ZDNET's key takeaways The Ultrahuman Ring Air is the brand's first foray into the smart ring space, and it's available for $349, no subscription required
The ring is great for hardcore fitness enthusiasts and recreational exercisers looking to use their health data to optimize their wellness routines
The app's user interface could be improved for easier access to daily logging functions. $349 at Amazon
As one of the hottest smart rings on the market, the Ultrahuman Ring Air offers features and data collection that goes a step beyond Oura for individuals looking to optimize their health. I tested one alongside the Oura Horizon ring for a month, wearing both around the clock and logging everything from my morning coffee to my late-night cocktails. Suffice it to say, the Ultrahuman ring will excite people dialed into their health and fitness.
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While Oura seemingly appeals to just about anyone looking to invest in a smart ring, Ultrahuman's offering, while more niche, is arguably better. If the Oura Ring is the girl next door, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is the Silicon Valley-based, Bitcoin-mining neighbor who drinks Soylent. But while it will set hardcore fitness enthusiasts on the right path, this ring will also help anyone, even recreational exercisers, optimize their body to a tee.
Unlike the Oura Ring, which requires a $6 monthly subscription, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is subscription-free. The Ultrahuman comes in matte gray, matte black, silver, and gold. Out of all the smart rings I have tested, it is by far the thinnest, most discreet, and unassuming. Plus, the matte gray finish hasn't scratched or tarnished after a month of use, something I can't say about the other smart rings with shiny metal finishes.
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From the moment you wake up to the minute you fall asleep, Ultrahuman is sending you notifications on how to make the most of your available energy and body clock. With all these scientific insights into my body, I couldn't help but feel like I was hacking my health -- or playing God.
Within an hour of waking, Ultrahuman pings me about my "residual adenosine levels." My what? I had to look it up as well. Adenosine is a naturally occurring chemical associated with wakefulness. It tells me to delay consuming stimulants like caffeine until around two hours after I've been awake to flush adenosine out of my system and boost the impact of caffeine on my energy levels. It also reminds me to expose myself to bright light or exercise during this window if I want an earlier bedtime and wake-up time.
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