RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring 3: Features, price, which one wins

August 12, 2024 Marko Maslakovic Device matchup 9 min read

RingConn is currently running its Kickstarter campaign for its Gen 2 smart ring. With around 30 days to go before it closes, the company has already raised more than $2 million on the platform, making it the most crowdfunded smart ring ever. I recently posted my full hands-on review of the gadget. In this article I go into more detail on the differences between that device and the pioneer in the smart ring space – the Oura Ring 3.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

As you will see, RingConn Gen 2 has made nice strides, in some areas surpassing its more well known competitor. So what exactly are the differences and which device is right for you? Let’s find out.

Key takeaways

Both rings focus on recovery metrics, with Oura Ring 3 excelling in sleep tracking and readiness assessment. RingConn Gen 2 has improved significantly, offering reduced size and weight, extended battery life (10-12 days, with a charging case providing 150+ days), and 100-meter water resistance. It maintains 24/7 tracking of heart rate variability and blood oxygen, adds Sleep Apnea tracking, and offers competitive pricing without a monthly subscription, unlike Oura’s $6 fee.

View Oura Ring on Amazon. View RingConn Gen 2 on Kickstarter. For $10 off on RingConn Gen 1 on RingConn’s website, at checkout use discount code: BFD50EC113.

Jump to

Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line

RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring 3: Hardware

Look & feel

Both the Oura Ring 3 and RingConn Gen 2 prioritize aesthetics and comfort, but they take distinct approaches. Oura Ring 3 opts for a classic, understated design reminiscent of a traditional wedding band, appealing to those who prefer a timeless look. In contrast, RingConn Gen 2 boasts a more contemporary form factor.

Oura Ring 3 measures 7.9mm in width and 2.55mm in thickness, with a weight ranging from 4 to 6 grams depending on the ring size. RingConn Gen 2, on the other hand, is significantly slimmer and lighter, measuring 6.8mm in width and just 2mm in thickness. Its weight ranges from 2 to 3 grams, making it one of the lightest smart rings on the market. Having reviewed both RingConn Gen 2 and Gen 1, I can confirm that the difference in size is quite noticeable.

Both rings share a commitment to minimalism, ditching displays in favour of a sleek, uncluttered appearance. While the Oura Ring 3 offers a broader range of finishes, RingConn Gen 2’s focus on a premium, glossy finish makes it very scratch resistant.

RingConn Gen 2 has also improved its water resistance, now matching Oura with protection up to 100 meters. This eliminates the previous advantage Oura held in this area. Although neither ring features a vibration motor or physical buttons, both excel in overall durability.

Sensor technology

Despite their distinct appearances, both rings share a similar core focus on health and wellness tracking. The duo features infrared, red, and green sensors for monitoring heart rate and blood oxygen levels, as well as temperature sensors for additional health insights. However, RingConn Gen 2 has made advancements in sensor technology with an upgraded PPG sensor for more accurate heart rate monitoring and a 3D accelerometer for improved motion tracking. This allows the RingConn Gen 2 to offer features like sleep apnea detection.

The rings rely on Bluetooth connectivity for data synchronization, and neither supports Wi-Fi, GPS or music storage. Additionally, both devices prioritize data privacy with features like EMF-Safe technology and airplane mode.

In terms of data storage, both rings can store up to a week’s worth of data, allowing for offline tracking. However, regular synchronization with the respective smartphone app is recommended for optimal performance and access to detailed insights.

Battery life

As far as battery life, the Oura Ring 3 delivers a respectable performance, offering up to 7 days of continuous use on a single charge. Its charging dock, equipped with a USB-C connection, typically takes between 20 to 80 minutes to fully replenish the battery. While impressive, some users have reported fluctuations in battery life over time, a common issue among smart rings.

RingConn Gen 2 significantly elevates the battery performance. It delivers an exceptional 10-12 days of battery life on a single charge, a substantial improvement over its predecessor. This extended endurance is attributed to optimized hardware and software, resulting in a 259% reduction in power consumption. In practical terms, the RingConn Gen 2 typically loses around 10% of its battery charge per day, making it one of the longest-lasting smart rings available.

The portable charging case, a valuable asset in the previous generation, becomes even more essential with the RingConn Gen 2. The combination of extended battery life and the charging case allows for an impressive 150 days of use between full case charges, making it an ideal choice for frequent travelers or those seeking minimal device maintenance.

RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring 3: Technical specs

Here’s a detailed tech specs comparison table for the Oura Ring 3 and RingConn:

Specification	RingConn Gen 2	Oura Ring
Materials	Aerospace-grade titanium alloy, PVD Coating, Non-allergenic, non-metallic, seamless inner molding	Durable titanium, PVD Coating Non-allergenic, non-metallic, seamless inner moulding
Water resistance	up to 100m/328 ft	up to 100m/328 ft
Dimensions	Width: 6.8mm, Thickness: 2mm	Width: 7.9mm, Thickness: 2.55mm
Weight	2 to 3 grams (depending on ring size)	4 to 6 grams (depending on ring size)
Sensors	Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors	Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors
Battery life	Up to 12 days of battery life, Full charge in 90 minutes	Up to 7 days of battery life, Full charge in 20 to 80 minutes
Charger	Portable charging case	Charging dock USB-C
Memory	up to 7 days of data	16 MB
Connectivity	BLE 5.2, EMF-Safe and Allows Airplane Mode	BLE, EMF-Safe and Allows Airplane Mode
Price	$299 (early bird offer at Kickstarter starting at $209)	$300 + $5.99 monthly subscription

RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring 3: Features

The Oura Ring 3 and RingConn Gen 2 position themselves as comprehensive health and wellness companions, offering insights into sleep, activity, and overall well-being. While sharing core functionalities, each device has distinct strengths and focuses.

While both rings offer user-friendly interfaces, user feedback suggests RingConn generally has a smoother setup process. RingConn’s app also provides a more in-depth look at raw data, appealing to users who prefer granular analysis. Oura Ring 3 takes a more interpretive approach, focusing on providing actionable insights. The quality and accuracy of health data on both devices is quite good.

Sleep is a cornerstone of both rings’ offerings. Oura Ring 3 has long been praised for its detailed sleep analysis, breaking down sleep into various stages and providing insights into sleep quality, duration, and interruptions. RingConn Gen 2, while offering similar core sleep metrics, has introduced Sleep Apnea detection. This feature, though still requiring manual initiation, provides valuable information for those concerned about sleep-disordered breathing.

Neither device is designed for intense athletic performance monitoring so struggle when it comes to the accuracy of heart rate tracking during intense exercise. Their focus is on recovery rather than performance. Having said that, they are good in terms of basic activity metrics like step count and calorie burn.

Oura Ring 3 emphasizes readiness scores, guiding users on optimal activity levels based on their body’s state. RingConn Gen 2 takes a broader approach, incorporating stress metrics alongside recovery data, offering a more holistic view of overall well-being.

The rings track HRV, a key indicator of overall health and stress levels. However, RingConn Gen 2’s continuous HRV monitoring throughout the day provides a more comprehensive picture compared to Oura Ring 3’s primary focus on sleep-based HRV analysis. This is also the case for blood oxygen level tracking. RingConn Gen 2’s offers 24/7 coverage while Oura only tracks this during sleep.

RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring 3: Price

The Oura Ring 3 and RingConn Gen 2 employ distinct pricing strategies to cater to different consumer segments. Oura Ring 3 positions itself as a premium health and wellness device, commanding a higher price point. The ring typically retails between $300 and $549, depending on the chosen style and finish. Importantly, Oura Ring 3 necessitates a recurring monthly subscription fee of $5.99 to unlock the full range of features and data insights within the companion app.

In contrast, RingConn Gen 2 offers a more budget-conscious option, with early bird pricing on Kickstarter starting at $209 (which will revert to $299 when it hits retail). A key differentiator is RingConn Gen 2’s subscription-free model, providing users with unrestricted access to all features without ongoing costs.

RingConn Gen 2 vs Oura Ring 3: Final thoughts

The Oura Ring 3 excels in sleep analysis and readiness assessment, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize detailed sleep insights and don’t mind the subscription model. Its established reputation and range of stylish finishes maintain its position as a top contender in the market.

On the other hand, the RingConn Gen 2 has made remarkable strides, offering a more comprehensive health tracking experience. Its significantly reduced size and weight, improved battery life (10-12 days, with a charging case providing 150+ days), and competitive pricing without a subscription fee make it an attractive option for users seeking an all-round health tracker.

While both devices provide valuable health insights, the RingConn Gen 2’s balance of features, performance, and cost-effectiveness gives it an edge. Whichever ring you choose, you’re investing in a powerful tool for monitoring and improving your overall well-being.