The best smart rings of 2023

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Smart tech keeps getting smarter, and the smallest pieces of technology are making big waves. Take smart rings, for example. They are the latest accessory to undergo a smart tech makeover, with health, fitness, and sleep tracking features, contactless payment options, and more. All around your finger.

Also: The best smartwatches

If smartwatches aren't your speed but you still want to keep track of how your body recovers from a workout, your heart rate, and more, a smart ring is a lighter alternative that provides by-the-minute insights on your health. And, because they're wrapped around your finger near larger blood vessels instead of your wrist, some smart ring monitors provide a more accurate picture of your health data than smartwatches do.

The best smart rings, like smartwatches, house a comprehensive suite of health and sleep-tracking features. They take a more discreet, less hindering approach. Some options even include non-health-related NFC features like contactless payment and virtual business card functionality.

Also: The best fitness rings

Our tested pick for the best smart ring overall is the Oura Ring 3 , thanks to its lightweight fit, quick charges, and impressive health suite. Read on to learn more about the perks of the Oura, and which other top smart rings might be worth considering.

Oura Ring Gen3 specs: Material: Lightweight titanium with non-allergenic, non-metallic inner molding | Battery life: 4-7 days | Charging: Full charge in 20 to 80 minutes | Compatibility: iOS and Android | Durability: Water-resistant up to 328 feet | Sizing: Free sizing kit with purchase on their site

Sherin Shibu, ZDNET contributor, purchased a Heritage Oura Ring and tested it with weekly activities, like strength training, cycling, yoga, and more. Not only was it a capable and accurate tracker, but it didn't overwhelm Shibu with data. Instead, the Oura prioritized on actionable insights and solutions. For example, the over 50 guided meditation options have helped Shibu to alleviate stress and sleep more soundly.

Additionally, the simplified overall score appears with a detailed chart monitoring heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels through the night. The ring also automatically senses when you're stressed and adjusts your activity goals accordingly.

This comprehensive but simple approach is evident in the ring's form factor and integrations -- it amazed Shibu how such a sleek device can hold a catalog of information. The ring syncs with Apple Health, and Google Fit, as well as iOS and Android apps, allowing you to see your daily and even monthly metrics from your mobile device.

The downside is that there's a $5.99 per month membership cost to unlock the more personal insights, like in-depth morning sleep analysis and temperature trend monitoring (which can even predict early stages of illness). Non-paying members, however, only have access to sleep, readiness, and activity insights.

McLear RingPay specs: Material: Hypoallergenic ceramic | Compatibility: iOS and Android | Charging: No charging required | Durability: Waterproof | Sizing: Sizes 4.5-16 available; ring sizer available at checkout; free size exchanges

The minimalistic, polished RingPay integrates the ever-helpful contactless payment technology. The ring is faster to use than contactless alternatives, like unlocking your phone wallet or using a credit card.

The RingPay comes from McLear, the company that built the first NFC (near-field communication or wireless data transfer) ring to unlock doors digitally. Similarly, McLear promises that the ring can unlock your NFC-enabled Android phones and tablets with just a touch from ring to device. You can store and securely share information, including Wi-Fi information, website links, and contact information to your friends' devices. Additionally, if you set your name and business credentials as the digital message, it can serve as the ultimate hands-free networking device when held to someone else's device.

McClear's website says the ring is set to release in the UK first but will quickly launch in other areas, offering an option to join the waitlist.

The Circular Ring launched last year, and the company markets the ring as "the most advanced wearable tracking device."

The ring focuses on three main components: Sleep, activity, and health. The device tracks precise heart rate, breathing rate, blood oxygen levels, temperature, and motion during sleep with emphasis on quality, duration, and circadian rhythm. You'll even get notifications about irregular heart rates and blood oxygen levels. Plus, the ring promises 10 days of built-in data storage without Bluetooth connection.

For fitness, you'll get an energy score that tells you how much energy you've exerted throughout the day, and the ring automatically tracks your workouts. The technology organizes data in an easy-to-read app so you can better understand your habits and make better health decisions.

Also: Best Fitness trackers

The Hecere NFC ring is the best smart ring for tech-savvy people who may want to use your ring to open your phone, or even as a networking tool. It's delivered blank with a built-in rewritable chip. You can download an NFC app for free and program the ring to function however you want, whether you want the ring to turn on Wi-Fi, make a call, or share a contact.

The sensing technology in this ring is more advanced than that in comparable products. If you want a fun, customizable project, this could be the ring for you.

Also: Why this $23 remote control ring is a must-have

The Go2sleep ring is dedicated to one function: Tracking your sleep based on heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate variability. If you or anyone in your family lives with a sleep condition, this ring could be a useful tool.

Also: The best sleep trackers

You can share data with family members on the app to learn more about their sleep habits, and even download your sleep reports as Excel files to show your medical provider.

The advanced technology can wake you up during your lightest sleep phase in the morning, so you won't feel disoriented right when it's time to get up. The Go2sleep ring automatically syncs with the Health app on iOS devices, and it features a ring-finding function so you can locate the device if it's misplaced.

I recommend the Oura Ring 3 as the best smart ring based on its extensive capabilities. However, there are other great choices out there, too. This table compares the best smart rings based on price, battery life, and materials.

Titanium with non-allergenic interior

Hypoallergenic inner material with interchangeable external shells

Zirconia ceramic material and epoxy resin

It depends on your needs and your budget. For example, if you want a smart ring that primarily tracks your sleeping habits, then the Go2sleep ring is a wise choice. Or if you want the most durable option, the titanium body of the Oura Ring 3 will hold up for your wildest adventures. Below, our table helps you determine the right ring for you based on specific uses:

The best smart ring overall with a titanium body, full charging in 20 to 80 minutes, and automatic firmware updates. Health tracking is accurate and comprehensive without overwhelming you with data.

A smart ring for payments that can also unlock devices with no charging required. Sign up to join the waitlist for when it ships to the United States.

A waterproof smart ring to track your fitness levels with blood oxygen and heart rate monitoring. You can also use the ring as a smart alarm clock or remote smart control, as well as set timers and reminders.

A customizable tracking smart ring that doubles as an NFC business card. There's no battery or charging to keep track of, allowing for smooth transfer of information, worry-free.

To consistently track your sleep habits based on heart rate and blood oxygen levels. You can even download sleep reports and data as Excel files to share with your medical provider.

I analyzed the overall quality and functionality of smart rings on the market right now. I took into account factors such as pricing, specific purposes, durability, and device compatibility.

Other ZDNET experts also assessed the Oura Ring 3 as the best overall smart ring in the fitness wearable market, especially if your goal is to specifically track exercise and workout recovery.

Yes, by measuring heart rate variability (HRV), the Oura Ring 3 has also proven to show early signs of sickness. Wake Forest University's Dr. Jason Fanning, for example, saw that his "heart rate variability went through the floor" thanks to his Oura Ring data, days before he tested positive for COVID-19.

Smart rings can provide more accurate readings than smartwatches because they are worn close to large blood vessels located in the fingers. In contrast, smartwatch sensors utilize small capillaries for readings.

Smart rings can be useful for a variety of functions. A ring like the McLear RingPay is ideal if contactless payments are your top priority. If you want 24/7 monitoring of your blood oxygen and heart rate, go with the Circular Ring. Smart rings can go as far as you need, and you can even program your own with the Hecere NFC Ring.

Smart rings also tend to have long battery lives, while some don't require charging at all.

Making its debut at CES 2023, Movano Health says its women's health-focused Evie Ring will be available in November 2023.

There are various smart rings on the market that didn't make the cut for my top five. However, I've included a few other smart rings that receive honorable mentions:

This smart ring offers fitness tracking tools and a waterproof body to withstand sweat, according to longtime ZDNET contributor, Matt Miller.

A comprehensive health smart ring capable of measuring sleep quality, menstrual cycles, and physical activity that's coming in November.

Carbide Burner A smart ring that doubles as a keycard for your Tesla Model 3.

The best smart rings of 2023 | ZDNET