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Considering the purchase of a smart ring? The current market offers a straightforward selection, although the range of trustworthy options is still developing as this category gains traction. Smart rings have experienced a revival, attracting various innovative tech brands, some of which may be unfamiliar to consumers. During an extensive trial, I tested six different rings, noting that while many possess potential, they often lack the refinement typical of more established tech products like smartwatches and headphones.
Most smart rings primarily function as health trackers, providing a more subtle option for monitoring well-being, particularly for sleep tracking compared to their bulkier smartwatch counterparts. However, it’s important to note that many models do not offer features like smart alarms or push notifications, making them more suitable for casual fitness enthusiasts or wellness-focused consumers rather than serious athletes. For those intensely involved in fitness, smart rings may serve better as supplemental devices alongside smartwatches, though this can add to overall expenses. Weightlifters should also approach smart rings with caution, as they can easily suffer damage from equipment.
With that said, let’s explore the best smart ring option for the average user in 2025, along with several worthy alternatives for the more tech-savvy individuals.
What I’m Looking For
How We Test Smart Rings
Smart rings should combine style with functionality, which we assess through rigorous testing. Our testing process involves daily wear for weeks to evaluate comfort during various conditions, like finger swelling or temperature fluctuations. We leave them on during showers and dishwashing to check waterproof capabilities, and we compare their performance against more established models, like smartwatches and the Oura Ring, particularly focusing on health and sleep tracking accuracy. Key factors in our assessment include size variety, app interface, syncing efficiency, and battery longevity.
Sizing
A crucial factor is how well the ring accommodates changes in finger size. Considering the designs available, what is the size range? Is the return process user-friendly?
Design
Many consumers prefer smart rings to serve as fashionable accessories, so we assess the comfort for all-day wear. Is the design adaptable to different settings, and will wearing it draw positive remarks?
Durability
We examine the ring’s resistance to scratches and scuffs, especially when worn alongside other rings.
Charging and Battery
The likelihood of misplacing a ring necessitates an efficient charging system. Does it come with a secure charging case, or is it vulnerable to being knocked off a surface? Given the popularity of sleep tracking, how long does the battery last on a single charge?
App
The experience of using the ring is heavily influenced by its companion app. How intuitive is it for updates and syncing? Does it integrate with larger health platforms, such as Apple Health or Google Health Connect?
Best Smart Ring for Most People
$349
The Good
- Varied size options
- Streamlined design
- Enhanced automatic workout detection
- Upgraded app interface
- Improved battery performance
The Bad
- Subscription needed for full feature access
- A charging case would be a welcome improvement
The clear frontrunner is the Oura Ring 4.
Some may express concern about the subscription model linked to Oura. Despite its relatively low monthly fee of $6, cumulative costs from various tech services can add up. Nevertheless, Oura stands out for its hardware quality, extensive size options, feature set, app usability, and ongoing commitment to research. The majority of current smart rings have taken cues from Oura’s innovations over the last decade.
The transition from the Oura Ring Gen 3 to Gen 4 involved predominantly software upgrades, complemented by minor hardware tweaks. Notable enhancements include more precise heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, improved automatic activity detection, and an expanded size range, now from 4 to 15. The app redesign contributes to a cleaner interface, and recently, Oura has introduced an AI chatbot to offer insights into user data, though responses may vary in depth and usefulness.
After testing three versions of the Oura Ring since 2018, it’s evident that accuracy, comfort, and user experience have consistently progressed. The company remains transparent regarding its research advancements, and the expansion of third-party retail has made it more accessible. The influx of investments into Oura signifies its importance in this burgeoning category. While competitors may offer compelling features, Oura continues to be the brand I recommend for its mix of dependability, precision, and experience.
If the subscription model is a dealbreaker, alternatives are available.
$350
The Good
- High-quality hardware
- Long-lasting battery
- Sleek, lightweight design
- No subscription required
The Bad
- Android compatibility only
- Best paired with Samsung products
- Accuracy can vary
The Samsung Galaxy Ring, priced at $400, excels in hardware quality, featuring an attractive charging case and a comfortable design. Its compatibility with Samsung’s ecosystem enhances its functionality, especially if paired with a Galaxy Watch 7 or Ultra. However, to fully utilize its potential, you may need additional Samsung products, resulting in a significant investment overall. Although Samsung’s first-generation device shows promise, its sleep tracking accuracy and AI health features need further refinement.
$349
The Ultrahuman Ring Air serves as a no-subscription alternative with a fitness-centric approach, providing a solid experience compared to Oura.
I also find the $350 Ultrahuman Ring Air to be a strong contender. In my testing, it matched Oura in comfort and design, although it falls slightly short in accuracy. Its app is more directed at fitness tracking, offering various features without requiring a full subscription—some options are free, while others incur additional costs.
$199
Finally, the RingConn Gen 2 Air, priced at $200, represents an accessible entry point into smart rings. It boasts an appealing design and good accuracy, alongside an AI-driven app experience with commendable battery life, achieving around eight to nine days on a single charge, surpassing many competing products.
Source
www.theverge.com