Since 2020, like many, I've taken a proactive approach to my health and fitness. Regular workouts, tracking VO2 Max scores, and Zone2 Cardio are part of my routine. I've experimented with various fitness trackers, from smart rings to Whoop bands, and even an Eight Sleep mattress. Despite occasionally getting overwhelmed by the constant data monitoring and device charging, I've found my preference in smart rings—especially after trying big names like the Oura Ring, Galaxy Ring, and Ultrahuman.
Why I Settled on the Ultrahuman Ring
Initially, I purchased multiple Oura Rings and Ultrahuman rings, experiencing the common user journey of fascination followed by fatigue due to the high maintenance of these devices. However, the Ultrahuman ring has consistently stood out, despite my phases of disuse.
Full Disclosure: As I discuss the Ultrahuman ring, it's worth noting they recently invited me to Abu Dhabi for the launch of their new Ring Rare. Although this could appear biased, my positive view of Ultrahuman was established long before this event, and I've been using their product intermittently since September 2023.
Common Issues with Smart Rings
Before diving into why Ultrahuman won me over, let's address some widespread issues across all smart rings:
- Charging: Their small size means small batteries, which typically last about five days. A significant downside is if you stop using a ring for an extended period, the battery might fail completely—a problem I encountered with my Oura Ring.
- Durability: These rings scratch easily. Despite efforts to protect them, like removing them during physical activities, the wear is noticeable, especially on darker finishes.
- Intrusive Alerts: At night, the LED lights used to monitor heart rate can be disturbing. The Galaxy Ring, in particular, was bright enough to wake me up, which was a significant drawback.
Why Ultrahuman Stands Out
Pricing: Generally, smart rings are similarly priced, but Ultrahuman occasionally offers discounts through affiliate links, providing some cost benefits.
- Data Richness: Unlike other rings that charge monthly fees for detailed data (Oura charges around £5/month for comprehensive sleep data), Ultrahuman offers extensive metrics without additional costs. This includes data on movement, stress, caffeine intake, sleep, recovery, circadian rhythms, and more.
- Cross Compatibility: This was crucial for me as I frequently switch between iOS and Android devices. Ultrahuman's compatibility across platforms is a significant advantage.
- Health Ecosystem: Ultrahuman is expanding its ecosystem to include products like Continuous Glucose Monitors and home devices to check air quality. They're also planning to introduce Blood Markers in the UK and US, which will integrate various health data into one comprehensive app.
Community and Innovation
Ultrahuman's approach to community building through features like 'Zones', where you can compete and share scores with friends, adds a fun, competitive edge to health monitoring. Their commitment to integrating different health metrics into a cohesive understanding of wellness is what sets them apart in the crowded fitness tech space.
My Thoughts
If I were to choose a smart ring today, my money would be on the Ultrahuman Ring Air. It represents not just a tool for health monitoring but a comprehensive approach to understanding and improving wellness.
For those interested in other fitness trackers like the Whoop, stay tuned for upcoming reviews. Meanwhile, check out the link below if you're considering joining the Ultrahuman community or just want to learn more about their offerings.
Click here to learn more about Ultrahuman products and join my Ultrahuman group
Join me in exploring the future of personal health technology, and let's take our wellness journeys to the next level together!
