N※N

Your fitness watch may get jealous -- this $299 smart ring outshines the Apple Watch

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. is-299-smart-ring-outshines-the-apple-watch.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 7:27 GMT by New York Post

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-26 242 x 209 / 5115 Bytes

2025-12-18 225 x 224 / 5757 Bytes

2025-12-18 225 x 224 / 5793 Bytes

2025-12-18 224 x 224 / 4998 Bytes

Article Summary: “Your fitness watch may get jealous — this smart ring is $299”

The New York Post’s December 18, 2025 feature takes a deep dive into the rising trend of wearable technology that isn’t strapped to your wrist: the smart ring. The piece opens with a tongue‑in‑cheek comparison between the ubiquitous fitness watches that have become a staple of daily life and a surprisingly affordable ring that promises to out‑perform, in many respects, the market leaders like the Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit. At a price point of $299, the ring appears poised to shake up the industry—and, according to the article, might even make your watch feel a little envious.

1. The Smart Ring in Focus

The article introduces the device as the RING™ 3.0 (the actual brand name is never disclosed in the excerpt, but the model number “RING 3.0” is used throughout). The ring’s form factor is sleek, offering four size options (6, 7, 8, 9) and a choice of materials ranging from polished stainless steel to matte black titanium. The design is minimalist: no buttons, no display—just a smooth, almost “invisible” band that sits comfortably on the finger.

Link‑related note: The NY Post links directly to the manufacturer’s product page, where readers can view a 3‑D interactive model and pick a size. A second link leads to a dedicated “Product FAQ” that explains sizing, battery life, and warranty details.

2. Sensors & Health Metrics

A key part of the article is the breakdown of the ring’s internal sensor suite. The ring packs:

• Photoplethysmography (PPG) for heart‑rate monitoring, with claims of 98 % accuracy when compared to clinical grade devices.
• Near‑infrared spectroscopy for blood‑oxygen saturation (SpO₂).
• Inertial measurement unit (IMU) – three‑axis accelerometer and gyroscope – for activity tracking and sleep staging.
• Ambient light sensor for adjusting the ring’s internal “alert” LED (if the user opts for a notification light).
• Temperature sensor for detecting skin temperature changes that may correlate with fever.

These sensors feed into a proprietary algorithm that estimates basal metabolic rate, calories burned, and even stress levels based on heart‑rate variability. The article notes that the algorithm is open‑source on the brand’s GitHub repository, giving developers a chance to build companion apps.

Link‑related note: A link to the GitHub page shows the algorithm’s documentation, and another link directs readers to a recent research paper published in Sensors that validates the accuracy of the ring’s health metrics against medical devices.

3. Battery Life & Charging

One of the standout points in the article is the ring’s battery life: up to 6 days of continuous use, according to the manufacturer’s specs. This outpaces most fitness watches (which typically last 2–5 days) and is largely due to the ring’s extremely low power consumption—thanks to the modest sensor array and the lack of a screen.

Charging is accomplished through a small docking station that snaps onto the ring via a magnetic connection. The article reports a full charge time of ≈30 minutes, with a quick‑charge option that delivers 24 hours of use from a 5‑minute session. The docking station also serves as a “smart‑home hub” that can connect to Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth.

Link‑related note: The NY Post includes a link to the docking station’s product page, which features a video tutorial on how to charge and maintain the ring.

4. Companion App & Ecosystem

Because the ring lacks a display, all data visualization and notifications are handled through the companion app, available on iOS and Android. The article praises the app’s clean UI, which categorizes data into “Heart‑Rate,” “Sleep,” “Stress,” and “Activity.” It also features:

• Daily summaries that provide a quick snapshot of overall wellness.
• Goal tracking for steps, minutes of moderate‑intensity activity, and sleep duration.
• Insight alerts (e.g., “Your heart‑rate variability suggests you’re in a high‑stress state”).
• Smart notifications that vibrate the finger (if the user has the optional ring‑tap feature enabled).

The app syncs with major health platforms (Apple Health, Google Fit, Garmin Connect), and the article notes that data is encrypted end‑to‑end. For developers, an open API is available, allowing third‑party app developers to pull user data into custom dashboards.

5. Comparisons to Wrist‑Based Wearables

The article contrasts the ring with the Apple Watch Series 9, the Garmin Venu 3, and the Fitbit Sense. A few points of emphasis:

• Accuracy: For heart‑rate and SpO₂, the ring scores near the accuracy of the Apple Watch. The article cites a recent comparative study (link provided) that shows the ring’s metrics are statistically indistinguishable from clinical monitors for most users.
• Form factor: The ring’s unobtrusiveness and lower profile make it ideal for people who dislike a bulky wristband or have sensitivity to straps.
• Battery life: The ring’s six‑day battery outlasts the Apple Watch’s typical 18‑hour battery and Garmin’s 9‑day battery (when used in “fitness” mode).
• Cost: At $299, the ring is cheaper than the Apple Watch’s starting price ($399) and comparable to the Fitbit Sense ($299). The article points out that the ring offers more features than a smartwatch at a similar price.
• Limitations: The ring does not support third‑party app ecosystems to the same degree as watches. It also lacks a screen, which means notifications are limited to haptic or LED alerts. Users who want a full smartwatch experience may still prefer a wrist‑based device.

6. Design & Comfort

Comfort is highlighted as a critical factor. The article describes the ring as “almost invisible,” with a smooth finish that doesn’t irritate the skin. It mentions that the ring is water‑resistant up to 50 m, so it can be worn during swimming or showering. For those who worry about ring‑jamming during workouts, the brand offers a “break‑away” safety loop.

The article also discusses the ring’s aesthetic versatility. Users can switch between matte, brushed, and polished finishes, and the ring’s neutral colors (silver, gold, rose gold, black) are meant to complement everyday wear.

7. User Experience & First‑hand Reviews

Several first‑hand testimonials are woven into the piece. A 32‑year‑old marketing executive reports feeling “like I have a tiny personal assistant on my finger.” An older retiree says the ring’s sleep tracking helped him catch a sleep apnea pattern that he hadn’t been aware of. A fitness trainer notes that the ring’s activity data aligns well with his training logs, providing a reliable second set of metrics.

The article cites a recent review by TechRadar (link included) that gave the ring an 8.5/10 for “Battery Life + Accuracy” but noted a “slightly steep learning curve for first‑time users.” Engadget praised the ring’s low cost relative to its feature set, though it flagged the lack of third‑party app support as a limitation.

8. Availability & Pricing

The ring is currently available through the manufacturer’s website, major online retailers (Amazon, Best Buy), and select physical stores. It comes in a stylish black case with a small card explaining size selection. The article notes that there is a 12‑month warranty that covers manufacturing defects, and a 30‑day return policy. The ring’s price point of $299 is highlighted as a major selling point: “You can buy a full smartwatch with a display for less than the cost of this ring.”

A link to the official FAQ clarifies that the ring can be upgraded via a firmware update; the current version (1.2) added a “stress‑reduction” feature that offers guided breathing exercises.

9. Conclusion & Verdict

The article concludes that the ring’s blend of accurate health tracking, long battery life, and low price makes it an “impressive entry point into the wearable market.” It cautions that users who value a screen or a more extensive app ecosystem may still prefer a traditional smartwatch. Still, for anyone looking for a discreet, reliable way to keep tabs on heart‑rate, sleep, and activity, the ring offers “a compelling alternative.”

The piece ends with a direct call‑to‑action: “Click here to buy the ring now and start feeling smarter on your finger.”

Overall Takeaway
The New York Post’s feature presents the smart ring as a quietly revolutionary competitor to the fitness‑watch juggernauts. Its small, low‑power design allows it to outlast most wrist‑watches in battery life while keeping a tight price range. With a robust sensor suite, open‑source algorithms, and a growing developer ecosystem, the ring seems poised to carve out its own niche. The only trade‑offs are the lack of an on‑ring display and a relatively limited app ecosystem—yet for many users, those may be acceptable compromises for a cheaper, more discreet wearable.