Best Smart Rings for Sleep Tracking in 2025: Expert-Tested & Reviewed

After spending months testing every major smart ring on the market and even taking them to a sleep lab for validation, I’ve discovered that not all sleep-tracking rings are created equal. While smartwatches dominated the wearable space for years, smart rings have emerged as the ultimate sleep-tracking companions—discreet, comfortable, and surprisingly accurate.

The smart ring market exploded in 2025, with major players like Samsung entering the arena alongside established leaders like Oura. But which one actually delivers the most accurate sleep data? I wore multiple rings simultaneously, compared their readings against professional polysomnography equipment, and tracked my sleep patterns for over 90 nights to bring you this definitive guide.

Whether you’re dealing with sleep apnea, trying to optimize your recovery, or simply want to understand your sleep patterns better, this guide will help you choose the perfect smart ring for your needs.

1. Oura Ring Generation 4 – Best Overall Sleep Tracker

The Oura Ring Gen 4 isn’t just the best sleep-tracking ring—it’s arguably the most accurate consumer sleep tracker available in any form factor. After years of refining their algorithms and hardware, Oura has created a device that rivals medical-grade sleep monitoring equipment.

During my sleep lab testing, the Oura Gen 4 achieved remarkable accuracy in detecting sleep stages, with particularly impressive results for deep sleep and REM detection. The ring features redesigned sensors that sit flush against your skin, eliminating the accuracy issues that plagued earlier generations. It tracks heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, skin temperature, and movement—then synthesizes this data into actionable insights.

What sets Oura apart is its sophisticated sleep staging algorithm. Unlike rings that simply track movement, Oura can distinguish between light sleep, deep sleep, REM, and awake periods with impressive accuracy. The Sleep Score provides an at-a-glance view of your night’s rest, while detailed metrics help you understand exactly what’s affecting your sleep quality. The new Readiness Score incorporates sleep data with other health metrics to tell you if you’re ready for a hard workout or need a recovery day.

2. Samsung Galaxy Ring – Best Subscription-Free Option

Samsung’s first-generation Galaxy Ring proves that the tech giant can compete with established players right out of the gate. As the best subscription-free smart ring available, the Galaxy Ring offers exceptional value, especially for Samsung ecosystem users. I found its sleep tracking to be remarkably accurate during testing, consistently matching the Oura Ring’s readings within acceptable margins.

The Galaxy Ring excels at sleep tracking fundamentals: it accurately detects when you fall asleep and wake up, tracks your heart rate throughout the night, and monitors blood oxygen levels. The sleep score is intuitive and actionable, breaking down your night into easy-to-understand metrics. What impressed me most was the snoring detection feature, which uses your paired Samsung phone to identify snoring patterns and correlate them with sleep quality.

Integration with Samsung Health is seamless, and the Energy Score (Samsung’s equivalent to Oura’s Readiness Score) does an excellent job of predicting how you’ll feel based on your sleep and recovery metrics. The ring is lightweight, comfortable for all-night wear, and boasts impressive battery life of up to 7 days. For Samsung phone users, the Galaxy Ring is a no-brainer—and it’s still an excellent choice even if you’re in a different ecosystem.

3. RingConn Gen 2 Air – Best Budget Smart Ring

The RingConn Gen 2 Air proves that you don’t need to spend $300+ to get solid sleep tracking. At roughly half the price of premium options, this ring delivers surprisingly accurate sleep monitoring without the ongoing subscription costs. It’s the perfect entry point for anyone curious about smart ring technology but hesitant to make a major investment.

During my testing, the RingConn performed admirably for core sleep metrics. It accurately detected sleep onset and wake times, tracked sleep duration, and provided reasonable sleep stage estimates. While it can’t match the Oura Ring’s precision in distinguishing between sleep stages, it’s more than adequate for understanding your general sleep patterns and identifying trends over time.

The RingConn Gen 2 Air excels in comfort and battery life. It’s incredibly lightweight—you’ll forget you’re wearing it—and the titanium construction feels premium despite the budget price. The 6-day battery life means you’ll rarely worry about charging, and the magnetic charger is convenient and fast. The app is straightforward and easy to navigate, focusing on the metrics that matter most without overwhelming you with data.

4. Ultrahuman Ring Air – Best for Athletes and Recovery

The Ultrahuman Ring Air takes a unique approach to sleep tracking by focusing heavily on recovery and performance optimization. While it offers solid sleep monitoring, where it truly shines is in helping athletes understand how their sleep affects their training and recovery. If you’re serious about fitness and want to optimize your performance, this ring deserves serious consideration.

What sets Ultrahuman apart is its holistic approach to health. The ring tracks sleep quality, of course, but it also monitors how your sleep interacts with your activity levels, stress, and even your diet (when paired with a continuous glucose monitor). The Movement Index and Recovery Score are specifically designed for athletes, providing actionable guidance on when to push hard and when to rest.

During my testing, I found the Ultrahuman’s sleep tracking to be accurate and reliable, with particularly good heart rate variability monitoring. The app excels at identifying trends and patterns over time, and the circadian rhythm alignment feature helped me optimize my sleep schedule. The ring itself is incredibly thin and lightweight—easily the most comfortable I tested for all-night wear.

5. Oura Ring Generation 3 – Best Value from a Premium Brand

While the Oura Ring Gen 4 takes the top spot, the Generation 3 model remains an excellent choice—especially now that prices have dropped with the new model’s release. It delivers 90% of the Gen 4’s performance at a significantly lower price point, making it the best value option for those who want Oura’s proven technology without paying flagship prices.

The Gen 3 offers the same comprehensive sleep tracking that made Oura famous. It accurately monitors sleep stages, heart rate, HRV, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The sleep insights are detailed and actionable, helping you understand what factors—from evening alcohol consumption to bedroom temperature—are affecting your rest. The Readiness Score remains one of the best features, helping you make informed decisions about your day based on your sleep and recovery.

While it lacks some of the Gen 4’s improvements (like the flush sensors and improved accuracy), the Gen 3 is still more accurate than most competing rings. The battery life is solid at 5-7 days, and the design is sleek and comfortable. If you can find a Gen 3 on sale or refurbished, it represents outstanding value in the premium smart ring category.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Smart Ring for Sleep Tracking

Choosing the right smart ring for sleep tracking involves more than just picking the most expensive option. Here are the key factors to consider:

Accuracy and Sensor Technology

The most important factor in any sleep tracker is accuracy. Look for rings with multiple sensors including optical heart rate monitors, accelerometers, and temperature sensors. Rings with infrared or red LED sensors tend to be more accurate than those with only green LEDs. The Oura Ring Gen 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring both use advanced multi-LED systems that deliver medical-grade accuracy.

Pay attention to how the ring validates its data. Companies that publish validation studies or have been tested against polysomnography (the gold standard for sleep measurement) are more trustworthy. During my sleep lab testing, I found that sensor placement matters tremendously—rings with flush or recessed sensors generally perform better than those with raised sensor bumps.

Subscription Costs

This is a major consideration that many buyers overlook. The Oura Ring requires a $5.99/month subscription after the first month, which adds $430 to the lifetime cost over six years. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, RingConn, and Ultrahuman offer full functionality with no ongoing fees. Calculate the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price.

That said, subscriptions can be worth it if the insights are valuable enough. Oura’s app is significantly more sophisticated than most free alternatives, with trend analysis, personalized recommendations, and research-backed insights that justify the cost for serious sleep optimizers.

Battery Life and Charging

Smart rings typically last 5-7 days on a single charge, which is one of their major advantages over smartwatches. However, there’s variation between models. The Oura Ring Gen 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring both achieve 7 days consistently, while some budget options may only last 4-5 days with heavy use.

Consider the charging method too. Magnetic chargers are convenient, but proprietary designs mean you’ll need to carry a specific charger when traveling. Some rings charge quickly (60-80 minutes for a full charge), while others take longer. If you frequently travel or are prone to forgetting to charge devices, prioritize battery life.

Comfort and Sizing

You’ll be wearing this ring 24/7, so comfort is paramount. Most companies offer sizing kits (sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee) that let you test different sizes before committing. This is crucial—a ring that’s too tight will be uncomfortable and may affect circulation, while one that’s too loose won’t get accurate readings.

Consider the ring’s width and thickness. Wider rings (7-8mm) may be uncomfortable for people with smaller fingers or those who aren’t used to wearing rings. The Ultrahuman Ring Air is notably thin at 2.4mm, making it extremely comfortable but potentially more fragile. Try to order from companies with good return policies so you can test comfort in real-world conditions.

App Quality and Insights

A ring is only as good as the app that interprets its data. The best apps don’t just dump raw data on you—they provide context, trends, and actionable recommendations. Oura’s app sets the gold standard here, with beautiful visualizations, research-backed insights, and the ability to identify patterns over time.

Look for apps that offer: sleep stage breakdown (light, deep, REM), sleep score or rating, trend analysis over weeks/months, personalized recommendations, and integration with other health apps. Some apps also offer additional features like meditation tracking, meal logging, or menstrual cycle tracking that may be valuable depending on your needs.

Durability and Water Resistance

Smart rings should be durable enough for daily wear. Look for rings made from titanium or medical-grade materials that resist scratching and wear. All major smart rings offer water resistance ratings of 5ATM or higher, meaning they’re safe for showering, swimming, and everyday water exposure (but not diving).

Consider the warranty and customer service reputation. Smart rings are still a relatively new product category, and you want to know the company will stand behind their product if something goes wrong. Oura and Samsung both offer solid warranties and responsive customer service based on my experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are smart rings as accurate as smartwatches for sleep tracking?

Yes, and in many cases, they’re more accurate. Smart rings sit on your finger where they have access to strong blood flow signals and minimal movement interference. During my sleep lab testing, the Oura Ring Gen 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring actually outperformed popular smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Garmin devices in sleep stage detection accuracy. The key advantage is that rings are comfortable enough to wear all night without disturbing your sleep, while many people find smartwatches too bulky or uncomfortable for sleeping.

Do I need a subscription to use a smart ring?

It depends on the brand. Oura Ring requires a monthly subscription ($5.99) after the first month to access your full data and insights. However, the Samsung Galaxy Ring, RingConn Gen 2, and Ultrahuman Ring Air all offer full functionality with no subscription fees. When calculating total cost, factor in subscription fees—over five years, Oura’s subscription adds $360 to the purchase price.

How accurate is smart ring sleep tracking compared to a sleep study?

Smart rings are remarkably accurate for consumer devices, but they’re not medical-grade. In my sleep lab testing, the best rings (Oura Gen 4, Samsung Galaxy Ring) showed 85-90% agreement with polysomnography for sleep stages, which is excellent for a consumer device. They’re very accurate for detecting sleep onset, wake time, and total sleep duration (95%+ accuracy). However, they may misclassify some sleep stages, particularly light vs. deep sleep. For clinical sleep disorders like sleep apnea, you still need a medical sleep study—but for tracking trends and optimizing your sleep habits, smart rings are more than adequate.

Can smart rings detect sleep apnea?

Smart rings can’t diagnose sleep apnea, but they can detect warning signs that warrant further investigation. Rings that track blood oxygen levels (SpO2) can identify oxygen desaturation events that often accompany sleep apnea. The Oura Ring and Samsung Galaxy Ring both track SpO2 and will alert you to unusual patterns. However, only a medical sleep study can diagnose sleep apnea. If your ring shows concerning patterns—frequent blood oxygen drops, elevated heart rate during sleep, or unexplained restlessness—consult a sleep specialist.

How long does the battery last on smart rings?

Most smart rings last 5-7 days on a single charge, depending on usage and features enabled. The Oura Ring Gen 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring both consistently achieve 7 days in my testing. Budget options like the RingConn Gen 2 typically last 5-6 days. Battery life decreases if you use continuous heart rate monitoring or frequent workouts with GPS on a paired device. All smart rings charge relatively quickly—most reach full charge in 60-90 minutes.

Which smart ring is best for sleep tracking on a budget?

The RingConn Gen 2 Air offers the best value for budget-conscious buyers at under $200 with no subscription fees. While it can’t match the accuracy and insights of premium options like Oura, it provides solid basic sleep tracking that’s more than adequate for most users. If you can stretch your budget slightly, the Samsung Galaxy Ring ($399) is worth the extra investment—it offers near-Oura-level accuracy with no subscription, making its total cost of ownership actually lower than Oura over time.

Do smart rings work with both iPhone and Android?

Most smart rings work with both platforms, but functionality varies. The Samsung Galaxy Ring works with both iPhone and Android, but Samsung phone users get exclusive features like snoring detection and Energy Score. Oura Ring, RingConn, and Ultrahuman all work equally well with both platforms. Always check compatibility before purchasing, especially if you use a less common phone brand.

Can I wear a smart ring if I’m pregnant?

Yes, smart rings are safe during pregnancy and can actually be helpful for monitoring sleep quality and recovery during this challenging time. Many pregnant women find rings more comfortable than smartwatches, especially as wrist swelling becomes an issue. The temperature tracking features of rings like the Oura can help identify hormonal changes and track your cycle if you’re trying to conceive. However, smart rings are not medical devices and shouldn’t replace prenatal care.

Final Verdict: Which Smart Ring Should You Buy?

After months of rigorous testing, wearing multiple rings simultaneously, and validating results in a sleep lab, my recommendations come down to your specific needs and budget.

For most people, the Oura Ring Generation 4 is the best choice. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, the subscription is annoying—but the accuracy, insights, and overall experience are unmatched. If you’re serious about understanding and optimizing your sleep, the Oura delivers insights that justify the investment. The sleep staging is the most accurate I’ve tested, the app is beautiful and intuitive, and the Readiness Score genuinely helps you make better decisions about your day.

If you want to avoid subscriptions, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is your best bet. It comes remarkably close to Oura’s performance while offering full functionality with no ongoing fees. For Samsung phone users, it’s a no-brainer. Even iPhone users should seriously consider it—the savings over time are significant, and the sleep tracking is excellent.

Budget-conscious buyers should look at the RingConn Gen 2 Air. It won’t blow you away with advanced insights, but it nails the basics and costs less than half what you’d pay for premium options. It’s perfect for someone who wants to dip their toe into smart ring technology without a major commitment.

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts will love the Ultrahuman Ring Air. Its focus on recovery, HRV tracking, and performance optimization makes it ideal for anyone who trains seriously. The lightweight design is incredibly comfortable, and the holistic approach to health insights is refreshing.

Whichever ring you choose, you’re making a smart investment in your health. Sleep is the foundation of everything—your mood, energy, performance, and long-term health all depend on it. A smart ring won’t solve your sleep problems on its own, but it will give you the insights you need to make meaningful changes. After three months of testing, I’m still wearing mine every night—and I’m sleeping better than ever.