Are Smart Rings Worth It? Pros & Cons You Should Know About
In the fast-moving world of wearable technology, our wrists have long been the go-to spot for tracking health and fitness. From the smart watch to the classic fitness tracker Singapore users know so well, these gadgets have helped millions monitor their steps, workouts, and even sleep. But a new form factor has entered the scene: the smart ring.
Lightweight, discreet, and designed for round-the-clock comfort, the smart ring has sparked plenty of curiosity. But a natural question arises: are smart rings worth it? Do they genuinely provide benefits beyond what a watch or band already does? Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can decide if a sleep ring or health monitor ring fits into your lifestyle.
The Pros Of Smart Rings
1. Discreet Design
Unlike the obvious bulk of a smartwatch, a smart ring blends seamlessly into everyday style. It fits into your style as a wearable rather than a piece of tech, making it perfect for office wear, hitting the gym, or when you pull the covers up for a good night’s sleep.
2. Always-On Tracking
Because a ring is so small and comfortable, it’s wearable all day — and night. This makes it easier for an accurate sleep tracking ring, working with the most precise data in real-time. A 2019 Front Physiol study established that PPG measurements from the finger achieved the highest percentage of analysable data as compared to other sites, and subsequent research has established it as the “gold-standard” for precise health monitoring.
3. Comfort Factor
No straps, no bulky display, no skin irritation from constant wrist wear. At just 2.5–3.5 grams, the Medfy Ring is far lighter than most wrist-based wearable devices, which makes it barely noticeable once you put it on. Whether as a calorie counter or step tracking ring, Medfy functions quietly in the background, delivering insights without inconvenience.
4. Battery Life That Outlasts Watches
Screens are power-hungry. Without one, smart rings can last much longer between charges. The Medfy Ring, for instance, offers up to 10 days of battery life — about 50% longer than many competing smart rings and well beyond most watches.
5. Lifestyle Versatility
Whether you’re in the gym, at work, socialising, or asleep, a sports ring like Medfy adapts without drawing attention. It’s sweat-resistant, durable, and designed to fit seamlessly into every part of your routine.
The Cons (And How To Think About Them)
1. Limited Display
Smart rings don’t show notifications, unlike a smartwatch. If you need instant texts, emails, or call alerts on your wrist, a ring won’t replace your watch.
But here’s the flip side: many people buy a health ring precisely to escape constant screen pings. Rings focus on wellness insights without distractions — which is their strength, not a weakness.
2. Data Can Feel Technical
Heart rate variability (HRV), SpO₂, sleep cycles — these terms can overwhelm first-time users.
The solution? Apps like Medfy’s companion app interpret data into clear sleep scores, trend graphs, and actionable tips, so you don’t need a medical degree to understand your results.
3. Durability Concerns
Rings experience more knocks than watches, especially when you’re cooking, typing, or exercising.
The good news: premium models like the Medfy Ring use durable materials, water resistance, and strict testing to ensure they stand up to daily wear.
4. Price Vs. Features
High-end smart rings sometimes cost as much as a smart watch. Some buyers question if that’s justified given the smaller form factor.
However: rings excel in areas that watches often don’t. A 2020 validation study showed that smart rings outpaced watches in terms of deep analysis on REM, light and deep sleep. They also provide comfort that bulky watches can’t match during rest.
Is A Smart Ring The Perfect Lifestyle Companion For You?
A smart ring isn’t for everyone — but for many, it’s exactly the missing piece in their wellness routine. Use the table below to see which category you fall into:
| Why Get a Smart Ring | Why Get a Smart Watch |
| You value wearable, discreet style that looks like jewellery, not tech. | You want on-screen notifications for calls, texts, and emails. |
| Comfort matters: you prefer a lightweight device you can wear 24/7, even while sleeping. | You like apps, calendars, or music controls directly on your wrist. |
| You’re focused on detailed wellness insights such as sleep stages, HRV, stress, and recovery. | You prioritise multi-tasking features beyond health, like maps, contactless payments, or voice assistants. |
| Long battery life between charges is important to you. | You don’t mind charging your device every day or two. |
| You want the best sleep tracking device for deeper rest analysis. | You need an all-in-one gadget for productivity and lifestyle functions. |
For Singaporeans comparing the smart rings for women and men, the choice often comes down to this: a wrist-based multi-tasker or a finger-worn specialist focused on wellness. The Medfy Ring leans into what matters most: precise biometric tracking, day-to-night comfort, and a sleek design that feels natural.
Medfy Ring: The Smarter Choice
At the end of the day, the question “are smart rings worth it?” depends on your lifestyle. For those who want a fitness tracker they can rely on without fuss, or the best fitness tracking device that doubles as the best sleep tracking device, the answer is yes.
The Medfy Ring makes the decision even easier:
- Durability: Built for daily life with premium, lightweight materials.
- Battery: Lasts up to 10 days with a rapid 25-minute charge.
- Insights: Tracks sleep stages, HRV, SpO₂, stress, steps, and more with accuracy validated by research.
- Design: Minimalist and versatile, so it feels natural — at the gym, in the boardroom, or while sleeping.
More than just a step counter or sports ring, the Medfy Ring acts as your personal health monitor ring, translating complex data into simple, actionable advice. It is wearable tech that doesn’t intrude but enhances your everyday choices.
So, are smart rings worth it? If you want a smart ring that prioritises health over distractions, feels comfortable enough for 24/7 wear, and offers science-backed wellness insights, the Medfy Ring proves the answer is a resounding yes.
Final Thoughts
The rise of wearable devices is reshaping how we understand our health. From watches to rings, each has its place. But for those who want comfort, subtlety, and deeper rest insights, the sleep ring category — led by devices like the Medfy Ring — offers unmatched value.
A smart ring isn’t just another gadget. It’s a lifestyle choice. By balancing pros and cons, and focusing on long-term wellness, you can see why for many, it’s the best fitness tracking device they’ll ever own.
Explore how the Medfy Ring combines accuracy, style, and simplicity — the smarter way to track your health and live better.
Citations & References:
Hartmann, V., Liu, H., Chen, F., Qiu, Q., Hughes, S., & Zheng, D. (2019). Quantitative comparison of photoplethysmographic waveform characteristics: Effect of measurement site. Frontiers in Physiology, 10, 198. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00198
Mehrabadi, M. A., Haghayegh, S., Cai, C., Balouch, S., Larson, A., & Bahrami, F. (2020). Sleep Tracking of a Commercially Available Smart Ring and Sleep Stage Classification Using a Neural Network. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(10), e20465. https://doi.org/10.2196/20465
Nardelli, M., Vanello, N., Galperti, G., Greco, A., Scilingo, E. P., & [others] (2020). Assessing the quality of heart rate variability estimated from wrist and finger PPG: A novel approach based on cross-mapping method. Sensors, 20(11), 3156. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20113156
