Smart Rings vs Smartwatches: Which is Better?

While smartwatches have been around since the late nineties (in some form), smart rings are fairly newer technology, and you may have even seen one without realizing it. That’s because from the outside, smart rings look like any other ring, albeit slightly more bulky, while smartwatches are clearly different from your average watch.

While there’s a lot of overlap in terms of these devices’ capabilities, there are some key differences you should be aware of, which make each device better for different capabilities. I’ve worn the most popular smart rings and smartwatches on the market and on this page, I’ll help you decide which type of device is best for you.

Smart Rings vs Smartwatches: Overview

Wearability, Comfort, and Form Factor

Overall, a smart ring is less bulky and more discreet compared to a smartwatch. At the risk of stating the obvious, a ring is much smaller than a watch, and that applies to these smart devices, as well.

For example, smart rings are comfortable to wear 24/7; I even sleep in mine sometimes. However, I don’t like wearing my smartwatch to sleep because it’s not comfortable at all. Smartwatches are also not that great with formal wear, so I take mine off for parties.

Now, keep in mind that both devices are going to be bulkier than regular rings or analog watches, though smart rings are still very subtle.

In terms of materials, both devices can be made of stainless steel or titanium, but some rings are made of ceramic, a lighter weight material, while some watches are aluminum or a lighter plastic. Both devices tend to be water-resistant to waterproof, which lets you wear them even in the shower, but you should check the device’s IP rating to ensure that you can safely wear it in the bath, shower, pool, or any body of water.

Charging each device was super easy. A smart ring charges more like wireless earbuds, using either a custom dock that comes with the device or a USB charger, and because there was no screen, one charge lasted around four to seven days. A watch, on the other hand, uses a charging dock, often magnetic and/or wireless, and one charge lasts one to two days. I preferred to charge my smartwatch at night, as again, it wasn’t super comfortable to sleep in.

While rings were better for sleep tracking and 24/7 wear, they lack many of the features of smartwatches, especially related to notifications and productivity. For example, my smartwatch told me when I got texts, reminded me of calendar events, and let me set timers, while a smart ring is better for passively collecting data. I like to think of a smartwatch as a smartphone for my wrist, while a smart ring isn’t quite so capable in terms of notifications.

Finally, there’s sizing. With a watch, sizing is easy, as smartwatches have adjustable straps. With smart rings, I had to fit them using a sizing kit, essentially plastic versions of different sizes that I put on to see what fit comfortably. I wore this fake ring for a day before confirming my size with the company. From there, the company sent me the right-sized ring, ensuring that it wouldn’t fall off or squeeze my finger uncomfortably.

Screen, Features, & Apps

One of the most glaring differences between a smart ring and a smartwatch is that smart rings lack screens, which means you can’t use them to receive text messages or make calls. The smart ring connects merely to its companion app, while the smartwatch links to many apps; Gmail, Apple Fitness, Spotify, etc.

As a result, the smartwatch is great at keeping you connected to your other devices, while the smart ring is not.

Sensors, Tracking, & Accuracy

It’s generally accepted that smart ring’s sensors are more accurate than smartwatches’ sensors because they are so close to the fingers’ large blood vessels, and this is backed up by Erika Sanchez-Velazquez, the head of the Computing and Information Science school at Anglia Ruskin University.

Additionally, because smart rings have longer battery lives, you can wear them for longer, collecting more data compared to smartwatches. Smart rings are also less likely to slide around the finger, which could create false data. Other studies have confirmed the higher accuracy rates of smart rings vs. smart watches, including a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Physiology.

That being said, cardiologist Dr. Bkaskar Semitha told LiveScience that while smart rings are great at collecting sleep data, if they slide around during workouts, or if it’s cold out, their data can be inaccurate, as they’re on such a small area of the skin.

For example, if you grip a cold weight, that could throw off the data, which is not a problem with a smartwatch. Overall, smartwatches are better for workouts while smart rings are better for sleep, according to Dr. Semitha.

The difference, then, isn’t in the quality of the sensors themselves, but in the design of the device and where it’s placed. If you want the most accurate sleep data, a smart ring is better (not to mention more comfortable) than a smartwatch, but a smartwatch will provide more accurate fitness data.

Pricing & Subscriptions

While it depends on the brand and model, generally, smartwatches cost more than smart rings, which makes sense, as the devices are larger and have screens. But there’s a much bigger range of prices for smartwatches compared to smart rings. You can buy older smartwatches for under $50, while smart rings start at around $80.

While the most expensive smart rings tap out at about $500, the most expensive designer smartwatches can cost over $800, like the $1,299 Apple Watches Hermés.

Additionally, aside from the initial costs, you may have to pay a monthly subscription fee. Oura’s costs $5.99 per month, while many smartwatch subscriptions are optional. However, Fitbit Premium costs $9.99 per month if you opt in. Make sure to take these monthly fees into account when you’re choosing your device.

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