Smartwatches are great… until they’re not. Maybe you’re tired of a bulky screen on your wrist, hate sleeping with a watch, or just want health tracking that doesn’t scream “I’m tracking my health.” That’s why smart rings are having a moment. Trevor and I were discussing whether the best smart rings can actually replace a watch for most people, or if they’re still a “nice-to-have” gadget.
If you care about sleep, recovery, and everyday health metrics—but you don’t want another glowing rectangle on your arm—this guide will help you pick the right ring and decide if it’s time to ditch the watch.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, TrevMart earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Why Smart Rings Are Taking Off (and Who They’re Really For)
Smart rings focus on the stuff most people actually stick with: sleep tracking, resting heart rate, stress, and trends over time. They’re lighter than watches, they don’t snag on sleeves, and they’re easier to wear 24/7.
They’re best for:
- Sleep-first users who want consistent, comfortable overnight tracking
- Minimalists who don’t like screens or constant notifications
- Recovery-minded athletes who care about readiness and trends more than live workout stats
They’re not ideal if you rely on a watch for GPS runs, real-time pace, or tapping through workouts on a screen. Most rings can track activity, but watches still win for guided training and outdoor sports.
What to Look for in the Best Smart Rings
Not all rings track the same metrics with the same accuracy. Before you buy, focus on these basics.
Fit and Sizing
Fit affects accuracy. A ring that’s too loose can misread heart rate and sleep stages. Look for brands that include a sizing kit and multiple ring sizes.
Health Metrics That Matter
- Heart rate (resting + sleeping) for recovery and long-term trends
- HRV to estimate stress and readiness
- Skin temperature trends for recovery insights and cycle tracking
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) for sleep breathing insights (varies by ring)
Battery Life and Charging
A ring should be “set it and forget it.” Aim for at least 4–7 days. If you’re charging every day, you’ll stop wearing it.
App Experience and Subscription Costs
Some rings are cheap up front, then charge a monthly fee. Others cost more once, but keep most features unlocked. The “best” pick depends on whether you’d rather pay once or pay over time.
The Best Smart Rings Right Now (TrevMart Picks)
Oura Ring (Gen 3): Best Overall for Sleep and Recovery
Oura is still the ring most competitors chase. The sleep and readiness scores are easy to understand, and the app is polished. If your priority is better sleep habits and recovery tracking, this is the safest bet.
- Best for: sleep tracking, recovery trends, overall app quality
- Battery: typically around 4–7 days (depends on settings and size)
- Standout benefit: simple, consistent scoring that helps you change behavior
Pros:
- Excellent sleep insights that are easy to act on
- Strong readiness/recovery guidance without being overwhelming
- Comfortable enough for 24/7 wear
Cons:
- Most features require a subscription
- No screen or live workout controls (by design)
Samsung Galaxy Ring: Best for Samsung Phone Owners
If you live in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring makes a lot of sense. It’s designed to play nicely with Samsung Health, and it’s built for people who want passive tracking without changing their whole routine.
- Best for: Samsung users who want seamless health tracking
- Battery: generally multi-day, depending on size and features
- Standout benefit: convenient integration that reduces app juggling
Pros:
- Smooth experience inside Samsung Health
- Comfortable, lightweight alternative to a watch
- Great option if you already use Samsung’s health features
Cons:
- Best features may be most valuable inside the Samsung ecosystem
- Not a full smartwatch replacement for sports tracking
Ultrahuman Ring AIR: Best for Fitness Nerds Who Love Data
Ultrahuman leans into performance, recovery, and metabolic-style insights. If you like experimenting with routines—late meals, caffeine timing, training load—this ring gives you plenty to work with.
- Best for: data-driven users and training/recovery experimentation
- Battery: typically several days, depending on settings
- Standout benefit: detailed breakdowns that help you spot patterns faster
Pros:
- Strong, granular health and recovery insights
- Great for habit experiments and performance tuning
- Comfortable for sleep and daily wear
Cons:
- Can feel “busy” if you just want simple scores
- You’ll get the most value if you actually check the data
RingConn Smart Ring: Best Budget-Friendly Smart Ring (No-Fuss Pick)
RingConn tends to attract buyers who want the core health tracking experience with fewer ongoing costs. If you’re smart-ring curious and want a solid entry point, this is often the value play.
- Best for: shoppers who want the essentials without paying premium pricing
- Battery: often longer than many premium rings (varies by use)
- Standout benefit: strong basics at a typically lower total cost
Pros:
- Good value for everyday health tracking
- Battery life is usually a strong point
- Simple way to try ring tracking without going all-in
Cons:
- App experience may feel less polished than top-tier options
- Advanced insights can be lighter depending on the metric
Can a Smart Ring Replace a Smartwatch?
For some people, yes. For others, not even close.
When You Can Ditch the Watch
- You mainly want sleep, recovery, and resting heart trends
- You don’t care about notifications on your body
- You prefer passive tracking that doesn’t distract you
When You Should Keep the Watch (or Use Both)
- You train with GPS runs, cycling, or structured workouts
- You want real-time stats (pace, zones, intervals) on a screen
- You use your watch for calls, payments, music controls, or quick replies
Martin’s Take (TrevMart Tip)
Martin’s Take: Order the sizing kit and wear the test ring for a full day—typing, lifting, washing dishes, sleeping. If it annoys you even once during normal life, size up or switch fingers. A smart ring you don’t enjoy wearing becomes an expensive drawer accessory.
Quick Buying Checklist
- Pick your priority: sleep/recovery (Oura), ecosystem (Samsung), deep insights (Ultrahuman), value (RingConn)
- Confirm your phone compatibility and app preference
- Budget for subscriptions if the ring requires one
- Decide your “watch plan”: ring-only, watch-only, or ring + watch for workouts
Final Verdict: Is It Time to Ditch the Watch?
If your smartwatch has turned into a sleep tracker that you occasionally glance at, a smart ring is a cleaner, more comfortable upgrade. The best smart rings deliver the health insights most people want without the screen addiction.
But if you train outdoors, rely on GPS, or want real-time workout guidance, keep the watch—and consider pairing it with a ring for better sleep and recovery tracking.
What are you trying to track most—sleep, workouts, stress, or overall health trends—and would you actually give up your smartwatch for a ring?
