For this comparison we are taking a look at their specs and features, how they perform in real-life scenarios, what they are best used for, and how to choose between the two.

Circular Ring vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air Quick Comparison

Before diving deeper, here’s a quick comparison of the two devices:

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS YOU CAN GET

Circular Ring vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air: First Impressions

While both the Circular Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air look good, each has a uniqueness that will appeal to various users. Both come in clean-looking packaging designed to entice buyers, and both come with chargers inside the box. Ultrahuman included a USB Type-C cable in the box, but Circular did not, which users might want to have for convenience.

The Circular Ring comes with replaceable outer shells made using an alloy of stainless steel and carbon fiber and coating. The interior is made using medical-grade material that feels a bit plastic. The outer shells come in four different colors—silver, gold, rose gold, and shiny black—and you can always buy an extra in case yours gets scratched or dented with use. The smart ring is 9mm wide and 2.75mm thick and weighs 4 grams. This means it’s quite comfortable, but you’ll feel it on your finger, especially because of its size and the two metal prongs. It has sizes from 6 through 13.

The Ultrahuman Ring Air, on the other hand, doesn’t come with replaceable shells but is designed to last very long. It’s made using fighter jet grade Titanium, reinforced with tungsten carbide carbon coating. The part that sticks to your finger is made using medical-grade hypoallergenic epoxy resin. It’s 8.1mm wide and 2.4mm thick and weighs 2.4 grams. Its thickness and weight vary with size, from size 5 to 14.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING ALTERNATIVES

Circular Ring vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air: Features and Functionalities

Both smart rings are packed with the latest technologies used to monitor and stay on top of one’s health conditions. There are some differences, however, and these could be the deciding factor when you choose to buy one of them. Here’s a quick look at the features the Circular Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air have:

Circular Ring

The Circular Ring boasts of the following sensors:

• 1 Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor with infrared
• 1 red LED sensor
• 1 green LED sensor
• 3-axis accelerometer
• 1 surface temperature sensor

 With these sensors, the Circular Ring Slim and Pro variants can be used for the following purposes:

Health monitoring

Circular Ring can be used to monitor your heart rate 24/7 and get real-time measurements on demand, as long as it has a battery. This includes monitoring your HRV (heart rate variability), Sp02 levels, max HR, and activity intensity.

Sleep tracking and improvement

The Circular Ring can be used to keep track of your vitals while you sleep. It will also monitor your breathing patterns, and will give you recommendations on improving your sleep using core sleep and nap data.

ALSO READ: BEST FITNESS TRACKER RINGS

Stress and energy monitoring

Circular Ring Pro can also monitor your stress and energy levels and provide you with feedback and recommendations for predicting and handling stress. It can also launch guided breathing exercises to help you relax during the day and even as you prepare for sleep.

Overall health recommendations

Circular Ring Pro will monitor your vitals and notify you if there’s something that needs immediate attention. The device keeps track of your body temperature to help you determine if you have a fever. And if you have any medications, the smart ring will remind you to take them on time. Using its proprietary AI named Kira, the device will provide you with recommendations on how to improve your health.

Alarms

The Circular Ring Pro features a smart alarm that can help wake you up gently at the right time so that you feel rested and refreshed at your preferred time. It also uses a strong vibration motor to alert you at your set time.

ALSO READ: BEST SLEEP TRACKER RINGS

Ultrahuman Ring Air

The Ultrahuman Ring Air, on the other hand, has the following sensors:

• Infrared PPG sensor
• Non-contact medical-grade skin temperature sensor
• 6-axis motion sensors
• Red LEDs (heart rate monitoring and Sp02)
• Green LEDs (heart rate monitoring)
• Infrared LEDs (heart rate monitoring)

With these features, the Ultrahuman Ring Air provides important information you can use. These are classified into the following:

Movement Index

While the Ultrahuman Ring Air is capable of monitoring your overall vitals, it places emphasis on your movements so that it can help you maximize your metabolism and increase your non-exercise energy usage on a daily basis. For instance, it will inform you of the number of steps you’ve taken and the amount of calories you’ve already burned for the day. It will then give you helpful nudges so that you can develop and maintain healthy movement habits.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS FOR WOMEN

Sleep Index

Next, the Ultrahuman Ring Air will monitor your vitals as you sleep to provide you with an accurate picture of your sleep quality at night (or day if you stay up at night). It monitors sleep duration, your heart rate and HRV while sleeping, and your movements to calculate restfulness. If you’re interested, it can also provide details as to how deep your sleep is (sleep stages) and how long you have been sleeping that way. The device will also monitor your blood oxygenation and temperature and indicate how they impact your sleep as well.

Recovery Scoring

The Ultrahuman Ring Air also uses the information to provide you with insight about your body’s condition and then gives you recommendations on how to improve recovery. For example, it will monitor your vitals to determine whether you’re under stress or have a higher temperature than normal. The device can gather enough data so you can monitor how you’ve been doing for some time. It will then provide you with helpful tips on what you should do to improve your overall well-being at the moment.

Overall health improvements

Aside from the above, the Ultrahuman Ring Air also uses the data it gathers to provide you with recommendations to improve your overall health. These include providing tips for improving your body clock, getting better restful periods in between activities, eating your meals on time, and more.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS FOR PAYMENT

Circular Ring vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air: Pros and Cons

All that said, both the Circular Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying. Here’s a quick look at each of them:

Circular Ring Pro advantages VS Ultrahuman Ring Air:

• Slightly bigger size means you’re more conscious that you’re wearing the device and will be cautious about it
• Replaceable outer shells allow you to refresh your Circular Ring Pro’s looks
• Physical button allows for a more tactile feel when using the Circular Ring Pro
• Charging takes only 45 minutes from 0 to 100%.
• Battery lasts up to 5 days
• Can work with iPhones running on iOS 11 (Ultrahuman Ring Air is limited to iPhones running iOS 15 and newer)

Ultrahuman Ring Air advantages VS Circular Ring Pro:

• Ultrahuman Ring Air is smaller and lighter, and more comfortable to wear for longer
• Has more sensors, allowing for more accuracy when monitoring your vitals
• App has better UI
• Premium looks and better feel compared to Circular Ring Pro
• Does not have prongs, unlike the Circular Ring Pro
• Has better water resistance
• Provides more accurate readings and more useful insights
• Comes with USB Type-C in the box
• More affordable

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING DUPES

The Verdict: Which is Better?

By now, you might be asking, “What should I buy?” Regardless of the pricing and design, you’ll have to consider what they are meant to be used for.

If you want to get a good smart ring that can help you sleep better and wake up refreshed and on time, the Circular Ring might be the better option. Its features are clearly designed to help you prepare to get better sleep, improve your sleeping patterns, and wake you up gently as opposed to getting shocked by a loud alarm beside your bed. The Circular Ring also matches your mood and daily get-up, thanks to its replaceable outer shell.

If you’re looking for a smart ring that can help you accurately monitor your vitals and improve your metabolism and daily activities, then go for the Ultrahuman Ring Air. It has loads of sensors to assess your overall well-being accurately and provides you with the necessary insight you need to make sure you stay healthy. It’s not a full-on fitness tracker, but it can help you keep track of your steps, the calories you burn, and the rest you get. It’s more affordable, definitely reliable, and a really good option if you’re always on the move.

Get Circular Ring here and Ultrahuman Ring Air here.

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The post Circular Ring vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air: Which Health Tracking Device Is Better? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

The Circular Ring is designed to have a thin profile on your finger while still being able to do what a smart ring should—monitor health metrics, wake you up at your preferred time, and so on. It’s the latest smart ring from French company Circular, which released two variants—Circular Slim and Circular Pro.

There’s no big difference between the two other than the Pro model’s option to switch the outer shells. In addition, the Pro variant has a bigger battery and a physical button.

The Circular Ring is still new, but we were able to get our hands—er, finger—on it for a quick trial. So, for this review, we’ll be discussing first impressions, how the device looks and feels when you’re wearing it, how it works, and what we actually think about it.

ALSO READ: BEST FITNESS TRACKER RINGS

Circular Ring Quick Summary

Before we start, here’s a quick summary of the Circular Ring’s functionalities:

Circular Ring Review: First Impressions

First, let’s talk about the packaging. The Circular Ring comes in a cleanly designed box with an opening secured using a magnet. There’s not much to see outside the box, which means you’re actually encouraged to open it immediately to get the smart ring inside. Once you open the box, you’ll find the Circular Ring and its charger safely tucked in foam.

The Circular Ring looks simple and unassuming, but it feels premium. It’s very different from its predecessor in terms of appearance because first, there’s no physical rubber button that can be pushed; second, it has a matte finish different from the shiny finish on the Circular Pro’s outer shell; third, the Slim variant is noticeably slimmer; fourth, it has a simple but good-looking logo, which serves as the button; and lastly, its metal prongs that are used to charge the device are smaller compared to the ones found in Circular’s older smart ring.

As for the charger, there are two magnetic terminals that connect to the prongs on the smart rings. It has a USB-C connector, so you can connect it to your laptop, iPhone, or Android smartphone to charge the device. It also has an LED light that tells you if the ring is charging.

ALSO READ: BEST SLEEP TRACKER RINGS

Using the Circular Ring Slim

Like the Circular Pro, the Circular Slim is used with a smartphone app. You will first need to download the app and then connect the Circular Slim to your smartphone using Bluetooth. You will also need to wear the smart ring to take advantage of all of its features, although some will still work while it’s not being worn.

First steps

To set it up, first charge your Circular Slim using the supplied charger. You can attach the charger to any device with a USB-C port, but this could be challenging if you are using your smartphone for the purpose, especially because you will need to use your smartphone in the succeeding steps. This will be easier if you have a USB-C cord extension, which you can also order from Circular.

Next, get the Circular Ring app for the iPhone or Android. Once you have it, you will need to Sign Up for an account with Circular if you don’t have one yet, or Sign In if you’re already have an account and/or are using a Circular Pro smart ring.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING ALTERNATIVES

Once you’re already signed in, it’s time to connect the ring to the app. Tap on My Ring at the top-right corner of the screen, then tap on Set up new ring under General. From there, you will need to select Slim, then follow the slew of instructions that appear on the screen.

You might experience some connection issues, as we have. When you do, you might need to do a soft reset on the Circular Slim, remove it from the list of connected or recognized smart rings from the Circular app, and also forget the device in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings. If you do this, simply connect the device to your smartphone as you did the first time.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS FOR PAYMENT

What the Circular Slim Is Best Used For

If you succeed in connecting your Circular Slim to the app on your smartphone, congratulations! You are now on your way to enjoying its features, some of which can be compared to similar features on more expensive devices. We’ve tried it and can vouch for its effectiveness.

Health Monitoring

The Circular Slim smart ring is fitted with a slew of sensors used to measure your health statistics. The device accurately monitors your heart rate, HRV (heart rate variability), breathing rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and the intensity of your current activity. Don’t worry about the information’s accuracy—the Circular app will give you tips on how to get these statistics best.

In our case, we were advised to clench our fists while the smart ring was measuring. The app showed that the data accuracy was “poor,” so we had to wait a bit longer for the data to become more accurate. Eventually, we decided to remove the Circular Slim, wait a few seconds, and then put it back on, but this time, it was in a relaxed position. The app indicated that the information is now more accurate, and we have confirmed it using other health monitoring devices. For reference, we wore the Slim on our right index finger.

Aside from the usual stats like heart rate, the Circular Ring also monitors your body temperature to help detect certain conditions, like a fever. It monitors your stats 24/7—as long as it has a battery—and gives you tips on how to improve your health.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING DUPES

On-Demand Measurement

While the Circular Ring monitors your health stats every minute, you have the option to get measurements on demand. This gives you instant access to the information you need at the time you need it, allowing you to stay on top of your health condition.

Monitoring and Handling Stress

The Circular Ring provides live stress score feedback and stress predictions based on the stats it measures while you engage in activities. It can then give you guided breathing exercises to help you relax, whether you’re still doing activities or are already preparing to sleep.

Improving Sleeping and Waking

Speaking of sleep, the Circular Ring is designed to help improve your sleep. It helps you ease into sleep by giving you notifications about your set bedtime. Then, it monitors your sleeping stages (REM, light sleep, deep sleep) and napping habits and provides tips on how they can be better. It also has a Smart Alarm feature that gently nudges you before your set alarm time so that you wake up gently and refreshed instead of abruptly due to strong vibrations.

Wellness Recommendations

Aside from the above, the Circular Ring also monitors your energy and provides you with helpful recommendations to improve your overall health and wellness. These include recommendations such as getting some sun, getting a cup of coffee, and working in what Circular calls your “Productivity Zone.” It also reminds you of your medications, if you have any, and alerts you if there’s anything wrong with your vitals.

Keeping track of time

While the Circular Ring is not a watch, you can use it to keep track of time. Simply set the alarm and Slim will vibrate at your specified time. This is perfect for instances when you aren’t wearing a watch and do not want loud noises to wake you up, like a blaring alarm from your phone. Use case scenarios include when you’re sleeping, driving, in a meeting, or in a noise-free zone.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS FOR WOMEN

Circular Ring Slim Pros and Cons

All that said, Circular Slim has some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the smart ring’s pros:

• 2.2mm-thin profile and 2-gram weight make it very comfortable to wear
• Aluminum build makes it durable
• IPX8 rating lets you use it while swimming for 30 minutes

Now, some of its downsides:

• You might forget you’re wearing it and end up doing something that can damage the ring
• Matte finish scratches easily
• You might forget that you’re not wearing it and end up having to reset it to reconnect
• Disconnection issues can be very annoying
• Slow to produce accurate measurements at times
• Does not track workouts or exercise
• No third-party integrations (does not work with Apple Health or Google Fit, and other apps)
• Circular app could be better
• Battery doesn’t last as long as Circular claims

The Verdict: Is Circular Ring Worth It?

Perhaps by now, it’s painfully obvious that the $297 Circular Slim looks and sounds good at first glance, but it’s not a powerhouse like other devices. It’s mainly used as a health tracker for everyday activities, a sleep tracker to help you get better sleep, and an alarm for when you want to wake up or be notified of certain times without any noise. It has some potential, as indicated on paper, but our user experience leaves a lot to be desired.

If you’re looking for a wearable that does these three things, don’t mind spending a week or so to let the device get acquainted with your habits, and don’t want to spend on more expensive but more powerful options, then Circular Slim might be good enough for your needs. But if you’re looking for something more reliable and do not mind spending more to get your money’s worth, get the Ultrahuman Ring Air, Oura Ring, or check out other smart rings.

Get the Circular Ring here!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The post Circular Ring Review: Is It Worth It? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

Vera Ring Summary

Vera Ring Features and Functionalities

Primed as your “live health dashboard,” the Vera Ring keeps tabs on your health 24/7 and personalized insights based on your tracked data. The smart ring is touted to learn about the user’s health issues before it gets worse. While its maker Vera Health did specify how this works, the ring might look at symptoms like body temperature and heart rate variability to determine one’s state of health.

To give you a 360-degree view of your health, the Vera Ring tracks six major health metrics—heart, respiratory, sleep cycles, immune system, stress levels, and activities. This set of metrics is not new at all except for one thing—the immune system. Vera Health has not given any details as to how it goes about tracking the user’s immune system as of now.

With heart monitoring, the ring will look at beats per minute (BPM), heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR), and soon blood pressure (BP). When it comes to sleep tracking, the ring will dive into sleep cycles (REM, light sleep, deep sleep), time awake, and sleep duration. The user’s respiratory health will be determined by blood oxygen levels (Sp02), VO2 Max, and breathing rates.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS YOU CAN GET NOW

In terms of tracking the user’s immune system, the ring will take into account the data gathered through the temperature sensors combined with data from sleep, stress, and HRV. Talking about stress, the smart ring will mainly use heart rate metrics to identify stress levels as well as triggers.

For activity tracking, Vera Health will use its signature ActiveZone technology to track the user’s daily activities, including heart rate zones. Fertility tracking will also be available later on.

With personalized insights, the mobile app that comes with the ring will push out practical recommendations based on your data. In addition, one thing that makes the smart ring unique is its ability to predict illnesses based on extreme drops or spikes in the user’s vital signs.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING ALTERNATIVES

Vera Ring Design

The smart ring will be made from aircraft-grade titanium material. It is designed to be discreet, durable, and waterproof.

Its sensors include its signature Mirror Prism Technology PPG sensors, skin temperature sensors, and 6-axis accelerometers.

In terms of battery life, the ring is designed to last for up to 7 days. It has a charging case that can extend the battery life of the ring for an additional 30 days.

ALSO READ: BEST FITNESS TRACKERS

Vera Ring Price and Release Date

The Vera Ring costs $249 for a start. It’s available in light blue, white, matte black, silver, gold, and rose gold.

Each ring comes with a sizing kit which is expected to be shipped in April 2024. The shipment of the actual ring will commence in May 2024.

Pre-order the Vera Ring here!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The post Vera Ring Features, Pricing, Release Date, and Everything You Need to Know first appeared on Smart Ring News.

At the end of this review, you should be able to understand whether Ultrahuman Ring Air is worth buying over other smart rings. But before that, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of this wearable first, including its features and functionalities.

What Is Ultrahuman Ring Air?

Developed by Bangalore-based health technology company of the same name, Ultrahuman Ring Air is marketed as a real-time nutrition and fitness tracking device. Unlike most smart rings, Ultrahuman Ring Air’s core functionality is to provide a range of health insights and metrics that directly affect your metabolism.

Factors like sleep quality, sleep zones, stress levels (largely based on heart rate variability (HRV)), and activity distribution contribute to the smart ring’s overall health and wellness index. In essence, you can use Ultrahuman Ring Air for tracking sleep, activities, heart rate metrics, and skin temperature. Here’s a quick summary of Ultrahuman Ring Air’s features:

Ultrahuman Ring Air Review: What Does Ultrahuman Ring Air Measure?

To understand how Ultrahuman Ring Air works, here are the highlights of the smart ring:

Sleep Index

Your sleep health is presented through its Sleep Index, which includes metrics like total sleep duration, resting heart rate (RHR), and restfulness. You also get insights after your sleep if you need to slow down for the day or do more based on your sleep patterns. Compared to Oura Ring, everything is pretty much the same, giving you almost similar metrics and a breakdown of sleep stages.

Circadian Phase Alignment

This is something unique to Ultrahuman Ring Air. Honestly, it’s the first time to get a glimpse of this kind of feature, so I have no baseline as to whether it’s really working or not. Basically, the Circadian Phase Alignment mode looks at how factors like light exposure, food intake at certain times of the day, and physical exercise negatively impact your circadian rhythm. These factors affect your sleep and wake-up times, so it’s good to be aware of these factors in a clear presentation.

Also Read: Apple Watch vs. Oura: Which Is the Best Health and Wellness Companion?

Stimulants Permissible Window

A similar feature is the Stimulants Permissible Window, which tells you when to consume stimulants like coffee and soda. The goal is to boost your productivity, enhance your mood, and improve your mental clarity. You won’t see this from other wearables.

Movement Index

Of course, Ultrahuman Ring Air comes with fitness-tracking capabilities. Metrics like steps, calorie burn, active hours, and workout frequency are presented on the app through its Movement Index, which is designed to keep you moving to maximize your glucose metabolism. The step tracking is pretty much in line with the data from my Oura Ring and Apple Watch SE 2. If you use the MyFitnessPal app like me, Ultrahuman supports it along with several others.

Also Read: Garmin Venu 3 Review: Is It a Good Fitness and Health Wearable?

Recovery Monitoring

Like most health and fitness wearables, the smart ring comes with a recovery monitoring feature. Do note that they are not all definitive, including this one, but it certainly does help when it comes to getting an idea about your readiness.

Heart Rate Variability

A variety of heart rate metrics are available on the Ultrahuman app, including HRV, which is largely tied to your recovery. So far, Ultrahuman Ring Air returns pretty good heart rate data like my other wearables.

Also Read: 5 Best Smartwatches for Sleep Tracking in 2023

Ultrahuman App

The mobile app is one of the most important things for these health and fitness wearables. The good news is the Ultrahuman app is as good as the apps of Oura and Garmin. In fact, it looks a lot like Oura’s, so you can imagine how user-friendly the data presentation is. The app also comes with extras to boost fitness goals, such as workouts, meditations, and sleep stories.

Also Read: Oura Ring 3 vs. Garmin Fenix 7 Review: Which Device Fits You Best?

Ultrahuman Ring Air Review: Specs and Design

Is the ring comfortable? Can I wear it in style? Ultrahuman Ring Air weighs 2.4-3.6 grams, depending on the ring size. Regardless, it’s lightweight and slender suitable to be used for any occasion without worries.

The ring’s build is almost the same as the Oura Ring. The outer shell of Ultrahuman Ring Air is made from fighter jet-grade titanium and coated in tungsten carbide carbon, while the inner shell is coated with medical-grade hypoallergenic epoxy resin. Overall, it’s comfortable enough to wear day in and day out.

Also Read: RingConn vs. Oura Ring 3 Review: Battle of Health Monitoring Smart Rings

However, in terms of style, it’s not the most stylish at all. It looks ordinary to me compared to Oura Ring’s elegant finish.

In terms of battery, you can use it for up to 6 days. Each full charge takes about 2 hours to finish. The standard battery life of a smart ring is up to 7 days, so this one’s right within the range.

It’s also worth noting that the ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters. Therefore, you can swim, snorkel, or dive with it.

Also Read: RingConn Smart Ring Review: Is It Worth It?

Ultrahuman Ring Air Review: Pricing and Availability

Ultrahuman Ring Air costs $349 and is available in aster black, matte black, bionic gold, and space silver. Ultrahuman does not have a membership. You get all features on a single purchase, unlike Oura Ring, Whoop, and many other wearables. They also have a trade-in program that allows you to swap your Oura Ring Gen 3, Oura Ring Gen 2, and Ultrahuman R1 for credits toward your Ultrahuman Ring Air. Get Ultrahuman Ring Air here!

Also Read: Oura vs. Apple Watch vs. Whoop: Which Is the Ultimate Health and Fitness Device?

The Verdict: Is Ultrahuman Ring Air Worth It?

Overall, Ultrahuman Ring Air is a promising smart ring. It’s not an Oura Ring killer at all. It’s just another option available for you. So, should you get it?

If you are currently using Oura Ring Gen 3, you don’t need to switch to Ultrahuman Ring Air. If you are currently using Oura Ring Gen 2, Ultrahuman Ring Air is a significant upgrade. And if this is your first time using a smart ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air is definitely worth buying if you want to improve your sleep and fitness.

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The post Ultrahuman Ring Air Review: Should You Buy It? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

Galaxy Ring Design

The first thing that stands out when you look at the Galaxy Ring is its design which is unlike any other smart ring. The shell is arched in, resembling the rim of a wheel.

The Galaxy Ring has not been allowed to be touched by the public as of now, so we can’t be certain how light and comfortable it is to wear. Nevertheless, Samsung assured the press that the ring is light and easy to wear at any time of day.

Galaxy Ring Colors

The Galaxy Ring was revealed in three colors: ceramic black, platinum silver, and gold. However, we believe there might be more colors available soon. Whichever color you pick, the ring has a glossy finish. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it looks pretty but picks up smudges easily.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS YOU CAN GET NOW

Galaxy Ring Sizing

Like most smart rings, the Galaxy Ring will be available in US ring sizes 5 to 13. The size of the ring will be etched on the inner molding of the ring.

Galaxy Health

While the Galaxy Ring looks like a promising health-tracking device, one thing you need to know right off the bat is that you need a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to take full advantage of all its features. For instance, you need the Samsung Health app in order for you to view your health data and insights, and this app is only available on the Galaxy line of smartphones. That said, we can only conclude that the Galaxy Ring is designed as a companion for the Galaxy Watch.

You can also set goals and receive feedback on your progress via Booster Cards on the Galaxy Health app.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING ALTERNATIVES

Vitality Score

Users will get a Vitality Score, the same metric used in the newer Galaxy Watch series. This is based on a combination of metrics related to sleep, resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate variability (HRV), and activities.

What to Expect

There’s no word from Samsung as of now as to which sensors the smart ring will have. Nevertheless, we know the Galaxy Ring will be used for sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, respiration monitoring, and activity tracking. Samsung will zero in on detecting early signs of sleep apnea, which many health rings on the market such as Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air can do.

With these details, we are certain the ring will have infrared photoplethysmography sensors (PPG) for heart rate and breathing rate, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor for body temperature monitoring, and a 3D accelerometer for monitoring movements.

As for the official release date, we don’t have a clear timeline yet, but we suspect it’s going to be available in the second half of 2024.

ALSO READ: BEST SLEEP TRACKER RINGS

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions and Everything That’s Been Confirmed first appeared on Smart Ring News.

About the Oura Ring Test

We tested Oura for 30 days in regular daily and nightly use. The ring was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 in four categories: Purposefulness, User Experience and Design, Functionalities and Tech, and App and Ecosystem.

Purposefulness ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5.0)

We evaluated Oura’s purposefulness — how it helps, if it fulfills a genuine purpose, or if there is a need for the device. Find out!

Readiness

Oura’s ‘Readiness’ score measures how prepared you are to take on tasks for the day. It is based on contributors like RHR, HRV, body temperature, previous night’s sleep, and previous day’s activities, among other things.

My ‘Readiness’ score peaked at 87 for two consecutive days, which is optimal — no complaints at all.

A few days into the ring test, my score tanked to 59 after a rough night. When I say a rough night, I mean I was able to sleep at 2:40 a.m. and woke up after 5.28 hours. This is where Oura warned me to pay attention and gave me great advice on how to take on the day.

Oura suggested taking a power nap in the afternoon or taking a moment to breathe. I did take short breaks and breathing exercises here and there. Oura has several guided and unguided meditation practices to give your body its much-needed help. But if I have to be honest, I did not feel any significant difference from every time I had restless nights. Although I still felt tired, the breathing exercises I took somehow helped me keep my focus throughout the day.

Ultimately, Oura is not some kind of voodoo to help users feel good if they need to. It needs some time to understand how your body operates, and most certainly, your body needs more time to heal if it’s experiencing so much distress.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING ALTERNATIVES

Sleep Tracking

The ‘Sleep’ score evaluates how well you have slept throughout the night. Oura uses factors like total sleep, restfulness, REM sleep, deep sleep, and timing to come up with scores.

As someone with erratic sleeping habits, I figured Oura would give me a clearer picture of this problem. To my surprise, it did not just provide me with sleep data but gave me a blow-by-blow account of my sleeping stages and which sleep contributor I can improve on. Two nights I only had a little more than 5 hours of sleep, and my ‘Sleep’ score dropped below 60 from the usual 70 and above.

Oura suggested getting some fresh air, avoiding a long nap in the afternoon, and getting more sleep at night, which I appreciated given that I sometimes tend to resort to oversleeping in the afternoon, overeating, and overworking myself.

Even more amazing is the detailed sleep stages — what time your REM, light, and deep sleep fall and how long. These also have a huge impact on your readiness. Also, you get a detailed view of your resting heart rate, which can also be useful data for those who are suffering from heart or cardiovascular diseases. Overall, Oura’s sleep tracking is the most useful feature for people with sleep apnea, chronic insomnia, and other sleep-related problems.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING DUPES

Activity Tracking

The ‘Activity’ score measures how active you are for the day. It is based on your daily goal progress, total burn, walking equivalency, and steps, among other things.

Oura’s activity-tracking component is something fitness enthusiasts would love. It functions a lot like a smartwatch or any other fitness tracker. The app keeps track of your daily activities, including steps, movement, and inactivity, to calculate your active calorie burn and total burn.

Oura also offers a detailed graph of your daily movements — what time you are or are not moving, the walking distance covered, and the intensity of your movements (inactive, low, medium, high). In case you fall below the minimum, Oura gives you alerts. For instance, in the middle photo, I got an alert to move every hour. I was most likely working, sitting on my desk at that time. Overall, it’s a nifty feature to help you get moving when you need to.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS YOU CAN BUY NOW

User Experience and Design ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5.0)

The ring’s overall design is impressive. In fact, if you are into a minimalistic, no-frills design like me, you will fall in love with Oura’s simplicity. The ring is made of titanium alloy, an ultra-strong metal often used for spacecraft parts, and is covered with PVD coating. Rest assured, you will get a durable ring that can withstand even the most extreme conditions. Although made of titanium alloy, Oura is not invincible against scratches, especially if you are lifting weights. If you want to preserve its shiny, speckless exterior, avoid wearing it while weightlifting. This is also Oura’s suggestion.

The ring is not as slender as a regular ring, but it’s fairly lightweight, weighing 4-6 grams, depending on the ring size. In terms of the interior, the inner molding is non-allergenic. As someone with highly sensitive skin, I never felt any itch around my middle finger at all, not even once.

Most importantly, Oura is waterproof. You can submerge it up to 100 meters deep. I love that you can bathe with it, swim with it, dive with it, wash your hands with it, and do pretty much everything involving liquid. The sensors are covered well from water and dust particles, so you don’t have to worry about removing and wearing and then removing the ring.

Meanwhile, I have nothing to complain about Oura’s iOS app. It’s professionally designed to be user-friendly. Overall, it’s clean and very easy to navigate around.

ALSO READ: BEST SLEEP TRACKER RINGS

Functionalities and Tech ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.0)

Oura is just a piece of metal without the technologies behind it. So I set out to know what goes into the ring itself and found out that Oura, despite its tiny body, is carrying three different sensors responsible for tracking different body signals. These are infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for heart rate and respiration, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor for body temperature, and a 3D accelerometer for movements.

What I like about Oura’s accelerometer is that it can automatically detect activities like strength training and walking. In such a case, it would ask you to add the suggested data, so your activity tracking is more accurate. I did an apples-to-apples comparison between Oura and my smartwatch’s activity data, and the two seem to coincide. Overall, the activity-tracking functionality is reliable enough for anyone to use.

The PPG and NTC sensors are accurate for the most part. Oura for some reason did not track my daytime sleep. It happened a few times, but I was not exactly sure what went wrong until I did a little digging and found out that the ring only tracks one sleep period during each 24-hour segment. Daytime sleep and naps are only counted as restful periods, which are categorized as activities just like walking and strength training. 

Also note that if you sleep in a position that causes your hand to go numb, you might see gaps in your RHR and HRV graphs just like what happened to me a few times. Blood circulation is blocked in this case, and the sensors cannot find your pulse. There are, however, other causes for these gaps, such as the ring being too loose or dirty LED sensors.

In terms of battery life, Oura promises the ring can last for 7 days. And it’s quite accurate. Sleep tracking, however, does not work right if it’s below 20%. One time I slept with the ring’s battery at 17% and woke up at 2%. To my surprise, it did not track anything that night at all. And then I found out later that Oura cannot track and analyze when the ring is below 20%.

In addition, there was one time when Oura failed to connect to my iPhone’s Bluetooth. I’m not sure where the problem occurred, but it took me some time to figure out what happened, after trying a few ways to troubleshoot the problem based on Oura’s recommendations. Despite that, Oura’s Bluetooth connection is reliable in general. The app automatically syncs with the ring, as long as the mobile phone’s Bluetooth is on.

ALSO READ: BEST FITNESS TRACKER RINGS

App and Ecosystem ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5.0)

The smart ring experience won’t be complete without the mobile app, and that’s why a well-designed one is imperative. The good news is that Oura has an impressive app for both Android and iOS devices, wherein the ring’s collected data are presented and analyzed. 

Oura’s data like steps, walking and running distance, and active calorie burn can all be synced with third-party apps. It supports a slew of integrations, including Apple Health for iOS devices, Google Fit for Android devices, and Samsung Health for Samsung devices. If you are using any of these apps as a control center for your health data or other purposes, Oura is a great source of information. Oura also supports dozens of other apps like Natural Cycles, HRV4Training, Wattson Blue, Bioloop Sleep, Heads Up Health, and Health Sync, among others.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS FOR PAYMENT

Oura’s Overall Score ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.75)

A lot of Oura’s suggestions are really basic if you think about it. However, it pays to have a ring that has concrete data and an app to guide you, because sometimes — admit it or not — we tend to brush off the thought to, say, take a 20-minute power nap after a restless night when we are not told. Although there are a few things about Oura that I would a miss, the ring still did a pretty good job overall.

Do note that the longer you use the ring, the better it understands your body signals. Overall, Oura is a great device for people who have a sleep-related problem, cardiovascular disease, or anyone really who wants to drastically get better at their overall health.

ALSO READ: BEST FITNESS TRACKERS

Compare Oura with Other Devices

Based on my experience with Oura, it is perhaps the best device available for sleep tracking. However, the ring form factor limits its functionalities to pretty much that. If you want to expand from mere sleep tracking to also activity and fitness tracking, smartphone notifications, or GPS, you might want to see how some of the smartwatches compare against Oura. Here are links to some of our most popular blogs:

• Oura vs. Apple Watch
• Oura vs. Fitbit
• Oura vs. Whoop
• Oura vs. Garmin

Oura Ring Alternatives

This test was one more evidence of Oura’s superior capabilities in sleep and activity tracking. However, it is not a wearable that everybody wants to use. Our blog on Oura Ring alternatives introduces seven health monitoring gadgets that can provide you with similar functionalities!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post Oura Ring Test: What’s the Verdict After Using it for 30 Days first appeared on Smart Ring News.

Researchers from UC San Francisco used the Oura Ring in an attempt to anticipate COVID-19 in healthcare workers. The NBA and WNBA bought 2,000 Oura Rings for their players. And Nascar gave away Oura Rings for their drivers and staff. A bunch of celebrities have been vocal about how they loved the smart ring, while some have been spotted wearing this tiny device. But what is the hype around it all about? Here’s everything you need to know about the Oura Ring:

What Does Oura Ring Do?

The Oura Ring is a sleep tracker designed to keep tabs on the user’s natural body clock (called the circadian rhythm) and nightly rests. On top of sleep tracking, the ring also has a host of other sensors that measure the user’s daily activities, heart rate zones, and body temperature. Each morning, you get a Sleep Score measuring how good your sleep is and a Readine Score measuring how recovered your body is. You also get an Activity Score gauging how much you’ve been moving throughout the day.

ALSO READ: WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE OURA RING DO?

How Does Oura Ring Work?

The Oura Ring packs several tiny activity and body sensors for different purposes into its 6-gram body. These include infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for heart rate and respiration, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor for body temperature, and a 3D accelerometer for movements. All these sensors are instrumental for the Oura mobile app to come up with daily insights and recommendations about your sleep, activity, and readiness.

The fact alone that the manufacturer managed to roll three sensors into one infinitesimal wearable is quite impressive. But do they really work as intended? Learn more about the features of the Oura ring in the following sections.

ALSO READ: WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE OURA RING? 5 COMMON REASONS

Oura Ring Features

We’ve talked a little about the Oura Ring sensors. Now let’s shed light on what these sensors do and how you can take advantage of them to improve your daily life.

Personalized Insights

Rather than overwhelm you with raw data, the Oura app is the partner tool of your ring to interpret collected health data. Through the app, you may see deviations from your own baseline, so Oura will suggest things you can do or change in order to improve your current situation. For instance, some users might find it startling to have a heart rate spike to 150. But that’s quite normal if you are doing strenuous activities like running or cycling. This is where the free mobile app (available for Android and iOS devices) comes in handy. You can check all the data, including sleep stages, steps, heart rate, and body temperature deviation, summarized in three different scores: Readiness, Sleep, and Activity.

ALSO READ: BEST SMART RINGS YOU CAN BUY

Readiness Score

The Readiness Score takes into account factors like resting heart rate, heart rate, respiratory rate, activity levels, and sleep to tell you how ready you are to take on your day — physically, mentally, and emotionally. The good thing is the Readiness Score is compared against your own baseline rather than the general population’s.

Sleep Score

The Sleep Score helps you understand the overall quality of your sleep. It’s measured by a combination of deep sleep, REM sleep, light sleep, sleep timing, and heart rate insights. For people suffering from sleep apnea, Oura can be of great help to manage their condition. Since the ring sits comfortably on your finger at night, it’s easier for people with sleep-related disorders to monitor their sleep duration, sleep quality, and how much time is spent in various stages.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING ALTERNATIVES

Activity Score

The Activity Score tells you how to strike a balance between physical activity and recovery. It’s based on inactivity alerts, daily activity goals, and movements.

Oura Ring for Meditation

As someone who practices meditation, Oura’s Moments is something I find fairly useful. Moments helps you get a grip of how effective different mindfulness activities are by comparing your results over time. For instance, Moments can show you which breathing exercise or soundscape helps tone down your resting heart rate. This way, you would know which mindfulness exercises work best for your productivity and recovery.

ALSO READ: BEST OURA RING DUPES

Oura Ring for Birth Control

One of the most recent developments in the smart ring market is the addition of birth control as part of its feature set. The Oura ring has made history as the first wearable technology to have such a powerful functionality that enables women to use their rings to know their fertility or the lack thereof. This functionality works with the Natural Cycles app, which imports and interprets the user’s body temperature data and provides sound conclusions. With Oura, women no longer need to use an oral thermometer for days every month to know if they are fertile or not, which is more convenient and accurate since the ring can be snugly worn 24/7.

Oura Ring for COVID-19 Detection

Back in March 2020, the news broke out that Oura was able to detect early symptoms of Covid-19, resulting in the ring getting too much hype. It’s misleading to say that the ring in itself can detect COVID-19 because it cannot. That’s for sure. However, it’s accurate enough to tell you your body temperature and if your body is ready for the day. The ring can only tell you if your body is okay based on your vital signs and the scores it draws up, but you still need to do due diligence and have yourself properly tested if you want to know if you contracted the virus. So, no — the Oura ring cannot detect COVID-19. But it does help in identifying early symptoms of the disease.

ALSO READ: WHAT ARE SMART RINGS? HOW DO THEY WORK?

Oura Ring Price and Availability

The Oura Ring costs $299 or €246. It is available in two styles–Heritage and Horizon. Heritage is available in silver, black, stealth, and gold colors, while Horizon is available in these colors plus rose gold and brushed titanium. The ring’s inner surface is made of hypoallergenic materials, while the entire body is fully sealed titanium metal, thereby protecting the electronics and sensors inside against dust, scratch, moisture, and liquid. Even if you take Oura for a sweaty run or a swim, no worries as it is waterproof up to 100 meters.

The ring also comes with a charger and a sizing kit. The Oura ring can last for seven days per charge. Before sending you the real deal, Oura will send you a sizing kit with eight sizes from 6 mm to 13 mm and ask you to wear the right ring size on your finger of choice for 24 hours. Do note that our fingers swell when we work out and sleep. Once you have decided, Oura will send you the real thing, but you need to be extra patient as the ring needs enough time to understand how your body works. It usually takes at least 14 days for the ring to get your baseline metrics.

Oura Ring Review: Is Oura Ring Worth It?

The Oura Ring is like no other fitness and sleep tracker wearables devices I have seen. It’s unique in a way that you can’t swipe through your stats like you would on a smartwatch. But I like how unobtrusive it is, that it sometimes feels like you are not wearing anything at all. And what I love most about Oura is its unique algorithm. Most wearables take your metrics and measure your fitness on any given day without taking your history into account. This is where Oura is different; it takes note of your baseline metrics.

Is the Oura ring worth it, though? Generally, yes! Oura is best for people with sleeping problems and people who are trying to do better with their overall health and well-being. Otherwise, Oura might just end up like a fancy wearable that you wear because it’s what’s trendy right now. If you are looking for the smart ring’s actual test, check out our Oura Ring Test!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post Oura Ring Review 2024: Is It Worth It? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

If there’s one wearable brand that’s consistently been given praise in the fitness community for how good it is, it’s the Whoop. Everywhere you go—on Reddit, Twitter, or Facebook—you see so many fitness enthusiasts enamored by the device. Even some of the most notable athletes, including Lebron James and Michael Phelps, have gotten the word. Whoop 4.0 may be one of the best fitness trackers ever released, but it is not for everyone.

How does it stack up? What exactly does it do? Should you buy this wearable device? In this Whoop 4.0 Review, we break down everything you need to know about this fitness tracker, mainly its health and fitness monitoring functionalities. By the end of this Whoop 4.0 Review, you should be able to know whether or not you should get it.

Disclaimer: Smart Ring News is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Whoop 4.0 Summary

Before diving deeper into this Whoop 4.0 Review, here’s a quick summary of its specs and features:

Whoop 4.0 Review: Features and Functionalities

Whoop 4.0 is a fitness tracker known for its various overall health monitoring capabilities, including tracking sleep, activities, strain, stress, and recovery. Let’s break down all of them one by one.

Fitness Tracking

Monitoring activities is one of the many things that make Whoop 4.0 stand out in the sea of fitness trackers. As a fitness tracker, you can expect nothing less from the wearable. Whoop 4.0, in fact, returns pretty accurate data, closely mirroring the data my Oura Ring and Apple Watch SE 2 collected. With its adjustable band design, you can wear it on your arms, arms, or even ankles—wherever is more comfortable for you during activities.

Of course, Whoop 4.0 is not a complete fitness tracker without automatic activity detection. Its automatic activity detection can automatically track over 60 activities, including strength training, powerlifting, HIIT, yoga, pilates, triathlon, skateboarding, and diving. Whoop takes the cue from periods of continuous elevated heart rate (15 minutes) and higher-than-average movements (or what it calls Strain) to detect these activities as well as the time when you are active or working out.

ALSO READ: OURA VS. APPLE WATCH VS. WHOOP: WHICH IS THE ULTIMATE HEALTH AND FITNESS DEVICE?

Sleep Monitoring

Whoop 4.0 records all the basic sleep metrics, including sleep stages (deep, REM, light, and awake), sleep duration, sleep/wake-up time, and resting heart rate. It will come up with a sleep score based on these and other factors like recent strain and sleep debt.

There are two important things you need to remember about its sleep monitoring. Firstly, it only logs sleep longer than 1 hour and classifies it as sleep or a nap accordingly based on the time it occurs. When you have a shifting sleep schedule, this could become a big concern for you like it is for me. Secondly, the one thing that makes me think twice about using Whoop 4.0 for sleep monitoring is its band design, which can be a tad bit uncomfortable and restricting.

ALSO READ: WHOOP VS. OURA: WHICH IS BETTER FOR SLEEP, ACTIVITY, AND RECOVERY TRACKING?

Strain, Recovery, and Stress Monitoring

If there’s one thing that has always stood out with Whoop 4.0 is strain monitoring. In an effort to look at fitness in a holistic manner, Whoop takes strain and recovery into consideration.

Whoop 4.0 looks into ambient temperature to sense body temperature, which is a primary factor when the body is under strain or stress. Truth be told, ambient temperature can get too far off from the actual body temperature, thereby affecting your strain, recovery, and stress scores. This is where electrodermal activity (EDA) comes in, helping you get a more accurate read on your strain, recovery, and stress.

While strain and stress monitoring is highly dependent on workouts, work, errands, and other activities, recovery looks at your heart rate variability (HRV) and sleep quality more than anything else.

ALSO READ: OURA RING VS. FITBIT: WHICH IS A MORE ACCURATE SLEEP AND RECOVERY TRACKER?

Whoop 4.0 Review: Specs and Design

Whoop 4.0 has four times the number of photodiodes on the sensor and five LEDs that use green, red, and infrared light for gathering various data points. It’s certified to IP68 standards, so it’s waterproof up to 10 meters. And its battery can last up to 5 days.

In terms of design, Whoop 4.0 is pretty much like any fitness tracker except it does not have a display. For people who want to focus on their workouts and sleep, this is quite a nifty feature. Whoop is lightweight to carry too.

The band design—which comes in more than 20 different styles—allows you to wear it on your wrist, forearm, upper arm, or even ankle. If you are using gloves at the gym like me, this versatility is a life-saver.

ALSO READ: APPLE WATCH VS. OURA: WHICH IS THE BEST HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMPANION?

Whoop 4.0 Review: Pricing and Availability

Whoop has subscription-based pricing, costing $30 per month for a monthly plan, $24 per month for a 12-month plan, and $18 per month for an 18-month plan. If you want to become a pro member, you’ll need to pay an additional $12 per month. This includes access to the Whoop app where you can get personalized insights, built-in coaching features, and weekly and monthly performance reports. You may now buy Whoop 4.0 for a one-time price.

Available band styles include onyx, ice, tundra, heather, stone, arctic, moss, blue jay, bungee, trail pink, peak blue, jungle camo, and caddy. Platinum-lined, rose gold-lined bands, and special edition pride, battle cancer, and saved by the butter bands are also available.

GET WHOOP 4.0 HERE!

The Verdict: Is Whoop 4.0 Worth Buying?

To say Whoop 4.0 is the best fitness tracker is not far from the truth. It’s a versatile wearable that has pretty much everything you need for a reliable fitness device, and it executes them perfectly.

Overall, Whoop 4.0 is an impressive robust fitness tracker you can use to monitor your sleep, activities, strain, recovery, and stress. If you are still on still on the fence about getting Whoop 4.0, this is the sign that you should get it!

The post Whoop 4.0 Review 2024: Is It Really the Best Fitness Tracker? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

The Apple Watch Series is one of the most popular wearable technologies that ever came out of Cupertino in the last 10 years. A lot of Apple fans use the smartwatch as a statement piece, but for health and fitness enthusiasts, there’s more to it than just being a treat to the spectator’s eyes. We use it day in, day out to track our steps, monitor our heart rate, and a host of other functionalities to help improve our health.

However, the device has evolved into a more useful health and fitness companion ever since the first Apple Watch was released in 2015. The most recent models have tons of advanced features incorporated into them, but they cost an arm and a leg. Having said that, you don’t really need to spend hundreds of dollars just to get the more expensive model. Here are the best Apple Watch models you can get to suit your needs and budget.

1. Apple Watch Series 9

Although there has been no major upgrade for the Apple Watch Series 9 except for the S8 chip, the smartwatch is a pretty robust option if you are switching from other brands or upgrading from the Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple’s older smartwatches. With the S8 chip, this smartwatch is faster and has way better overall performance than its predecessor This smartwatch introduces the double tap gesture which allows you to control your watch and smartphone using predetermined gestures.

Check out Apple Watch Series 9 on Amazon!

2. Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you’re looking for a durable outdoor smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the best options available. Designed for extreme sports and activities, the smartwatch has better health monitoring capabilities, especially when it comes to activity tracking and sleep monitoring. Its display has up to 3,000 knits, making it brighter and clearer under the bright sun. It’s certified to IPX6 standards, so it’s dust-resistant and water-resistant up to 100 meters. The smartwatch has also been tested to MIL-STD 810H1, which means it went through and surpassed over 30 testing situations, including extreme temperature, moisture, dust, and shock tests. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has all the features of the Watch Series 9.

Check out Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Amazon!

3. Apple Watch Series 8

Released in 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 is still an impressive smartwatch that you can get. If the current Apple Watch does not fit your budget, you can still enjoy some important functionalities, including blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, and fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS capabilities, among other things. Again, the difference between the Watch Series 9 and 8 lies in the chip and native features (double tap gesture, on-device Siri, etc.).

Check out Apple Watch Series 8 on Amazon!

4. Apple Watch Ultra (1st Generation)

If the Watch Ultra 2 is too expensive for a reliable outdoor smartwatch, consider looking into the first-generation Watch Ultra. Released in 2022, you are not missing out on a lot of important features with this device. Features like running form, heart rate zones, dual-frequency GPS, compass waypoints, and safety features like fall detection and crash detection are present with the Watch Ultra. The 36-hour batter life is even the same. The only difference the successor has is its brighter screen and S9 chip.

Check out Apple Watch Ultra on Amazon!

5. Apple Watch SE 2

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE 2 is a great option. This mid-range smartwatch has everything you need to stay up to date with your health. It can track your activities, sleep, and heart rate zones. Plus, it also has fall detection, crash detection, and emergency SOS capabilities to ensure your safety first. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters too.

Check out Apple Watch SE 2 on Amazon!

6. Apple Watch 7

The Apple Watch 7 is the latest smartwatch in the series released in September 2021, which has the most functionalities. A brand-new piece costs around $339 (~€333) which is a bit pricey for a piece of wearable tech. But if you have the budget, go for it. The Apple Watch 7 houses an electrocardiogram (ECG) for monitoring heart activities and a blood oxygen (Sp02) sensor. Its third-generation optical heart sensor allows for more accurate heart rate tracking, while the fall detection feature comes extra handy if you are active, especially in the outdoors.

Check Out Apple Watch 7 on Amazon!

7. Apple Watch 6

Released in September 2020, the Apple Watch 6 is pretty much like its successor, the Apple Watch 7. It rocks an ECG, a blood oxygen sensor, a third-generation optical heart sensor, and a fall detection capability into the bargain. The most notable difference is only the screen display. The price of Apple Watch 6 starts at $210 (~€206).

Check Out Apple Watch 6 on Amazon!

8. Apple Watch SE (1st Generation)

Debuted in September 2020, the Apple Watch SE is a more affordable smartwatch which retails for $188 (~€184), less than half the price of the Apple Watch 7. The Apple Watch SE is suitable for those who only need the core health and fitness and watch functionalities. It does not have the fall detection capability of the Apple Watch 6 and 7, their optical heart sensor as well as their bigger screen size. The Apple Watch SE does have the second-generation optical heart sensor and an electrical heart sensor. Not bad at all!

Check Out Apple Watch SE on Amazon!

9. Apple Watch 5

The Apple Watch 5 is a decent model released in September 2019. It has an ECG like the Apple Watch 6 and 7, fall detection ability as well as an electrical heart sensor. It’s using a second-generation optical heart sensor like the Apple Watch SE. This model retails for $279 (~€274).

Check out Apple Watch 5 on Amazon!

10. Apple Watch 4

The Apple Watch 4 is pretty much like its successor. Released in September 2018, the model is armed with an ECG, electrical sensor, a second-generation optical heart sensor, and the fall detection feature. The obvious difference lies in the electronics inside. You can get the Apple Watch 4 for $183 (~€180).

Check out Apple Watch 4 on Amazon!

Apple Watch Series Comparison Chart

This quick comparison chart shows the Apple Watch models head to head based on their health and activity features. After having found the model with the right combo of health tracking capability, you can move on choosing the most suitable display size, cellular connection, memory capacity, color, and so on.

One of the common health and fitness features you can find among all Apple Watch Series models mentioned above include the ability to send notifications when the user experiences low and high heart rates as well as irregular heart rhytms. Sleep tracking capabilities for Apple Watch 3 and later is available in watchOS 9, though very limited. They have GPS, altimeter, emergency SOS, and international emergency calling (except for the Apple Watch 3).

Overall, the health and fitness functionalities of the Apple Watch models don’t have much of a difference. The Apple Watch 6 and 7 have almost the same functionalities and sensors, while 4 and 5 share common things too. That said, you should consider looking at other things as well that make these models differ, including screen display and size, cellular capability, memory capacity, and more.

Apple Watch Alternatives

Apple Watch might be the most advanced and admired wearable for a health and fitness companion. However, it’s not a fit for every budget. There are more affordable , high-quality smartwatch alternatives though. One of them is Fitbit, the iconic brand that has been making great activity tracking wearables since 2009. Read our Fitbit comparison – it compares four Fitbit devices which we think cover the most user requirements with flying colors while retailing for less than Apple Watch!

Garmin has an endless portfolio of robust, high-quality, good looking watches, which could offer a perfect Apple Watch alternative for those outdoors savvy, active users. Our two recent blogs give a quick overview of five Garmin smartwatches and the best Garmin fitness trackers that have a ton of health, fitness, and activity features and could easily substitute an Apple Watch!

For the latest wearable tech news and updates, follow Smart Ring News on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

The post Best Apple Watches 2024: Which Apple Smartwatch Has the Right Health and Fitness Features for You? first appeared on Smart Ring News.

If you’ve been looking for the best fitness tracker ring, know that this smart ring segment only has a few options. That, however, is not entirely bad news as the ones introduced are pretty impressive. Two of them, Circul and Oura are available for purchase while Circular can be pre-ordered with the first deliveries due in September 2021.

Fitness Tracking Rings Comparison Table

But, which is the best fitness ring for you? To give you an overview of the best fitness tracker rings, here’s a comparison of their main features:

How to Choose the Best Fitness Ring for You

Fitness tracker rings in the market are not one and the same. So, it’s important to know what you want to use the ring for to guide your buying decision. If you know what you are looking for, feel free to skip this part. Otherwise, here are some possible criteria to take into account.

RELATED: Best Apple Watch Based on Health and Activity Tracking Features!

Sensors and Functionalities

Sensors are the basic component of smart rings. Fitness rings, in particular, have at least an accelerometer that detects linear acceleration and a gyroscope to monitor rotational movements. What this means in simpler terms, these sensors can automatically detect a variety of physical activities such as walking and running, which are then used as the basis for tracking calorie burn. In addition, most fitness rings also come with an optical heart rate monitor (which is called ‘photoplethysmography’ (PPG)). PPG takes care of tracking your blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) and heart rate.

The blinged-out fitness rings have some other sensors into the bargain. These may include a GPS tracker to monitor location, and an ECG sensor to detect cardiovascular problems, or others.

Some smart rings have multiple functionalities, so don’t be afraid to look for extra features that you think you might need apart from the mentioned functionalities. Whether it’s a stopwatch feature or remote control, it doesn’t hurt to look for that extra feature to help with your buying decision.

RELATED: Evie Ring is Designed to Give Women Better Track of their Health

Design

Smart rings are inherently lightweight. However, some may look bulkier than others, so take that into account. Depending on what you want your smart ring to use for, you might also want to consider the protection it has against elements like water, sweat, dust, and varying weather conditions. For instance, most fitness tracker rings are waterproof (e.g., Oura), while some are not (e.g., Circul). If you want a ring that you can take with you while swimming or diving, be sure to get an IP-rated ring.

Battery Life

Fitness tracker rings depend on batteries since they use electronic sensors. Most fitness rings will last for seven days between charges, while some may only last for a few days, which you may find inconvenient.

App, Integrations, and OS Support

Smart rings often come with a mobile app, which carries tracked data and, in most cases, personalized insights. This is true for most fitness tracker rings. But apart from the app itself, it’s also important to know what it integrates with. Does it sync with Apple Health or Google Health? Does it support other fitness apps?

Apart from apps and integrations, you should also consider the smart ring’s operating system support. Most devices use Bluetooth connections to share data with a smartphone, and in almost all cases, the ring maker provides apps for iOS and Android phones.

Price

Fitness tracker rings vary in cost. Prices range from less than $200 for a well-equipped fitness ring to $300 or more for a blinged-out one. Most users will find incredible choices with a set of features that match their needs for $200. The pricier options may include a blood oxygen sensor, a GPS tracker, and/or a heart rate monitor, which can be tailored for all sorts of fitness enthusiasts.

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Three Best Fitness Tracker Rings

Although there are only a few activity tracker smart rings in the market, they are definitely stellar. Here are three of them:

1. Oura

Activity tracking is only one of Oura’s three main functionalities, and it’s one of the best out there. I’ve been using Oura for a couple of months now; I must say it’s a feasible alternative to more common wrist-worn fitness trackers. This smart ring can track your total calorie burn, steps, and a host of activities like walking, running, and strength training.

What’s great about Oura’s activity tracker is it automatically detects activities, keeps track of their duration and equivalent calorie burn, and suggests adding them through the app to make sure you don’t miss any activities. But here’s the kicker — its suggestions are sometimes all over the place. For instance, it doesn’t know when I’m doing a treadmill walk or run or lifting weights. Fortunately, you can correct it.

Oura, however, does not show an active heart rate and distance covered (though calculates distance shown as ‘walking equivalency’), unlike other fitness trackers, which could be a problem for runners, bikers, and other fitness enthusiasts who wish to track these metrics.

Oura also tracks sleep and gives you readiness insights. The smart ring can be used as a birth control method. Oura works with other mobile apps like Apple Health for iOS devices, Google Fit for Android devices, Samsung Health for Samsung devices, HRV4Training, and Natural Cycles, among others.

The Oura Ring is available in silver, black, stealth, and gold finish starting from $299 / €245.

RELATED: Oura Ring Test: What’s the Verdict After Using It for 30 Days?

‍2.Circul

As a pulse oximeter smart ring, BodiMetrics’s Circul mainly functions as a blood oxygen and heart rate monitoring device. The ring, however, can also be used for fitness purposes as it’s capable of tracking a bunch of fitness-related metrics, including heart rate, steps, and calorie burn. The good thing about using Circul for those who want to use it for medical reasons is that they can keep a record of their data, whether they want to print, download, or share it with their family, caregivers, and physicians.

Circul also tracks overnight sleep, including heart rate variability and the different sleep stages, just like Oura. But what separates Circul from Oura is the Circul’s continuous tracking capabilities with a higher sample interval. You get better accuracy but the tradeoff reflects in the battery life. The battery of Circul lasts 18 hours of continuous monitoring, which easily covers a full night’s sleep.

Another thing that’s unique about Circul is its adjustable sizing. No sizing kit will be given to buyers; you only have to choose between small, large, or extra large sizes.

Circul is a great fitness tracker ring for people who are also dealing with diseases that negatively affect their blood oxygen levels. The ring, however, is not meant to be submerged in water, which means swimmers, triathletes, and others won’t be able to use it.

Circul is available in black finish for $299 / €245.

RELATED: Oura vs. Circul: Which Is the Best Smart Ring to Detect COVID-19?

3.Circular

Circular is a health and wellness smart ring that monitors sleep and activities 24/7 and gives personalized recommendations through its mobile app. You can use it to monitor steps, calorie burn, and physical movements. If you need to track your heart rate, Circular has this functionality and a bunch of other heart rate metrics such as heart rate variability, heart training zones, and maximum heart rate.

Circular’s mobile app for Android and iOS devices allows users to access personalized insights into sleep, energy, and performance along with their real-time raw data. Circular is a great Oura ring alternative with Oura’s features and more. Apart from tracking sleep and a variety of heart rate metrics, the ring can also measure blood oxygen levels, something Oura cannot do. Check our Oura vs. Circular comparison to learn more!

Other features you may be able to enjoy with using Circular are smart alarms (automatic or manual wake-up time), alert notifications (push notifications from your phone), and Kira (an intelligent assistant accessible via app).

Circular is available for pre-order on Indiegogo starting at $240 / €198.

RELATED: Circular vs. Motiv: Which Is the Best Wellness Smart Ring?

In Conclusion

At the moment, you don’t really have an array of fitness tracker rings to choose from. Your actual options right now are Oura and Circul as Circular has yet to hit the shelves soon. Nonetheless, Circular seems promising based on its feature set, and without a doubt, it can compete with Oura and Circul once it’s out.

Between Oura and Circul, which one should you choose? If you want to get a stylish activity tracker smart ring that also monitors sleep, Oura is hands down the best option there is. If you are looking for an utilitarian health monitoring ring, which can also track activity and measure blood oxygen levels and heart rates, Circul is the way to go.

It’s important to know what you need first. Does a fitness tracker ring match your needs, or is it a smartwatch, or perhaps a smart bracelet that serves your fitness habits best? If you have that figured out, you should be able to choose which one fits your needs best.

Here are two fitness wearable comparisons you might want to see: 

‍Apple Watch vs. Oura Ring

Whoop vs. Oura Ring

The post Best Fitness Tracker Rings 2024: 3 Activity Tracker Rings to Hit Your Goals first appeared on Smart Ring News.