If traditional fitness trackers, smartwatches, or other wrist-worn wearables don’t appeal to you, a smart ring may be the ideal alternative. These devices are significantly smaller and lighter, fitting discreetly around a finger while offering health and wellness tracking similar to larger gadgets. Unlike some smartwatches, smart rings often feature longer battery life, making them suitable for those seeking a low-maintenance, unobtrusive way to monitor their body and activity.
The smart ring concept first emerged in 2013 when British company Mclear released the NFC Ring, capable of performing functions such as unlocking a car door. Widespread popularity followed several years later with devices like the Oura Ring, which gained particular attention during the Covid-19 pandemic as people became increasingly interested in monitoring body temperature and other health indicators. Today, more companies, including Samsung with its new Galaxy Ring, are entering the smart ring market, providing more options for tracking health and fitness.
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What a Smart Ring Can Track
Health and Wellness
Smart rings provide detailed insights into various aspects of health. For instance, sleep monitoring is a key feature. Rings can track metrics such as SpO2 and heart rate while you sleep, helping users understand whether they are achieving restful sleep. Devices like the Oura Ring can even suggest optimal bedtimes based on activity levels and sleep history. Beyond sleep, some smart rings monitor body temperature and provide data on stress levels, offering a more complete picture of overall wellbeing.
Fitness Monitoring
Smart rings can also track movement and calories burned, similar to traditional fitness trackers. While users cannot see live statistics on the ring itself, the companion app stores all activity data for review. This setup suits individuals who prefer monitoring their progress without being constantly prompted by live metrics.
Notifications and Payments
Some smart rings extend functionality beyond health tracking. Depending on software integrations, rings can provide insights into fertility, send alerts for calls and messages, and even facilitate contactless payments. This versatility makes smart rings a compact alternative to traditional smartwatches while still providing many of the same benefits.
