For years, the Oura Ring has dominated the smart ring market, offering discreet and comfortable sleep tracking as well as accurate heart rate and blood oxygen readings. However, at CES, I was pleasantly surprised to see several working prototypes and products that are poised to challenge the Oura Ring’s reign.
One of the closest contenders to the Oura Ring is Movano’s Evie Ring. Priced at $269, this ring is designed with a focus on women’s wearables but can be worn by anyone. The Evie Ring features a simplified app that displays data in context, tracking metrics such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate, activity, and menstrual cycles. The company plans to incorporate AI-powered insights in the future. Additionally, Movano is seeking FDA clearance for the device, not because it is required for the included features, but to emphasize the accuracy of its sensors.
Another notable competitor is the Amazfit Helio Ring, aimed at athletes seeking detailed recovery insights. Similar to the Oura Ring, it provides a daily readiness score and can be used in conjunction with other Amazfit smartwatches. Athletes can wear the smartwatch during the day and rely on the ring for sleep tracking at night. The Helio Ring also includes an EDA sensor for stress tracking and access to an AI chatbot. Amazfit is known for offering impressive budget wearables, so the Helio Ring is expected to be competitively priced when it launches this spring.
While the Motiv Ring may have faced setbacks, smaller companies like Ultrahuman and Circular have been quietly working on smart rings. Additionally, rumors suggest that Samsung is developing a Galaxy Ring. The presence of multiple smart rings at CES indicates that this market is gaining momentum and is poised for significant growth. It’s only a matter of time before a smart ring emerges as a strong competitor to the Oura Ring.
The emergence of competitors in the smart ring market is not just about besting the Oura Ring; it signifies a necessary progression for the industry. The market has been relatively quiet for too long, and competition can provide the push needed for innovation and advancement. With a variety of new options on the horizon, consumers can benefit from increased choices and improved features.
In addition to the Evie Ring and Helio Ring, I also encountered other intriguing smart rings at CES. The Zikr Ring, for example, is designed specifically for Muslims, providing reminders for daily prayer and featuring a digital tasbih counter. RingConn, another contender, offers similar features to the Oura Ring at a slightly lower price point. These unique offerings cater to niche markets, demonstrating the versatility and customization potential of smart rings.
The smart ring market is evolving rapidly, and the dominance of the Oura Ring is no longer unchallenged. With the introduction of new competitors like Movano’s Evie Ring and the Amazfit Helio Ring, consumers can look forward to greater options and enhanced features. The emergence of smart rings at CES indicates a revitalized market and the potential for continued growth in the wearable technology industry. Ultimately, the increased competition will benefit consumers, driving innovation and ultimately raising the bar for smart rings as a whole.
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