Is a smart ring a good gift?

A smart ring can be an excellent, highly memorable gift, but only if you plan around two major hurdles: finger sizing and subscription costs.

When it is a great gift:

• For the watch-averse: It is perfect for people who want to track their sleep, steps, and heart rate but hate wearing a bulky smartwatch or screen on their wrist.
• For sleep and wellness enthusiasts: They offer some of the best sleep, recovery, and biometric tracking available on the consumer market.
• For tech-forward fashion lovers: They blend jewelry aesthetics with modern health technology.

Potential Dealbreakers to Consider:

1. Sizing is highly specific: You cannot guess a ring size. Smart rings are thicker than standard metal rings, and a snug, comfortable fit is required for the sensors to work. The best approach is to gift a sizing kit first, or purchase a gift voucher that covers the kit and the ring.
2. Ongoing subscription fees: Some rings (like the Oura Ring) require a monthly fee to see anything beyond basic daily scores. Consider whether your recipient wants a recurring bill, or prepay for their first year of membership.
3. Phone Compatibility: Ensure the ring works with their phone. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Ring does not support iOS.