health tracking from your finger

Large wearable brands are also working on smart rings
The future of smart rings

Why get a smart ring?

Research suggests that we check our phone every six and a half minutes and much of this results from notifications that do not really interest us or can wait for us to attend to them later. With your cellular device tucked away in your pocket or bag, you can use a piece of jewelry to attend to only those notifications that deserve your attention. The rest can wait.

But potential use of smart rings goes further. Because your fingers have easy-to-sense arteries, some of these devices are also able to gather precise data on your body’s vital signals. They do this with sensors such as a 3d accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate blood oxygen sensor and more. Much like fitness trackers.

Then there are smart rings that can be used to open a door lock or a smartphone or even send SOS messages. Such an accessory can be an easier option to use for some than a smartwatch. It is all a matter of preference. Some people are a fan of the concept, others are very much against it and prefer something sitting on their wrist.

How to choose the right smart ring

The right smart ring for you can be determined by a number of factors, including your specific needs, lifestyle, and personal style. Before making a decision, it is worthwhile to conduct some research and carefully consider your options. Here’s are some things to keep in mind:

• Determine your needs: The first step in selecting a smart ring is determining what you require it for. Do you want it to track your health and fitness, make contactless payments, control smart home devices, or provide security? The features you require will have a significant impact on your smart ring selection.
• Check compatibility: Make sure the smart ring you’re thinking about buying is compatible with your smartphone or other devices. Some smart rings are only compatible with certain operating systems or versions.
• Consider the design: A smart ring is a piece of jewellery as well as a functional device. When selecting a smart ring, keep your personal style and comfort in mind. Examine the available designs, materials, and colour schemes. Some brands also provide custom designs.
• Examine the battery life: The battery life of smart rings varies greatly. Determine how frequently you will need to charge the ring. Some rings can last for several days on a single charge, while others must be charged on a daily basis.
• Examine health and wellness features: If you want to track your health and wellness, see what sensors and features the smart ring has. Sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, temperature monitoring, and so on.
• Examine security features: If you intend to use your smart ring to make payments or unlock devices, look into its security features. Biometric authentication, encryption, or a secure app could all be used.
• Consider the price: Smart rings range in price depending on their features and brand. Determine your budget and compare the features and quality of various rings within it. Also, keep in mind that some options come with an on-going monthly subscription fee.
• Examine the reviews and ratings: Examine user reviews and ratings to get a sense of the smart ring’s performance and dependability. Take note of comments about comfort, durability, tracking accuracy, and customer service.

Drawbacks or limitations of smart rings

Smart rings, though innovative and compact, come with their own specific set of limitations. The most obvious is that, because of their small size, they house limited battery capacity. Which means frequent charging. Typically you can expect the battery in your smart ring to last 3-4 days.

Another disadvantage is that, being worn on the finger, they’re more exposed to wear and tear from everyday activities. Rings from certain manufacturers are prone to cratching. So that’s something to be aware of.

Finally, there are no smart rings currently with a display. In fact you will struggle to find one with any sort of notification capability.

Our pick of the top connected rings

Indistinguishable from regular jewellery in looks, smart rings are becoming more popular. This is our pick of the best devices that you can purchase today. They combine fashion and technology into some seriously smart wearables.

RingConn 2 – the best value for money smart ring

Tech specs:

• Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors
• Up to 12 days battery life
• 5 ATM water resistance
• Durable titanium, PVD Coating

RingConn has emerged as a notable contender in the smart ring market, especially for those interested in monitoring their recovery metrics. Its unobtrusive design ensures it doesn’t interfere with your daily routine, and its straightforward setup appeals to a broad spectrum of users.

The second generation device builds upon its predecessor with thoughtful iterative improvements rather than a complete overhaul. The most notable enhancements include a sleeker, lighter design and an impressive battery life exceeding 10 days, complemented by more precise sensors and the addition of Sleep Apnea monitoring capabilities.

As noted in our hands-on review, this smart ring stands out for its exceptional sleep tracking, comprehensive recovery metrics, and reliable daily activity monitoring. The absence of a subscription requirement and its competitive price point make it an even more attractive option for both new users and those considering an upgrade from the original model..

Bottom line: RingConn 2’s features, hardware, and performance make it a compelling alternative to its main rival, the Oura Ring. Moreover, it offers all this at a more affordable price point and without any monthly subscription fees.

Kickstarter | RingConn*

Helio Ring – best for exercise tracking

Tech specs:

• Titanium-alloy build.
• BioTracker PPG HR sensor, temperature, EDA, 4-Axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope
• Around 4 days battery life
• 10 ATM water resistance

The $299 Amazfit Helio Ring is an exciting addition to the smart ring market. Though its Recovery Score can be inconsistent, the ring shines in several different areas. Its comfortable, sleek design and precise heart rate tracking during workouts make it a great choice for runners.

As per our hands-on review, the device offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking, a user-friendly app, and great battery life – making it a strong competitor among smart rings. While the Zepp Aura subscription unlocks premium features, the free app version still provides valuable insights.

Bottom line: If you want a reliable, stylish smart ring that prioritizes fitness tracking, the Amazfit Helio Ring is definitely worth considering. Particularly if you own an Amazfit watch. Its performance, particularly in heart rate monitoring during exercise makes it a valuable asset for those who want to improve their workouts and overall health.

Amazfit*

Ultrahuman Ring Air – a great lifestyle improvement device

Tech specs:

• Fighter jet grade Titanium reinforced with Tungsten Carbide Carbon coating outer shell.
• Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors.
• Around 6 days battery life
• 5 ATM water resistance

The Ultrahuman Ring Air distinguishes itself in the crowded smart ring arena with an insightful app that does more than just display metrics; it educates users about their health. Notable for its decently accurate heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep tracking, the device also incorporates unique features like a circadian clock and stimulant restriction window.

As noted in our hands-on review, its comfortable, lightweight design and long-lasting battery make it easy to wear continuously. Frequent updates continue to add value.

That said, the device isn’t without its imperfections. Both the step count and some Beta features could benefit from fine-tuning to achieve better accuracy. Additionally, the app’s interface could be simplified for an improved user experience. Nonetheless, the Ultrahuman Ring Air presents a compelling package, especially given its lack of subscription fees and a $350 retail price, making it a viable, cost-effective option for those looking to delve deeper into their health and wellness.

Bottom line: The Ultrahuman Ring Air offers valuable health insights in a comfortable design. Despite minor flaws, its unique features and competitive pricing make it a solid choice for health tracking.

Amazon*

Ōura Ring 4: The best smart ring, but expensive

Tech specs:

• PPG, negative temperature coefficient sensor, 3D accelerometer for movement
• Lightweight titanium with non-allergenic, non-metallic inner molding build
• Free sizing kit
• Up to 8 days battery life
• Water resistant down to 328 feet

The Ōura smart ring puts lots of emphasis on sleep. With no buttons to push, it automatically detects and analyzes the quality of your nightly rest and recovery by measuring your heart rate, pulse wave form, respiration rate, body temperature, movement and more.

The 4th generation device features longer battery life, along with a slimmer titanium design with recessed sensors and significantly upgraded internals. This includes asymmetric sensor positioning and increased signal pathways. These improvements deliver 120% better SpO2 quality, 30% more accurate blood oxygen readings, and enhanced heart rate tracking.

A redesigned app, available to both new and existing users, offers automatic detection of 40 activities, enhanced stress tracking, and improved women’s health features. Post-acquisition of Veri, Oura adds AI-powered insights while retaining features like Symptom Radar.

The ring comes in six finishes and 12 sizes, measuring 7.09mm wide, 2.8mm thick, and weighing 3.3-5.5 grams. The subscription model remains: first month free, then $6 monthly or $70 annually, with 100-meter water resistance.

Bottom line: With double the signal pathways and up to 8 days of battery life, the Oura Ring 4 offers tangible upgrades over its predecessor. Its improved accuracy for SpO2 and sleep metrics, plus AI-powered insights make it one of the best options out there. But it is pricier than the competition.

Ōuraring.com

Wellue O2Ring: keep an eye on your SpO2 with medical-grade accuracy

Tech specs:

• Measure oxygen level (SpO2), pulse rate, movement
• Measurement interval – 1 second
• Warning vibration for low oxygen, high/low pulse rate
• 15 grams weight
• 12-16 hours of continuous use on a single charge

This one is slightly different from other options on this list. The Wellue O2Ring predominantly does one main thing and it does it with medical grade accuracy – it tracks your blood oxygen. In fact, it is FDA approved for this sort of thing. Other stats that you’ll get are heart rate and body movement.

The device has a built-in vibration motor that kicks into gear when it sees something out of whack. You’ll get an alert if your blood oxygen level or heart rate are outside of threshold you preset on the smartphone app.

There’s also the option of installing PC software in addition to the smartphone app. The software allows you to view and print a very detailed sleep report, which can also be exported as PDF or CSV files.

In our review, we found the device works really well. The ring is quite big in size so it is not something you would want to wear around the clock. But for measurements at home, in the office, or overnight it is quite useful.

It is worth noting the WellueO2 Ring is slightly more expensive than a typical fingertip pulse oximeter. But if you need overnight monitoring with alarms and long term tracking then it is probably the best option out there. For some, it might become their most important piece of jewelry.

Bottom line: The WellueO2 Ring is not your typical smart ring. Its main trick is that it monitors blood oxygen while you sleep. It will also alert you if it spots abnormalities.

Amazon | Wellue (use coupon GW10 for 10% discount)*

Samsung Galaxy Ring – great for those in the Samsung ecosystem

Tech specs:

• Features titanium casing with a concave interior design
• Water resistant up to 100 meters
• Battery life of up to 7 days
• Offered in 9 different sizes for optimal fit
• Available in 3 colors: Titanium Black, Gold, and Silver

The second watch from a big smartwatch brand (after Zepp Health), the Samsung Galaxy Ring combines health tracking technology with a minimalist ring design. Using advanced sensors, it monitors metrics including heart rate, sleep patterns, and skin temperature, sending data to the Samsung Health app for analysis. The ring features a titanium casing available in multiple finishes, offering water resistance up to 100 meters and a battery life of up to 7 days.

AI-driven features include Energy Score, which optimizes daily activity recommendations based on sleep and previous performance data. The ring automatically detects workouts and provides personalized Wellness Tips. For added convenience, users can control their phone’s camera or alarms using a Double Pinch gesture.

Samsung offers the Galaxy Ring in Titanium Black, Gold, and Silver, with nine size options for optimal fit. The device’s ultra-lightweight, concave design ensures comfort during extended wear.

Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Ring offers comprehensive health tracking in an elegant, durable design that seamlessly integrates with the Galaxy ecosystem. It’s an ideal choice for existing Samsung wearable users looking to expand their wellness monitoring capabilities while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Samsung*

Sleepon Go2Sleep – get accurate sleep tracking data

Tech specs:

• Tracks heart rate, SpO2, sleep, Perfusion Index (pulse strength)
• Three different band sizes
• Made from food grade silicone
• Up to 3 day battery life
• Desktop, smartphone app

This is another device that works predominantly while you sleep. The wearable slips on your finger where it taps into capillaries to provide more accurate data that you would get from your typical wrist worn wearable.

In the morning you get info such as your heart rate, blood oxygen and details sleep statistics. Rather usefully, the device will also alert you via a vibration if it spots a drop in blood oxygen levels. Potential causes of this can be snoring or posture changes.

The app accompanying the smart ring will also spit out insights. These help to explain reasons for poor sleep and offer a suggestions on how to improve.

Bottom line: The new kid on the block, Got2Sleep is one of the best options for detailed sleep tracking statistics. It also presents itself as a lower-cost alternative to the Oura ring.

Amazon*

Circular smart ring – a solid option for general health tracking

Tech specs:

• 3-axis accelerometer, infrared HR sensor
• Hypoallergenic material
• Interchangeable outer shells 
• Up to 4 day battery life
• Sizing kit available

Circular smart ring is the result of a crowdfunded project. It has just recently started shipping to backers.

The device packs a 3-axis accelerometer and infrared heart rate sensor that allow it to track a bunch of health metrics. At night this includes circadian rhythm, sleep, heart rate & heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels and temperature. When you are not asleep this also includes activity volumes with automatic recognition, steps, energy levels and more.

The ring has an interchangeable shell so you can customise it to your liking. There are a few options to swap between including a Silver, Black Fit and Rose Gold. The body is made of nickel-free clinical plastic and the whole thing weighs a mere 4 grams.

Bottom line: This is the new smart ring option. It’s a wearable primarily designed to help you better understand your body and helps you make healthier lifestyle tweaks.

Circular*

Other wearable brands are also working on a smart rings

The debut of the Helio ring marked the first time a major wearable brand enter the smart ring market. This was quickly followed by Samsung.

But it is no secret that other wearable brands have been looking at the possibility. A Fitbit, Apple, or Garmin ring would probably blow away the competition.

The first of these actually has a US patent to their name titled “Ring for optically measuring biometric data”. So Fitbit is definitely, definitely, toying with the idea.

According to the paperwork, the device would emit light at a red wavelength of 660 nm and an infrared wavelength of 940 nm. It would then calculate the difference in absorption of the emitted light at the red wavelength and the emitted light at the infrared wavelength.

This can be used to determine your blood oxygen levels as well as Sleep Apnea. Others potential uses include blood pressure, glucose level, lipid concentration, hematocrit level, or carboxyhemoglobin level.

Apple is also researching this area and it, too, has at least one patent to its name. An interesting one includes a rough sketch of what an “iRing” is supposed to look like “based in reality.”

The Apple text accompanying the filing describes the ring as follows:

A user controls an external electronic device with a finger-ring-mounted touchscreen that includes a computer processor, wireless transceiver, and rechargeable power source; the ring is worn on a first finger receives an input from a second finger, selects one of a plurality of touch events associated with the input, and wirelessly transmits a command associated with the touch event to the external electronic device.

The original submission “Devices, methods, and user interfaces for a wearable electronic ring computing device” can be viewed on the US Patent & Trademark Office.

The narrative describes a device comprising of a microphone for voice commands, a finger-ring mounted touchscreen, a speaker and a sensor for writing or character recognition. The thing would also provide haptic feedback. The rechargeable ring is intended to work in tandem with a host of other devices, whether a smartphone, apple TV or light dimmer.

In addition to its other functions, the iRing could also be used as an alternative to a computer mouse. It is possible that the device could carry biometric sensors such as a heart rate monitor or accelerometer as seen within the Apple Watch and other fitness wearables.

The patent goes further on to say:

A wearable ring device comprising: an annular member defining an aperture therethrough that is sized for receipt therein of a first finger of a user; a computer processor housed in the annular member; a touchscreen electrically connected to the computer processor and disposed at least partially at an outer peripheral surface of the annular member, wherein the touchscreen is configured to receive input from a second finger of the user; a wireless transceiver electrically connected to the computer processor and configured to communicate with at least one external electronic device; and a rechargeable power source for supplying power to the touchscreen, wireless transceiver, and computer processor.

The future of smart rings

Smart ring development and implementation are still in their early stages, but the potential for future innovation in this space is enormous. We can expect rapid advancements in this field in the coming years as technology continues to shrink and become more efficient, and as consumers increasingly demand portable, discreet, and stylish wearable tech.

Here are some potential smart ring future trends and directions:

• More advanced health monitoring: Today’s smart rings already include a variety of health and wellness tracking features. However, future models are likely to include even more advanced sensors for tracking a broader range of biometric data. Smart rings, for example, could monitor glucose levels, hydration, stress levels, and other vital signs.
• Increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI could play an important role in the future of smart rings. The ring’s health data could be analysed by AI algorithms to provide personalised health insights and recommendations, detect irregularities and potential health issues, and even predict future health risks.
• Enhanced integration with other devices: As the Internet of Things (IoT) grows, smart rings will become more integrated with other devices and systems. This could include unlocking your car or home, making payments, controlling home appliances, or interacting with your smartphone or computer in novel ways.
• Better aesthetics and customisation: As smart rings become more popular, companies are likely to place a greater emphasis on design and aesthetics in order to appeal to a wider range of consumers. Offering more styles, materials, and customization options could help smart rings become more than just functional devices, but also fashion statements.
• Greater security: Future smart rings may include advanced biometric security features like fingerprint recognition or vein pattern recognition. As a result, they could be a safe and convenient alternative to passwords and keys.
• Improved battery life and charging solutions: Battery life is a common issue for all wearable devices, including smart rings. To extend their usability, future smart rings may include improved battery technologies and innovative charging solutions, such as solar charging or kinetic energy harvesting.
• Environmental monitoring: Future smart rings could monitor environmental conditions such as air quality or UV radiation levels in addition to personal health data. This could assist users in making better decisions about their environment and behaviours.

While these forecasts provide an exciting glimpse into the future of smart rings, the precise path of their development will be determined by a variety of factors such as technological advancements, market demand, regulatory considerations, and user acceptance. As a result, the future of smart rings looks to be as dynamic and diverse as the technology itself.

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