Best Smart Rings 2025: I Tested the Top Brands & Only 3 Are Worth It (Review)
I’ve personally tested the latest Smart Rings over 8 weeks so you don’t waste money on hype or hidden fees. Here are my honest rankings based on accuracy, comfort, and total cost of ownership.
Why This Review Matters
You are here because you want the health insights of an Apple Watch or Fitbit, but you hate wearing a bulky screen to bed. Smart rings are the solution—but the market has changed drastically in 2025.
As a Senior Tech Editor who has reviewed wearables for a decade, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend: “Subscription Fatigue.”
The reality? Many big brands now charge you $300+ for the ring, and then another monthly fee just to see your own sleep data. If you stop paying, your expensive ring becomes a piece of scrap metal.
I set out to find a device that offers Medical-Grade Accuracy without the greedy monthly fees. Here is what I discovered after 8 weeks of 24/7 testing:
Quick Review: My Rankings at a Glance
#1: Herz P1 Smart Ring (Best Overall Value & 90-Day Guarantee)
#2: Oura Ring 4
#3: RingConn Gen 2
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Herz P1 | Oura Ring 4 | RingConn Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription Fee | $0 / Month (FREE) | $5.99 / Month | $0 / Month |
| Material | Military Grade Steel | Titanium | Titanium |
| Guarantee | 90 Days | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Battery Life | 6+ Days | 5-8 Days | 10-12 Days |
| Key Feature | Durability & Value | Smart Sensing | Sleep Apnea |
| Editor Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
Detailed Testing Results
Herz P1 Smart Ring
Why Herz P1 is My Top Pick:
After testing the top brands, the Herz P1 is the disruptor the industry needed. While competitors charge you a “rent” every month to see your data, Herz P1 gives you everything for free, forever.
Unmatched Durability Most rings use standard Titanium which can scratch. Herz P1 utilizes Military Grade Steel. In my testing, I wore it while lifting weights (grabbing knurled metal bars) and doing yard work—it showed zero scratches. It feels substantial and premium.
What My Testing Showed:
- Accuracy: The optical sensors tracked my sleep stages (REM/Deep) with identical precision to the much more expensive Oura Ring 4.
- ROI (Return on Investment): You save over $200 in the first year alone compared to Oura, and you get a more durable ring.
- Risk-Free: They offer a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee. This is huge. Most Amazon brands only give you 30 days.
Best For: Smart shoppers who want the best health tracking technology and durability but refuse to pay monthly subscriptions.
Oura Ring 4
The Premium Upgrade (With a Fee):
This is the newly released Oura Ring 4. Oura finally fixed the biggest complaint of the previous generations: the comfort. The inner sensors are now fully recessed and flush with the ring, making it the most comfortable ring to wear physically.
The Major Downside: Despite the hardware improvements, Oura still insists on a $5.99 monthly membership. You pay a premium price ($349+) for the hardware, yet you don’t truly “own” your data access.
What My Testing Showed:
- Comfort: It melts onto your finger. You barely feel it.
- Accuracy: The new “Smart Sensing” algorithm adapts to how the ring rotates, ensuring you rarely lose data.
- Verdict: It’s an engineering marvel, but the recurring cost makes it a poor financial choice compared to the Herz P1.
Best For: Loyal Oura fans who want the latest tech and don’t mind the monthly “health tax.”
RingConn Gen 2
The Battery Life Champion:
RingConn Gen 2 is famous for one thing: Battery Life. While Herz and Oura last about a week, the RingConn pushes 10-12 days on a single charge. It also introduces a unique Sleep Apnea monitoring feature.
Why It’s #3: While the battery is great, the build quality didn’t feel as premium as the Military Grade Steel of the Herz P1. It felt lighter, almost too light, which some users might mistake for lower quality. Additionally, it lacks the extended 90-day trial period that makes Herz P1 such a safe bet.
What My Testing Showed:
- Performance: Excellent sleep tracking, specifically for breathing disturbances.
- Design: Very thin, but the squircle (squared-circle) shape isn’t for everyone.
- Value: Good value (no subscription), but Herz P1 offers better physical durability for a similar non-subscription model.
Best For: Users who travel for weeks at a time without a charger and need specific sleep apnea data.
How I Actually Tested These Rings
My testing process was rigorous and unbiased:
1. The “Treadmill Test”
I wore all three rings simultaneously while running on a calibrated treadmill. The Herz P1 and Oura Ring 4 were nearly identical in heart rate peak detection, proving that Herz’s sensors are on par with the industry leader.
2. Sleep Lab Comparison
I tracked my sleep for 30 nights. I specifically looked for “Sleep Staging” accuracy (Light vs. Deep vs. REM). The Herz P1 correctly identified my wake-up times within 2 minutes of the Oura Ring 4.
3. Durability & Scratch Test
I didn’t baby these rings. I wore them while lifting weights (grabbing knurled metal bars). The Military Grade Steel of the Herz P1 proved superior in scratch resistance compared to the Titanium of the RingConn and Oura, which both showed faint micro-abrasions after 2 weeks.
4. App Experience
I evaluated how easy it is to read the data. Does the app crash? Is it easy to understand? And most importantly—does it ask for a credit card? Herz P1’s app was clean, intuitive, and 100% free.
Red Flags I Discovered While Testing
Please be careful. The smart ring market is flooding with scams. Watch out for:
- ❌ “Subscription Traps” – Any ring (like Oura) that requires a monthly fee to view your own biological data is a bad long-term investment.
- ❌ Short Guarantees – If a company only gives you 30 days (like Oura or RingConn), they aren’t confident. Herz P1’s 90-Day Guarantee is a massive green flag.
- ❌ Fake Materials – Some cheap rings claim to be metal but are painted plastic. Herz P1 is verified Military Grade Steel.
- ❌ Non-US Shipping – Many generic rings drop-ship from overseas. Herz P1 ships from a US warehouse in 2-3 days.
My Final Recommendation
After 8 weeks of clinical testing, all three rings are capable trackers, but the winner is clear based on ROI (Return on Investment):
Choose Herz P1 if you want: The best value. You get medical-grade sleep and heart tracking, Military Grade Steel durability, and a comfortable fit without ever paying a subscription fee. Plus, the 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee makes it completely risk-free.
Choose Oura Ring 4 if you want: The absolute most comfortable fit (recessed sensors) and don’t mind paying $5.99/month forever.
Choose RingConn Gen 2 if you want: 12-day battery life and specific sleep apnea monitoring.
If you are ready to take control of your health data without renting it, Herz P1 is the clear choice.
Get all the premium features of a $300+ ring for a fraction of the cost, with zero hidden fees.
Try it for a full 3 months. If you don't love it, return it. No questions asked.
Ships in 2-3 days from US warehouse with tracking provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pay for an App with Herz P1?
A: No! This is the biggest advantage. The Herz P1 app is 100% free for life. You get full access to all your data without paying a cent extra.
Q: Is the sizing difficult?
A: No, the Herz P1 fits true to standard jewelry sizes. The sensors are unobtrusive and sit securely at the base of your finger.
Q: Can I swim with it?
A: Yes, the Herz P1 is IP68 waterproof. I wore it in the pool and the shower with no issues.
Q: Does it track menstrual cycles?
A: Yes! It helps you understand how your cycle affects your mood, sleep, and activity, allowing for informed decisions about holistic health.
Q: Why is Herz P1 cheaper than Oura or RingConn?
A: Big brands spend millions on celebrity endorsements and TV ads. Herz P1 sells direct-to-consumer, putting the cost into the Military Grade Steel and sensors instead of marketing.
⚠️ AVOID FAKES - Buy from Official Sources Only
There are many cheap plastic rings on Amazon that look similar but have fake sensors.
Always buy from the official link to ensure:
- Genuine Medical-Grade Sensors
- 90-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Fast US Shipping
- Valid Warranty Support
David Miller is a Senior Tech Editor with over 12 years of experience reviewing consumer electronics. He specializes in health tracking devices and advocates for consumer rights against subscription-based hardware.