HN Companion is a web app and browser extension that transforms how developers read Hacker News discussions. The tool uses AI to generate context-aware summaries that preserve the natural conversation flow, highlighting key debates and contrasting viewpoints without flattening threads into generic text.

Unlike traditional summarization tools, HN Companion understands Hacker News' unique thread hierarchy and voting patterns. It clusters related discussions and surfaces representative comments while maintaining verbatim text with backlinks. Users can customize their experience through system prompts, choose from various AI models including OpenAI, Anthropic, and local options via Ollama, and navigate threads using Vim-inspired keyboard shortcuts.

The tool offers both cached summaries for popular discussions and the option to use personal API keys. It runs as a Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extension or as a web app accessible on mobile devices. The open-source project includes zero tracking or analytics, with all data stored locally in the browser.