Remember those classic split-flap displays you’d see at old train stations and airports? Vestaboard brought that nostalgic charm back with a modern, internet-connected version, but its hefty $3,499 price tag was a big barrier for many. Now, there’s exciting news: they’ve launched the Vestaboard Note, a much smaller and significantly more affordable take on this unique tech. It’s available for pre-order now, dropping the price dramatically and bringing that retro feel within reach for more homes and offices.
Contents
The Vestaboard Note aims to deliver the same cool, mechanical messaging experience as the original but in a more compact and budget-friendly package. This new version keeps the core appeal of physically flipping characters while making it practical for everyday use and wallets.
What is the Vestaboard Note?
Think of the Vestaboard Note as the original Vestaboard’s little sibling. It’s a mechanical display that uses individual “Bits” – tiny panels that flip to show different characters. Unlike digital screens, you get the satisfying, audible click and physical motion as the message changes, just like the old station boards.
While the original Vestaboard featured a massive 132 Bits, the Note scales this down to 45. Each of these 45 Bits can still cycle through 64 standard characters, including letters, numbers, punctuation, colors, and even a newly added red heart symbol. The display itself measures about 24.5 inches wide (or slightly larger with an optional frame).
Vestaboard Note mechanical split-flap mechanism flipping characters
See the satisfying action of the flipping Bits.
How You Control It
Sending messages or displaying info on the Vestaboard Note is super easy. You can use a web interface or a dedicated free mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. Connectivity is handled via Wi-Fi or a standard ethernet cable.
The app lets you do a lot more than just type a message. You can pick from a library of existing designs, inspirational quotes, or create your own patterns and images. Want to display your morning schedule or a weather forecast? Schedule messages to appear at specific times. You can even silence the board during certain hours, which is pretty thoughtful considering the flipping sound, while cool, might not be ideal in the middle of the night!
Developers also have access to an API, allowing for more dynamic content from other services and integrations.
Vestaboard Note display in a modern kitchen showing a weather forecast
The Vestaboard Note looks great displaying practical information like a forecast in a home setting.
The Story Behind the Note (and the Price Drop)
Interestingly, Vestaboard wasn’t originally planning the Note. They were developing a new version called “Smart Bits.” However, facing economic uncertainties, including issues stemming from tariffs on goods manufactured in China, the company made a strategic pivot. Instead of the Smart Bits, they focused on creating the smaller, more accessible Vestaboard Note.
This change in direction is why the Vestaboard Note is able to come in at a much lower price point. The pre-order price starts at just $899 (down from an expected retail price of $1,299), a massive drop from the original Vestaboard’s $3,499 price.
Availability
If you’re eager to get your hands on one, the Vestaboard Note is available for pre-order right now on the company’s website. Deliveries are currently expected to begin in December 2025.
Bringing the unique, tactile experience of a split-flap display to a price that’s much more attainable makes the Vestaboard Note an exciting new option for anyone looking for a distinctive piece of smart decor or a cool way to display information in their space.
Looking for more unique smart home gadgets? Check out our recent coverage on other interesting displays and devices.
