There is a very good reason why smart rings can be better overall health and wellness trackers than smartwatches or fitness bands. Their minimal ring-like form factor is less intrusive than a smartwatch, making them ideal for sleep monitoring as well. Not everyone is comfortable wearing a thick, large smartwatch to bed every night. This product category is gaining traction, as evidenced by our tests of three smart ring options available in India from Ultrahuman, Boat, and Noise. Refined sensors are enhancing their appeal.
Data suggests that smart ring sales are on the rise. The International Data Corporation’s (IDC) latest India Monthly Wearable Device Tracker indicates that 72,000 smart rings were shipped in India in Q2 2024, with an average price of $204.6 (around ₹17,000). This marks an upward trajectory, as the May edition of the same tracker indicated 64,000 smart ring shipments in Q1. Ultrahuman now leads with a 48.4% market share, and the research firm expects more affordable smart ring launches leading up to the festive season to maintain this momentum.
Also read:Noise Luna Ring shows a path fitness wearables should take
When considering a smart ring, a few factors are crucial. Design cues and the array of sensors are generally consistent. Sizing is paramount; the ring must fit perfectly (not too tight and not too loose) to ensure accurate metric collection. Ideally, try a sizing kit over a 24-hour period, as fingers can swell at different times and in varying weather conditions. Additionally, consider the cost of health tracking ring options (avoid overly expensive models if you are just starting) and any features that may require a subscription. A smart ring also allows you to keep your traditional watch if you prefer not to switch to a smartwatch. Problem solved?
Ultrahuman Ring AIR
With a price tag of ₹28,499, this ring is positioned seriously among smart rings. It offers AI insights that are both coherent and useful, along with perhaps the best smartphone companion app available for any smart ring. This may be the ideal choice for health tracking enthusiasts. The PowerPlugs are neat add-ons that enhance functionality (some paid, but many good free options) such as Vitamin D intake, caffeine consumption timing, and alignment with natural circadian rhythms. On an iPhone, it can integrate with the Apple Health app and other applications.
Sleep tracking is quite accurate, with data aligning closely with my manually logged observations regarding wake times and durations. The app’s home screen provides a comprehensive overview, including stress rhythm, dynamic recovery, and body temperature changes, each of which opens up detailed stats for deeper analysis. The app suggests specific blood tests called Blood Vision, but I generally avoid needles unless necessary.
In our tests, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR consumed around 19% battery charge every 24 hours, allowing for at least 5 days of use before needing to charge for an hour and a half. The cradle features a USB-C port, making your smartphone charger relevant again. Our test ring is the Raw Titanium finish, which looks good but shows signs of wear over time. I suspect the shiny Bionic Gold and Space Silver finishes may have similar issues, while Matte Grey or Aster Black might hold up better.
Boat Smart Ring Active
This ring started with an effective market price of around ₹3,799, making it the most affordable option among the three we reviewed. However, it requires a separate purchase of a Smart Ring sizing kit for ₹299. The ceramic and metal build quality is commendable, and the secure charging case is inspired by true wireless earbuds. It also features USB-C for added convenience. If you already own a Boat smartwatch, you may encounter a limitation, as the Boat app (for both iPhone and Android) only supports pairing with one device.
Compared to Ultrahuman’s proactive app updates and bug fixes, Boat and Noise seem less active in maintaining their respective apps, which could be improved.
This smart ring performs basic functions well, including water resistance (essential for survival during hand washing). It tracks heart rate, sleep, steps, activity logs, blood oxygen levels, and stress estimates. In direct comparison with the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, the Boat Smart Ring Active’s heart rate matched within 1 point, while sleep data was within a 5% range in total sleep times. However, it rarely calculated REM sleep, which raises slight concerns about stress calculations. Nonetheless, these devices are not medical-grade, providing sufficient insights for general health awareness.
The finish of this affordable ring is impressive, available in three conventional colors (black, silver, and gold). The black variant we tested held up well against regular use, including exposure to hand soap and water, as well as accidental bumps against tables and laptop edges. This could be a suitable option if you’re interested in exploring smart rings as everyday accessories.
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