4 smart rings you should buy instead of the Oura Ring 5

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The Oura Ring 5 launched just a few weeks ago, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about it. I’ve been testing one since then, and there is a lot to like about the new device. Oura helped put smart rings on the map, and the company’s latest only improves on its successful lineup. However, if the launch has you thinking about adding a finger-based wearable to your collection, Oura isn’t the only option.

The smart ring market is also a lot more crowded than it used to be. Oura may still be the biggest name in the category, but it’s far from the only one worth considering. Whether you’re looking to avoid a subscription, prioritize fitness tracking, or simply trying to get the best value for your money, these are the smart rings I’d recommend shopping.

If you’re a Samsung phone user, the Galaxy Ring is the easiest Oura alternative to recommend. Where Oura’s smart ring exists largely within its own ecosystem, Samsung’s is tied to a much broader lineup of devices, and there are definite perks to that setup. The ring itself isn’t my favorite, but it makes a lot of sense for people who are already invested in Samsung’s device family. Rather than trying to outdo Oura, Samsung built a ring that works well as an extension of the Galaxy experience.

Most notably, the ring works in tandem with Galaxy Watches to help users track a more complete picture of their health. Anyone already tracking their stats with Samsung Health will feel right at home. I especially appreciate the flexibility of having both devices available. I can wear a Galaxy Watch during workouts, then swap to the ring for sleep tracking, stretching the battery life of both wearables while still keeping my health data in one place.

The hardware is also impressive for a first-generation product. The Galaxy Ring is lightweight and comfortable enough for 24-hour wear. Samsung opted for a slim 7mm design with a thin 2.6mm profile that feels a touch more comfortable than many rivals. It’s more petite than the Oura Ring 4, though the Oura Ring 5 just landed even thinner. More importantly, it’s held up incredibly well. After months of wear, my review unit still looks nearly pristine, something I can’t say about every smart ring I’ve tested.

It’s also backed by one of my favorite charging solutions in the category. Instead of a basic charging puck, Samsung opted for a transparent clamshell case with a built-in battery, much like a pair of wireless earbuds. Oura introduced a similar travel-friendly charger with the Ring 4, but Samsung includes its version in the box.

Samsung also skips the monthly subscription fee, giving users access to all of their data without an added recurring cost. That’s another area where it holds an advantage over Oura. The Galaxy Ring won’t be the right choice for everyone. Some of its best features are reserved for Galaxy phone owners, and Oura still has the edge when it comes to health insights and overall platform maturity. But if you’re already all-in on Samsung, no other smart ring feels quite as tailored to that experience.