Smart rings are the new cool kids on the block in the world of wearable tech, quickly catching up to the popularity of smartwatches.
Recently, big names like Samsung, Amazfit, and even talk of an Apple Ring making its debut soon. But for now, the spotlight is on two trendsetters: the Oura Ring Gen 3 and RingConn.
RingConn, a newcomer fresh from a triumphant Indiegogo campaign that raised a whopping $1 million, started shipping to its eager backers in early 2023. It’s a fresh face in the smart ring scene, especially when compared to the seasoned Oura. The Oura Ring, in its third generation, has already won over a million active users and is a favorite among tech enthusiasts.
As these two brands grow and start to mirror each other’s health and fitness features, it’s getting trickier to pick a favorite. We’re here to help you navigate through their key differences in design, price, and features, making it easier for you to choose the smart ring that suits you best.
Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Oura Ring 3 and RingConn take different paths. The Oura Ring 3, seen as a luxury item in the wearable world, carries a price tag that matches its high-end status. Depending on the style and finish you choose, it can set you back anywhere from $300 to $549. But it’s not just the upfront cost you need to consider. After your first month with the Oura Ring 3, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee of $5.99. This subscription is key to unlocking all the advanced features and insights the Oura app offers.
On the flip side, RingConn positions itself as the wallet-friendly contender. Priced at $279, it’s a more accessible option for those looking to enter the smart ring space without breaking the bank. The real cherry on top? RingConn comes with no monthly subscription fees. This means you get full access to all its features from the get-go, with no extra charges down the line. For folks who prefer a straightforward, one-time purchase without the worry of ongoing costs, RingConn could be the winner.
Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Specs Comparison
| Category | Oura Ring Gen 3 | RingConn |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Durable titanium, PVD Coating, Non-allergenic, non-metallic, seamless molding | Durable titanium, PVD Coating, Non-allergenic, non-metallic, seamless molding |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Dimension | Width: 7.9mm, Thickness: 2.55mm (8 size options) | Width: 7.8mm, Thickness: 2.6mm (9 size options) |
| Display | N/A | N/A |
| Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | 4 to 6 grams (depending on ring size) | 3 to 5 grams (depending on ring size) |
| Sensors | Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors | Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors |
| Water-Resistance | Up to 100m/328 ft | IP68/5ATM dustproof and waterproof |
| GPS | No | No |
| Built-in Speaker | No | No |
| Microphone | No | No |
| NFC | No | No |
| Music Storage | No | No |
| Connectivity | BLE, EMF-Safe/Airplane Mode | BLE 5.2, EMF-Safe and /Airplane Mode |
| Battery Type | 15mAh – 22mAh | 15mAh – 22mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 days, Full charge in 20 to 80 minutes, Charging dock USB-C | Up to 7 days, Full charge in 90 minutes, portable charging case |
| Operating System | Proprietary | Proprietary |
| Colors | Heritage – classic, plateau design (Silver, Black, Stealth, Gold), Horizon – sleek, uninterrupted design (Silver, Black, Stealth, Brushed Titanium, Gold, Rose Gold) | Moonlit Silver, Midnight Black, Pale Gold |
| Price | $300 – $549 (depending on finish) + $5.99 monthly subscription (first month membership free) | $279 (no subscription required) |
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Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Design & Build Quality
When comparing the Oura Ring 3 and RingConn in terms of design and build quality, both rings make a statement with their stylish simplicity and high-quality construction.
The Oura Ring 3 is often compared to a timeless piece of jewelry. Its smooth, uninterrupted design seamlessly integrates into daily life, much like a classic wedding band. This subtlety is a big plus for those who want their tech to be both fashionable and inconspicuous.
RingConn, on the other hand, makes its mark with a distinctive square-on-the-outside, round-on-the-inside shape. This unique design isn’t just about looks; it also promises comfort. Plus, its wider size range suggests a focus on catering to a diverse group of users.
Size-wise, both rings are quite similar. The Oura Ring measures 7.9mm in width and 2.55mm in thickness, while the RingConn is a tad slimmer at 7.8mm wide but slightly chunkier at 2.6mm thick.
A notable feature of both rings is their button-free design, which enhances their sleek, minimalistic look. This is a big win for those who prefer their gadgets to blend in rather than stand out.
As for display and color options, both rings forgo a digital screen, a decision that aligns with their goal of blending health tracking with a classic ring appearance. The absence of a screen is a hit with users who favor elegance over a high-tech look.
The Oura Ring 3 comes out ahead in color choices, offering an array of finishes like Brushed Titanium and Rose Gold. RingConn’s color selection is more limited but is carefully chosen to exude modern sophistication.
When it comes to water resistance, the Oura Ring 3 is a standout, able to withstand depths of up to 100 meters, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts. RingConn isn’t far behind, though. It offers significant water resistance, sufficient for everyday use, though it doesn’t quite match the Oura Ring’s depth capability.
Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Health & Fitness Tracking
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, both the Oura Ring 3 and RingConn offer impressive features, though there are some key differences to consider.
Starting with the Oura Ring 3, it’s a standout for sleep tracking, consistently delivering some of the most accurate results we’ve seen. Its Readiness and Activity Scores are not just numbers; they provide genuinely useful insights. Oura achieves this by keeping an eye on your heart rate around the clock, giving you a comprehensive picture of your health by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, blood oxygen, and respiratory rate. These metrics, combined with your activity and sleep data, paint a detailed portrait of your overall well-being.
Oura is also constantly evolving. In 2023, it introduced stress tracking during the daytime and plans to add a ‘Stress Resilience’ feature in 2024. Women’s health is another strong focus for Oura, with features like period prediction and integration with the Natural Cycles birth control app.
RingConn offers a similar array of health-tracking tools. You can monitor blood oxygen, skin temperature, HRV, respiration, and heart rate throughout the day and night. Like Oura, RingConn includes all-day stress tracking, providing insights into your stress levels while you’re awake and asleep.
However, RingConn differs in a few areas. It lacks the specific Readiness insights that Oura offers, and, as of now, it doesn’t include women’s health features, although menstrual cycle prediction is on its 2024 roadmap. Instead, RingConn focuses on providing general health reports on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, akin to Google Fit and Apple Health.
In terms of smart and fitness features, both rings have their strengths. Oura has the upper hand in fitness tracking, with automatic exercise detection that records your movements, steps, heart rate, calorie burn, and more. While smart rings, in general, may not match the accuracy of other fitness devices due to their placement on the body, Oura tries to bridge this gap with manual tracking and integration with Google Health Connect.
RingConn, meanwhile, is a bit behind in this area. It offers basic activity scoring and connections to Google Fit and Apple Health, along with step tracking and calorie burn estimates. However, its ‘Workout Mode’ is still a work in progress.
Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Smart Features
When it comes to smart features, both the Oura Ring 3 and RingConn have their limitations. While they can sync up with both iOS and Android devices and are expanding their language support, don’t expect them to handle notifications or calls like a smartwatch might.
It’s also worth mentioning that neither of these rings is designed with hardcore athletes in mind. If you’re looking for in-depth sports tracking like you’d find in specialized sports watches, these might not be the right fit. But, for those who just want to keep an eye on their daily movement, both rings have got you covered with basic activity tracking.
Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Battery Life
Battery longevity is a key aspect of any wearable device, and in this regard, both the Oura Ring 3 and RingConn don’t disappoint.
The Oura Ring 3 boasts a robust battery life, lasting up to a week on a single charge. Recharging is quick and convenient, taking anywhere from 20 to 80 minutes, depending on the remaining battery level. This is done using a compact and easy-to-use USB-C charging dock.
On the other hand, RingConn also offers an admirable battery performance, mirroring the Oura Ring with up to 7 days of use on a single charge. It takes around an hour and a half to fully charge. The standout feature for RingConn is its portable charging case, adding a layer of convenience for those who are often on the move. This means you can easily top up your ring’s battery on the go, without the hassle of searching for a charging port.
Oura Ring Gen 3 vs RingConn: Final Verdict
In the battle of smart rings, the RingConn vs Oura Ring 3 each make a strong case. Oura Ring 3 leads the pack with its advanced, refined platform. It excels in design variety and is unmatched in its health and sleep tracking prowess. Plus, it’s always evolving, adding fresh features regularly.
The main drawback of Oura lies in its cost. Despite its superior offerings, the price and ongoing monthly fee might steer some towards a more budget-friendly option like RingConn.
Comparatively, RingConn makes a solid debut. Its price, more palatable for those wary of ongoing expenses, coupled with a feature set that rivals Oura, positions it as a value-for-money choice. However, as a newer player, RingConn’s user experience isn’t as polished as Oura’s.
In essence, if you’re after a more established, feature-rich ring and don’t mind the extra cost, Oura is the way to go. But for those seeking a no-frills, cost-effective alternative with many similar features, RingConn is a worthy contender.
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