While fitness trackers and smartwatches are the better-known devices in the wearable tech world, there is a third, less popular option. Smart rings are slowly becoming more attractive alternatives. I’ve tested more than a dozen of these minimalist devices, and below are the best smart rings you can buy.
Oura Ring 4: The best smart ring overall Oura Ring 4 Thinner design • Refreshed app experience • Smarter health sensing MSRP: $399.00 The top smart ring gets an upgrade. The Oura Ring 4 is the biggest rival to the Samsung Galaxy Ring. The new generation features upgraded hardware and a sleeker design and pairs with a refreshed Oura app for an improved software experience. See price at Amazon Positives Flatter sensor bumps
Flatter sensor bumps Titanium inner layer
Titanium inner layer Long list of metrics tracked
Long list of metrics tracked Excellent software experience Cons Bulky, thick design
Bulky, thick design Still scratches easily
Still scratches easily Not fully coated on some colorways
Not fully coated on some colorways Oura membership needed for most features No matter how many smart rings I test, Oura continues to set the standard. The company’s newest model, the Oura Ring 4, solidifies the brand’s lead with reliable sensors, a refined form factor, and one of the best companion apps in the wearable space. It’s the ring I reach for most often, and the one I always compare new products against. To start, the device consistently delivers accurate heart rate, SpO2, and respiratory tracking. The company’s sleep tracking platform is also still virtually unmatched, which makes sense given its roots as a sleep-focused brand. But what really sets the Oura Ring apart is its holistic approach to wellness. Instead of chasing step counts and streaks, Oura blends my data into big-picture insights so I can make healthier big-picture choices. The brand promotes rest, recovery, and sustainable activity goals, and the app’s guidance only gets smarter the longer you wear the device. The Oura Ring 4 features trimmed-down internal sensor bumps and a titanium interior, making it lighter on the hand and easier to slip on and off. With an upgraded Smart Sensing system, now with 18 signal pathways up from 8, it also delivers even more reliable data than previous generations. In my testing, heart rate and sleep tracking remain highly accurate. Oura claims up to a week of battery life, though I average closer to four days per charge in real-world use. Meanwhile, the updated app experience feels cleaner and smarter, with tools like Timeline and Spotlights, plus the AI-powered Oura Advisor, which helps users contextualize their data trends. On the flip side, activity tracking/training tools are somewhat limited, and the device lacks any niche features like haptics for alarms or NFC support. Oura offers an unmatched software experience and reliable all-day health monitoring. Starting at $399 plus a $5.99/month subscription, it’s undeniably pricey. While I wish Oura would drop the ongoing fee, the Ring 4 still justifies the cost with a best-in-class companion app, data reliability, and a sleek, comfortable build. If you’re serious about health tracking and want it in a truly minimalist form factor, the Oura Ring 4 is the smart ring to beat. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more
Samsung Galaxy Ring: The best smart ring for Samsung users Samsung Galaxy Ring Lightweight, comfortable build • Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery • No subscription fee MSRP: $399.99 Fancy Titanium ring, with fancy sensors The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a leap into a new device segment for Samsung. Available in nine sizes 5 through 13, this jewelry-inspired wearable is packed with sensors to track your health and fitness, and some basic controls for your smartphone. Designed for 24/7 wear. See price at Amazon Positives Lightweight, comfortable build
Lightweight, comfortable build Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery
... continue reading