Top Smart Rings for Monitoring Sleep and Health

Thinking about picking up a smart ring? Good news: finding the right one is pretty straightforward at the moment. The downside is that your options for reliability and trustworthiness are somewhat limited, as this tech is still in its early stages.

Smart rings are experiencing a revival, which means a lot of experimental designs and new brands that might not be on your radar. I spent last summer testing six different rings, feeling like a high-tech mob boss. While some of these products are decent, many lack the refinement you’d expect from more established categories like smartwatches or headphones.

Here’s what you need to know: smart rings are primarily health trackers. They offer a more discreet option for monitoring your wellness, especially for sleep tracking, compared to smartwatches. However, most don’t feature smart alarms or push notifications, making them better suited for casual athletes or those focused on wellness. Serious athletes might find a smartwatch or fitness tracker more beneficial, with a smart ring serving as a secondary data source. Plus, weightlifters should be cautious, as rings can easily get scratched against equipment.

With that in mind, here’s the top smart ring for most users in 2025, along with a few noteworthy alternatives for the more adventurous tech enthusiasts.

Best Smart Ring for Most People
Oura Ring 4

No surprise here: the Oura Ring 4 takes the crown. I can already hear some of you grumbling about the subscription fee. While Oura’s $5.99 monthly charge can feel hefty, especially with so many apps and devices vying for your cash, it still stands out for its hardware, size options, features, app quality, and commitment to research. Many current smart rings have taken cues from Oura over the years.

The jump from the Oura Ring Gen 3 to the Gen 4 was mostly about software improvements, with some minor hardware tweaks. The key upgrades include a more accurate heart rate and blood oxygen algorithm, better automatic activity detection, and a wider size range from 4 to 15. The app has been revamped for a cleaner look, and Oura recently added AI-powered meal logging and glucose tracking, which requires a separate purchase of a Dexcom Stelo CGM. They also introduced an AI chatbot, which, while not groundbreaking, offers some useful insights.

Recently, Oura launched Health Panels, allowing users to schedule blood tests at local Quest Diagnostics for $99, giving access to around 50 biomarkers related to cardiovascular and metabolic health.

In addition to the metal versions released last year, Oura has introduced colorful ceramic options starting at $499. The original metal version can scuff over time, but the new ceramic rings are more durable, made from zirconia ceramic, which is tougher than steel. However, they are thicker and heavier, which might affect comfort during long wear.

I’ve been testing various Oura Ring models since 2018, and each generation has improved in accuracy, design, and comfort. The company consistently shares research and updates, and I’ve seen significant investment in Oura. In this emerging market, these factors are crucial. While some newer competitors have unique features, Oura remains my top recommendation for its reliability and experience.

Honorable Mentions
If subscriptions are a dealbreaker for you, here are some solid alternatives to the Oura Ring.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

The $400 Samsung Galaxy Ring excels in hardware. Its charging case is more stylish than Oura’s, and I find the slightly concave design more comfortable. It also offers a wide size range. If you’re already using a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Ultra, you’ll benefit from extended battery life. Plus, if you have the latest Galaxy Z Flip 7 or Z Fold 7, you can use gesture controls to operate the camera with the ring.

Samsung has some intriguing ecosystem ideas for the Galaxy Ring, but while there’s currently no subscription, unlocking its full potential can be pricey. Without discounts, you could be looking at $1,800 to nearly $3,000 for the phone, watch, and ring combo. Keep in mind, this is a first-gen device, so it has its quirks, and Samsung is still refining sleep tracking accuracy and health features.

Ultrahuman Ring Air

I’m also impressed with the $350 Ultrahuman Ring Air. It gave the Oura Ring a run for its money during my tests last year. While it’s not quite as accurate, it matches Oura in comfort and design. The app focuses more on fitness than wellness, and instead of a subscription, it offers “PowerPlugs” for additional features. Some are free, like smart alarms and cycle tracking, while others, like atrial fibrillation detection, come with a fee.

RingConn Gen 2 Air

Lastly, I’ve been testing the RingConn Gen 2 Air, a slimmer, entry-level version of its Gen 2 ring. At $200, it’s the most affordable smart ring I’ve tried, and it feels much nicer than the original. The squarish shape of the previous model was uncomfortable, but this one is more streamlined and comfortable. It’s generally accurate, and the app leans heavily on AI, with mixed results. Battery life is impressive, lasting around eight to nine days on a single charge, which is better than any other smart ring I’ve tested.

What’s Coming Next
* Sandbar, founded by former Meta employees, has announced the AI-powered Stream Ring, available for preorder ahead of its expected summer 2026 release. Priced at $249 for silver and $349 for gold, it features an aluminum body, a black resin band, and a button for capturing voice notes. It also supports a personalized AI chatbot and promises all-day battery life.
* Pebble is entering the smart ring market with the Index 01, available for preorder at $75 ahead of its March 2026 launch. Unlike other smart rings, it focuses on capturing voice notes, setting timers, and creating reminders. Recorded audio is sent to the Pebble app for iOS or Android, where you can view a feed of your audio and transcriptions. Pebble claims the Index 01’s battery lasts a couple of years but is not rechargeable, so once it’s dead, that’s it.