Table of contents

Our pick of the best connected rings
Why get a smart ring?
How to choose the right smart ring
Drawbacks and limitations of smart rings

Our pick of the top connected rings

Indistinguishable from regular jewellery in looks, smart rings are becoming more popular. This is our pick of the best devices that you can purchase today. They combine fashion and technology into some seriously smart wearables.

RingConn Gen 3 – the best value for money smart ring

Tech specs:

• Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors
• Vibration alerts
• Vascular trend
• Up to 14 days battery life

RingConn has become one of the stronger options in the smart ring market, especially for those interested in sleep, recovery and long-term health trends. Its unobtrusive design still works well for 24/7 wear, while the updated app gives users plenty of data without pushing them into a subscription.

The third generation device is slightly thicker than before. But the trade-off is a larger battery, a new vibration motor, upgraded heart rate sensors, an improved temperature sensor and a newer 3-axis accelerometer. Battery life now stretches up to 14 days, while the universal wireless charging case is easier to live with than the older size-specific setup.

As noted in our hands-on review, Gen 3 stands out for strong sleep tracking, useful recovery-style insights and reliable daily activity monitoring. The new Vascular Trend feature gives it a more distinctive health angle, although it works best as a long-term trend tool rather than a replacement for a blood pressure cuff. Vibration alerts are another useful addition, even if the feature still needs more polish before it reaches its full potential.

RingConn Gen 2 Air remains the cheaper option. That model uses stainless steel rather than titanium, offers up to 10 days of battery life instead of up to 14 days, skips vibration alerts, does not include Vascular Trend and lacks sleep apnea pattern monitoring. It also comes with a wired charging dock rather than the Gen 3 universal wireless charging case.

Bottom line: RingConn Gen 3’s features, hardware and performance make it one of the most compelling alternatives to Oura Ring. It is comfortable, long-lasting and health-focused, with no monthly subscription fees. The exercise heart rate tracking still has limits at higher intensities, but for passive health tracking it is one of the best smart rings around.

RingConn*

Helio Ring – best for exercise tracking

Tech specs:

• Titanium-alloy build.
• BioTracker PPG HR sensor, temperature, EDA, 4-Axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope
• Around 4 days battery life
• 10 ATM water resistance

The $299 Amazfit Helio Ring is an exciting addition to the smart ring market. Though its Recovery Score can be inconsistent, the ring shines in several different areas. Its comfortable, sleek design and precise heart rate tracking during workouts make it a great choice for runners.

As per our hands-on review, the device offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking, a user-friendly app, and great battery life – making it a strong competitor among smart rings. While the Zepp Aura subscription unlocks premium features, the free app version still provides valuable insights.

Bottom line: If you want a reliable, stylish smart ring that prioritizes fitness tracking, the Amazfit Helio Ring is definitely worth considering. Particularly if you own an Amazfit watch. Its performance, particularly in heart rate monitoring during exercise makes it a valuable asset for those who want to improve their workouts and overall health.

Amazfit*

Ultrahuman Ring Air – a great lifestyle improvement device

Tech specs:

• Fighter jet grade Titanium reinforced with Tungsten Carbide Carbon coating outer shell.
• Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors.
• Around 6 days battery life
• 5 ATM water resistance

The Ultrahuman Ring Air distinguishes itself in the crowded smart ring arena with an insightful app that does more than just display metrics; it educates users about their health. Notable for its decently accurate heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep tracking, the device also incorporates unique features like a circadian clock and stimulant restriction window.

As noted in our hands-on review, its comfortable, lightweight design and long-lasting battery make it easy to wear continuously. Frequent updates continue to add value.

That said, the device isn’t without its imperfections. Both the step count and some Beta features could benefit from fine-tuning to achieve better accuracy. Additionally, the app’s interface could be simplified for an improved user experience. Nonetheless, the Ultrahuman Ring Air presents a compelling package, especially given its lack of subscription fees and a $350 retail price, making it a viable, cost-effective option for those looking to delve deeper into their health and wellness.

Bottom line: The Ultrahuman Ring Air offers valuable health insights in a comfortable design. Despite minor flaws, its unique features and competitive pricing make it a solid choice for health tracking.

Amazon | Ultrahuman*

Ōura Ring 5: The best smart ring, but expensive

Tech specs:

• PPG, negative temperature coefficient sensor, 3D accelerometer for movement
• Lightweight titanium with non-allergenic, non-metallic inner molding build
• Free sizing kit
• Up to 9 days battery life
• 40% thinner than before

The Oura smart ring puts lots of emphasis on sleep. With no buttons to push, it automatically detects and analyses your nightly rest and recovery by measuring heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, movement, blood oxygen and other signals.

The 5th generation device brings a smaller and lighter design, with Oura claiming a 40 percent reduction in size compared with Oura Ring 4. It measures 6.09mm wide and 2.28mm thick, with weight starting from 2 grams depending on size. The ring keeps the titanium build, 100-meter water resistance and IP68 rating, but the sensing system has been rebuilt with a new internal layout.

Battery life is now up to 6 to 9 days, depending on ring size and usage. Oura is also introducing an optional portable charging case, sold separately, which can provide up to a month of extra battery life. That makes Ring 5 a little easier to live with when travelling.

The software side is expanding too. Oura is adding features such as Health Radar, live activity tracking, GLP-1 medication tracking, clinical data uploads and improved Locate tools, with several additions also coming to older Oura rings. The subscription model remains, with the first month free for new members, then $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year in the US.

Bottom line: Oura Ring 5 is a thinner, lighter and more comfortable version of one of the best-known smart rings. The rebuilt sensors and smaller design make it a stronger option for sleep, recovery and long-term health tracking. But it remains pricier than much of the competition, especially once the subscription is factored in.

Ōuraring.com

Wellue O2Ring: keep an eye on your SpO2 with medical-grade accuracy

Tech specs:

• Measure oxygen level (SpO2), pulse rate, movement
• Measurement interval – 1 second
• Warning vibration for low oxygen, high/low pulse rate
• 15 grams weight
• 12-16 hours of continuous use on a single charge

This one is slightly different from other options on this list. The Wellue O2Ring predominantly does one main thing and it does it with medical grade accuracy – it tracks your blood oxygen. In fact, it is FDA approved for this sort of thing. Other stats that you’ll get are heart rate and body movement.

The device has a built-in vibration motor that kicks into gear when it sees something out of whack. You’ll get an alert if your blood oxygen level or heart rate are outside of threshold you preset on the smartphone app.

There’s also the option of installing PC software in addition to the smartphone app. The software allows you to view and print a very detailed sleep report, which can also be exported as PDF or CSV files.

In our review, we found the device works really well. The ring is quite big in size so it is not something you would want to wear around the clock. But for measurements at home, in the office, or overnight it is quite useful.

It is worth noting the WellueO2 Ring is slightly more expensive than a typical fingertip pulse oximeter. But if you need overnight monitoring with alarms and long term tracking then it is probably the best option out there. For some, it might become their most important piece of jewelry.

Bottom line: The WellueO2 Ring is not your typical smart ring. Its main trick is that it monitors blood oxygen while you sleep. It will also alert you if it spots abnormalities.

Amazon | Wellue (use coupon GW10 for 10% discount)*

Samsung Galaxy Ring – great for those in the Samsung ecosystem

Tech specs:

• Features titanium casing with a concave interior design
• Water resistant up to 100 meters
• Battery life of up to 7 days
• Offered in 9 different sizes for optimal fit
• Available in 3 colors: Titanium Black, Gold, and Silver

The second watch from a big smartwatch brand (after Zepp Health), the Samsung Galaxy Ring combines health tracking technology with a minimalist ring design. Using advanced sensors, it monitors metrics including heart rate, sleep patterns, and skin temperature, sending data to the Samsung Health app for analysis. The ring features a titanium casing available in multiple finishes, offering water resistance up to 100 meters and a battery life of up to 7 days.

AI-driven features include Energy Score, which optimizes daily activity recommendations based on sleep and previous performance data. The ring automatically detects workouts and provides personalized Wellness Tips. For added convenience, users can control their phone’s camera or alarms using a Double Pinch gesture.

Samsung offers the Galaxy Ring in Titanium Black, Gold, and Silver, with nine size options for optimal fit. The device’s ultra-lightweight, concave design ensures comfort during extended wear.

Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Ring offers comprehensive health tracking in an elegant, durable design that seamlessly integrates with the Galaxy ecosystem. It’s an ideal choice for existing Samsung wearable users looking to expand their wellness monitoring capabilities while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Samsung*

Why get a smart ring?

Research suggests that we check our phone every six and a half minutes and much of this results from notifications that do not really interest us or can wait for us to attend to them later. With your cellular device tucked away in your pocket or bag, you can use a piece of jewelry to attend to only those notifications that deserve your attention. The rest can wait.

But potential use of smart rings goes further. Because your fingers have easy-to-sense arteries, some of these devices are also able to gather precise data on your body’s vital signals. They do this with sensors such as a 3d accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate blood oxygen sensor and more. Much like fitness trackers.

Then there are smart rings that can be used to open a door lock or a smartphone or even send SOS messages. Such an accessory can be an easier option to use for some than a smartwatch. It is all a matter of preference. Some people are a fan of the concept, others are very much against it and prefer something sitting on their wrist.

How to choose the right smart ring

The right smart ring for you can be determined by a number of factors, including your specific needs, lifestyle, and personal style. Before making a decision, it is worthwhile to conduct some research and carefully consider your options. Here’s are some things to keep in mind:

• Determine your needs: The first step in selecting a smart ring is determining what you require it for. Do you want it to track your health and fitness, make contactless payments, control smart home devices, or provide security? The features you require will have a significant impact on your smart ring selection.
• Check compatibility: Make sure the smart ring you’re thinking about buying is compatible with your smartphone or other devices. Some smart rings are only compatible with certain operating systems or versions.
• Consider the design: A smart ring is a piece of jewellery as well as a functional device. When selecting a smart ring, keep your personal style and comfort in mind. Examine the available designs, materials, and colour schemes. Some brands also provide custom designs.
• Examine the battery life: The battery life of smart rings varies greatly. Determine how frequently you will need to charge the ring. Some rings can last for several days on a single charge, while others must be charged on a daily basis.
• Examine health and wellness features: If you want to track your health and wellness, see what sensors and features the smart ring has. Sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, temperature monitoring, and so on.
• Examine security features: If you intend to use your smart ring to make payments or unlock devices, look into its security features. Biometric authentication, encryption, or a secure app could all be used.
• Consider the price: Smart rings range in price depending on their features and brand. Determine your budget and compare the features and quality of various rings within it. Also, keep in mind that some options come with an on-going monthly subscription fee.
• Examine the reviews and ratings: Examine user reviews and ratings to get a sense of the smart ring’s performance and dependability. Take note of comments about comfort, durability, tracking accuracy, and customer service.

Drawbacks or limitations of smart rings

Smart rings, though innovative and compact, come with their own specific set of limitations. The most obvious is that, because of their small size, they house limited battery capacity. Which means frequent charging. Typically you can expect the battery in your smart ring to last 3-4 days.

Another disadvantage is that, being worn on the finger, they’re more exposed to wear and tear from everyday activities. Rings from certain manufacturers are prone to cratching. So that’s something to be aware of.

Finally, there are no smart rings currently with a display. In fact you will struggle to find one with any sort of notification capability.

*Disclosure: We are a review site that receives a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you. We are independently owned and all opinions expressed here are our own. See our affiliate disclosure page for more details.

The post The best smart rings 2026: health tracking from your finger appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The filing lands at an awkward time

Oura announced on May 21 that it had confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said the proposed IPO would take place after the SEC review process, subject to market and other conditions.

Eight days later, Rai filed a case in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The public docket lists Rai as the plaintiff and names Ouraring Inc., Oura Health Oy, Oura Inc., Sean Brecker, David Shuman and Eurie Kim as defendants.

The docket classifies the case as a securities matter and shows a complaint with jury demand filed on May 29. It also shows summonses issued in early June, with several defendants served shortly afterwards. That is the hard public record at this stage.

The Delaware docket confirms the filing and parties, but it does not by itself establish any wrongdoing or liability. Still, the timing makes it hard to ignore.

Rai’s earlier claim gives the context

This new Delaware case does not appear out of nowhere. Rai already sued Oura in California late last year, in a dispute centred on equity compensation and his time at the company.

In that earlier case, Rai alleged wrongful termination, breach of contract and withheld equity. Reporting on that complaint says Rai claimed he was promised a 5% ownership stake if he raised €10 million for the company. He says he exceeded that target but was removed before receiving the full set of stock options he believes he was owed.

Rai’s history with Oura goes back to the company’s earlier years. He joined as president in 2017 and later became CEO in 2018, during the period when Oura moved from niche smart ring maker into a much more visible wearable brand.

Oura already has stock-option noise around it

Rai’s claim also sits alongside other stock-option disputes involving people linked to Oura’s earlier growth. Former promoters and advisors have previously alleged that Oura promised them stock options tied to promotional, advisory or investment work. Oura has disputed those types of claims, arguing in court papers that certain stock grants were not authorised by its board.

For a private company, this kind of fight can stay fairly technical. For a company preparing to go public, it becomes more visible. The market likes simple stories and clean cap tables. A public listing prospectus tends to bring messy internal history closer to the surface.

That does not mean the case will derail Oura’s IPO. Companies regularly go public while dealing with litigation. But it does add another disclosure-sensitive issue at exactly the moment Oura would rather keep the investor story focused on growth, subscriptions and the smart ring category.

There are always two sides to a story. After originally publishing this article, an Oura spokesperson has sent us the following statement.

“Oura parted ways with Harpreet Rai over four years ago, after a board-led review found he had breached his fiduciary duties as CEO in a manner that directly benefited Rai at the expense of shareholders. After his dismissal, the company learned that—while CEO—Rai negotiated several unauthorized agreements without board knowledge or approval. 

Mr. Rai’s most recent lawsuit is another example of his attempts to extract money he did not earn by taking credit for years of work done after his departure. We strongly dispute the baseless claims in this lawsuit, and we will aggressively defend the company and the board in any legal process.”

Source: Justia Dockets & Filings

This article originally appeared on Gadgets & Wearables, the first media outlet to report the story.

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The notice comes from Mohit Kumar, Ultrahuman’s founder and CEO, and explains what happened on 27 March 2026. According to the company, an unauthorised third party gained read-only access to an internal system used for analytics. The access did not allow anyone to modify or delete data, and the affected system was taken offline once the incident was identified.

The timing is probably the bit that will make some users pause. Ultrahuman says the incident happened more than two months ago. But emails are only going out now in June. To be fair, security investigations can take time. Still, the gap is worth mentioning.

What Ultrahuman says was accessed

For affected users, Ultrahuman says the dataset contained contact and account details, order and transaction history and some fitness-related data associated with product usage and purchases. That is a fairly broad mix.

The reassuring part is that Ultrahuman says passwords, payment details and credit card information were not accessible. The company also says it has found no evidence of misuse or publication of the accessed information so far. That does not make the incident disappear, but it does narrow the immediate risk.

The most practical concern for users is probably phishing. If someone had access to account details and order history, that could make fake emails or messages look more convincing. A generic scam is easy to spot. A message that references a real purchase, product or account detail can be harder to dismiss at a glance.

What users should do now

Ultrahuman says users should stay alert for unexpected emails, texts or phone calls referencing the company, orders or personal data. That is sensible advice, especially if a message asks users to click a link, act urgently or confirm personal information.

The company says it will not ask users to confirm passwords, payment details or other personal information by email or SMS. Users who receive anything suspicious should avoid clicking links in the message and should go directly through Ultrahuman’s official app or website instead.

Ultrahuman also says it has strengthened access controls, hardened employee endpoint security, increased access audits and added anomaly detection for export volumes on internal systems.

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A smaller ring with a practical reason behind it

Oura is calling Ring 5 the world’s smallest smart ring. That is a big claim, but the company says the new model is 40 percent smaller than Oura Ring 4, with comfort now pushed much harder as a reason to upgrade. The reduction in size should make the ring easier to wear for sleep, workouts and long stretches when users might otherwise notice bulk.

The company also points specifically to high-grip activities such as golf and tennis. Smart rings can become awkward when the hand is wrapped tightly around a club, racket, barbell or handlebar. A thinner ring does not solve every limitation of the category, but it does move in the right direction.

Sensors have been rebuilt

Oura also says the sensing system has been re-engineered and reconfigured from the ground up. The company mentions larger and smarter sensors, with the aim of delivering more precise personal health data.

That is the part existing Oura users will want to watch most closely. A smaller body usually raises questions about whether anything has been compromised internally. Oura’s answer appears to be that the internal sensor layout has changed rather than simply being squeezed into a smaller shell.

The company also uses the phrase research-grade accuracy. That is a strong line, though the real test will come from independent testing and longer-term user feedback. Smart ring accuracy depends on hardware, fit, algorithms and consistency over time, so the rebuilt sensing system will need to prove itself outside launch material.

Better durability and a deeper water rating

Beyond that, Oura Ring 5 uses aerospace-grade titanium and carries 100m water resistance alongside an IP68 rating. The company also says it is more durable than previous generations and has improved scratch resistance.

Battery life is listed at up to a week on a charge, though real-world runtime will likely vary by ring size, settings and feature use. Oura is also introducing a portable Oura Ring 5 Charging Case, sold separately, which can provide up to one month of extra battery life.

New software features arrive alongside Ring 5

The hardware is only part of the Ring 5 launch. Oura is also rolling out a batch of software features, and many of them are not limited to the new ring. Oura Ring 3 and later users on iOS and Android will get several of these additions in the coming weeks, although some features have regional or language limits.

Live activity tracking arrives on June 4 and lets users start a workout in the Oura app and view pace and distance from the phone. Heart rate can also appear there if a third-party heart rate monitor is connected. Widgets will show these metrics even when the phone is locked, which makes the feature feel closer to a proper workout companion setup rather than a post-workout summary tool.

Oura is also expanding its background health monitoring with Health Radar. The feature launches in June with nighttime breathing and blood pressure signals for members in the US, India and the United Arab Emirates using the app in English. It is designed to look for longer-term patterns in the background and alert users when their data suggests something may need attention, such as increasing blood pressure signals or changes in nighttime breathing.

Another new area is clinical data. From June, US members in 43 states will be able to connect eligible providers to the Oura app and upload lab results, medications, allergies and diagnosed conditions into a personal health record. Oura is also testing a connection between Oura Advisor and Counsel Health through Oura Labs, giving users access to medical AI and the option to connect with a licensed doctor.

GLP-1 tracking is also being added. From June 4, members in the US, India and the United Arab Emirates using the app in English will be able to bring medication schedules, dosing, side effects, weight changes and Oura health data into one view. Oura is also adding the ability to upload lab results globally in English from June 30.

There are a few other smaller additions. A new time-based data deletion feature arrives on June 4 for all Oura members, allowing users to delete app data from a chosen period without wiping the full account history. The Locate feature is also being expanded for Ring 2 and later users, with support for finding multiple misplaced rings and charging cases, plus an in-app search mode for narrowing down a specific device.

Oura Labs is also adding a brain health study for eligible US iOS members with Ring 3 or later. The study pairs Oura sleep, activity and psychological data with Cambridge Cognition’s in-app cognitive assessments, with the aim of looking at how stress, rest and behaviour patterns relate to cognitive function over time.

New finishes and wider retail availability

All things considered, current Oura Ring 4 owners may not see an obvious reason to upgrade straight away. Ring 5 is clearly smaller and lighter, and the rebuilt sensing system sounds promising, but it will need to prove itself in real-world use. Many of the new software features also appear to be rolling out to older models, which makes the hardware decision less urgent. For anyone still using an Oura Ring Gen 3 or earlier, though, Ring 5 looks like a more convincing step up.

Pre-orders for Oura Ring 5 start today at ouraring.com. Two new finishes have been added to the core lineup. Gold has been redesigned with what the company describes as a more natural and modern shade, while Deep Rose is a new copper-rose finish.

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How to allow RingConn push notifications

The first thing to understand is that RingConn notifications depend on the app staying active in the background. It’s not ideal but it is the way it works. If you fully close the app, the ring and phone will not keep the connection alive in the way needed for this feature.

On iPhone, that means leaving the RingConn app minimised rather than swiping it away from the app switcher. Also you need to allow notifications for the RingConn app in the phone’s settings.

Android needs a bit more care because battery management can be more aggressive. Go into your phone settings, find the RingConn app, open the battery or usage section and set it to unrestricted. The exact wording may vary slightly by phone brand. There is also an in-app setting worth turning on. In the RingConn app, go to Settings, then Connectivity and switch on Persistent Mode.

What the notification settings actually do

Once the phone-level settings are sorted, open the RingConn app and go to Me, then App Settings, then Notification Settings. This is where the ring-related notifications live.

They are separated into several groups. Under Ring, there are Battery Reminder and Wearing Reminder toggles. Battery Reminder does what you would expect, sending updates about ring battery status. Wearing Reminder is designed to flag when valid data has not been detected for 20 minutes while wearing the ring.

Under Vital Signs, there are sedentary and high heart rate reminders. The sedentary reminder can warn when no standing activity has been detected for a set period, with the example shown in the app using 50 consecutive minutes. The high heart rate reminder can trigger when heart rate exceeds the chosen maximum value for 10 continuous minutes while the user is not exercising.

There are also Plan Reminders and Service Notifications. Plan Reminders are used for pending check-in plans, while Service Notifications cover app or account-related messages through channels such as SMS, email and other methods.

What vibration can do on Gen 3

For Gen 3 devices, the app also has a Vibration page. This is where you can switch vibration on or off for Battery Reminder, Sedentary Reminder and Wellness alerts.

Most smart rings don’t have this feature, but vibration makes sense on a device with no display. It can give you a subtle nudge when something needs attention without turning the ring into a watch. It also keeps the feature focused on ring-related alerts rather than trying to mirror every phone notification.

I’ve been testing the Gen 3 device and can confirm that the vibration feature works as advertised. It is subtle and short when it springs into action. For now, ring vibrations are limited to Battery Reminder, Sedentary Reminder and Wellness Notifications.

Unfortunately, the device does not currently support a vibration alarm for waking up in the morning. Or any sort of alarm. Many people like the idea of a ring buzzing gently on the finger instead of using a phone alarm, but that is not part of the current feature set.

There is a possible upgrade path here. RingConn has indicated that official OTA firmware updates are scheduled to gradually add vibration alarm features in Q3 to Q4 2026. The exact release date remains subject to the official rollout, so it is best treated as planned.

For now, anyone buying Gen 3 mainly for silent alarms or custom timed reminders should keep expectations in check. The hardware may be there, but the current software does not yet turn it into a fully flexible haptic reminder tool. Still, it is a useful first step for a smart ring category that is only just starting to experiment with on-finger feedback.

Keep an eye out for my full RingConn Gen 3 review. It should drop in the next week or so. In the meantime, you can check out the full RingConn range on the company’s website.

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The company has, reportedly, filed a draft registration statement with the SEC. The details remain private, though. There is no listing date, no price range and no share count yet. Oura says the IPO would happen after the SEC review process, subject to market conditions.

The timing makes sense

The numbers speak volumes. It seems the company is on track to pass five million paid members this quarter. It was valued at $11 billion in October after a $900 million Series E round, and revenue has grown fourfold over the past two fiscal years.

That gives Oura a strong story to tell. It is no longer just a sleep ring with a loyal following. It is a hardware and subscription business with enough scale to test public market interest in smart rings.

The company has also said it could reach close to $2 billion in sales in 2026. That is a big number for a wearable that still sits outside the normal smartwatch lane.

Users may not love every part of this

Investors will probably like the subscription angle. But some users may feel differently.

Oura already sells expensive hardware and then charges monthly for the better part of the experience. That works if the app keeps improving and the insights feel worth paying for. It becomes harder to defend if prices rise, support slips or more features move behind higher tiers.

That is the risk with going public. Oura will need to grow, but it cannot make existing users feel squeezed. Health wearables run on trust, and trust disappears quickly when people feel they are paying more for access to their own data.

Oura’s strongest argument remains the ring itself. It is discreet, easy to wear overnight and still has a clearer purpose than many wrist-based wearables.

That edge will matter more now. Samsung is already in smart rings along with a few other subscription-free alternatives. Whoop owns a chunk of recovery tracking, Garmin is strong in fitness and Google has moved further into screenless tracking with Fitbit Air.

Oura still has the brand lead. The question is whether it can keep improving the product without turning the app into a maze of paid extras.

We will soon find out

The IPO filing gives smart rings a bigger spotlight. It could also help Oura stay independent rather than being swallowed by a larger platform.

But the hard part starts now. Oura has to prove that a smart ring can support a serious public company without annoying the people who made it successful.

That means better health insights, clearer value from the subscription and less vague wellness language. Oura has already shown that people will wear a ring for health tracking. Now it has to show that the business model can grow without making the product feel worse.

There is also the Ring 5 angle in the background. A recent leak points to a possible May 28 announcement and June 4 release, which could help explain why Oura may want IPO momentum building alongside a new hardware cycle.

The post Oura files for IPO after massive membership growth appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The image looks like internal launch material. It describes Oura Ring 5 as a “smaller” and “more comfortable” ring while saying it keeps the same health-tracking capabilities and membership features as Oura Ring 4. If genuine, that suggests Oura may be focusing more on refinement than a major feature overhaul.

The timeline matches earlier clues

The screenshot lists late May for the announcement, pre-orders and sizing kits. A week later is when launch and shipments are expected to happen.

That fits the picture that has been building around Ring 5 over recent months. We spotted FCC filings for OA13 and OA14, which appeared to point to a new Oura ring and related hardware. The confidentiality timelines attached to those filings already suggested a much nearer launch window than the late 2027 estimates that had surfaced elsewhere.

There was also the brief Oura Ring 5 mention in Oura’s own sizing video flow before the reference disappeared. On its own, that did not confirm anything. But combined with the FCC activity and now this screenshot, the overall timeline starts looking more consistent.

The focus may be on comfort

The wording in the screenshot is interesting because it does not push a major new health feature. Instead, it leans heavily on size and comfort.

That would make sense for this category. Oura Ring 4 already covers the main health, sleep and recovery features most buyers expect. Making the ring smaller or less noticeable could be just as important as adding another metric inside the app. The likely direction seems to be a more refined version of the current hardware rather than a dramatic shift in appearance.

Still worth treating cautiously

There is still an obvious caveat. The screenshot has no visible source, URL or metadata, which means it could be genuine internal material or a convincing mock-up built around existing rumours and filings.

But nothing in the image clashes with what has already surfaced publicly. In fact, the timing fits unusually well with the earlier FCC trail and the accidental Oura Ring 5 reference that briefly appeared in official material.

If the dates are accurate, Oura Ring 5 could be announced on May 28 and begin shipping from June 4. That would make the next-generation ring much closer than many originally expected.

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The filing was published on May 7, 2026 as US 2026/0123720 A1. It is technically a continuation of an older application from 2022, so this is not Oura suddenly revealing a brand new product direction. But it does show the company is still spending time protecting modular ring concepts.

This looks broader than the earlier battery idea

The earlier patent was easier to explain. It focused on a ring with a removable battery section, which immediately made sense because battery lifespan is one of the weak points of smart rings. Tiny batteries degrade and there is only so much room inside a ring to work with.

This new filing takes the idea further. Instead of just swapping a battery section, Oura describes a removable outer cover that can connect to the ring itself. The diagrams show electrical contacts and inductive components lining up between the ring and the cover, which suggests this is more than just a protective shell.

In simple terms, Oura seems to be imagining a ring that can temporarily gain extra hardware when needed. That could mean more battery life, different sensors or extra functionality without making the main ring permanently bigger.

Why this direction makes sense

Smart rings are always fighting the same battle. People want more sensors, better battery life and more advanced tracking, but they also want the ring to stay thin and comfortable. There is not much physical space to play with.

A modular setup could help with that. You keep the everyday ring small, then add something extra only when you actually need it. Maybe that is overnight tracking, longer battery life during travel or more advanced health monitoring for certain situations.

That part is still speculation, because patents often stay patents forever. But the interesting thing here is not the exact implementation. It is the fact that Oura keeps circling around the same general idea of expandable smart ring hardware.

The drawings also show different attachment methods. Some use electrical contact points. Others appear to rely on inductive components. There are even locking mechanisms and partial outer modules that clip around sections of the ring instead of covering the whole thing.

Probably not a near term product

We would not read this as evidence that Oura Ring 5 is about to launch with snap on accessories. Patent filings are often much broader than what companies actually ship. Sometimes they are defensive. Sometimes they are just future thinking.

Still, it is notable that Oura now has multiple patents pointing toward some kind of modular architecture. There was the detachable battery concept. Now we have removable functional covers that could hold different electronics.

That starts to look less like a one off experiment and more like an area Oura genuinely finds interesting. Whether users would actually want clip on ring modules is another question entirely.

This article originally appeared on Gadgets & Wearables, the first media outlet to report the story.

Source: USPTO

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The easiest mistake is to treat this as a simple sequel. It is not. Gen 3 shifts RingConn’s top model into a more active smart ring, while Gen 2 keeps the slimmer design and Gen 2 Air remains the cheaper entry point.

Let’s dive into the detail.

The headline change is vibration

The clearest hardware difference is vibration. RingConn Gen 3 has vibration alerts, while Gen 2 and Gen 2 Air do not. That gives the new model a direct feature split from both older rings.

RingConn has also clarified what this feature does. Gen 3 does not vibrate for messages or alarms. It uses vibration for health alerts and reminders, so this is not a phone notification ring.

That limit is worth spelling out because vibration on a smart ring can easily sound like smartwatch territory. RingConn is taking a narrower route here. The ring can nudge the user, but only for health-related prompts and reminders rather than texts, calls or wake-up alarms.

That makes the feature less broad than some people may have expected. But it also keeps Gen 3 in the smart ring lane. It adds a physical alert layer without pretending the ring can replace a wrist device.

The sensors have changed too

RingConn is also saying Gen 3 has new optical heart rate sensors for more accurate readings. The temperature sensor and 3-axis accelerometer have also been upgraded. That is important because it gives Gen 3 more than just an added vibration motor.

Those changes are harder to judge from a spec sheet because accuracy depends on fit, firmware and real-world use. Still, better optical heart rate hardware should matter most during daily tracking, sleep and overnight health data collection. The upgraded temperature sensor and accelerometer also feed into the kind of background tracking smart rings rely on.

The vascular health feature needs careful wording. Gen 3 uses vascular load patterns, which RingConn describes as automatic background blood pressure measurements, alongside optional manual blood pressure inputs and lifestyle factors. The result is personalised vascular health insight, essentially blood pressure trend data rather than single cuff-style readings on demand.

Now, this feature is also currently in Beta for the Gen 2 device. So presumably at some stage it will be coming to owners of that version as well. Gen 2 Air is not part of that Beta so those rings are not capable of capturing the metric.

Battery life moves up

Battery life also improves with Gen 3. RingConn rates the new ring at up to 14 days, compared with up to 12 days for Gen 2 and up to 10 days for Gen 2 Air. That gives Gen 3 the longest quoted runtime in the current lineup.

There is a catch, because vibration affects runtime. RingConn says Gen 3 lasts around 10 to 12 days with vibration on, or 11 to 14 days with vibration off. So the headline figure depends on how the new alert feature is used.

The charging setup changes as well. Gen 3 comes with a universal wireless charging case. Gen 2 uses a size-specific wireless charging case and Gen 2 Air uses a universal wired charging dock, so the new model gets the cleaner charging accessory in the lineup.

Offline data storage also increases. Gen 3 stores data for 10 days, while Gen 2 and Gen 2 Air store 7 days. It is not the most exciting upgrade, but it is useful if the ring does not sync with the phone every day.

Gen 3 is slightly thicker

Not everything is in favour of Gen 3. That version measures 2.3mm and weighs between 2.5 and 3.5 grams. Gen 2 is thinner at 2.0mm and weighs between 2 and 3 grams. Gen 2 Air is also 2.0mm thick, but weighs between 2.5 and 4 grams. So Gen 3 is not the thinnest RingConn ring, even though it stays within a light range for a smart ring.

The bottom line

Gen 3 can be purchased on the RingConn website. It comes in Future Silver, Royal Gold, Matte Black, Brushed Silver and Brushed Rose Gold.

One detail worth flagging is sizing. Gen 3 uses a different sizing system, so existing RingConn users should not assume their Gen 2 or Gen 2 Air size will carry over. The sizing kit is the safer option because fit affects both comfort and sensor contact.

Gen 3 is the obvious pick if you want the newest hardware. Vibration alerts, upgraded sensors, longer battery life, 10 days of offline storage and the wireless charging case give it the strongest spec sheet in the lineup. The price and slightly thicker body are the trade-offs.

RingConn Gen 3*

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The Gen 2 still has a role. It is thinner than Gen 3, lighter at the low end and still offers up to 12 days of battery life. For users who do not care about vibration alerts, it may still be the cleaner choice.

The Gen 2 Air is the value option. It keeps the basics, costs less and still reaches up to 10 days of battery life. But it misses out on vibration, uses stainless steel rather than titanium and does not get the same top-end positioning.

All three rings keep RingConn’s no-subscription setup, which remains one of the cleaner advantages in this category.

The post RingConn Gen 3 vs Gen 2 and Gen 2 Air: Differences explained appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

What is new with Gen 3

On the health side, Gen 3 adds vascular health trend insights. This is RingConn’s blood-pressure-related feature, but it is not the same as taking a single cuff-style reading. The ring looks at longer-term vascular patterns and presents trend insights rather than one-off blood pressure numbers.

That distinction is important. Gen 3 should not be described as a normal blood pressure monitor, but it also should not be described as having no blood pressure feature. The accurate middle ground is that it provides vascular health trends tied to blood pressure insight, not individual readings on demand.

It is also worth noting that RingConn has already been testing the feature in beta with Gen 2 users. So it should not be framed as a Gen 3-only addition.

Also, new optical heart rate sensors have been added to Gen 3 for more accurate readings. The temperature sensor and 3 axis accelerometer are also newly upgraded.

Vibration has a clear limit

The other clear hardware addition is vibration alerts. RingConn Gen 2 and Gen 2 Air do not have this feature, so it gives Gen 3 a direct point of difference. It also means the ring can now alert the user directly, instead of relying only on the app.

RingConn has now clarified the limit. Gen 3 does not vibrate for messages or alarms. Vibration is used for health alerts and reminders, not phone notifications.

That keeps the feature narrower than some may have expected. This is not a notification ring for texts, calls or wake-up alarms. It is a smart ring that can give the user a physical nudge for health-related prompts and basic reminders.

Battery life improves

Battery life is another area where Gen 3 moves ahead. RingConn says the ring can last up to 14 days, compared with up to 12 days for Gen 2 and up to 10 days for Gen 2 Air.

With vibration on, RingConn gives a battery estimate of 10 to 12 days. With vibration off, that rises to 11 to 14 days. So the headline figure depends on how the ring is used.

Offline data storage also increases to 10 days. Gen 2 and Gen 2 Air both offer 7 days. That is not the most exciting spec, but it helps if the ring spends time away from the phone or if syncing does not happen every day.

The charging setup also changes. Gen 3 uses a universal wireless charging case, while Gen 2 uses a size specific wireless charging case and Gen 2 Air uses a universal wired charging dock. That makes the new model cleaner from a charging accessory point of view.

The trade off is size

Gen 3 is not the thinnest RingConn model. It measures 2.3mm and weighs between 2.5 and 3.5 grams. Gen 2 is thinner at 2.0mm and weighs between 2 and 3 grams. The increase is probably to accommodate the vibration motor and larger battery.

That gives buyers a fairly simple choice. Gen 3 brings the newer features, but Gen 2 keeps the slimmer body. Gen 2 Air stays as the lower priced model, with fewer advanced features and up to 10 days of battery life.

Gen 3 (view on RingConn’s website), comes in five finishes: Future Silver, Royal Gold, Matte Black, Brushed Silver and Brushed Rose Gold. So the buying choice is not only about size and features, but also about which finish fits best.

Worth noting is that Gen 3 uses a slightly different sizing system. That means buyers should not assume their existing RingConn size will carry over. The sizing kit is the safer option, especially because ring fit affects both comfort and sensor contact.

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