I've tested the best smart rings, and these are the ones I would buy

While fitness trackers and smartwatches are the better-known devices in the wearable technology world, there is a third, less popular option. Smart rings are slowly becoming more attractive alternatives. As biometric analysis tech and battery longevity improve, these minimalist devices are now an option for those who want something more discreet. The Oura Ring is arguably the best you can get now, but plenty of Oura Ring alternatives are worth your time. Below are the best smart rings you can buy.

The best smart ring you can buy

The Oura Ring 3 was the pinnacle of the smart ring world, but the fourth-generation device just usurped it. Launched in early 2024, the Ring 4 offers all of the base features of its predecessor but includes plenty of iterative nips and tucks. The big change concerns its design. Its inner circumference is much smoother and devoid of sensor bumps, making it a more comfortable fit. The switch from epoxy to titanium also makes the ring feel more substantial without adding weight.

Oura has also upgraded the ring’s software smarts with automated activity tracking and an updated app experience, which now accounts for stress and other wellness factors. More importantly, Oura’s philosophy of understanding rather than pushing the wearer to meet their fitness goals is a welcome approach.

Even though the Oura Ring 4 is easily the best smart ring you can buy, it remains flawed in several aspects. Users may still find it bulkier than its counterparts, while that titanium layer is far more evident and jarring in some colorways. Additionally, Oura hasn’t quite nailed the charging experience. It still relies on a puck, while many of its rivals have adopted more convenient portable cases. And then there’s that subscription fee.

Overall, the Oura Ring 4’s pros vastly outweigh its cons. It’s an excellent beginner smart ring for those seeking a discreet wellness-tracking solution.

The best smart ring for Samsung users

Samsung’s first-edition smart ring is excellent for Galaxy smartphone users and even those who already own a Galaxy Watch. The two wearables will track your vitals more intricately when worn together. I found the Galaxy Ring comfortable during my review, particularly thanks to its low weight and thinness. It’s quite a looker, too, offered in several neutral colorways to match any outfit.

The Galaxy Ring comes with my favorite smart ring charging solution. Its portable case tops up the band surprisingly quickly, needing just 25 minutes to hit 40% charge. You’ll need considerably more time to reach 100%, though. That is unfortunate, especially considering the ring’s poor battery life. I could only muster around four days on average during my review, which pales compared to its direct rivals.

Other first-gen teething issues are evident, too. The Galaxy Ring’s LED position makes it difficult to sleep without flashing lights bouncing off your face, and its sleep tracking reliability also leaves plenty to be desired.

The Galaxy Ring isn’t the best smart ring you can buy, but if you’re an avid Samsung user and want to extend your ecosystem connections even further, it’s a good option for your finger.

The best smart ring for larger fingers

The Amazfit Helio Ring offers far fewer ring sizes but does trend toward larger options. While this means it isn’t quite for me (I had to ask my husband to wear it for a lot of the testing!), it is for those who require broader diameters. It also packs a solid build and a tasteful dimpled exterior.

Like the Galaxy Ring, the Helio Ring offers interoperability with Amazfit smartwatches, but the band handles several fitness tracking metrics, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and readiness data.

Unfortunately, I could only squeeze 3.5 days on average per charge during my review. Its reliance on a charging cradle adds further pain, too.

At launch, the Helio Ring also required a subscription for more advanced features, but Amazfit smartly dropped this requirement in September 2024. It also dropped the price by a whopping $100, making it one of the more affordable smart rings you can buy. That makes it a great buy for a lot more people, so it may be worth considering if you have larger fingers and are on a tight budget.

The best smart ring for athletes and training

One of the newer contenders on this list, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is a great smart ring for more serious training.

It offers a lightweight build available in a bevy of durable finishes. Beneath its metal exterior, the Ring Air includes excellent advanced health tracking features, including AFib monitoring while sleeping, a workout mode for real-time tracking, and integration with other Ultrahuman products, like its blood glucose monitor.

The Ring Air isn’t as polished as its contemporaries, though. It offers a battery life of around four days, lacks reliable data tracking, and provides a complicated app experience.

The best value smart ring you can buy

RingConn’s second-generation device gets plenty of things right this time around, including a lengthy battery life, a slimmer design than Samsung and Oura’s competitors, and a much lower price point than either. It also includes (not medically validated) sleep apnea monitoring and the usual wellness tracking fare. There is plenty of room for improvement, though.

The RingConn Gen 2 isn’t as reliable a fitness solution as Oura, and the app could use a nip and tuck. Nevertheless, it requires no subscription fee, making it excellent value.

Honorable mentions

That’s it for our list of the best smart rings you can buy, but plenty of other specialized devices are in the market. Here are a few honorable mentions.

• hecere NFC Ring ($33.8 at Amazon): If you like the idea of an NFC ring but want more control over what it can do, the hecere NFC Ring is for you. It allows technically savvy users to write commands to the ring, which other NFC devices can then read. It’s also relatively affordable, which makes it great for hobbyists.
• Prevention circul+ ($300.43 at Amazon): The circul+ is an alternative to the Oura Ring 3 and Circular Ring Pro for health nuts. The two-piece ring is geared toward users seeking a more holistic workout companion. It’s priced on par with the Oura Ring, though, and its design will be an acquired taste for some.
• Go2sleep Ring ($89 at Manufacturer site): Specifically made with sleep tracking in mind, the sizeable Go2sleep Ring includes deep slumber time analysis via blood oxygenation and heart rate data. The ring also monitors breaths per minute, analyzes movement throughout the night, and calculates heart rate variability.

How to buy the right smart ring

There are several reasons to consider a smart ring over a fitness tracker or smartwatch. For one, you’re looking for an unobtrusive, minimalist way to keep tabs on your health. You may also want a specific feature done well rather than a larger device that does too much and more. Finally, wrist-worn devices may be uncomfortable, but you might find rings more familiar or secure. If you find yourself nodding to any of these statements, there is likely a smart ring that’ll serve you well.

Smart rings also offer advantages over smartwatches and fitness trackers. Due to their smaller size, you’ll usually find fewer health tracking sensors, no display, and less utility. However, their discreet, unassuming designs, close fit, and classic aesthetics may be the determining factor. Bear in mind that smart rings usually cost more than fitness trackers with equivalent features.

Below is a list of things you should consider before picking a smart ring for your finger.

• Fitness tracking: Do you want a smart ring to monitor your health? Several devices fit this bill, but many smart rings often forego this requirement. Before you buy, ensure the device covers the basics, from heart rate tracking to sleep monitoring.
• Fit and finish: Smart rings vary in material, fit, and finish. Cheaper options use silicone and plastic, while more premium devices employ titanium and ceramic. If you want a durable device, consider a smart ring made of the latter two materials. However, plastic and silicone rings often offer a closer, more comfortable fit.
• Specific features: Some smart rings specialize in one area and one area alone. For instance, NFC rings often allow you to perform specific tasks, while others are made to keep tabs on your sleep.
• Price: Finally, price is always something you should consider. More premium smart rings can cost as much as a premium smartwatch. When adding on subscription costs, this can inflate even further.

Now that you’ve cleared that checklist find a list of the best smart rings below.

Top smart ring questions and answers