If you’re looking to switch to a smart ring, you will be spoilt for choice with a plethora of rings across price bands
It’s been almost three months since I swapped the activity band on my right wrist for a smart ring. I’ve barely taken the ring off, except to charge it or during showers. Smart rings sales have been steadily rising. According to a report published by Mordor Intelligence, the smart ring segment is poised to soar from $0.41 billion in 2025 to $1.14 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 23.58 per cent. Smart rings have gained traction because of some obvious functional benefits, but as I’ve discovered over the last few months, they are certainly not perfect. If you’re looking to switch to a smart ring, you will be spoilt for choice with a plethora of rings across price bands. We break it down for you.Smart rings; demystifiedFinnish company Oura, the world’s largest player in this space, pioneered the smart ring in 2015. In May 2026, the brand unveiled Oura Ring 5 in select global markets, a few weeks after it’s official market debut in India (where it launched the Oura Ring 4). The Oura Ring 5 is pitched as the world’s smallest smart ring, it’s 40 per cent smaller than the Oura Ring 4. It introduces enhanced health sensors and offers better battery life despite it’s more compact size. Oura has not yet confirmed it’s India launch date for the Ring 5 yet. Most smart rings lean on smart sensors that are embedded on the inside to track multiple wellness parameters.Who is it forWhile most users began their wearable journey with smartwatches or activity trackers such as Fitbit in the 2010s, quite a few of these users are now experimenting with smart rings and screenless activity trackers such as the Whoop band, a popular option with high-performance sportspersons. One of the key factors that’s worked in favour of smart rings is its compact, unobtrusive form that can pass off as a piece of jewellery. Many users who had steered clear of smartwatches and activity trackers, have now opted for smart rings for their comfortable form factor to track sleep. The smart ring boom has been fuelled by the obsession with sleep tracking across the world.Just like fitness bands, smart rings offer a screen-free tracking option without screen fatigue or constant notifications that some users find distracting. We’ve also seen constant upgrades in the sensors that power these smart rings. These rings come with medical-grade SpO2 tracking and skin temperature sensors that help smart rings offer actionable insights. Aside from sleep metrics, stress management and women’s fertility health are among the key drivers for smart ring adoption. Smart rings also auto detect workouts and keep track of your calorie burns. I use my Oura Ring 4 along with an Apple Watch and the Oura is able to extract data from the Apple Watch to present a more comprehensive picture.Battery life is probably the biggest advantage. Most smart rings manage a week on a full charging cycle that gives them an edge over smartwatches. This is similar to the battery life that screenless activity trackers like the Polar Loop and Whoop band manage.Are they ready to replace your smart watch?While I’ve leaned on my smart ring for most everyday wellness insights, I still have not been able to let go of my smartwatch. What’s changed is that I don’t wear my smartwatch 24/7, especially when I’m home or when I sleep, but I still need my smartwatch when I head for an outdoor workout or the gym. I also enjoy the convenience of a smartwatch when I travel. I don’t need to pull out my phone when I’m listening to music or to answer calls (as long as I have earbuds/headphones on). Brands like Apple and Samsung also offer 4G versions of their smartwatches, you can leave your smartphone behind at home and still stay connected (with calls, music and podcasts online) when you head for a run or a gym session. This choice might well boil down to individual users who might find that all they need is a smart ring.Durability is another big question mark around smart rings. While most premium smart rings are crafted in titanium and claim to withstand durability tests, gym users across the world have reported scratches on their rings especially during rigorous gym workouts. I’ve not noticed any major signs of wear and tear during the three months with the Oura Ring 4 but have always used gloves during weights sessions at the gym. Long term durability vis-à-vis smartwatches and activity trackers is another key factor to keep in mind while considering a smart ring. The compact size also means that the ring is not repairable, the battery is not replaceable.The best smart rings you can buy in India now
