg) |
| Portability | ✅ | ✅ |
| Distraction-Free | ✅ | ❌ |
Verdict: It’s more of a companion to your phone, not a replacement.
Is Rabbit R1 Worth the Price?
At $199 (as of August 2025), it sits between a smart speaker and a low-end smartphone. Here’s the value breakdown:
Worth it if:
- You love early tech and don’t mind bugs.
- You want to reduce screen time.
- You’re an AI/tech creator or digital minimalist.
Not worth it if:
- You need reliability and speed.
- You already use voice assistants on your phone/watch.
- You want full app control on the go.
Use Case Scenarios (Real World)
| Scenario | Rabbit R1 Performance |
|---|---|
| Walking and sending voice texts | ✅ Works well |
| Navigating a new city | ⚠️ Decent, no map view |
| Controlling Spotify at home | ✅ Smooth |
| Booking flights or hotels | ❌ Too limited |
| Reminders or calendar tasks | ✅ Efficient |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cool, futuristic design
- Genuinely useful for quick tasks
- Encourages less screen time
- Fast for simple requests
Cons:
- Lacks display for clarity
- Limited integration with apps
- Still feels like a beta product
- No keyboard = voice only (awkward in public)
Final Verdict: Is Rabbit R1 Worth It?
Rabbit R1 is not for everyone.
But for early adopters, AI enthusiasts, and digital detoxers, it offers a glimpse into the future of computing.
It won’t replace your phone, but it could replace how you use your phone — one voice command at a time.
FAQs: Is Rabbit R1 Worth It?
Is this better than a smartphone?
No, Rabbit R1 is not better than a smartphone. It offers a focused AI experience but lacks a screen, full app support, and multitasking features. Think of it as a complementary AI gadget, not a replacement.
What apps work with Rabbit R1?
As of 2025, it supports integration with a few popular apps:
- Spotify (music control)
- Uber (ride booking)
- DoorDash (food delivery)
- Calendar & Reminders (via Google)
- Weather, timers, and alarms
More apps may be added as Rabbit updates its LAM platform.
Can Rabbit R1 replace Siri or Alexa?
Partially.
This is more advanced than Siri or Alexa in some ways — especially task automation using real apps. But it lacks the wide ecosystem, smart home control range, and speed of mature assistants like Alexa. It’s better for personal task execution, not full smart home integration.
Does Rabbit R1 work offline?
No, it requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot) to process voice commands and complete tasks. It cannot perform actions offline.
Who should buy Rabbit R1?
It is best for:
- Tech early adopters
- Digital minimalists
- Voice AI enthusiasts
- Creators reviewing new gadgets
It’s not ideal for users expecting a polished, screen-based experience.
