Smart rings are moving beyond their niche status in the wearable tech world. With celebrities sporting them, the NBA using Oura rings for early COVID-19 detection, and Samsung entering the market, these devices are capturing mainstream attention. As more options become available, understanding what they do and which ones are worth your investment is key. What is a smart ring? A smart ring is a discreet alternative to a smartwatch or fitness tracker for monitoring health and daily activity. It packs miniaturized sensors into a small band worn on your finger to track movement, heart rate, body temperature, and sleep quality. The main trade-off is functionality. Rings cannot track as many metrics as a wrist-worn device and lack features like a screen for notifications or real-time step counts. However, their placement can sometimes offer more accurate heart rate and temperature readings. Their biggest advantage is discretion, offering a way to monitor health without a visible gadget, which is ideal for the many people who do not regularly wear a watch. What can smart rings track? Using accelerometers and gyroscopes, smart rings track your movement and interpret sleep quality based on nighttime restlessness. Many include PPG sensors to monitor heart rate and blood oxygen levels, and temperature sensors to track signs of infection or predict menstrual cycles. This data is synthesized into broader insights about your wellbeing. You can receive metrics on stress levels, resilience, and recovery rates, and even see how calm you are during meditation. This allows you to look back on stressful days and compare your body’s signals to your personal baseline. Some rings offer specialized features. The Circular Ring 2 includes an ECG to check for heart rhythm irregularities, while the Evie ring is marketed towards women with a focus on reproductive health tracking. Smart rings vs. smartwatches It is important to understand that a smart ring is not a replacement for a smartwatch. Rings have no display or vibration motor, so all interaction happens through a companion phone app. You cannot see your stats at a glance, and activity reminders are sent to your phone, not the ring. You also miss out on smartwatch staples like taking calls, using apps, responding to messages, GPS navigation, fall detection, and mobile payments. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring is a partial exception, allowing pinch gestures to control a compatible phone’s camera or dismiss alarms. Furthermore, the ring’s small form factor might be uncomfortable during activities involving a tight grip, like weightlifting or cycling. Who should use a smart ring? Given that a basic fitness tracker often offers more features for a lower price, smart rings are not the most cost-effective choice. They are a luxury option that prioritizes aesthetics and discretion. They are perfect for individuals who find watches uncomfortable, have skin sensitivities, or simply prefer a more elegant and unobtrusive way to track their health. What to consider before buying a smart ring Define Your Goals Be clear on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to be more active, monitor your physical health, or manage stress? The limited functionality of a ring might be frustrating if your expectations are not aligned. Ensure a Proper Fit Most companies provide a sizing kit. It is crucial to wear the plastic dummy ring for a few days to find a snug fit on your index finger, as hand size can fluctuate. Unlike traditional jewelry, smart rings generally cannot be resized, so a significant change in your body size could mean needing to purchase a new one. Check Battery Life Battery life varies by model and size, but most smart rings are power-efficient, typically lasting at least five days on a single charge. This is a significant advantage over many smartwatches that need daily charging. Plan for Loss and Theft Rings are small and easy to misplace. Many apps have a Find My Ring feature that shows the last location where the ring connected to your phone. However, without a speaker or vibration motor, they cannot audibly chirp to help you locate them. Some, like the Galaxy Ring, can make their lights blink to aid in searching dark spaces. Account for Long-Term Costs Beyond the initial purchase price, be aware of potential ongoing subscriptions. Some companies lock advanced insights and features behind a monthly or annual fee. There may also be optional costs for extended warranties or insurance. Consider the total cost of ownership over the years you plan to use the device.
