Smart rings are growing in popularity and smartwatches remain unbeatable, but which of these fitness tracking devices is really right for you?
Comfort, design and durability
Choosing between a smartwatch and a smart ring largely depends on your personal preferences. Smartwatches offer adjustable straps for the perfect fit and can be personalized by changing the straps with different materials and colors.
If you find it uncomfortable to wear something on your wrist, a smart ring might be a better alternative. Although smart rings don't offer an adjustable size, many companies send a measuring kit with plastic rings to help you find the perfect size. Most of the models I've tested are incredibly comfortable and fit great.
They are designed to be comfortable enough to wear all night, while many people don't like wearing watches to bed. Although these rings have a fixed design, they are generally more discreet and jewelry-like, giving you a sleeker, less sporty look compared to most smartwatches and fitness trackers. However, they can seem bulky compared to regular rings, especially on smaller hands – don't be fooled by marketing messages that claim they're all incredibly thin and delicate.
Like any wearable technology, smart rings are also subject to wear and tear. In my testing, those with matte black finishes, like the Ultrahuman Ring Air and Circular Ring Slim, showed significant signs of scratches after just a few days. In contrast, more premium smartwatches are designed to be durable.
Smartphone screens, apps and features
If you prefer a device with a screen, you'll need to choose a larger smartwatch or fitness tracker. Smart rings are designed to be more passive – although some models now include additional features, like vibrating alarms. This makes smart rings great if you're trying to reduce your screen time but still want to monitor your health. You might also consider a screen-less wrist tracker, like the Whoop 4.0, which focuses solely on fitness tracking without digital distractions.
While the lack of a screen can be a plus for smart rings, consider whether you might miss it during activities like running, using apps, or when you want to control music playback from your phone. For many, the desire to disconnect from screens is strong. But if you're switching from a smartwatch or fitness tracker to a smart ring, it's important to consider whether it will impact your lifestyle, especially if you want to track specific activities from your wrist in real time, like trainings.
On the other hand, smartwatches, especially those with LTE connectivity, offer a world of possibilities. They can function as standalone devices, capable of sending SOS alerts and making calls. Many also feature physical controls, built-in voice assistants, and apps, making them much more than just fitness trackers. Think of them as your complete digital companions.
Tracking sleep, energy and well-being
A significant advantage of smart rings is their accuracy in tracking sleep thanks to the data they collect, such as heart rate, movement, and even temperature. For those who find wrist-worn devices uncomfortable at night, a smart ring may also be a more suitable option. In general, I found the smart rings I tested more comfortable for nighttime wear, although it's important to note that an ill-fitting ring or flashing sensors can disrupt sleep.
Many top smart rings are primarily designed to monitor sleep and provide feedback on your energy levels and overall well-being rather than focusing primarily on fitness. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize a holistic view of their health, although most high-end smartwatches and fitness trackers also track these metrics.
Oura and Ultrahuman offer detailed feedback on your daily energy levels and exercise readiness in their apps, as well as information on the best time to eat, sleep, and consume caffeine. This type of feedback isn't unique — for example, Garmin offers similar suggestions on energy levels — but it shows how smart rings differentiate their offerings from other devices.
It's important to mention that while many smartwatches and fitness trackers, like the best Apple Watches, are just as good at tracking sleep, they may require nightly charging, which can be really inconvenient. Just like smartwatches, battery life varies widely among smart rings: for example, the latest Oura Ring Generation 3 lasts up to 7 days on a single charge, while the Circular Ring Slim only needs to be recharged after 2 days.
Fitness Tracking, Sensors, and Accuracy
Many top smart rings can track your movements, and they're getting better at monitoring your workouts — especially when you add activities manually through their app. However, smartwatches and fitness trackers currently offer the best solution for detailed data on speed, heart rate, laps, and other specific metrics.
Although some may argue that smart rings can perform all the functions of smartwatches and fitness trackers, they do not provide comprehensive fitness data and obviously cannot display this information in real time, as they do not have no screen.
This is probably why some people combine their wearables, using a dedicated fitness tracker, like a top running watch, for specialized activities while wearing a smart ring for continuous, everyday use. While mixing and matching wearables is an option, it may not be feasible for everyone, especially those on a budget or who prefer simplicity.
There is a big debate over whether smart rings or smart watches are more accurate. Some data suggests that placing a smart ring on your finger could give more accurate readings for heart rate and temperature, but this accuracy depends on several factors, including the quality of the sensors, the algorithms used for interpretation data and, above all, the adjustment of the device. For example, a smart ring I'm currently testing fits like the others I tested initially, but shifts during the night, causing the sensors to lose contact with my skin.
Prices, subscriptions and risks
There are many different smartwatches available, ranging from the extremely expensive Apple Watch Ultra 2 (€899) to Nothing's incredibly affordable CMF Watch Pro (€69). It's a similar story with fitness trackers, ranging from the high-end running watch, the Garmin Epix Pro (€999), to the super budget Huawei Band 7 (€50).
In comparison, the best smart rings aren't as expensive as the most premium models, but are still a significant investment. For example, the Oura Gen 3 costs €299 and the Ultrahuman Ring Air is €349.
Some reviewers say smart rings are available on a budget, but in my experience, these affordable options compromise on quality. In contrast, budget fitness trackers may lack the polished aesthetics but often offer greater reliability. If cost is your main concern, choose one of the best budget fitness trackers. Things are changing quickly, but currently it's difficult to make a good smart ring on a budget, which has led to an explosion in the market of low-quality and cheap smart rings.
Additionally, there has been significant excitement around smart rings. I've encountered people who were initially excited about owning a smart ring, only to find it uncomfortable, excessively scratched, or just plain annoying to use. If you have a more generous budget and like to experiment with the latest technology, these issues might not deter you. However, for those who are more cautious, now may not be the ideal time to invest in a smart ring.
It's also important to note that some top-tier smart rings, like the Oura, come with subscription plans. While some users may find these services and their benefits appealing — such as updates and integration with third-party apps — it's critical to evaluate whether continued spending after the initial purchase is within your budget.
Finally, some smart rings seem to be rushed to market. Features aren't polished, design flaws are obvious, and apps don't read or work as well as they should. In comparison, more established devices, like smartwatches, tend to offer a more mature experience, benefiting from years of user feedback and iterations.
Smart ring vs smartwatch: which is better?
There is no definitive answer as to whether smart rings or smart watches are better. Each type of wearable caters to different preferences and needs, with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
A smart ring could be a great choice for those who have a larger budget, are eager to try the latest technology, and don't need detailed fitness tracking. Smart rings are also particularly effective at monitoring general well-being and sleep; many of the best ones are very light and comfortable. However, as a category, smart rings are still in their early stages and will improve over time.
If you value having apps at your fingertips, need detailed fitness metrics, or want a reliable, proven device, a smartwatch is the way to go. Alternatively, if apps aren't a priority and cost is a concern, consider choosing one of the best fitness trackers.
While they may not have the aesthetic appeal of the newest smartwatches or the novelty of smart rings, they are excellent for tracking fitness metrics accurately without any hassle.
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