Beyond Hacker News: Discovering Top Hacker News Like Sites for Tech Enthusiasts

The tech world moves at lightning speed, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. While Hacker News is a great starting point, sometimes you need to branch out. If you’re looking for more places to discover interesting tech articles and discussions, you’re in the right spot. We’ve rounded up some excellent hacker news like sites that offer a fresh perspective and a different flavour of tech content.

Key Takeaways

• Explore sites like Lobste.rs and TechURLs for curated technology news and discussions.
• Consider Lemmy.ml (Technology) and Brutalist Report for community-driven content and article compilations.
• SkimFeed and Hacker Newsletter offer efficient ways to digest daily and weekly tech headlines.
• Tapir Tech Update and The Batch provide insightful, curated content for deeper understanding.
• Benedict’s Newsletter and TLDR Newsletter deliver concise analysis and summaries of key tech developments.

1. Lobste.rs

Lobste.rs is a community-driven site that focuses on technology, programming, and computing. Think of it as a more focused version of Hacker News, where the discussions tend to be a bit more technical and in-depth. It’s a great place if you’re looking for conversations about software development, system administration, and other geeky pursuits.

The community here is pretty active, and the moderation seems to keep things on track. You won’t find as much noise as you might on larger platforms. It’s all about sharing interesting links and having thoughtful discussions.

Here’s a quick look at what you might find:

• Software Engineering: Deep dives into coding practices, new languages, and development tools.
• Systems Administration: Articles and discussions on servers, networking, and infrastructure.
• Computer Science: Theoretical concepts and academic research made more accessible.
• Hardware: News and opinions on new tech hardware, from CPUs to specialised devices.

It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to stay current with the more technical side of the tech world. The focus is definitely on quality content and constructive debate, which is a breath of fresh air sometimes.

The signal-to-noise ratio on Lobste.rs is generally quite high, meaning you’re more likely to find substantive content and less likely to wade through off-topic chatter. This makes it an efficient place to learn and engage.

2. TechURLs

TechURLs is a handy aggregator for anyone who wants all their technology headlines in one place. It pulls together links from a wide range of tech news outlets into one simple, scrollable list. You don’t get flashy images or endless distractions—the whole point is to find the latest stories, updates, and blog posts quickly.

Here’s what makes TechURLs stand out:

• Collects tech news links from many leading sites, so you’re less likely to miss major updates
• Clean, text-based layout means fast browsing—even on your phone
• Updates are frequent, and it’s not cluttered by social voting or off-topic discussions

If you’re short on time but want to skim what people in tech are reading each day, this site delivers. It feels almost old-school in its simplicity, yet for people who hate bouncing between tabs, it’s refreshing.

If your idea of a good morning involves strong coffee and checking headlines without the noise, TechURLs is probably up your street.

The table below shows how TechURLs compares with Hacker News and Lobste.rs in some key areas:

In short, TechURLs is all about pure information, stripped down for easy access. Great for tech enthusiasts who’d rather read than debate.

3. Lemmy.ml – Technology

Lemmy.ml is a bit different from the others on this list. It’s part of the Lemmy network, which is a federated set of social media platforms. Think of it like a decentralised Reddit, but for tech discussions. The ‘Technology’ community on Lemmy.ml is where you’ll find conversations and links shared by users interested in all things tech.

It’s a great place to find discussions that might not make it to the front pages of more mainstream sites. Because it’s federated, you can even join communities from other Lemmy instances if you find one you like better, or if the community on .ml isn’t active enough for your taste. It’s a bit more hands-on than just reading articles, as you’re often seeing what people are actively talking about and sharing right now.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• User-submitted links: Similar to Hacker News, people post links to articles, blog posts, or news stories.
• Discussions and comments: Users can comment on posts, leading to conversations about the shared content.
• Community-driven content: The topics and the quality of links depend heavily on the users actively participating in that specific community.
• Federated nature: You’re not just limited to one site; the Lemmy network allows for broader interaction.

It’s worth noting that the user interface and experience can vary slightly depending on the specific Lemmy instance you’re using, but the core idea of community-driven content remains the same. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for a more community-focused way to discover tech news and opinions.

The decentralised nature of Lemmy means that content and moderation are spread across different servers, offering a different kind of online experience compared to a single, centralised platform. This can lead to more niche communities and diverse viewpoints.

4. Brutalist Report

Brutalist Report is a bit of a gem for anyone trying to keep up with the tech world without getting lost in the weeds. It pulls together the most read articles from some pretty big names – think HackerNews, The Verge, Wired, Slashdot, and TechCrunch. So, instead of bouncing between a dozen sites, you get a consolidated view of what’s actually grabbing people’s attention.

It’s a smart way to get a pulse on the tech landscape. You get a good mix of what’s popular, from deep dives into new gadgets to discussions about the future of software. It’s not about every single article published, but rather the ones that have clearly struck a chord with a wider audience.

The idea is to cut through the noise and give you a clear picture of the most talked-about tech stories. It saves you time and helps you focus on what seems to be making waves.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Popular Tech News: A collection of articles that have seen high engagement across major tech publications.
• Diverse Sources: Content pulled from a range of well-known tech news outlets and communities.
• Trend Spotting: Helps you quickly identify emerging topics and discussions within the tech industry.
• Time-Saving: Offers a curated list, reducing the need to visit multiple sites individually.

It’s a straightforward approach to staying informed, focusing on what’s popular and widely read, which can be a really useful filter when there’s so much information out there.

5. SkimFeed

SkimFeed is a straightforward way to keep tabs on what’s happening across the tech world. It pulls together daily headlines from more than 30 different technology websites, presenting them all in one place.

Think of it as a quick scan of the tech landscape. You don’t have to hop between various sites to see what’s new; SkimFeed does the legwork for you. It’s handy for getting a general sense of the day’s tech news without getting bogged down in too many details.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A broad overview of tech news.
• Daily updates from numerous sources.
• A simple way to spot trending topics.

It’s a good option if you want to stay generally informed about technology without committing to reading every single article from every single site. It helps you see the bigger picture quickly.

6. Hacker Newsletter

For tech enthusiasts who want the best of Hacker News without having to weed through every post, Hacker Newsletter delivers a handy weekly selection straight to your inbox. Each issue is carefully curated, picking out the most interesting articles, thoughtful comment threads, and clever projects that have captured the attention of the community.

Here’s what sets Hacker Newsletter apart:

• Human curation from a long-time community member—no endless bots, just a real person’s eye for what’s interesting.
• Expect articles ranging from deep-dive technical write-ups to lighter news and thought pieces.
• Includes highlights of bold new projects, discussions that took off, and must-know news, all packed into an easy-to-read format.

There’s something relaxing about letting someone else do the heavy lifting; you get to just click and read the best stuff, knowing you haven’t missed out on last week’s big conversations.

If you often find yourself overwhelmed by the pace of Hacker News, this newsletter acts as your sensible filter. It saves time and gives you a reliable shot of the sharpest ideas circulating in tech—without the doomscrolling.

7. Tapir Tech Update

Tapir Tech Update isn’t your typical newsletter; it’s more of a monthly digest put together by the software engineers at SoftwareMill. They focus on technology and what’s new in areas like Big Data, Machine Learning, DevOps, system architecture, security, and stream processing. Every link and tech blog featured is hand-picked by engineers who are actually working in the field, so you know it’s relevant and good quality.

It really gives you a look at what other tech leaders are reading and talking about, with a strong focus on the tech itself. If you’re tired of automated lists and want something curated by people who know their stuff, this is a great find. It’s particularly useful if you’re interested in Big Data, ML, or Stream Processing.

Here’s a look at the kinds of topics you might find:

• Big Data technologies and trends
• Developments in Machine Learning and AI
• DevOps practices and tools
• System Architecture patterns
• Cybersecurity insights
• Updates on Stream Processing

This digest offers a unique peek into what active software engineers consider important, cutting through the general noise to bring you genuinely useful information.

8. The Batch

Andrew Ng’s "The Batch" is a weekly newsletter that really cuts through the noise when it comes to artificial intelligence. It’s not just about the latest buzzwords; it’s about the actual breakthroughs and what they mean for the industry. Ng, a big name in AI, offers a balanced view, highlighting significant developments without all the hype.

It’s a good way to get a handle on what’s happening in AI without getting lost. You get a summary of new research, industry news, and some thoughtful analysis thrown in for good measure. It helps you figure out what’s real progress and what’s just… well, noise.

This newsletter is particularly useful for separating the genuine advancements in AI from the more speculative claims. It provides a grounded perspective on a rapidly evolving field.

If you’re trying to keep up with AI, especially the practical side of things and the real-world implications, "The Batch" is definitely worth a look. It’s like getting a weekly update from someone who really knows their stuff, helping you understand the actual direction AI is heading.

9. Benedict’s Newsletter

If you’re the kind of person who wants tech news without the sugar-coating, Benedict’s Newsletter is for you. Each week, you get a no-nonsense look at the key moves and shifts in tech. Benedict Evans puts the complicated stuff into everyday language that actually makes sense.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Breaks down big tech trends, like mobile and digital policy, in plain English.
• Offers two options: a free Tuesday issue with highlights, and a paid Sunday edition if you want in-depth analysis and full archives.
• Numbers matter here. Nearly 200,000 subscribers get these updates every week.

If you’re not into dense reports but still want to understand what’s going on and why everyone on tech Twitter is arguing, this is the newsletter for you.

Sometimes it feels like tech news is just noise, but with Benedict’s emails, you finish reading and actually know what matters and what doesn’t.

10. TLDR Newsletter

Right then, let’s talk about TLDR. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a screen, trying to keep up with the relentless pace of tech news. It’s a lot, isn’t it? TLDR aims to cut through that noise by giving you the essential bits, fast.

This isn’t about wading through lengthy articles or trying to decipher dense technical jargon. TLDR is designed for people who need to know what’s happening in technology, programming, and cybersecurity without spending hours doing it. Think of it as your daily tech news espresso shot – quick, potent, and gets you going.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Daily Updates: You get a fresh dose every day, so you’re not left behind.
• Concise Summaries: They boil down the most important stories into easy-to-digest points.
• Broad Coverage: It touches on key developments across tech, coding, and security.

It’s the sort of thing you can skim through with your morning cuppa, making sure you’re clued up on the big headlines and industry shifts without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a solid way to stay informed when you’ve got a million other things on your plate.

TLDR is all about efficiency. It’s built for those moments when you need a quick overview of what’s new and important in the tech world, without getting bogged down in the details. It’s a straightforward approach to staying current.

Conclusion

So, that’s a wrap. If you’re tired of scrolling through the same old headlines on Hacker News, there’s a whole world of tech sites out there just waiting to be explored. Each one has its own style and community, and you never know what you’ll stumble across next. Maybe you’ll find a new favourite spot for deep discussions, or maybe just a place to catch up on the latest trends without all the noise. It’s worth poking around a few of these sites to see which ones fit your interests best. In the end, keeping up with tech shouldn’t feel like a chore. With the right mix of sources, it can actually be pretty fun. Happy browsing, and who knows—maybe you’ll be the one sharing the next big story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a news aggregator?

Think of a news aggregator like a personal assistant for news. It’s a website or app that gathers stories from lots of different places, like tech blogs and news sites, and puts them all in one spot for you. This way, you don’t have to visit each site individually to see what’s new.

Why should I use a tech news aggregator instead of just browsing websites?

Using an aggregator saves you a massive amount of time. Instead of jumping between dozens of sites, you get a curated list of the most interesting tech news in one place. It helps you cut through the noise and focus on what’s important to you, especially if you’re trying to stay up-to-date with fast-moving tech topics.

Are these sites similar to Hacker News?

Yes, many of these sites are inspired by Hacker News or offer a similar community-driven approach to sharing and discussing tech articles. They often focus on specific niches within technology or have a slightly different community vibe, but the core idea of sharing and discussing interesting tech links is usually the same.

Do I need to pay to use these sites?

Most of the sites and newsletters mentioned are free to use. Some might offer premium versions with extra features or exclusive content, but you can generally access a wealth of information without spending any money. It’s all about finding the best fit for your needs.

How do I choose the best one for me?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a broad overview of tech news, sites like TechURLs might be good. If you prefer a more curated, community-focused discussion, Lobste.rs or Lemmy could be better. For specific areas like AI or cybersecurity, look for newsletters that specialise in those topics.

Can these sites help me learn new things for school or work?

Absolutely! These platforms are fantastic for discovering new technologies, understanding industry trends, and finding in-depth articles that can deepen your knowledge. Whether you’re working on a school project or trying to improve your skills for a job, they provide a constant stream of relevant information.