Compare Top 3 Smart Rings
Honorable Mentions
We have tested several other entrants in this category, some good, some bad, and some in between. Here’s the lowdown on some of your smart ring alternatives.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Oura Ring 4 for $349: While the Ring 5 is the smallest smart ring on the market, the Ring 4 is still slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. There’s also a ceramic version. Reviewer Simon Hill had issues with dwindling battery life and some scuffing with his silver Ring 4, but he hasn’t encountered those issues with the ceramic version.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Leep Ring for $199: A British smart ring that’s affordable, subscription-free, and offers simplified stats on your activity, sleep, and stress. Unfortunately, sleep is woefully inaccurate and tends to report that I’ve been asleep for my entire time in bed, even if I was watching TV or reading. One night, it suggested I slept 8 hours and 43 minutes (Oura said 6 hours and 52 minutes). The app could also use some polish. For example, it doesn’t take into account that it’s only a couple of hours into the day before telling me my movement for today is “Bad.” I also lost data on the first night it ran out of battery, and there was no warning notification to tell me to recharge. A fully charged ring is meant to last up to eight days, but I’ve been getting closer to five. —Simon Hill
RingConn Gen 2 for $299: Despite being $100 more than the Gen 2 Air, this is still a relatively affordable, subscription-free smart ring. The main differences here are that the Gen 2 offers sleep apnea monitoring and tracks VO2 max, and it’s a titanium build; the Gen 2 Air is made of stainless steel.
Photograph: Adrienne So
Circular Ring 2 for $354: This ring is pretty, with rounded edges that make it look slightly more like jewelry than the Oura or Ultrahuman rings. I like the closed charging case, which means you can bring it while traveling and recharge without a USB-C cable, and I also like that the ring pings me throughout the day when I’m in my best zone for productivity, working out, or caffeine. However, during my two-week testing period, I was plagued with persistent server issues and data processing delays that made it difficult to double-check any of my health metrics for accuracy, like heart rate, SpO2, or sleep data. —Adrienne So
Avoid These Smart Rings
Amazfit Helio Ring for $150: Amazfit is a purveyor of affordable fitness trackers like the Active 2, so I expected its smart ring to be competitive, but the Helio falls short in several areas. I like the textured bronze finish, but it is the only color you get. Sizes are limited to 8, 10, or 12 for now (sizes 7 to 13 are coming). Also, the Helio was often inaccurate, with heart rate measurements wildly out of step with other wearable tech. It lacks automatic workout tracking, battery life averaged three days for me, and it frequently disconnected from the busy and confusing Zepp app. There’s no monthly subscription fee, but there is Aura AI ($70/year) for sleep insights and content or Fitness ($30/year), which includes an AI coach. They are expensive and confusing. (Why have two separate subscriptions?) The Helio works much better in conjunction with a smartwatch (I tried it with the Amazfit Cheetah Pro), as it can merge the data, but as a stand-alone device, it is impossible to recommend. —Adrienne So
Movano Evie Ring for $269: When the subscription-free Movano Evie Ring first came out, it was touted as the fitness tracker for women. However, its menstrual health features are pretty underbaked compared to those offered by its competitors. Now that the Oura and the Galaxy Ring can track cycles accurately, this ring’s time may have passed. It’s also currently sold out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose the Right Smart Ring Size?
Some smart rings come in standard sizes, but there is variation, and half sizes are rare, so it’s worth taking some time to ensure you get the correct ring size. Most manufacturers will send you a free sizing kit, enabling you to wear a dummy ring for at least 24 hours. Your smart ring should be snug to enable the sensors to measure accurately, but you don’t want it so tight that it restricts blood flow. Bear in mind that your fingers swell and shrink throughout the day.
Note: You may have to buy the ring directly from the manufacturer to get the sizing kit for free.
Which Finger Should I Wear My Smart Ring On?
You can wear your smart ring on any finger, but most manufacturers recommend wearing these gadgets on your index finger for the best accuracy, though the middle or ring finger can also work. These three fingers all have large blood vessels for more accurate pulse monitoring. What’s really important is that the ring fits tightly and securely around the base of your chosen finger, so if you have a big knuckle and a narrower finger base (more common with the middle or ring finger), this can be tricky. I recommend wearing it on the index finger of your less dominant hand, because I found wearing it on my right index finger, as a right-handed person, led to more damage on the ring and scrapes.
How Do I Care for My Smart Ring?
Regular cleaning can help maintain accurate tracking and prevent skin irritation. Use mild soap and water to remove buildup and oils. Wipe the inner sensors with a soft cloth. Always dry the ring and your finger completely after handwashing.
Most smart rings are built to handle everyday wear, but if you want to avoid damage, it’s best to remove them when working with tools, lifting heavy weights, or playing contact sports. I’d also remove mine during chores like washing dishes or cooking, especially when abrasive products are involved.
How Often Do I Need to Charge My Smart Ring?
Most models need to be charged every five to eight days. I tested the smart rings above with all the functionalities turned on, so my battery life estimates are typically lower than the manufacturer’s claims.
Smart rings come with a charging cable (and sometimes a charging case), but you will generally have to provide your own wall adapter. From dead, they take anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours to fully charge, but you should avoid letting the battery run down completely, or you run the risk of losing health data. Oura recommends charging your ring for short bursts and during moments of low activity, such as cooking or showering. The company also suggests charging your smart ring to at least 30 percent before bed to ensure uninterrupted sleep monitoring.
What Smart Ring Features Should I Look For?
Choosing the best smart ring for you comes down to a few key considerations:
- Biometric tracking: At a minimum, it’s worth looking for essentials like continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking accuracy, and daily activity tracking, all of which are pretty common across most modern models. For users who want deeper wellness insights, some devices offer more advanced features. These can include readiness or recovery scores that help you decide when to rest or push harder, body temperature sensing that can detect changes linked to stress or illness, and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring that may help flag potential breathing disturbances during sleep. Some smart rings also offer cycle tracking, which can help women monitor menstrual cycles, predict fertility windows, and better understand patterns related to hormonal changes.
- Materials and build: Materials like titanium and ceramic are popular choices because they’re durable, lightweight, and often better suited for sensitive skin, thanks to their hypoallergenic properties.
- Water resistance: A rating of at least 5 ATM (or 5 atmospheres) is ideal, as it offers protection for swimming and showering.
- Companion app: Since smart rings don’t have screens, the companion app becomes the only way you view and interact with your health data. A well-designed app makes all the difference, so make sure to choose one that feels intuitive, easy to navigate, and engaging to use daily. Compatibility matters, too. Depending on your device ecosystem, you may want a ring that syncs with platforms like Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or Samsung Health.
- Battery life: Most smart rings last around five to eight days on a single charge, depending on usage and the specific model. Choose one that fits your lifestyle, especially if you plan to wear it overnight for sleep tracking. Some newer models also include a portable charging case, which can be useful if you travel often or tend to forget to charge your devices.
- Price and subscription costs: The upfront cost of a smart ring is important, but some brands also lock advanced insights behind a monthly membership. Before buying, consider whether the total long-term cost fits your budget. Otherwise, you may end up paying for a device without access to the features that make it most useful.
Are Smart Rings Better Than Smartwatches?
Neither is better per se. Smartwatches are designed to do more than just track health data, offering broader functionality and interactive features that allow users to check notifications, reply to messages, and even make calls right from their wrist. They’re built to combine fitness tracking with everyday convenience, making them a versatile option for people who want multiple functions in one device. Smart rings take a more understated approach. Designed to be low-maintenance and discreet, they specialize in tracking health and wellness metrics in the background without the need for a display screen or interaction.
That said, here are a few reasons why you might consider a smart ring over a traditional fitness tracker or smartwatch:
- Better battery life. Smart rings are smaller and less power-hungry, which often translates to longer battery life. Most current models can run for about five to eight days on a single charge, though this varies depending on usage and brand. Smartwatches tend to require more frequent charging. Battery life varies widely, but many last around one to three days before needing a recharge. Some fitness-focused trackers—like Whoop and Fitbit—tend to last longer, offering battery life of up to two weeks.
- Reliable sleep tracking. When it comes to tracking sleep and resting heart rate, smart rings often have the edge. Because they fit securely on the finger, they maintain skin contact throughout the night, which ensures more consistent readings. Because of their longer battery life, you’re more likely to keep a ring on overnight without needing to recharge it, whereas many smartwatches require overnight charging. Plus, smart rings are generally more comfortable to wear to bed than bulkier wrist-based devices.
- Looks like jewelry. Smart rings are compact and often available in a range of finishes that give them the look of everyday jewelry. Their discreet design makes them suitable to wear in almost any setting, including formal occasions where a smartwatch might look out of place. For users who prefer something low-profile, smart rings offer a more discreet option for health and fitness tracking.
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