The Only Smart Rings Worth Buying in 2026

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.OuraProsSlim, comfortable, and stylishRarely needs to be chargedA well designed app that gives clear wellness suggestionsConsSubscription membership is essentialWhen I first saw the Oura Ring 5 I was stunned by just how thin it was. Now that it’s in public hands, I don’t have to talk the talk anymore; everyone can see it. It’s a remarkable revolution in form factor for the category and easily the slimmest, most comfortable smart ring out there. On the software side, it’s more about evolution, not revolution.With nap detection, blood-oxygen sensing, workout insights, and 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, the features housed in the slim design are being added and improved upon constantly. For me, though, it’s all about having a gadget that tracks my daily rhythms and encourages me to make healthier decisions. That’s the reason I wear it every day. The Oura app organizes my data clearly and cleanly, and inspires me to get better sleep without sending (too many) annoying push notifications. One of the few subscriptions in my life worth paying a premium for.ProsNothing else looks as good as the ceramic finishAll the software features you know and loveConsSame price as the Oura Ring 5No longer available in Tide or Petal I love my Oura Ring 5, but if I’m going purely on how many compliments I got, this might be the best-looking smart ring out there. The Ceramic finish was a late addition in the life cycle of the Oura Ring 4, but it’s one that I hope gets revived down the line for the Oura 5. The sensors aren’t quite as advanced (or flush) as the ones on the Oura Ring 5, but this is still a best-in-class smart ring, with all the software features and updates Oura 5 users get.Personally, I have the lighter blue-green Tide color and adore it, but both that and the Petal (pink) rings are currently sold out at most retailers. The Midnight and Cloud colors are what’s left and honestly, if this sounds of interest to you at all, I’d snag one before they are all gone.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsUp to 14 days of battery lifeCustomizable vibration alerts Free software with advanced insightsConsChunkier than the Oura Ring 5App isn't as well designed as OuraThe other brand to buy right now is RingConn. It’s the only company to reach a patent license agreement with Oura, which also begs the question: how similar is it to an Oura Ring?Pretty damn similar—RingConn even also sells a portable charging case for its latest ring. In terms of size (aka chunkiness) the Gen 3 RingConn is somewhere between the Oura Ring 4 and 5, technically closer to the 5. Fundamentally, you are getting similar sleep, fitness, and vital tracking but without needing to pay a subscription. The app itself isn’t quite as elegant or expensive-looking as the Oura app, but it is comparable to Google or Samsung Health.The one feature that sets RingConn apart for me is you can set up haptic alerts. If the device notices you are inactive or your vitals fall below a certain threshold, you can have it give you a gentle vibration. This can also work as an alarm or a low-battery indicator—the possibility space is honestly impressive.ProsA slimmer, lighter fit than the Gen 3Up to 10 days of battery lifeConsLacks more advanced features like sleep apnea monitoringNo vibration alertsThe RingConn Gen 2 Air gets the award for being the only worthwhile smart ring you can buy at this price or lower. The Amazfit Helio is alright but those only come in even sizes so I can’t even buy one that fits me. For only $200, and lacking even the hooks for a subscription, you’re getting a slim ring that rivals the Oura 5 in terms of weight and thickness.Some of the more advanced features you’d expect from other smart rings (including sleep apnea and vascular health monitoring) are lacking here. It also lacks the vibration alerts that I find set the RingConn 3 apart from the competition. If you value fit and style over tech, this is the best value, and it comes in silver or a copper “Dune” gold.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThe Other Smart Rings I TriedAmazfit Helio Ring ($154): I’ve spent a number of weeks with the Helio Ring from Amazfit (a brand whose smartwatch I adore). It’s a solid pick on a budget, but the Zepp Health app and the lack of odd-number sizes were deal-breakers for me. I wear size 11 in my Oura and Galaxy Rings, but the Amazfit ring only comes in sizes 10 and 12. This led to me wearing a ring that was just a little bit too big. Until it introduces more sizing options, I’m hesitant to recommend this one.Pulse Ring ($229): This is a bit different from other smart rings. It’s not a tracker, it’s a mindfulness reminder. The ring will send you pulses to remind you to recenter yourself and it will also walk you through guided breathing and meditation. On paper, it sounds amazing.On the whole, the experience still leaves something to be desired, but it is an interesting approach that bears paying attention to.What to Consider When Choosing a Smart RingAside from fitting properly (if buy directly from Oura you a free fitting kit with purchase, FYI), there are some factors to keep in mind when deciding which smart ring to pick up. These are our big four.Style: Part of the wearable experience is wearing it and other people seeing that. You want something that will look nice and complement your wedding band or whatever other accessories you’re wearing. In our opinion, a smart ring should look classy and be indistinguishable enough from a regular band that your girlfriend’s mom starts freaking out the moment she sees it.Battery Life: Imagine the difference between a four-day workweek (heaven) and a seven-day one (hell). That’s the difference between four and seven days of battery life in a smart ring. This shit matters. Bonus points for getting a portable charging case upon purchase.App Reliability: While a ring tracks your steps, pulse, and sleep down to the minute, all of that data goes to an app. This is where you go in order to actually, you know, view it. So making sure that the app is reliable, and that you enjoy using it, is a pretty smart thing to look into before you make a purchase. This is a major reason Oura is easy to recommend.Extra Costs: Speaking of Oura, extras like an annual subscription fee can be a real deal-breaker. Pay attention to other extra costs like paying to upgrade the finish or get your ring engraved.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowFAQsHow do I choose my size?Many smart rings will send you a sizing kit, while others will offer them for a small fee, often $10. It’s worth noting that sizing is inconsistent between rings as well. If it’s your first time wearing a brand’s ring, it might be wise to get a sizing kit.Which is the best finger to wear a smart ring on?All the experts I’ve spoken to on the smart-ring side of things say the index finger gets the most accurate readings. Due to a baseball accident in my youth, it’s more comfortable for me to wear mine on my middle finger. Across all these rings, I’ve never found that to be a hinderance to getting accurate readings. But placing it on your index finger is a good choice that won’t interfere with any wedding rings.