Buying a Smart Ring: What You Need to Know in 2025
So, you’re thinking of buying a smart ring? You’re in for a treat! Currently, selecting the best smart rings on the market is relatively straightforward. However, the downside is that options can be limited in terms of trustworthiness and reliability, primarily because this category is still emerging in the tech world.
Smart rings are witnessing a resurgence, which means various experimental models and innovative tech brands are now entering the market. I spent last summer testing around six different smart rings, akin to a high-tech mafia don adorned with a collection of these devices. While some of these products were surprisingly good, many are not as refined as offerings in more established categories like smartwatches or fitness trackers.
The Current Landscape of Smart Rings
These devices primarily act as health trackers, providing a discreet alternative to traditional fitness trackers. Their compact design makes them particularly effective for sleep tracking. However, it’s worth noting that most smart rings lack features like smart alarms or push notifications, making them better suited for casual athletes or wellness-focused users. Serious athletes may find that a smartwatch or fitness tracker is more aligned with their needs, and using a smart ring as a supplemental data source can be a costly choice. Additionally, weightlifters should be cautious, as smart rings can scratch against gym equipment.
What to Look for in a Smart Ring
When considering a smart ring, several key factors should guide your decision.
Testing Methodology
Smart rings should not only serve as health devices but also as fashionable accessories. Our testing involves wearing the rings daily for weeks to assess how they handle various conditions like finger swelling and temperature fluctuations. We conduct water resistance tests by wearing them throughout daily activities such as showering or washing dishes. Additionally, we compare the data accuracy against devices like smartwatches, the Oura Ring, and smart beds.
Sizing and Fit
Your fingers will inevitably swell, so how well does the design accommodate size changes? The range of sizes and the ease of returning rings will also play a critical role in your decision.
Design and Comfort
Many users seek smart rings that can double as stylish jewelry. It’s essential to determine whether the ring is comfortable for continuous wear and whether its design suits various occasions.
Durability
Consider whether the ring’s finish is resilient against scratches, especially if you plan to wear it alongside other jewelry.
Battery Life and Charging
Smart rings can be easy to lose. Does your chosen model come with a charging case, or does it rely on a dock that’s susceptible to being knocked off your nightstand? An ideal smart ring should offer extended battery life for effective sleep tracking.
App Compatibility
Many smart ring brands are new entrants into the market, so the quality of the app is crucial. Look for easy updates and syncing capabilities with comprehensive platforms like Apple Health or Google Health Connect.
Recommended Smart Ring for Most Users
$348
The Good:
- More sizes
- Slimmer design
- Expanded auto workout detection
- Redesigned app
- Better battery life
The Bad:
- Subscription required to unlock full features
- Lack of a charging case
Unsurprisingly, the Oura Ring 4 tops the list as the best option for most users. While the subscription model, priced at $5.99 monthly, can seem burdensome, Oura consistently excels in hardware quality, size range, features, and user experience. Many current smart ring competitors look to Oura for inspiration in their designs and functionalities.
The transition from Oura Ring Gen 3 to Gen 4 mainly involved software enhancements and minor hardware changes, yielding better accuracy in heart rate and blood oxygen algorithms, coupled with improved workout detection. Oura’s redesigned app is more user-friendly, and recent upgrades like AI-powered meal logging and glucose tracking enhance its functionality. However, adopting additional features like glucose monitoring requires a separate purchase, such as the Dexcom Stelo CGM.
Through long-term testing of three Oura Ring iterations since 2018, I’ve observed consistent improvements in accuracy, design, and comfort. The company maintains clear communication regarding research and scientific advancements, ultimately strengthening its credibility and trustworthiness in this burgeoning tech category.
Alternative Options for Smart Rings
$400
The Good:
- Excellent hardware
- Long battery life
- Slim, lightweight design
- No subscription required
The Bad:
- Android only
- Best with Samsung products
- Mixed accuracy
The Samsung Galaxy Ring retails at $400 and boasts impressive hardware and long-lasting battery life. The charging case is particularly sleek compared to Oura’s offering. Users with a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 accessories will also reap additional benefits, enhancing their overall experience.
Another affordable option is the Ultrahuman Ring Air, priced at $350. While it closely competes with the Oura Ring regarding comfort and design, its accuracy may slightly lag behind. With a subscription model based on “PowerPlugs,” users can access a variety of features without the pressure of a flat fee.
Conclusion
Overall, while smart rings are still a developing segment in the tech market, growing advancements are bringing more refined options to consumers. As you explore these innovative wearables, we recommend prioritizing comfort, functionality, and app compatibility to enhance your experience. For more details on smart rings and recommendations, you can check out Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
