Some of the best fitness trackers are the ones that you almost forget you’re wearing. However, a few smartwatches and other fitness tracker bands can be bulky, leading fitness enthusiasts to opt for fitness tracker rings instead.
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR touts a lightweight, comfortable feel, only weighing between 2.4 and 3.6 ounces (depending on the ring size). Still, how does this direct competitor to the Oura Ring fare in tracking metrics, workouts, and sleep?
Our expert product tester tried out the Ultrahuman Ring AIR for a few weeks, tracking both her sleep and workouts. In our Ultrahuman Ring review, we’ll take a look at the comfort, aesthetics, and tracking accuracy of the ring, and help you decide if it’s worth your money.
The Ringleaders in Testing Fitness Equipment
Although calling us ringleaders is mostly my attempt to make a bad pun, it’s also true: The team at Garage Gym Reviews is a leader in testing fitness equipment. Each product on our website has been tested by expert product testers, consisting of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and competitive athletes. We take our testing to the limits, even creating proprietary studies for certain products, like the best treadmills.
Our product tester used rigorous testing during her two weeks with the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, according to our fitness equipment testing methodology. She rated the fitness tracker ring 1 to 5 in features and aspects, including:
- General wear
- Activity and metrics tracking
- Battery life
- Connectivity
- Ease of use
- Overall value
Ultrahuman Ring AIR
Ultrahuman Ring AIR
Product Highlights
- Ring fitness tracker to help you improve your sleep
- Features continuous heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring and temperature monitoring, and period heart rate monitoring
- Included: Ring AIR, standard ring charger, type-C to C cable
- 5 colors available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultrahuman will send free sizing kit
- Provides a nightly sleep score and daily recovery score
- Sleep tracking with 10+ metrics
- No subscription required
- Can trade in a competitor’s ring for a discounted Ultrahuman ring
Cons
- Expensive
- Only 1 year warranty
- Customer reviews noted issues connecting with app
- Ultrahuman ring sizes different than traditional rings
Bottom Line
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR is a ring-style fitness tracker that does not require a subscription. When ordering you will have to request an Ultrahuman ring sizing kit, because the ring sizes are different from traditional rings. Customer reviews were generally positive and loved not having to pay for a subscription. Some customers did have issues with connecting the ring to the app.
A Quick Look at the Ultrahuman Ring AIR
Ultrahuman claims that the Ring AIR is the lightest sleep-tracking wearable device, and looking at the specs, it’s hard to argue against that claim. Depending on the size, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR weighs at most 3.6 grams; by comparison, the Oura Ring weighs 4 to 6 grams. The Ring AIR is also 2.45 to 2.8 millimeters thick, depending on the size.
The Ring AIR has a lot of common functionality in the metrics it can track: sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and workouts. However, it also has some advanced sleep features, such as AFib (atrial fibrillation) monitoring and cardio adaptability. Being a newer ring, a few features are still rolling out.
An added bonus is that the Ring AIR doesn’t require a subscription fee to access its tracking features. Ultrahuman suggests pairing the Ring AIR with their M1 Live, which tracks glucose and metabolism as well—but it’s important to note the M1 does require a monthly fee, and a pricey one of $299 a month.
Before You Buy
- Not sure of your ring size? Ultrahuman will send a sizing kit where you can try out different sizes prior to choosing a size. Ring sizes range from 5 to 14.
- Ultrahuman suggests using the fitness tracker ring on your index, middle, or ring finger for the most accurate readings. However, athletes with larger hands (like myself) may need to opt for a pinky ring to get the ring to fit.
- If you’re looking to use the M1 Live in conjunction with the Ring AIR, you can save by purchasing a longer subscription—3 or 12 months.
- Looking to replace your current fitness tracker ring? You can trade in your current smart ring for in-store credit to help pay the $349 price tag of the Ring AIR—as long as your fitness tracker ring is eligible.
Is the Ultrahuman Ring AIR Worth It?
The Ultrahuman RIng AIR is a bit on the pricier side, costing $349, which is more expensive than the Oura Ring Gen 3 (but pretty much in line with their newly released Gen 4 ring). The RingConn is also less expensive, costing about $259. Compared to some other pricier smartwatches, like Garmin fitness trackers, the price is less expensive though.
While it’s on the pricier side of the best smart rings, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR still brings a good amount of value to the table, earning a 4 out of 5 for its value. The ring doesn’t have a mandatory subscription fee, and the sleep data collected is great for fitness lovers looking to improve their sleep quality and recovery. Compatible with Android and Apple devices, this fitness tracker is a great option for athletes wanting to optimize their sleep and recovery.
The ring is very comfortable, but even then it could feel in the way during some Olympic barbell movements—if you’re needing a strong grip on the bar. So if you’re wanting to track workouts but do a lot of barbell training, you may need to consider a fitness tracker watch or smart band, like Fitbit or Whoop.
RELATED: Whoop 4.0 Review
Great for:
- People looking for advanced metrics to track their sleep
- Those wanting a lightweight, comfortable fitness tracker
- Fitness enthusiasts who’d rather avoid a subscription service
Not recommended for:
- Weightlifters who do a lot of grip work with barbells or dumbbells
- People needing a budget-friendly fitness tracker
- Those less concerned with sleep data
Ultrahuman Ring AIR Specs
| Price | $349 |
| Weight | 2.4-3.6 g |
| Thickness | 2.45-2.8 mm |
| Battery life | Up to 6 days |
| Water resistant | 10 ATM |
| Metrics tracked | Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, sleep, steps, calories, VO2 max, stress monitoring, dynamic recovery, AFib monitoring, cardio adaptability |
| Colors | Raw Titanium, Aster Black, Matte Grey, Bionic Gold, Space Silver |
| Subscription? | No |
Using the Ultrahuman Ring AIR
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR connects to the Ultrahuman app via your smart device. It’s compatible with both iPhones and Android devices, and even other smart devices, like Apple Watch. After using the smart ring and app for a few weeks, our expert tester rates the ease of use a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “The app’s interface is straightforward and gives a lot of insight into metrics you wouldn’t necessarily know about your health—particularly sleep.”
The app measures tons of features during activity and sleep, so it can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, Ultrahuman has an information button for most metrics that explains what the measurement is for and what is typical for that metric.
The one metric our tester didn’t get was the skin temperature sensor, mostly because the explanation is poor. “It tells me that a half-degree drop in temperature isn’t optimal but doesn’t explain why it could happen or what it could mean,” she says. “To me, it just doesn’t seem like a huge deviation in temperature. I wish there was a bit more explanation in that case.”
Let’s take a deeper look at the metrics and functionality of the smart ring.
General Wear
Many fitness tracker rings are made to work both in and out of the gym, with colorways suited to match other rings and jewelry. The Ultrahuman Ring AIR comes in five different colors, with a couple of options including gold, silver, or a matte black, sure to appeal to whatever style you prefer.
The ring is available in sizes 5 to 14, and Ultrahuman will send a ring sizing kit to help you determine your size if you’re not sure. (I’d recommend using the sizing kit even if you know your size so that you are certain of the right size and fit for you.)
Although 14 is a larger size than other smart rings I’ve seen, larger athletes may need to wear the ring on their pinky instead of the recommended index, middle, or ring finger. I’d love to see Ultrahuman and other fitness tracker rings develop some larger sizes, so that they can get more accurate readings on a larger finger.
What separates the Ultrahuman Ring AIR most from competitors is its lightweight design; weighing as little as 2.4 grams, Ultrahuman is one of the lightest sleep trackers on the market. The thickness and width are sleek as well, leading our product tester to rate the general wear a 4.5 out of 5. “I’m not one to wear big rings usually, so it felt a little weird at first, but it’s gotten comfortable fast,” she says. “Now I feel awkward when I’m not wearing it.”
Even though it’s lightweight, the ring also is durable. Our product tester explains, “After two weeks of consistent wear, I’m shocked there’s no scratches or marks on the ring yet.”
Battery Life
Because fitness tracker rings don’t have a display or touchscreen to power up, they typically have some of the best battery lives in the fitness tracker market. The Ultrahuman Ring AIR is no different, lasting up to 6 days at a time before needing a charge.
The Ring AIR comes with a standard ring charger and type-C cable. When the battery is low, simply place the ring on the charger, and the ring charges in 90 minutes. The Ring AIR earns a 5 out of 5 for its battery life.
Connectivity
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR has Bluetooth connectivity and automatically updates the firmware through the Ultrahuman app. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. However, it lacks GPS support, earning it a 3 out of 5. Still, in addition to the Ultrahuman app, the Ring AIR also supports third-party apps and platforms, such as Zwift, Peloton, Apple Health, Strava, Fitbit, Garmin, and others.
Activity Tracking
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR measures tons of metrics and activities in its fitness tracking:
- Calories
- Steps
- Workouts
- Heart rate
- Sleep
- Stress
- Body temperature
It earns a 4 out of 5 for activity tracking and heart rate tracking. Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of the Ring AIR’s tracking.
Workout Profiles
The Ring AIR measures basic movement and calories burned through a motion sensor and counts steps and distance traveled. Your VO2 Max can also be calculated, which is a measurement of your body’s oxygen consumption and use during exercise. It has the ability to track a myriad of workouts, including:
- Cross-training
- Hiking
- Elliptical training
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Strength training
- Soccer
- Powerlifting
- Rugby
- Rock climbing
- Kickboxing
“Almost any workout you can think of, it has a setting for,” says our expert tester.
Additionally, the Ultrahuman app has workouts included for yoga, abdominals, HIIT, strength training, and breathwork. “The inclusion of workouts and tracking makes me more willing to engage in targeted workouts, since the data and tracking all lives in the app on my phone,” our tester says.
RELATED: The Best Gifts for Yoga Lovers
Sleep Tracking
Where the Ultrahuman Ring AIR can shine is in its sleep tracking. Many fitness trackers will give a sleep index or recovery score based on your prior night’s sleep. The Ring AIR does the same, with a sleep score based on trackable metrics and algorithms, and tracks sleep stages throughout the night. It goes a step further with coaching based on nuances in your sleep, suggesting an earlier bedtime if you’re lacking on your total sleep, for example.
The Ring AIR also gives insights into your circadian rhythm to try to help time your sleep, exercise, and wind-down times throughout the day to improve energy and sleep quality. It suggests caffeine windows and vitamin D exposure times as well, all geared for better sleep and recovery.
Two unique features of the nighttime tracking are AFib Detection and Cardio Adaptability. Both measure your heart rate. The AFib detection will send a notification if an irregular heartbeat is detected throughout the night, allowing for the possibility of early detection of atrial fibrillation. (The feature is limited in certain regions, however.) The Cardio Adaptability measures your heart activity throughout the night, giving insight into how your heart responds to activity, stress, and rest.
Sleep tracking was our product tester’s favorite aspect of the Ring AIR. “I can have trouble sleeping at times, and the ring is helpful in identifying my problem points during the night, as well as suggesting bed and wake-up times,” she says. “I check this metric almost religiously each morning.”
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Ultrahuman will measure your heart rate periodically during the day but continuously throughout the night to help measure resting heart rate. Along with resting heart rate, the ring measures other biomarkers such as heart rate variability (HRV), active heart rate, and skin temperature.
These measurements are given in a readily available stress score, recovery score, and movement index. And as with other metrics, Ultrahuman gives insights on how to improve HRV and stress levels.
Ultrahuman Ring AIR vs Oura Ring
Oura Ring
Oura Ring
Product Highlights
- Measures your heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, and skin temperature
- Over time, it can track your sleep patterns and suggest improvements
- Battery lasts 7 days and can fully charge in 20 minutes
- Can help you find your balance between activity and recovery
- Water resistant up to 100 m
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
- No membership required
Cons
- May develop scratches with daily wear
- Limited statistics without membership
- Comparably expensive
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that is more subtle and sleek than a traditional wrist tracker, the Oura Ring is a great alternative option.
It’s hard to avoid talking about the Oura Ring when talking about fitness tracker rings. Oura was one of the first fitness tracker rings on the market and continues to be a powerhouse in the field. Though the Gen 4 was recently released, we’ll stick to comparing the Ring AIR to the Oura Ring Gen 3, which is still available (and the ring we’ve had our hands on).
The Oura Ring Gen 3 starts at a lower price than the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, but depending on the colorway and style you choose, the Oura Ring can cost as much as $449. The Oura Ring is also a bit bulkier than the Ultrahuman Ring Air, with a thicker band and weighing between 4 and 6 grams, depending on your ring size.
The Oura Ring has strong sleep tracking metrics, but is rivaled by the Ultrahuman Ring, especially with its unique AFib monitoring and Cardio Adaptability scores.
Oura has a history—albeit a short one—of being a top brand and highly accurate, so we still like the ring for its overall use. However, the monthly subscription fee may deter some users from the smart ring; in that case, the Ring AIR is a great option with similarly robust metrics, but without any subscriptions.
You can read more in our Oura Ring review.
| Ultrahuman Ring AIR | Oura Ring Gen 3 | |
| Price | $349 | Starts at $299 |
| Weight | 2.4-3.6 g | 4-6 g |
| Thickness | 2.45-2.8 mm | 2.7-2.9 mm |
| Battery life | Up to 6 days | Up to 7 days |
| Water-resistant | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Metrics tracked | Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, sleep, steps, calories, VO2 max, stress monitoring, dynamic recovery, AFib monitoring, cardio adaptability | Body temperature, calories burned, sleep, blood oxygen, resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate, respiratory rate, steps, daily movement |
| Colors | Raw Titanium, Aster Black, Matte Grey, Bionic Gold, Space Silver | Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Subscription? | No | $5.99 per month |
Customer Experience
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR has a 12-month warranty, covering defects in material and workmanship. For more coverage, you can join Ultrahuman X, a VIP membership that extends your coverage period, prioritizes you for customer support, and also gives you deals and discounts on both Ultrahuman and non-Ultrahuman products.
Ultrahuman offers 30-day returns on their smart rings if you’re not satisfied with your purchase. All items must be included, including the ring charger in its original packaging. The website provides an email address, a chat function, and a phone number for contacting customer service, and it has a pretty lengthy FAQ section, earning them a 4 out of 5 for the customer experience.
Ordering the Ultrahuman Ring AIR
You can purchase the Ring AIR directly on the Ultrahuman website or through Amazon. Financing is available on the website through Afterpay or Shop Pay, where you can pay in interest-free installments or just schedule payments for a later time. The ring is also HSA- and FSA-eligible. No assembly is required, the ring just needs some mild charging before you use it.
Customer Reviews
As of this writing, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR has 562 reviews on Amazon, earning a 4.4 out of 5 stars on average.
Positive reviews generally applaud the light feel and fit of the ring, and also enjoy the sleep metrics and their accuracy.
Most negative reviews and complaints come from connectivity issues. One 4-star review had issues pairing with their phones and devices, and had a slow experience with customer support through the website chat function. However, once he contacted the company via phone, he was able to get the answers and support he was looking for and set up a replacement ring.
Another negative complaint said that connectivity was an issue as well, and was currently waiting on a replacement ring. Users should know that there may be issues, but customer support seems to be helpful in troubleshooting and getting a replacement if needed.
Final Verdict of Our Ultrahuman Ring AIR Review
With a robust sleep tracking system, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR brings a lot to the table, rivaling top competitors like Oura. If you’re looking for a decent way to track your health and wellness—without any subscription fee—this is a solid option. Here are a few things to consider:
- Make sure to get the sizing kit regardless if you know your ring size or not to ensure you get the right size.
- If you’re looking to upgrade your current ring tracker, you may be eligible to trade in your ring to knock down a bit of the $349 price tag.
- Workout tracking may be limited if you do a lot of grip work, as rubbing against a barbell or dumbbell repeatedly may cause some damage to the smart ring.
Full Rating
Ultrahuman Ring AIR
The Ultrahuman Ring AIR is a ring-style fitness tracker that does not require a subscription. When ordering you will have to request an Ultrahuman ring sizing kit, because the ring sizes are different from traditional rings. Customer reviews were generally positive and loved not having to pay for a subscription. Some customers did have issues with connecting the ring to the app.
Product Brand: Ultrahuman
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 349
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.1
Ultrahuman Ring AIR: FAQs
Is an Ultrahuman Ring worth it?
While the $349 price is more expensive than some fitness tracker rings, the Ultrahuman Ring AIR has no subscription fee for features. Also, the metrics tracked are fairly robust—especially for sleep tracking—meaning the ring still brings a good amount of value to the table. Financing options are available for users not wanting to pay the hefty price tag all at once.
Are smart rings accurate?
Recent studies1 have shown that, like any fitness tracker, smart rings can be accurate in the heart rate and other metrics they track, but how accurate they are will depend on the brand and quality of the sensors. More expensive smart rings usually have better sensors, which can increase their accuracy, while more budget-friendly rings might be less accurate.
Can you wear the Ultrahuman Ring on any finger?
While you can wear the Ring AIR on any finger, it’s recommended to wear the ring on your ring, middle, or index finger for the best and most accurate readings. That said, people with larger hands may have to use a pinky finger, as that may be the only finger that a smart ring can fit on. (This isn’t a unique issue to Ultrahuman; most smart rings have limited larger sizes.)
References
- Kim, J., Chang, S. A., & Park, S. W. (2024). First-in-Human Study for Evaluating the Accuracy of Smart Ring Based Cuffless Blood Pressure Measurement. Journal of Korean medical science, 39(2), e18. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e18
