Smart rings are small and convenient, but they’re not for everyone
Smart rings vs. smartwatches: which is the best choice? As smart rings become more popular and enter the public consciousness, many people are asking this question. but there’s no straightforward answer. Both devices serve similar purposes, but are made for different people with different preferences. In this guide, I’ll help you decide which is right for you.
Many tech reviewers have suggested that smart rings could signal the end of smartwatches. But based on my extensive testing of the best smart rings, I can confidently say they won’t suit everyone. While it might seem that wearing a tracker on your finger could be more comfortable and convenient, this isn’t always the case. You’ll also need to consider accuracy, design, price, and tracking features.
It may also be helpful to consider some of the best fitness trackers on the market. There’s an overlap between the best smartwatches and fitness trackers: although smart rings are gaining popularity, many find that budget-friendly fitness trackers can offer a more reliable and straightforward way to monitor health, sleep, and fitness.
Drawing from my years of experience testing smart rings and smartwatches, I’ve created this guide so you can decide whether a smart ring or a smartwatch is right for you based on your budget, preferences, and priorities.Smart ring vs smartwatch: Comfort, design and durability
Choosing between a smartwatch and a smart ring largely depends on personal preference. Smartwatches offer adjustable straps for a perfect fit and can be customized by swapping out straps with different materials and colors.
However, if you find wearing something on your wrist uncomfortable, a smart ring might be a better alternative. While smart rings don’t offer adjustable sizing, many companies will send you a sizing kit with plastic dummy rings to help you find the ideal one for you. Most of the ones I’ve tested so far have been incredibly comfortable with a snug fit.
They’re designed to be comfortable enough to wear overnight, whereas many people dislike wearing watches to bed.
Although these rings are fixed in design, they tend to be more discreet and resemble jewelery, bringing you a sleeker, less sporty look compared to most smartwatches and fitness trackers. However, many do still seem bulky when you compare them to regular rings, especially on smaller hands – don’t let the marketing messages that they’re all incredibly slim and dainty fool you.
Like all wearable technology, smart rings are also susceptible to wear and tear. During my tests, those with matte black finishes, like the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Circular Ring Slim, showed significant signs of scratching after just a few days. More premium smartwatches, on the other hand, are designed with durability in mind.
Winner: Smart ringsSmart ring vs smart watch: Screens, apps and smartphone features
If you prefer a device with a screen, you’ll need to choose a smartwatch or a larger fitness tracker. Smart rings are designed to be more passive – though some models now include added features, like vibrating alarms. This makes smart rings an excellent choice if you’re trying to reduce your screen time but still want to monitor your health. Alternatively, you could consider a screenless wrist-based tracker, like the Whoop 4.0, which focuses purely on fitness tracking without digital distractions.
While the lack of a screen might be part of the smart ring appeal, consider whether you might miss this feature 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.
