At a Glance
- The Oura Ring leads in sleep and health insights, priced at $349 plus a $6 monthly fee.
- Ultrahuman Ring Air, banned in the U.S. after a lawsuit, offers workout tracking without a subscription.
- Evie Ring, the most affordable at $269, focuses on menstruation tracking but lacks actionable advice.
- Why it matters: Your choice of ring can shape how you monitor sleep, stress, fitness, and reproductive health.
Smart wearables have grown beyond watches, and the newest trend is the smart ring. A recent review tested three rings over several months, comparing sleep, fitness, and health tracking. The Oura Ring emerged as the most comprehensive, while the Ultrahuman Ring Air and Evie Ring each have niche strengths.
The Ring That Stole the Spotlight
The Oura Ring, priced at $349, is built from aerospace-grade titanium and offers a color-coded ceramic option. Its app, available on iOS and Android, displays sleep data, readiness scores, heart rate, menstrual cycle insights, and stress levels. Users can view a 24-hour timeline and a battery icon that shows remaining charge. The ring recharges every three days with a dedicated holder.
> “I was told the brand never wants to make users feel guilty for not being well-recovered or sleeping enough,” said a spokesperson during a briefing with Oura.
The ring’s AI can detect sickness and adjust activity recommendations. After a month of wear, the reviewer noted that the Oura’s sleep window-between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.-helped maintain an eight-hour sleep goal. When stress rose, the ring lowered readiness scores, prompting the reviewer to ease activity.
Key Features
- Sleep tracking: Scores out of 100 and a bedtime window based on chronotype.
- Health insights: Cardiovascular age, stress levels, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy info.
- App integration: Syncs with Apple Health, Strava, and more.
- Membership: $6/month unlocks full functionality.
The Oura Ring’s biggest drawback is its cost, but for users seeking a holistic view of health, the price may be justified.
Ultrahuman Ring Air: Fitness Focus
The Ultrahuman Ring Air launched in June 2023 for $349 and was the first ring sold by a carrier. It uses infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) to track sleep, recovery, stress, caffeine, calories, steps, and reproductive health. The ring has no subscription fee.
> “I was not a fan of the app layout for this ring because it looks busy,” said the reviewer.
Despite a thick, masculine design, the ring excels at recording various workouts-running, strength training, walking, and even household chores. However, its accuracy lags behind the Oura Ring. In a 30-minute run, the Ultrahuman Ring Air logged a pace of 17 min/mile, compared to 10:32 min/mile from the Oura and 10:25 min/mile from an Apple Watch.
Strengths
- Workout tracking: Auto-detects activity type and records heart-rate zones.
- Caffeine window: Provides a clear guideline for caffeine intake.
- No subscription: All features free.
Weaknesses
- Sleep accuracy: Offers more generous scores than the Oura.
- Workout precision: Inaccurate pacing and distance.
- App clutter: Hard to parse data quickly.
The ring is best suited for fitness enthusiasts who value workout logging over precise metrics.
Evie Ring: Menstruation-Focused Wearable
At $269, the Evie Ring is the cheapest on the list. It targets women who menstruate, tracking sleep, heart rate, exercise, and cycle data. The ring comes in silver, rose gold, and gold, with a charging case that offers up to ten additional charges.
> “Evie doesn’t make recommendations based on the information it collects,” said the reviewer.
While the app is simple, it lacks actionable advice. A recent AI chatbot update offers generic suggestions, but the ring’s core function remains a health diary. The Evie Ring does not require a subscription, but its features are limited compared to Oura and Ultrahuman.
Highlights
- Menstrual tracking: Logs cycle symptoms and predicts periods.
- Battery life: Four days, though often closer to three.
- Water-resistant: Can be worn while showering or swimming.
Limitations
- No actionable insights: No tailored recommendations.
- Basic fitness data: Requires manual logging for many activities.
- Design: Less striking than competitors.
The Evie Ring is a good entry point for users who prioritize menstruation tracking without a subscription fee.
Choosing the Right Smart Ring
| Ring | Price | Subscription | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oura | $349 | $6/month | Comprehensive health insights |
| Ultrahuman Air | $349 | None | Workout tracking without cost |
| Evie | $269 | None | Menstrual tracking on a budget |
When deciding, consider what you value most: sleep accuracy, workout data, menstrual insights, or price. If you need a full health dashboard, the Oura Ring is the leader. For fitness tracking without a fee, the Ultrahuman Ring Air offers robust options, though accuracy may be a concern. The Evie Ring is best for those who need menstrual data without extra costs.
Key Takeaways
- The Oura Ring remains the top choice for sleep and health monitoring.
- Ultrahuman Ring Air excels in workout tracking but struggles with accuracy.
- Evie Ring provides menstrual tracking but lacks actionable advice.
- Subscription costs vary: Oura adds $6/month, the others are free.
- All three rings are water-resistant and can be worn during daily activities.
By aligning your priorities with the strengths of each ring, you can make an informed decision that supports your health and fitness goals.
