Oura Ring vs. Samsung Galaxy Ring: The Hands-On Review
Pros
- Frequently get new features via software updates
- Great at sleep tracking and activity tracking
- Advanced array of sensors
- Comfortable
Cons
- Can feel bulky for those not accustomed to wearing rings
- Requires monthly subscription for full insights
After spending a few years giving this particular smart ring a spin, considering overall effectiveness, ease of use, features, and of course style, our overall favorite smart ring is the Oura Ring. Jumping in on the best smart ring in the game is going to require a few hundred-dollar investment, but I'm confident that an investment in the Oura Ring will provide users a full experience of what a smart ring can offer. The ring is by far the easiest to use and most cross-compatible pick of the bunch, meaning that no matter what type of smart phone you have, the Oura Ring will link up seamlessly.
The ring offers a comprehensive suite of health monitoring features that cater to users seeking a holistic approach to wellness. It tracks vital signs such as heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and respiratory rate, helping users gain valuable insights into their overall health. By continuously monitoring these metrics, the Oura Ring provides a clear picture of how the body is functioning over time.
is a standout feature of the Oura Ring. It monitors different sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep, along with total sleep duration and restfulness. By analyzing this data, the ring delivers personalized insights that help users optimize their rest and recovery, ensuring they wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. To deliver these insights, Oura Ring uses what is called the Readiness Score. It combines data from sleep, activity, and recovery metrics to provide a daily assessment of your ability to perform that day. Often, our minds try to trick us into thinking we’re not up for it — whether “it” is a social outing or a big workout — but Oura Ring can give you an idea of your body’s actual gas tank for the coming day.The Oura Ring also showcases great durability, whether I was scraping it up against the pavement during outdoor push-ups or working with tools in the garage. Over the months of wear, I did accumulate a few scratches on my ring in the Stealth colorway, but they were barely noticeable. And personally, I liked the look of a ring that shows that it's been worn. For design, I am a big fan of the Heritage model of the Oura Ring, which is unique and angular when compared to other smart ring designs on the market.
There's a lot of misleading information out there when it comes to Oura Ring, as far as the subscription is concerned. The fact is you don't need to pay a monthly fee to get access to health insights. Sure, there are some premium features that you can pay for, but your ability to track your recovery and readiness is not hindered by not being subscribed. But for $6 a month, you can get deeper sleep analysis and access to Oura's API.
Simply put, if you want the best smart ring experience, whether you’re an obsessive marathoner, a dedicated yogi, or just want some insight into your sleep patterns, then this should be your first pick. The app is intuitive and provides accurate, actionable feedback that will have you feeling your best in no time at all.
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| Colors | Brushed Titanium, Rose Gold, Gold, Stealth, Silver, Black |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Up to 7 days |
| Weight | 4-6 grams (size dependant) |
| Sizes | 6-13 |
| Water resistance | Up to 100 meters |
Pros
- Portable charging case for on-the-go battery life
- Impressive tech for such a new product
- Doesn't require any monthly subscription
- Lightweight
Cons
- Only compatible with Android devices
- Not as much data as Oura Ring
- AI is helpful, but has room for growth
From first appearance, I was impressed by the Samsung Galaxy Ring’s simple-yet-elegant band, which is actually lighter than the Oura Ring. For someone like myself, who believes less is more when it comes to accessories, that was a pleasant surprise. The next element of note was the charging method, a square case that actually holds three charges off the wire, which is an improvement on other models that require you to be need an outlet to charge. This was an especially nice to have when I was traveling, and could monitor my stats on the road without chasing outlets.
For features, it continuously monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature, giving users a comprehensive view of their health. Its detailed sleep tracking analyzes sleep stages, quality, and duration, helping optimize rest and recovery. For fitness geeks, the Galaxy Ring tracks various activities, recording steps, calories burned, and activity levels to help you meet your goals.
The sleep tracking is where Samsung has put a huge focus, and the results are impressive. The Galaxy Ring comes with sleep-guidance features, including an animal characterization of your sleep profile that is pulled from your data. From there the Galaxy AI will bring you a proposed plan of action to get your sleep back on track, taking sleep tracking to that
The one big hold back for the Samsung ring is the fact that it is only compatible with Samsung (or other Android) devices. Not every human on earth is an iPhone user, in fact more of the world has Android smartphones, but this does limit the amount of people able to utilize the impressive features the Samsung Galaxy Ring has to offer. So if you're an Apple devotee you're better off scrolling back up and going with the Oura Ring.
The price is also a big steeper than the Oura Ring, but not by a whole lot, especially if you are looking at Oura's Horizon model, which is $50 more than the Heritage. And given the really strong integration with Samsung phones, I wouldn't steer a current Galaxy owner in any other direction. The difference is more than made up by the additional features available in the Samsung Health app.
With a minimalist design that's comfortable for all-day wear, the Galaxy Ring also provides real-time insights and notifications, helping users make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle. It's an ideal wearable for those seeking a blend of style, connectivity, and advanced health tracking. Given that most smart ring users want to be at the forefront of technology, this is a great pick for an Android users.
| Colors | Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, Titanium Gold |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Up to 6 days |
| Weight | 2.3-3 grams (size dependant) |
| Sizes | 5-13 |
| Water resistance | Up to 100 meters |
Why A Smart Ring?
There are countless products at the intersection of health and technology flooding the market with claims of new, smarter, and better products than their predecessor. And let's be real, newer isn't always better. When it comes to wearable devices, that may not be the case. Because of the vast concentration of blood supply in our fingers (each finger has two arteries that run along both sides), smart rings are designed with more sensitivity compared to the average smartwatch.
Another important consideration is wearability and comfort. Some may find it easier to wear a smaller, more inconspicuous device such as a ring more often, which allows for more consistent data collection. And when it comes to tracking biometrics, it's important to remember the more continuously you are able to wear these smart devices, the more benefit and accuracy you may gain from them.
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How Accurate Are Smart Rings?
Smart rings are generally quite accurate when tracking metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels. The finger is a great spot for reading data and is usually less susceptible to interference you might encounter when using a wrist-based health tracker. However, it’s important to note that they are not as precise as medical-grade devices. For everyday health monitoring, they provide valuable insights, but if you need highly accurate data for medical reasons, a specialized device might be more appropriate.
How Comfortable Are Smart Rings To Wear (Day and Night)?
Yes, smart rings are designed with comfort in mind. They are typically lightweight, made from materials like titanium, ceramic, or hypoallergenic alloys, and come in various sizes to ensure a good fit. However, getting the right size is crucial, as an ill-fitting ring can cause discomfort. No pesky wristband needed.
Conclusion
OURA RING still takes the overall prize, and is the best choice for most smart ring buyers.
But those with any brand of Android smartphone and looking to try the latest tech in a smooth, lightweight band, may chose to opt for the SAMSUNG GALAXY RING .