Forget the traditional clip-on pedometers — modern fitness tracking is more streamlined, intelligent, and subtle than ever before. While smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Fitbit have led the wearable technology market for quite some time, a new player is emerging: the smart ring.

Smart rings are small, fashionable, and equipped with advanced health-monitoring technology. At first glance, they appear to be regular jewelry — simple bands fashioned in gold, silver, or black. However, inside, they boast sophisticated sensors capable of tracking everything from your steps and calorie expenditure to your sleep cycles, heart rate, and stress levels, all via your finger.

If you’re thinking about elevating your fitness tracker, a smart ring could be the ideal next move. We dedicated weeks to testing the most popular models available to assist you in finding the best fit for your lifestyle.

Why Opt for a Smart Ring?

Smart rings offer more than just basic fitness tracking. While they do tally your steps and approximate calories burned, their true advantage lies in delivering a broader perspective on your overall health. These rings provide insights into your sleep quality, cardiovascular wellness, and stress levels — all without the heft of a smartwatch.

They’re particularly attractive if you’re not keen on the aesthetic or feel of conventional fitness trackers or smartwatches with glaring LED screens. Smart rings are crafted to be unobtrusive, seamlessly integrating with your daily accessories. That being said, they aren’t entirely unnoticeable — during our evaluations, people frequently spotted and inquired about the ring.

One drawback is that smart rings lack screens, so you’ll need to check your phone to access your health information. While this may be a disadvantage for some, especially those accustomed to the convenience of a smartwatch, combining a smart ring with a smartwatch can deliver the best of both worlds. Throughout our testing, we wore a smart ring along with an Apple Watch, and appreciated the compatibility with push notifications and additional tracking capabilities.

What’s the Top Smart Ring?

The smart ring market is experiencing rapid expansion, with new models being introduced regularly. In 2024, Samsung launched its own smart ring, and while Apple has yet to unveil one, it’s likely just a matter of time.

Currently, the leading contender in the smart ring arena is the Oura Ring. After thorough testing, we found it to provide the most extensive biometric tracking available. It tracks your health around the clock and focuses on both daily and long-term wellness objectives, making it an excellent option for anyone keen on gaining a deeper understanding of their body.

However, the Oura Ring does have a caveat: a monthly subscription charge for full access to its features. If that’s a dealbreaker, don’t fret — we also examined several other smart rings that deliver excellent functionality without the recurring expense.

In summary, if you’re ready to enhance your health tracking in a discreet, stylish manner, a smart ring might just become your newest favorite wearable.