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3 Best Smart Ring Brands: Oura, RingConn, and Samsung (2026)

Wired Boutayna Chokrane 0 переглядів 25 хв читання
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Best Smart Ring OverallOura Ring 4Read more$499

Oura (Gold)

Best Subscription-Free Smart RingRingConn Gen 2 AirRead more$199

Amazon

Best Smart Ring for Samsung UsersSamsung Galaxy RingRead more$400 $294 (27% off)

Amazon

The best Smart rings will slip easily onto your finger to track your activity, health, and sleep—in addition to offering nice-to-have features like meal-logging, AI capabilities, and cycle tracking. Equally important, though, is what these devices don't force you to deal with: distracting screens, a bulky smartwatch banging you in the face while you're deep in REM sleep, or seemingly constant charging time.

Once the preserve of wealthy wellness buffs, top-of-the-line smart rings are becoming increasingly more affordable and widely available. Although our top pick remains from Finnish pioneer Oura with the Oura Ring 4 (from $349), the company is now hardly the only fish in the smart-ring sea, thanks to upstarts like Ultrahuman and RingConn, established fitness-tracking brands like Amazfit, and even tech giants like Samsung. I expect to see more entrants in the coming months, but for now, these are the best smart rings you can buy.

For more wearable recommendations, check out WIRED's guides to the Best Smartwatches, the Best Fitness Trackers, and the Best Fitbits.

Updated May 2026: I've updated product information and specs for all top picks. I've also added pros and cons, included my testing methodology, a comparison chart, and an FAQ section. I removed discontinued products, and confirmed prices and links are up-to-date.

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Compare Top 3 Smart Rings

ProductWIREDTIREDSensorsPrice
Oura Ring 4Looks and feels like jewelry; Accurate and consistent with readings; Intuitive app regularly updates its features; Solid battery life.Some colorways are more expensive than others; Requires a paid subscription for the best features; Heavier than its competitors.Red and Infrared LEDs, Green and Infrared LEDs, Accelerometer, Digital Temperature Sensor$499
RingConn Gen 2 AirNo subscription required; Relatively affordable; Lighter and more comfortable than the Oura Ring 4.Limited workout tracking; Slow app syncing; Less accurate than its competitors.PPG, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer$199
Samsung Galaxy RingLighter than the Oura Ring 4; Works seamlessly with Galaxy Watch; Full suite of health features.Not worth buying if you don’t have a Samsung phone; Doesn’t have a gyroscope or GPS; AI-enabled suggestions are poor.Accelerometer, Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Temperature Sensor$400

Honorable Mentions

We have tested several other entrants in this category, some good, some bad, and some in between. Here is the lowdown on some of your smart ring alternatives.

Image may contain Body Part Finger Hand Person Accessories Jewelry Bracelet and RingPhotograph: Simon Hill

Leep Ring for $199: A British smart ring that's affordable, subscription-free, and offers simplified, accessible stats on your activity, sleep, and stress. The Leep Ring is slim and stylish, with a subtle diagonal indent to help you line up the knobbly internal sensors. It comes with a handy charging case that’s supposedly capable of providing an extra 60 days of charge. A fully charged ring is meant to last up to eight days. (I’ve been getting closer to five.) The app is straightforward and gives you a score out of 100 for sleep, balance (stress), and activity. Sadly, 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 43 minutes (Oura says 6 hours 52 minutes). The activity and stress scores seem a bit more accurate, with step counts that were mostly within 100 or so of my Oura and Apple Watch (it was out by 1,000 one day). But the app could 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. It’s early days for Leep, and it’s priced very reasonably, but it needs to improve fast to compete. Simon Hill

3 Best Smart Ring Brands Oura RingConn and SamsungPhotograph: Simon Hill

Luna Ring 2.0 for $329: We had issues with charging and connectivity with the first-generation Luna Ring, but the Indian manufacturer seems to have made significant improvements in version 2.0. My Luna Ring 2.0 came with a jazzy wireless charging case (it is $29 cheaper with the regular charging dock) that promises up to 30 days of power. The ring is supposed to go five days between charges, but I found four was more realistic. I don't love the diagonal crease that marks the front of the ring, and it’s not as comfortable as my Oura. It boasts all the usual sensor suspects for tracking (optical heart rate, blood oxygen, PPG, skin temperature). Data is divided into sleep, readiness, and activity tabs in the busy app, with the obligatory AI option for advice and insights. There’s no subscription necessary, which is a big plus, and the data seemed reasonably accurate, but it’s definitely on the generous side. Comparing a full day to my Oura, the Luna thought I got an extra hour of sleep, burned 100 kcal more, and rated my readiness above 80 out of 100, while Oura scored much lower and picked up on something straining my body (I do have a cold right now). If you want a subscription-free ring, I prefer the Ultrahuman listed above. Simon Hill

3 Best Smart Ring Brands Oura RingConn and SamsungPhotograph: Adrienne So

Circular Ring 2 for $349: This ring is pretty, with rounded edges that make it slightly look more like jewelry than the Oura or Ultrahuman rings. I also 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

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, tracks VO2 max, and it's a titanium build; the Gen 2 Air is made of stainless steel.

Avoid These Smart Rings

Amazfit Helio Ring for $150: As a purveyor of affordable fitness trackers like the Active 2, I expected a competitive smart ring from Amazfit, 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. You don’t need a subscription, 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 standalone 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?

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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?

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You can wear your smart ring on any finger, but most manufacturers recommend wearing these gadgets on your index finger for the most 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?

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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?

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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?

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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, 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 the total long-term cost and whether it fits within 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?

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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, on the other hand, 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 more formal occasions where a smartwatch might look out of place. For users who prefer something low-profile, smart rings offer a more discreet alternative to health and fitness tracking.

How I Test Smart Rings

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WIRED has been testing smart rings since the NFC Ring and the first-ever Oura Ring. I wear each smart ring 24/7, for at least a month, to assess how it performs in everyday life. Every ring is worn during activities like commuting, exercising, and sleeping to see how comfortable it feels over extended use and whether the design causes irritation, scratches easily, or gets in the way of everyday tasks.

  • Sleep Tracking: Sleep tracking is one of the biggest reasons people buy smart rings, so I wear each device overnight for several weeks and compare data trends against other trackers I regularly use, including wearables and sleep-tracking mats. I also evaluate whether the personalized insights (readiness metrics, sleep apnea detection, and coaching recommendations) are useful.
  • Fitness Tracking: I wear each ring during a range of workouts—including walks, runs, and high-intensity training—to evaluate how accurately it tracks movement, heart rate variability, and other exertion metrics. I compare data trends against other fitness trackers I regularly use.
  • Durability: I expose all smart rings to daily hand washing, temperature fluctuations, and bumps. I check for scratches, coating wear, and water resistance performance.
  • Companion App: Since most smart rings lack screens, companion apps need to be user-friendly. I evaluate how easy the apps are to navigate, how clearly they present health data, and whether paywalled subscriptions lock away essential features.
  • Battery Life: Battery life claims are tested. I track how long each ring lasts with all available features, such as continuous heart-rate monitoring, workout recognition, and sleep tracking. I also look at how quickly each ring charges and whether its charging accessories are practical to use.
  • Sizing: Because fit is critical for accurate readings and usability, I take note of sizing ranges and kits. I test multiple finger placements when possible and track performance to determine how dependable the readings are.
  • Value: Some smart rings cost as much as a premium smartwatch, and many also require monthly subscriptions. To determine whether a ring is worth buying, I consider its build quality, the accuracy of its features, the app experience, and any ongoing fees.

Next up: I am testing the new Ultrahuman Ring Pro, the RingConn Gen 3, and the Pulse Ring.

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Back to topTriangleBoutayna Chokrane is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, covering consumer products and online trends. She specializes in fitness equipment, beauty tech, apparel, and more. Before joining the Gear team, she was a music editorial fellow at Pitchfork. She also worked as a freelance journalist, covering fashion, arts, and ... Read MoreProduct Writer & ReviewerTopicsShoppingbuying guidesWearablesSamsungFitness TrackersSleephealthfitnessThe Best Water Leak Detectors for Your HomeDon’t let busted pipes or an overflowing washing machine dampen your day. These smart water sensors can help you catch problems quicker.Simon HillThe Cordless Vacuums Made for Your Entire HomeClean your house without the constraint of a power cord with these cordless stick vacuums. Nena Farrell The Best Security Cameras for Inside Your HomeCameras can offer peace of mind, but choose carefully before inviting one into your home.Simon HillThe Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers to Ease Back, Shoulder, and Neck PressureWe’ve tested hundreds of the top hybrid, memory foam, and cooling mattresses to find the best combination of support and pressure relief.Julia ForbesThe Mother's Day Gifts You'll Love Giving Your MomFrom smart rings and everlasting flowers to weighted vests and LED masks, there's a gift for every kind of mom. Nena Farrell The Best Smart Glasses to Augment Your RealityThis burgeoning wearable tech category lets you talk to an AI assistant, listen to music, or check out a display screen right from the comfort of your very own face.Adrienne SoThe Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless ChargersTop up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.Simon HillI Tried the Best Captioning Smart Glasses, and Only One Leads the PackCan’t hear what they’re saying? Now you can turn on the subtitles for real-life conversations.Christopher NullThese Are the Best Casio Watches Right NowFrom calculators to simple daily beaters, these are my favorite Casio watches on sale today.Parker HallThe Best Graduation Gifts for the New Grad in Your LifeFrom tech to home goods, these giftable gadgets are as practical as they are cool.Louryn StrampeThe Best Cat Water Fountains for Pampered PetsEnsuring your cat stays hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. The right pet water fountain can help.Molly HigginsCapture Your Adventures With Our Favorite Action CamerasGearing up to shred the slopes or dive into the seas? These photography tools are made for danger.Scott Gilbertson

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