How Do I Choose the Right Smart Ring Size?

Some smart rings come in standard sizes, but there is variation, and half sizes are rare, so it's worth taking some time to ensure you get the correct ring size. Most manufacturers will send you a free sizing kit, enabling you to wear a dummy ring for at least 24 hours. Your smart ring should be snug to enable the sensors to measure accurately, but you don't want it so tight that it restricts blood flow. Bear in mind that your fingers swell and shrink throughout the day.

Note: You may have to buy the ring directly from the manufacturer to get the sizing kit for free.

Which Finger Should I Wear My Smart Ring On?

You can wear your smart ring on any finger, but most manufacturers recommend wearing these gadgets on your index finger for the most accuracy, though the middle or ring finger can also work. These three fingers all have large blood vessels for more accurate pulse monitoring. What’s really important is that the ring fits tightly and securely around the base of your chosen finger, so if you have a big knuckle and a narrower finger base (more common with the middle or ring finger), this can be tricky. I recommend wearing it on the index finger of your less dominant hand because I found wearing it on my right index finger, as a right-handed person, led to more damage on the ring and scrapes.

How Do I Care for My Smart Ring?

Regular cleaning can help maintain accurate tracking and prevent skin irritation. Use mild soap and water to remove buildup and oils. Wipe the inner sensors with a soft cloth. Always dry the ring and your finger completely after handwashing.

Most smart rings are built to handle everyday wear, but if you want to avoid damage, it's best to remove them when working with tools, lifting heavy weights, or playing contact sports. I'd also remove mine during chores like washing dishes or cooking, especially when abrasive products are involved.

How Often Do I Need to Charge My Smart Ring?

Most models need to be charged every five to eight days. I tested the smart rings above with all the functionalities turned on, so my battery life estimates are typically lower than the manufacturer's claims.

Smart rings come with a charging cable (and sometimes a charging case), but you will generally have to provide your own wall adapter. From dead, they take anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours to fully charge, but you should avoid letting the battery run down completely, or you run the risk of losing health data. Oura recommends charging your ring for short bursts and during moments of low activity, such as cooking or showering. The company also suggests charging your smart ring to at least 30 percent before bed to ensure uninterrupted sleep monitoring.

What Smart Ring Features Should I Look For?

Choosing the best smart ring for you comes down to a few key considerations:

• Biometric Tracking: At a minimum, it's worth looking for essentials like continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and daily activity tracking, all of which are pretty common across most modern models. For users who want deeper wellness insights, some devices offer more advanced features. These can include readiness or recovery scores that help you decide when to rest or push harder, body temperature sensing that can detect changes linked to stress or illness, and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring that may help flag potential breathing disturbances during sleep. Some smart rings also offer cycle tracking, which can help women monitor menstrual cycles, predict fertility windows, and better understand patterns related to hormonal changes.
• Materials and Build: Materials like titanium and ceramic are popular choices because they're durable, lightweight, and often better suited for sensitive skin thanks to their hypoallergenic properties.
• Water Resistance: A rating of at least 5 ATM (or 5 atmospheres) is ideal, as it offers protection for swimming and showering.
• Companion App: Since smart rings don't have screens, the companion app becomes the only way you view and interact with your health data. A well-designed app makes all the difference, so make sure to choose one that feels intuitive, easy to navigate, and engaging to use daily. Compatibility matters, too. Depending on your device ecosystem, you may want a ring that syncs with platforms like Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or Samsung Health.
• Battery Life: Most smart rings last around five to eight days on a single charge, depending on usage and the specific model. Choose one that fits your lifestyle, especially if you plan to wear it overnight for sleep tracking. Some newer models also include a portable charging case, which can be useful if you travel often or tend to forget to charge your devices.
• Price and Subscription Costs: The upfront cost of a smart ring is important, but some brands also lock advanced insights behind a monthly membership. Before buying, consider the total long-term cost and whether it fits within your budget. Otherwise, you may end up paying for a device without access to the features that make it most useful.

Are Smart Rings Better Than Smartwatches?

Neither is better per se. Smartwatches are designed to do more than just track health data, offering broader functionality and interactive features that allow users to check notifications, reply to messages, and even make calls right from their wrist. They're built to combine fitness tracking with everyday convenience, making them a versatile option for people who want multiple functions in one device. Smart rings take a more understated approach. Designed to be low-maintenance and discreet, they specialize in tracking health and wellness metrics in the background without the need for a display screen or interaction.

That said, here are a few reasons why you might consider a smart ring over a traditional fitness tracker or smartwatch:

• Better battery life. Smart rings are smaller and less power-hungry, which often translates to longer battery life. Most current models can run for about five to eight days on a single charge, though this varies depending on usage and brand. Smartwatches, on the other hand, tend to require more frequent charging. Battery life varies widely, but many last around one to three days before needing a recharge. Some fitness-focused trackers—like Whoop and Fitbit—tend to last longer, offering battery life of up to two weeks.
• Reliable sleep tracking. When it comes to tracking sleep and resting heart rate, smart rings often have the edge. Because they fit securely on the finger, they maintain skin contact throughout the night, which ensures more consistent readings. Because of their longer battery life, you're more likely to keep a ring on overnight without needing to recharge it, whereas many smartwatches require overnight charging. Plus, smart rings are generally more comfortable to wear to bed than bulkier wrist-based devices.
• Looks like jewelry. Smart rings are compact and often available in a range of finishes that give them the look of everyday jewelry. Their discreet design makes them suitable to wear in almost any setting, including more formal occasions where a smartwatch might look out of place. For users who prefer something low-profile, smart rings offer a more discreet alternative to health and fitness tracking.

How I Test Smart Rings

WIRED has been testing smart rings since the NFC Ring and the first-ever Oura Ring. I wear each smart ring 24/7, for at least a month, to assess how it performs in everyday life. Every ring is worn during activities like commuting, exercising, and sleeping to see how comfortable it feels over extended use and whether the design causes irritation, scratches easily, or gets in the way of everyday tasks.

• Sleep Tracking: Sleep tracking is one of the biggest reasons people buy smart rings, so I wear each device overnight for several weeks and compare data trends against other trackers I regularly use, including wearables and sleep-tracking mats. I also evaluate whether the personalized insights (readiness metrics, sleep apnea detection, and coaching recommendations) are useful.
• Fitness Tracking: I wear each ring during a range of workouts—including walks, runs, and high-intensity training—to evaluate how accurately it tracks movement, heart rate variability, and other exertion metrics. I compare data trends against other fitness trackers I regularly use.
• Durability: I expose all smart rings to daily hand washing, temperature fluctuations, and bumps. I check for scratches, coating wear, and water resistance performance.
• Companion App: Since most smart rings lack screens, companion apps need to be user-friendly. I evaluate how easy the apps are to navigate, how clearly they present health data, and whether paywalled subscriptions lock away essential features.
• Battery Life: Battery life claims are tested. I track how long each ring lasts with all available features, such as continuous heart-rate monitoring, workout recognition, and sleep tracking. I also look at how quickly each ring charges and whether its charging accessories are practical to use.
• Sizing: Because fit is critical for accurate readings and usability, I take note of sizing ranges and kits. I test multiple finger placements when possible and track performance to determine how dependable the readings are.
• Value: Some smart rings cost as much as a premium smartwatch, and many also require monthly subscriptions. To determine whether a ring is worth buying, I consider its build quality, the accuracy of its features, the app experience, and any ongoing fees.

Next up: I am testing the new Ultrahuman Ring Pro, the RingConn Gen 3, and the Pulse Ring.