Measure your heart rate and oxygen saturation with just a ring? Thanks to new innovations in the tech industry, sensors have now become so small that we can squeeze all of this into small smart rings, and these are exactly the ones that have gained popularity in recent years. These small, often unobtrusive devices offer a variety of functions that can often compete with larger wearables such as smartwatches, but in a more compact and elegant format.
In this blog post we will look at the Applications of smart rings, the different providers and their products, the differences between these rings and the advantages and disadvantages of each model. At the end of the article we have a Comparison the 6 most important smart rings and a buying guide for you. We will also look at which measurements the rings provide and why these are important for biohacking.
Applications of smart rings
Have you ever seen a smart ring? Often, they are difficult to distinguish from “normal” rings. They are a little thicker so that all the sensors fit into the small housingBut what do smart rings actually measure?
- Activity and fitness tracking: Many smart rings are equipped with sensors that count steps, measure calories burned and record training activities. Ideal if you want to keep a better eye on your fitness or are training towards a specific goal
- Sleep monitoring: A key feature of most smart rings is the ability to analyze sleep patterns. They can track details such as sleep duration, REM cycles, and sleep quality, helping you optimize your sleep habits.
- Heart rate and oxygen saturation measurement: Many models are equipped with sensors that can measure heart rate and blood oxygen saturation.
- Stress and recovery monitoring: Some rings also offer features to analyze stress levels and recovery ability by evaluating heart rate variability (HRV) and other biometric data.
Smart rings as biohacking tools
The wealth of data that can be measured with the smart rings makes them ideal companions for professional biohackers. Dave Pascoe uses e.g. In addition to his Garmin watch, he uses the Oura Smart Ring to track his activities and sleep. By analyzing this data, he can draw conclusions about his health and make targeted adjustments in his diet, training, and recovery phases. This data-driven approach allows him to achieve his personal biohacking goals more efficiently and improve his overall quality of life.
Did you know?
Dave Pascoe became famous in the biohacking scene because he was able to achieve a better ranking in the Rejuvenation Olympics when its founder Bryan johnson. The two differ in a few ways. While the eccentric Bryan Johnson invests millions in his own rejuvenation, Dave Pascoe tries to do the same with much less money. But both have rigorous training, tracking health data and taking more than a hundred supplements every day in common.
Smart rings – which ones are available on the market?
There are several major smart ring providers, each with their own products and unique selling points. Here we present seven of the most famous rings. We have already tested some of them personally and we will link you to the corresponding test report. To give you a better overview, here are the most important smart rings:
- Circular Ring: The Circular Ring offers a wide range of health monitoring features, including monitoring heart rate, SpO2 (oxygen saturation), HRV (heart rate variability), and body temperature. The Circular Ring stands out for its haptic feedback, which is used for discreet alarms, timers, and unusual heart rate or SpO2 alerts.
- Ultrahuman Ring Air: Designed for fitness enthusiasts, this ring offers a comprehensive suite of health data without charging a monthly fee. The Ultrahuman Ring not only offers sleep and activity monitoring, but also personalized health recommendations.
- Samsung Galaxy Ring: Samsung's entry into the smart ring market is aimed specifically at Android users. The Galaxy Ring includes AI-powered sleep analysis and various fitness monitoring functions. It is fully integrated into the Samsung Health app and offers extensive activity logs.
- Our Ring: Considered one of the pioneers in the smart ring space, the Oura Ring offers comprehensive sleep and activity tracking, including monitoring heart rate, body temperature, and HRV. The Oura Ring requires a monthly subscription fee, but offers some of the most accurate analytics on the market.
- RingConn Smart Ring: A more affordable alternative to the Oura, this ring offers similar features without subscription fees. It offers comprehensive health monitoring and is compatible with both iOS and Android.
- Amazfit Helium Ring: This is the first smart ring that can be combined with an Amazfit smartwatch. It offers good sleep monitoring features, but suffers from limitations in data availability and is only available in two sizes.
- Evie Ring: Designed for women, this ring offers specific features for menstrual cycle monitoring, mood tracking, and general health and activity monitoring. It is not as powerful as other rings, but is more affordable.
Differences between the rings
The decision as to which ring is right for you is always very individual. To help you better understand which ring is for which target group, we have listed the often subtle differences for you. We'll look at the individual rings in more detail later, but first here are a few general distinguishing features that you can look out for when buying:
- Functions and sensors: While most smart rings offer basic features like activity tracking and sleep monitoring, they vary in terms of the sensors available. For example, some rings measure blood oxygen levels, while others focus more on heart rate and activity logs.
- Compatibility with apps: The apps that the rings are connected to can look different and offer different functions. While some rings sync with a variety of apps (eg Oura with Strava), others offer limited functionality. The best example is the Smart Ring from Samsung, whose full functionality is only guaranteed in combination with a Samsung smartphone
- Design and comfort: Smart rings vary in size, weight and material. A lightweight titanium ring may be more comfortable than a heavier ring, making it more likely you'll wear it regularly.
- Battery life: Battery life is a key factor. While some rings only last three to four days, others can go up to a week without charging, meaning you spend less time charging and more time using the features.
- Price: Smart rings vary greatly in price, from affordable options under €300 to premium models that cost over €400. Some rings also come with a monthly subscription.
Smart Ring vs. Smart Watch – Differences
Smart rings differ from smartwatches in several key aspects such as the Apple Watch or Garmin watches, although both devices are wearable technology that monitor health and fitness data. First, smart rings focus mainly on minimalist designs and ease of use. They are more compact and discreet, making them ideal for users looking for an unobtrusive fitness trackerthat isn't as bulky as a smartwatch. Second, smart rings often offer longer battery life because they have fewer power-intensive features and don't use screens to display notifications or navigate menus.
Another important difference is the type of data collected. While smartwatches support extensive features such as displaying notifications, controlling music and even mobile payments, Smart rings focus more on health monitoring, such as sleep analysis, heart rate variability and body temperatureThey are often designed to monitor these health parameters continuously and discreetly, making them particularly attractive to wellness-focused users.
Smart ring vs. smart watch – which should I choose?
The two often differ only in small points. There is always a personal decision, but smart watches and smart rings don't always have to appeal to the same target group. If you want a reliable fitness tracker without notifications, then a smart ring might be interesting for you. Conversely, you may prefer a smart watch to a ring when doing strength training. The two products have their common points of intersection, but it is quite conceivable that you use both and thus claim the best of both worlds..
Advantages of smart rings vs. smart watches
- Compact size: Smart rings are small and unobtrusive, making them a practical alternative to larger wearables.
- Long battery life: Compared to smartwatches, many smart rings offer a longer battery life, which reduces annoying daily charging times.
- Diverse tracking functions: They offer comprehensive health and activity monitoring, providing useful data for users who want to keep an eye on their fitness and health. Tracking is often more accurate too.
Disadvantages of smart rings vs. smart watches
- Limited functions compared to smartwatches: Although they offer the basic features, smart rings do not have the extensive functionality or interactivity of smartwatches, including displaying notifications or app interaction.
- Additional costs: Some rings, like the Oura, require a monthly subscription to access some features, which can increase the overall cost.
- Compatibility issues: Some smart rings are only compatible with certain operating systems or app ecosystems, which may limit their use for some users.
Measurement values and their significance for biohacking
The measurements of a smart ring are crucial for biohacking. By constantly monitoring parameters such as heart rate, HRV, sleep quality and activity level, these devices allow you to make individual adjustments to your lifestyle to promote your own longevity. We show you some of the most important measurements and their meaning:
- Heart rate: Continuous heart rate monitoring provides insight into various aspects of health, including fitness level, stress and ability to recover.
- HRV (heart rate variability): HRV is an indicator of stress levels and the body's ability to recover. Higher HRV values are generally associated with better adaptability to stress and physical exertion.
- sleep quality: By monitoring sleep patterns, you can adjust your sleep routine to ensure you get the rest time you need.
- Activity level: Tracking daily activity helps set personalized fitness goals and track progress. Read more about this topic in our article on Musculature.
- Body temperature and blood oxygen: These parameters are crucial for detecting early signs of disease. Some rings, like the Oura, can detect potential health risks before symptoms appear.
How is the data measured?
Smart rings typically measure their data using advanced sensors built directly into the ring. The most common methods for recording heart rate and other physiological parameters are photoplethysmography (PPG) and bioelectrical impedance measurement. In PPG, a beam of light (usually green or infrared light) is sent through the skin and the sensor systems detect the changes in light caused by blood flow. This data allows the calculation of heart rate and, in some rings, also the measurement of blood oxygenation (SpO2) and heart rate variability (HRV)In terms of temperature measurement, many smart rings use sensors to monitor skin temperature, which can serve as an indicator of general well-being and possible signs of illness.
How does cycle prediction work using smart rings?
Smart rings can provide information about the female cycle by monitoring body temperature, because body temperature typically changes with hormonal changes during the cycleA central element here is ovulation, which usually leads to an increase in basal temperature.
Before ovulation, when estrogen levels rise, basal body temperature is usually slightly lower. On the day of ovulation or shortly after, there is a rise in temperature, which usually varies by about 0,5 to 1 degree Celsius, which is accompanied by an increase in progesterone levels. This increase in temperature can last for several days.
Smart rings equipped with sensors continuously record the user's body temperature. By analyzing this data in the context of known cycle patterns, accurate predictions can be made about upcoming menstrual phases and ovulation.
Health data: Difference between smart rings and smart watches
Heart rate, HRV or cycle predictions, all of these values can also be found in smart watches. So what is the difference in data collection and which is more accurate? Smartwatches, just like smart rings, use PPG sensors to measure heart rate, but often have additional sensors, such as ECG (electrocardiograms) and GPS, which can record a wider range of health and fitness data. Smartwatches also usually offer functions for motion detection, water sports tracking and more, making them multifunctional fitness devices.
An important point that distinguishes smart rings from smartwatches is their positioning and proximity to large blood vessels. Because rings are worn on the finger, where large arteries pass, heart rate measurements from smart rings can in some cases be more accurate than those from smartwatches, which are typically worn on the wrist and whose sensors access smaller capillaries. This means that smart rings can provide specific, consistent data for heart rate and variability, making them beneficial for users who want to receive precise information about their health.
However, smartwatches tend to be more accurate at capturing more complex data, such as total distance run or real-time fitness activity, because they can use GPS and other sensors. Therefore, the focus of smart rings is more on continuous health monitoring during a variety of activities and in everyday life, while smartwatches offer more comprehensive sports and communication functions.
Comparison of smart rings
To help you make a smarter decision when buying a new wearable, we have examined the most important rings on the market in detail. We look at the Oura Ring, Ultrahuman Ring, Samsung Galaxy Ring, RingConn Smart Ring, Amazfit Helio Ring, Evie Ring and the Circular Ring. For each ring, the specific features, price points, target groups and the respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed
Our Ring
- Features: Tracking functions: sleep analysis, activity tracking, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature.
- operating mode: Compatible with iOS and Android, many integrations with other apps like Strava and Natural Cycles.
- Battery Life: 4-7 days.
- Material: Lightweight titanium, water resistant up to 100 meters.
- Additional functions: Monthly subscription for deeper insights.
- target audience: Ideal for health-conscious individuals who want deep insights into their sleep and activity data and are willing to pay for additional features.
- Price point: from 329€ plus a recurring subscription of 5,99€/month.
- Strengthen: Comprehensive data analysis and user-friendliness. Long battery life and short charging times. Attractive design and high wearability.
- Weaknesses: Subscription costs to use all features. Expensive to purchase compared to other options.
Ultrahuman Ring
- Features: Tracking functions: activity, sleep, personal fitness
- Operating mode: Compatible with iOS and Android, no subscription fees.
- Battery life: Up to 6 days.
- Material: Titanium, water resistant up to 100 meters.
- Additional functions: Innovative features to help optimize energy levels, with reminders for daily activities.
- Target group: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want a comprehensive analysis of their daily activities and recovery phases.
- Price point: About 379€.
- Strengthen: No subscription costs, intuitive and helpful app with AI-powered insights. Supports a holistic health concept.
- Weaknesses: Newer brand with occasional tracking errors that are often fixed with software updates.
Circular Ring
- Features: comprehensive tracking features including sleep and activity monitoring, heart rate, SpO2 (oxygen saturation), HRV (heart rate variability) and temperature monitoring. The Circular Ring also features a smart alarm function, haptic notifications and real-time sensor readings.
- Battery Life: Up to 4 days per charge, depending on usage.
- operating mode: Compatible with iOS and Android, supported by a user-friendly app that provides personalized health data and recommendations.
- Material: Made of aluminum, with an inner material that is resistant to allergies and IP68 waterproof, which means the ring is submersible in 30 meters of water for up to 5 minutes
- Additional functions: The Circular Ring stands out with its haptic feedback, which can be used as silent alarms, timers or notifications for unusual heart rates or SpO2 values. In addition, the integrated AI “Kira” offers personalized health advice
- target audience: Users who want 24/7 monitoring of their health data without monthly subscription fees. Ideal for those who value comprehensive health analytics and a variety of features.
- Price point: About 294€
- Power: Comprehensive health monitoring including real-time measurements, no monthly fees, intelligent functions such as the haptic alarm function and the AI assistant “Kira”, waterproof and hypoallergenic, so versatile in everyday life.
- weaknesses: Shorter battery life compared to some competitors
Samsung Galaxy Ring
- Features: Tracking functions: sleep monitoring, motion analysis, heart rate, respiratory rate analysis.
- operating mode: Only available for Android users.
- Battery life: Up to 7 days.
- Material: Titanium, water resistant up to 10 ATM.
- Special feature: Double tap to snooze alarms or take photos.
- Target group: Android users who want to integrate comprehensive health tracking into the Samsung environment.
- Price point: Approximately €449
- Strengthen: Comprehensive sleep analysis features. Combines with Samsung Health for seamless monitoring. Longer battery life.
- weaknesses: No full iOS support. Limited integration with third-party apps.
RingConn Smart Ring
- Features: Tracking functions: sleep, heart rate, stress level, temperature monitoring.
- Operating mode: Compatible with iOS and Android.
- Battery life: Up to 7 days.
- Material: Titanium, IP68 waterproof.
- Additional functions: Weekly, monthly and annual data analysis, no monthly subscription.
- target audience: Users who want a cheaper, subscription-free alternative to Oura and still want to receive comprehensive health data.
- Price point: About 289€
- Strengthen: Very comprehensive data analysis. Comfortable to use and easy to connect to various smartphones.
- Weaknesses: Some users report inaccurate readings that could be improved.
Amazfit Helium Ring
- Features:Tracking functions: Sleep tracking, heart rate, temperature, EDA sensor.
- operating mode: Compatible with iOS and Android.
- Battery life: Up to 4 days.
- Material: Titanium, 10 ATM water resistant.
- Special feature: Compatibility with Amazfit smartwatches for comprehensive data integration.
- Target group: Users who want to use both a smartwatch and a smart ring to keep all health data in one place.
- Price point: Approximately 299€
- Strengthen: Good sleep monitoring features. Integration with Amazfit smartwatches.
- Weaknesses: Limited size availability. Some features incur additional fees.
Evie Ring
- Features: Tracking features: menstrual cycle, mood, sleep and activity.
- Operating mode: Only available for iOS.
- Battery life: About 4 days.
- Material: Liquid metal, waterproof up to 1 meter.
- Special feature: Extensive functions for symptomatic and mood-based recording.
- Target group: Women who want to collect specific data about their menstrual cycle and general health.
- Price point: Approximately 269 USD.
- Strengthen: Useful features for women to monitor their health.
- Weaknesses: Exclusively for iOS users. Shorter battery life compared to other rings. At the time of writing (end of August 2024) no availability and no possibility of shipping to Germany.
Quick overview: Which smart ring is right for me?
Choosing the best smart ring often depends on the individual needs and preferences of the user. Each brand has its own strengths and unique features, so here is a brief summary of the target audience for which each ring is designed:
- OuraRing: Best for data-driven users who want deep insights into their health and are willing to pay for subscriptions.
- Ultrahuman Ring: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts looking for comprehensive health data at no extra cost.
- Samsung Galaxy Ring: Best choice for Android users who want full integration into the Samsung ecosystem.
- RingConn Smart Ring: Suitable for anyone looking for a cheaper, subscription-free alternative to Oura.
- Amazfit Helio P22: Perfect for users with existing Amazfit smartwatches.
- Evie Ring: Ideal for women who focus on monitoring their reproductive health.
- Circular Ring: Ideal for the scientific evaluation of fitness data, modern design with additional features and secure data processing in France
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal health goals, budget, and desired features. Each ring offers unique benefits tailored to different lifestyles.
Conclusion
Smart rings are an exciting new technology that seamlessly combines wearable health tracking features with sleek designs. With a range of features, vendors, and product types available, you have the opportunity to find the product that best meets your individual needs. Whether for tracking fitness goals, improving sleep, or monitoring overall health, choosing the right smart ring can make all the difference in how well you can achieve your health and fitness goals. At a time when health and wellness awareness is growing, smart rings are a valuable tool for making lasting improvements to your health.
