With a growing emphasis on health awareness, wearable technology has become an indispensable way to monitor our bodies. Two main options are available: health tracking rings also known as health monitor rings and smartwatches. Which suits you better? This review dissects the key differences between the two.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the comparison, let’s briefly define these two types of wearable devices:
The health tracking rings are relatively small ring-shaped devices that can be worn on the finger. Their objective is to be discreet and comfortable to be worn continuously, yet their small form factor hosts an impressive number of sensors.
Smartwatches are computers strapped to a regular watch and then some: track personal health, show you notifications, and sometimes allow us to make calls or use an app.
Key Features: Functionality and Capabilities
Both health tracking rings and smart wearables are like smart technologies that allow you to track some aspects of your health and physique. Nevertheless, these two groups have certain differences.
Core Functionality
At their core, both types of devices typically offer:
Step counting
Heart rate monitoring
Sleep tracking
Blood oxygen level measurement (in some models)
Additional Features
This is where smartwatches often have an edge over health-tracking rings:
Smartwatch Additional Features
Notifications (calls, texts, emails, app alerts)
Music Control
Mobile payments
Built-in GPS
App support
Voice assistants
Cellular connectivity (in some models)
Health Tracking Ring Additional Features
Although health tracker rings tend to have fewer features than smartwatches, they do tend to have more of:
Detailed sleep analysis
Temperature monitoring
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) tracking
Focus and Accuracy
As such, while most smartwatches will offer a baffling array of features, health-tracking rings tend to be more single-minded in what they offer (even if they come from a staggering array of interfaces and display styles). This very simplicity can be an advantage: the paucity of features on the Oura compared with, say, an Apple Watch, may allow it to focus entirely on perfecting that super-important core health-tracking function.
Design and Comfort
A device that’s beautifully designed and comfortable enough to wear every day is a big help when it comes to your resolve to wear the device regularly.
Wearability
Lightweight and compact
Suitable for 24/7 wear, including during sleep
Often water-resistant
Larger and heavier than rings
May be uncomfortable for some during sleep
Adjustable straps to fit different wrist sizes
Often water-resistant, though levels vary between models
Style and Aesthetics
Health Tracking Rings
Minimalist, sleek design
Limited customization options
Discreet for those who prefer subtlety
Wide variety of styles (sporty to elegant)
Customizable watch faces
Interchangeable bands for different looks
Battery Life
Battery life is clearly important for how often you need to keep charging the thing, and potentially disrupting tracking when the device is offline.
Long battery life (several days to weeks)
Less frequent charging
Quick charging time
Shorter battery life (often requiring daily charging)
More power-hungry features (GPS, large screens)
Some offer wireless or fast-charging options
The varying battery life of different devices can dramatically affect the continuity of health tracking. With a health-tracking ring, you’re much more likely to get longer periods of unbroken tracking; a health-tracking ring user with an occasional missed charge might have longer periods of empty data than a smartwatch wearer who forgets to charge as regularly.
Price Considerations
Concerning price, there`s some variation in both classes yet a few generalizations could be made.
Typically range from $200 to $400
Often offer good value for those primarily interested in health tracking
Broader price range ($100 for basic models to $1000+ for high-end or luxury models)
Price often correlates with the number and sophistication of features
When considering the price:
If you’re just after a device to help with health tracking, a ring might be better value.
If you want a multipurpose gadget, a smartwatch could be worth the cost.
Data Accuracy and Reliability
But the accuracy of what they tell you is absolutely fundamental if that information is meant to underpin key decisions about your health, fitness or otherwise.
Specialized focus on health tracking
Consistency due to 24/7 wearability
Finger placement can provide more accurate readings for some metrics
Advanced sensors in high-end models
Potential for inconsistency due to wrist placement
Continuous improvement through software updates
Note that accuracy can vary between devices, even models; always check what a particular device can and can’t do, and consult user reviews for some idea of real-world performance.
Integration with Health Apps and Ecosystems
Both tend to be paired with companion apps, although they link up with general health and fitness ecosystems in different ways.
Focused companion apps with deep insights
Often sync with popular health and fitness apps
Some allow raw data export
Deep integration with respective ecosystems (e.g., Apple Watch with iOS)
Broad app support
Some offer cross-platform compatibility
Privacy and Data Security
As these devices collect sensitive health information, privacy, and data security are important considerations.
Limited data collection due to focused functionality
Some offer offline tracking with user-controlled syncing
More comprehensive data collection
Often include enhanced security features like biometric authentication
For both these devices, you will also want to read the manufacturer’s policies to understand what data you will be providing to them, and how it will be stored – and potentially shared.
Choosing the Right Device: Factors to Consider
When making your choice, consider the following factors:
Desired Features: if you need something mostly for health-tracking purposes, or if you are looking for a smartwatch in addition?
Wearability and Comfort: Would you be okay with wearing a device on your wrist at all times, or would you prefer the more discreet approach of wearing a ring?
Battery Life: How often are you willing to charge your device?
Budget: What’s your price range? Consider both initial costs and potential subscription fees.
Accuracy Priorities: Which health metrics are most important to you?
Do you need one that would fit within your other smartphones, and smart apps? Ecosystem Compatibility.
Style and Customization: How important is the look of the device to you?
Issue 2: Data Privacy Concerns How comfortable are you with the amount and type of data that is collected about you?
Conclusion: Making Your Decision
So ultimately, it comes down to what you want from a health-tracking device, your preferences, and your lifestyle. Here are a few guidelines.
A health tracking ring might be best for you if:
Your primary focus is on health and fitness tracking
Do you prefer a discreet, comfortable device for 24/7 wear
Long battery life is a priority
You don’t need smartwatch features like notifications or apps
A smartwatch might be the better choice if:
You want a multi-functional device that goes beyond health tracking
You enjoy having a screen for quick access to information and apps
You’re already invested in a particular tech ecosystem (like Apple or Google)
You don’t mind charging your device more frequently in exchange for more features
There is no single ‘best’ device. Instead, it’s the one that you will wear, and the one that delivers the data and features you’ll actually use to enhance your health and wellbeing.
If at all possible, do try out both kinds of devices and see which one works best, possibly stealing your friend’s iPhone for a day or two and taking advantage of clever ‘re-shipping’ return policies that return items free to the ‘wrong’ address. See if what it’s telling you – to get up from your desk, say – harmonizes with your day-to-day existence as you’re living it. Most importantly, does the data it provides you with change your behavior for the better?
Which device you pick and what you do with it is up to you. Your body is the ultimate wearable device – the readings on your wrist are only meaningful insofar as they help inform your actions. The real secrets to a healthier, more efficient you lie in what you do with the insights gleaned from your wearable. Think of your wearable as a health-awareness system – not a replacement for your doctor or a replacement for your own awareness of what feels right for your body.
Obviously, technology is going to get better over time, and in another five years, we can expect to see some even more powerful, highly specialized health-tracking wearables. For now, though, the health-tracking ring should provide all you need to understand and improve your health. Choose the one that fits the aims of your fitness and well-being motivation and let it serve as a navigational aid on your path to wellness.
