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Fitness enthusiasts and home gym owners alike are looking for ways to maximize their workouts and recovery; one way has been to track metrics with wearable fitness trackers—among them the best fitness tracker rings.
While still fairly new, smart rings have gained momentum in the fitness industry, since these fitness trackers are less clunky than watches and bands. In recent studies1 they’ve been shown to be just as accurate as traditional fitness tracker watches and bands, too (although the level of accuracy may vary brand to brand).
Since the best smart rings have entered the market, the Oura Ring has been the gold standard—or the silver or rose gold standard, since it comes in different colors. So does the more affordable RingConn…but how does the RingConn stack up to the Oura Ring, or just as a fitness tracker in general?
RELATED: RingConn Vs Oura
GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, tried out the RingConn smart ring, and discovered where the smart ring shined…and where it could be polished up a bit. In this RingConn review, we’ll go over the highs and lows of this smart ring, as well as who this ring is best suited for.
Dozens of Fitness Tracker Rings, Watches, and Bands Tested
Garage Gym Reviews has tested countless pieces of strength, cardio, and fitness equipment since 2014. We’ve tested over 30 of the best fitness trackers on the market, along with different iterations and generations of each. With our team of certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and competitive athletes, we’re able to provide you with expert advice on the latest and greatest tech gadgets in the fitness world.
For this RingConn review, certified personal trainer and GGR team member Amanda Dvorak wore and tested out the RingConn for over a month for activity and health tracking. During her use, she noted aspects of the ring and metrics, rating the smart ring from 1 to 5 in features such as:
- Aesthetics and design
- Adjustability
- Durability
- Tech capabilities
- Community features
- Overall value
RingConn Gen 1
Ringconn Smart Ring
Product Highlights
- Smart ring that tracks sleep and activity
- Included: Smart ring, USB-C cable, quick guide, manual, and portable charging case
- Available in 3 colors
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 7 day battery life
- No subscription fee
- 24/7 monitoring with 7 days of offline storage
- Portable charging case with capacity for 18 full recharges
- Compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Only 1-year warranty
- Customer reviews had issues with linking to Google Fit
Bottom Line
The RingConn Smart Ring is a ring-style fitness tracker that tracks sleep and activity. The initial price is expensive but the RingConn does not require a monthly subscription to use the device. Customers liked the ring and found the information useful. Some customers had issues with connectivity, particularly linking with Google Fit.
A Quick Look at the RingConn
RingConn was founded in 2021 by three doctors. After initial research and development, the RingConn Gen 1 was released in 2023 and touted as “one of the best in the market,” according to one of the creators, Dr. Guoxing Wang.
The RingConn has a unique shape to it; instead of a circular band, the ring has a rounded square shape, which is supposed to fit the contours of your finger better and also help measure metrics more accurately.
According to the RingConn website, the smart ring has three distinct sensors:
- A 3D accelerometer, which tracks movements and aids in activity tracking
- A temperature sensor to detect skin temperature and provide health and wellness indicators
- A PPG (photoplethysmography) sensor that tracks heart rate and cardiovascular health
The ring will use these metrics to track and measure sleep stages and give you sleep scores and readiness insights—as well as stress levels, steps, period forecasts, and overall calories burned.
Before You Buy
- The RingConnGen 2, which claims to be the first smart ring with sleep apnea monitoring, was released very recently, so we haven’t gotten a chance to try out the latest generation of this smart ring. This review will focus on Gen 1 for now.
- There is a RingConn app for the smart ring, but it is also compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit.
- Don’t know your ring size? RingConn will send you a sizing kit first, so you can try out different sizes before committing to your ring size. Amanda recommends this, as she went with a different size than her usual.
- Ring sizes range from 6 to 14, but there aren’t half-sizes. Amanda found her ring size to be a tad loose, but a size down was too tight. Although half-sizes are rare in smart rings, we’d love to see a company start offering a more varied size range.
Is the RingConn Worth It?
Some people work well with data, and fitness trackers and smart rings help collect data and provide it in an easy-to-digest format. A 2021 study2 showed that, when paired with feedback and health and wellness education, fitness tracking through a smart ring helped improve daily activity levels, overall body fat percentage, and heart rate variability.
Most smart rings start around $300 at the cheapest (including the RingConn Gen 2, which is $299 plus a $40 charging case). The Samsung Galaxy Ring is nearly $400, Oura Ring starts at $299, and the Ultrahuman Ring AIR is about $350. The RingConn Gen 1 is one of the less expensive options available, costing $259 and including a charger.
It fares pretty well against the competition, too. Amanda, an avid user of smartwatches like the Garmin Forerunner 965, says the metrics and functionality are pretty close to her other fitness tracker. “Most of the metrics measured were consistent with my Garmin smartwatch, particularly the sleep metrics…although it consistently said I had more REM sleep than my other tracker,” she says. She also notes that the step count was off—sometimes by more than 1,000 steps.
While it’s not perfect, there is still some value behind the RingConn, especially because it’s more affordable than most smart rings (and some fitness trackers in general). Amanda rates the value a 4 out of 5.
Great for:
- Those needing a more budget-friendly fitness tracker
- People who prefer a smaller smart device
- Fitness enthusiasts who don’t want a monthly subscription fee
Not recommended for:
- People who prefer to receive text or call notifications on their tracker
- Fitness lovers who prefer in-depth workout tracking
- Lifters who want to track their barbell training metrics
RingConn Specs
| Price | $259 |
| Battery life | 7 days, rechargeable |
| Connectivity | Android, iOS |
| Water-resistant | Submersible up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes |
| Metrics tracked | Body temperature, calories burned, sleep, blood oxygen (SpO2), resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), steps, calories, stress |
| Colors | Moonlit Silver, Midnight Black, Pale Gold |
| Membership? | No |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Experience With the RingConn
GGR Senior Editor Amanda Dvorak, CPT, wore and tested out the RingConn during sleep, daily activities, and walking and running workouts for this smart ring review. While Amanda does do some barbell training and CrossFit workouts, RingConn suggests not wearing the ring for those movements, as the surface of the ring may scratch easily against an Olympic barbell.
Amanda says that the setup and use are extremely easy. “I did it in about 10 minutes while in the car heading to visit family,” she says, adding, “Since it’s a ring, you just put it on and let it do its thing.” Amanda tried out its metrics in sleep and activity tracking, and most metrics were as accurate as other trackers she’s used, although the step count seemed a bit off.
As far as motivation for staying active, Amanda notes there is a pretty active community in the form of a private Facebook group, as well as a subreddit page. “There’s no forum or challenges directly on the RingConn app that I could see, but these community groups can help you stay motivated,” Amanda adds, rating the community factor a 4 out of 5.
Aesthetic
The RingConn is available in three colors: silver, gold, or matte black. It looks pretty similar to most smart rings—a thicker band—except for its rounded square shape. Although it’s simple, it’s sharp. Amanda rates the look of the ring a 4.5 out of 5 and explains, “I got a silver ring and it’s pretty nice. It’s easy to wear with casual clothes and even outfits that are a bit dressier.”
RELATED: Evie Ring Review
If you’re not used to fitness tracker rings, the fit and feel will take some getting used to, since they’re a bit bulkier than many typical rings and jewelry. Amanda is more used to smartwatches like Garmin and Apple Watch, so the ring was very noticeable to her (and the odd shape probably doesn’t help).
“The ring itself is pretty bulky,” Amanda explains. “I was constantly aware of it on my finger. There are two small notches on the inside, too, that took me about a week to get used to. They kept leaving marks on my finger even though the ring wasn’t tight at all.” We’ve tested rings with a better fit and feel, so if you’re worried about the bulky feel of a ring, you may want to avoid the RingConn.
Durability
The RingConn is pretty sturdy and made of titanium and a PVD coating. However, Amanda noticed it easily scratches, as she had a scratch and scuff mark within the first week of use. She rates the durability a 3.5 out of 5. “I didn’t wear it for any strenuous activities, either,” she adds. RingConn does warn against using the ring for barbell or dumbbell work, as the steel bar will ding up your smart ring.
The battery is a bit more impressive though, as the battery life lasts up to 7 days; Amanda found this consistent in her testing, too. (As a side note, the Gen 2 ring boasts a 10- to 12-day battery life, which is impressive for a smart ring.)
Adjustability
Although the ring itself isn’t adjustable, RingConn will send you a sizing kit prior to committing to a size to make sure you get the right fit for you. Sizes range from 6 to 14, but aren’t available in half-sizes.
Even if you know your ring size, I’d recommend going through the trouble of ordering the sizing kit first, as the shape of the RingConn, and the general fit, may vary from what you’re used to. Amanda adds, “I’m glad I used the sizing kit, because I wouldn’t have picked the size I ended up going with on my own.”
She does wish there were half-sizes, though, as the size 10 ring she ordered was a tad loose. “The 9 would be too tight, especially if my fingers swelled,” she adds. Because of the availability of the sizing kit, she rates the adjustability of the smart ring a 4 out of 5.
Technology Capabilities
Like any fitness tracker, the RingConn can track a variety of metrics, including:
- Sleep stages
- Heart rate
- Steps
- Calories burned
- Blood oxygen
- Stress
- Heart rate variability
Aside from the steps, Amanda says most of the metrics seem accurate and are aligned with other fitness trackers she’s used.
One thing to note, however, is that the RingConn—unlike many smartwatches and fitness bands—doesn’t have a display on the tracker itself. Instead, it connects to your iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth, and you’ll have to see your metrics there. “I prefer my smartwatch just because of the call and text notifications I can get without looking at my phone,” Amanda adds. “It’s a feature I would miss if I was only wearing a smart ring.”
The ring can connect to the RingConn app, Apple Health, or Google Fit, but Amanda notes it can take up to 2 minutes to sync up your metrics to the app. Overall, she rates the technological capabilities a 3.5 out of 5.
RingConn vs Oura Ring
Oura Ring Gen 3
Oura Ring
Product Highlights
- Measures your heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, and skin temperature
- Over time, it can track your sleep patterns and suggest improvements
- Battery lasts 7 days and can fully charge in 20 minutes
- Can help you find your balance between activity and recovery
- Water resistant up to 100 m
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
- No membership required
Cons
- May develop scratches with daily wear
- Limited statistics without membership
- Comparably expensive
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that is more subtle and sleek than a traditional wrist tracker, the Oura Ring is a great alternative option.
It’s hard to talk about smart rings and not bring up the Oura Ring. The Oura Ring is and has been the most popular smart ring on the market for several years now. Oura also recently released their Gen 4 ring, but for this comparison, we’ll focus on the ring we’ve tested more extensively, the Oura Ring Gen 3.
Price-wise, the RingConn is the clear winner, as the Oura Ring can cost as much as $449—depending on the colorway and style of ring you choose. Plus, the Oura App has a subscription fee of $5.99 per month, which will start adding up. RingConn, on the other hand, has no subscription for the app and sits at $259 for the Gen 1 ring.
The price may be worth it on the Oura Ring, however. Both rings have a 7-day battery life, but the Oura Ring is a bit more durable based on our testing. If you plan on taking your ring in the water, the Oura Ring has a much better waterproof rating as well, up to a depth of 100 meters. The RingConn will last 30 minutes in a pool depth of 1.5 meters, or a few feet.
RELATED: Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers
We typically recommend the Oura Ring for most people for its durability and reliability, and for a few advanced metrics it can track that the RingConn doesn’t, like respiratory rate. Still, the RingConn is a solid budget pick if you’re looking for a ring that’s a tad more affordable and doesn’t have any monthly fees. You can read more in our in-depth Oura Ring review.
| RingConn Gen 1 | Oura Ring Gen 3 | |
| Price | $259 | $299-$449 depending on finish and style (Heritage or Horizon) |
| Battery life | 7 days, rechargeable | 7 days, rechargeable |
| Connectivity | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Water-resistant | Submersible up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | Submersible up to 100 m |
| Metrics tracked | Body temperature, calories burned, sleep, blood oxygen (SpO2), resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), steps, calories, stress | Body temperature, calories burned, sleep tracking, blood oxygen (SpO2), resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, steps, daily movement, stress |
| Colors | Moonlit Silver, Midnight Black, Pale Gold | Silver, Black, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Titanium |
| Membership? | No | Oura App; $5.99 per month |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Customer Experience
While the RingConn has a 1-year warranty—pretty standard for fitness trackers and smart rings—we found the return policy to be a bit lackluster, leading Amanda to rate the warranty and return policies a middle-of-the-road 2.5 out of 5. RingConn offers a small 14-day window to place a refund request, but only for valid reasons, which they consider to be one of the following:
- The product is damaged or defective upon delivery.
- The wrong color was sent.
- The product you received is significantly different from the description provided when you placed your order.
If your product doesn’t match their criteria, you may be denied a refund. The ring also has to be unopened and unused.
While Amanda didn’t contact customer service, she rates the overall customer experience a 4 out of 5, as customer service has plenty of ways to be reached—phone, email, or via an online form. Also, ordering the RingConn was a cinch. Speaking of which…
Ordering the RingConn
The RingConn can be purchased directly from the website or from Amazon and comes with a portable charging case and USB-C cable. You can also receive a sizing kit before ordering your ring size, which RingConn highly recommends. Financing is available on the website through Klarna, either with four interest-free payments, or monthly payments with varying interest rates (depending on what you qualify for).
Amanda says shipping was fast when ordering the RingConn and the sizing kit. She explains, “I ordered the sizing kit on a Thursday and received it the following Monday. I then ordered the ring on Tuesday morning and received it on Friday.”
Customer Reviews
As of this writing, there are 292 ratings on Amazon and 1,275 reviews on Trustpilot for the RingConn; both average out to 4.2 out of 5 stars. Most positive reviews speak highly of the comfort and feel of the ring, as well as its decent functionality.
However, negative reviews vary, from some people claiming that the metrics aren’t as accurate as other fitness trackers they’ve used and that they aren’t as robust. Also, several reviews talked about early signs of wear and scratches—something Amanda experienced herself. One Amazon user suggests that silicone bands are available to cover the tracker; while this will help preserve the ring’s exterior, it will also make the ring feel a bit more clunky.
Final Verdict of Our RingConn Review
The RingConn is a decent entry point into the world of smart rings. With a more affordable price than competitors, it certainly adds value—especially without a subscription fee. This doesn’t mean that the ring will be for everyone, however. Here are a few things to remember before purchasing:
- This is one of the least expensive smart ring options on the market, making it an ideal pick for people looking for budget home gym equipment and fitness trackers.
- Durability was an issue in both customer reviews and our own testing.
- The ring tracks quite a few metrics, but compared to other fitness trackers, it’s limited in its workout and activity tracking.
- While many customers liked the fit and feel of the ring, it will be bigger than traditional rings. If you’re new to smart rings, it’ll take some time to get comfortable with it.
Full Rating
RingConn
The RingConn Smart Ring is a ring-style fitness tracker that tracks sleep and activity. The initial price is expensive but the RingConn does not require a monthly subscription to use the device. Customers liked the ring and found the information useful. Some customers had issues with connectivity, particularly linking with Google Fit.
Product Brand: Ringconn
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 259
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.8
RingConn: FAQs
Is the RingConn smart ring waterproof?
While I wouldn’t call the RingConn Gen1 smart ring waterproof, it is rated to be water-resistant in a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Is RingConn FDA-approved?
The RingConn Gen 2 possesses sleep apnea detection, and it’s one of the first smart rings to do it. However, the sleep apnea monitoring function hasn’t been FDA-approved at this time. While it may be a good indicator, if you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor to set up a proper sleep test.
How long has RingConn been around?
RIngConn was founded in 2021, with the Gen 1 smart ring released in 2023.
References
- Kim, J., Chang, S. A., & Park, S. W. (2024). First-in-Human Study for Evaluating the Accuracy of Smart Ring Based Cuffless Blood Pressure Measurement. Journal of Korean medical science, 39(2), e18. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e18
- Browne, J. D., Boland, D. M., Baum, J. T., Ikemiya, K., Harris, Q., Phillips, M., Neufeld, E. V., Gomez, D., Goldman, P., & Dolezal, B. A. (2021). Lifestyle Modification Using a Wearable Biometric Ring and Guided Feedback Improve Sleep and Exercise Behaviors: A 12-Month Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Frontiers in physiology, 12, 777874. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.777874
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