Wearable tech has evolved beyond just smartwatches—smart rings are here to revolutionize the way many track health metrics and stay connected. As technology continues to advance, these compact yet powerful devices are becoming increasingly popular. Smartwatches, with their versatile functionality and sleek designs, have long dominated the market. Now, smart rings are emerging as a game-changing alternative for those seeking a more discreet option. Both devices offer unique features that cater to different needs and lifestyles.
Explore the key differences between smart rings and smartwatches to help you decide which wearable is right for you.
What are smart rings and smartwatches?
Wearable devices have redefined how users manage health, productivity, and connectivity. Smart rings and smartwatches are two popular options, each with its own strengths. While smart rings are compact and subtle, smartwatches are feature-packed and highly interactive. Let’s dive deeper into what these devices offer.
Smart rings
Smart rings are compact devices you can wear as a fashionable accessory on your finger. They’re perfect for those who want essential health monitoring in a minimalist package. Despite their small size, they pack impressive features like:
- Health tracking: Smart rings excel in providing vital health metrics, including heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and stress. Top smart ring brands are particularly noted for their ability to provide in-depth sleep analytics and recovery insights.
- Smart home integration: Many smart rings can connect to smart home ecosystems, enabling you to control devices like lights, thermostats, and locks with just a tap or gesture. This feature enhances the appeal of smart rings for everyday convenience.
- Contactless payments: With integrated NFC technology, popular smart ring brands can make contactless payments, so you won’t need to carry a wallet or even a phone for small purchases.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches are a fantastic addition to any look. With larger screens, they offer a broader tech experience. They typically include:
- Health and fitness tracking: Smartwatches include health tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, SpO2 measurement, and stress analysis. They also provide robust fitness and activity tracking, including workouts, steps, calories, and advanced metrics like VO2 max and training load. A number of smartwatch brands delivers user-friendly fitness insights for everyday activities and specialized analytics for athletes, offering comprehensive metrics to suit a variety of fitness levels and goals.
- Connectivity: Many smartwatches keep you connected. With seamless integration with smartphones, you can receive notifications, answer calls, send messages, and even access apps directly on your wrist.
- Customization: These devices offer extensive customization options. You can change bands or download different watch faces and apps. You can personalize your smartwatch to fit both your style and needs.
- Contactless payments: Many smartwatches come equipped with NFC technology, so you can make contactless payments directly from your wrist, eliminating the need to carry cash or a card, making transactions quick and hassle-free.
Feature comparison: smart rings vs. smartwatches
When choosing between a smart ring and a smartwatch, it’s important to understand their key features and functionalities. While both wearables offer impressive benefits, they cater to different preferences and needs. Check out this detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Health tracking
- Smart rings: These compact wearable devices excel in tracking vital health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and stress levels. One standout example is the Oura Ring, which is highly regarded for its exceptional sleep monitoring features. The Samsung Galaxy Ring, on the other hand, offers daily Energy Score to help you assess your readiness before workout.
- Smartwatches: Smartwatches offer a more extensive array of health and fitness tracking capabilities. They’re equipped with built-in GPS for outdoor activities, step counting, calorie tracking, and even advanced fitness metrics. Fitbit fitness trackers, for instance, are known for their user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive data for everyday fitness. Garmin smartwatches offer specialized metrics like oxygen levels, training load, and performance analytics, making them indispensable for serious training and outdoor adventures.
Screen and notifications
- Smart rings: Smart rings offer subtle vibration alerts for notifications. Without looking at screens, you can stay connected minus the distraction of a visible display, making smart rings a good option for those seeking simplicity.
- Smartwatches: With larger displays, you can access your favourite apps and check notifications on-screen. With immediate access to calls, texts, and other alerts, smartwatches offer convenience for those who need constant connectivity.
Functionality
- Smart rings: Apart from core health tracking, many smart rings excel in providing essential features like NFC payments and smart home controls. They are particularly beneficial for users who prioritize specific tasks over a wide array of functions. For instance, a user who values efficient sleep tracking might opt for a smart ring to receive detailed rest and recovery analytics. Similarly, those who prefer discreet wearable technology for NFC-enabled transactions might find a smart ring ideal for their needs.
- Smartwatches: Smartwatches deliver comprehensive functionality. Aside from health and fitness tracking, there’s a lot more you can do. With phone integration or network access, you can make calls, send texts, check emails, and jump on your favourite apps. The Apple Watch, in particular, excels in integrating with the iPhone, providing smooth and intuitive user experience. Smartwatches are perfect for users seeking a wearable that seamlessly integrates fitness tracking, health monitoring, and everyday productivity features into a single, convenient tool.
Style and comfort
- Smart rings: Their minimalistic design is ideal for all-day wear, suitable for user who prefer simplicity. With comfort in mind, many smart rings from well-known brands use lightweight yet durable materials. For example, the Ultrahuman Ring Air features an outer shell made from fighter jet-grade titanium. Plus, it has a tungsten carbide carbon coating for exceptional strength.
- Smartwatches: Compared to smart rings, smartwatches are bulkier and more noticeable due to their larger displays and additional hardware. Many are designed with a sporty or fitness-focused aesthetic, which appeals to users who prioritize function over subtlety. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, for example, boasts a robust build that can withstand the toughest environments, a reliable companion for people who love outdoor adventures or extreme sports.
Battery life
- Smart rings: Typically, they last between 3–7 days on a single charge, smart ring’s impressive battery life stems from their low power usage and lack of a power-draining display, making them a convenient choice for users who prefer minimal charging routines.
- Smartwatches: Smartwatches usually require charging every 1–2 days. With larger screens, constant connectivity, and advanced features like GPS and app integration, they consume significant power.
Price
- Smart rings: Smart rings are generally more affordable, with premium models ranging from $300 to $400. This makes them an accessible option for users who want the core features.
- Smartwatches: Smartwatches offer a broader price range, starting from budget-friendly options at $150 to premium models exceeding $1,000. The variety allows users to choose a device that fits their budget while offering the desired level of functionality.
Who should choose what?
Choose a smart ring if you:
- Want discreet, lightweight wearables for all-day comfort: Its sleek design ensures it’s comfortable for wearing all day long.
- Prioritize sleep tracking and recovery insights: A smart ring can provide detailed sleep analytics to help you improve your rest and overall health.
- Need NFC-enabled devices for contactless payments: Find a smart ring that’s NFC-enabled to make purchase transactions easy without needing a screen.
- Want basic health tracking without constant screen interaction: A smart ring offers a discreet way to track your health metrics, allowing you to stay focused on your activities without frequent distraction.
Choose a smartwatch if you:
- Need advanced health and fitness tracking with GPS and workout-specific metrics: A smartwatch can provide detailed insights into your workouts and daily activities, helping you achieve your fitness goals.
- Prefer to read health and fitness insights and access apps right on the same device: This allows you to have all your essential information and tools at your fingertips, making it convenient to manage your daily activities and wellness.
- Want multiple functionalities for communication, navigation, as well as entertainment: Many smartwatches let you make calls, send text or emails, or use GPS for directions. They also provide access to streaming apps, so you can play music or crank up the volume right from the watch.
- Engage in outdoor sports or activities that require rugged wearables: Built for people with active lifestyle, top-tier smartwatches can withstand harsh conditions, offering protective features like water- and shock-resistance.
- Need a device for contactless payments: With built-in NFT technology, many smartwatches allow you to make secure transactions.
Ready to explore more about smartwatches? Read our smartwatch buying guide.
Pros and cons: smart rings vs. smartwatches
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of smart rings and smartwatches to help you decide which aligns better with your needs:
| Device | Pros | Cons |
| Smart rings | 1. Compact and discreet 2. Long battery life 3. Excellent for sleep and recovery tracking | 1. Limited features compared to smartwatches 2. No display for direct interaction with device |
| Smartwatches | 1. Broad functionality and app integration 2. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users | 1. Shorter battery life 2. Bulkier design, compared to smart ring, may not suit all users |
Which wearable tech is right for you?
Choosing between a smart ring and a smartwatch depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Smart rings are best for minimalist users seeking superior sleep tracking and other core health monitoring features in a discreet package. Smartwatches, on the other hand, are great for those who want multifunctional devices with advanced fitness tracking, connectivity, and productivity features.
If you value style, simplicity, and long battery life, a smart ring might be the perfect choice. If you’re looking for an all-in-one device for fitness and connectivity, a smartwatch is the way to go. Ultimately, the right wearable is the one that fits seamlessly into your daily life.
Explore our collection of smart rings and smartwatches to find the wearable that suits you.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
