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Tom's Guide
25-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I spent 96 hours with the Ringconn Gen 2 Air — 5 things I liked, 2 things I didn't
I've been testing the Ringconn Gen 2 Air for the past 96 hours to see if it can compete with the best smart rings out there, including options from Oura, Samsung, Amazfit and Ultrahuman. Well priced and surprisingly well-specced, my first impressions of the Ringconn Gen 2 Air are largely positive. With four days of non-stop wearing behind me and a full review in the works, here are five things I love about the Ringconn Gen 2 Air so far, along with two things I don't like. The little brother to the flagship Ringconn Gen 2 ($299), the Ringconn Gen 2 Air is a straight-up bargain at $199. This price puts it in line with the best affordable smart ring I've tested, the Amazfit Helio Ring. Similar to the Helio Ring — but unlike the industry-leading Oura Ring 4 — the Ringconn Gen 2 Air is also completely subscription-free. I'm still in the process of testing the Rinconn Gen 2 Air, but it's already in the running for the best affordable smart ring of 2025. Priced at just $199 and subscription-free, the Gen 2 Air has similar specs and features to higher-end models, like the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring, plus a long-lasting battery and comfortable, durable design. One of my favorite smart rings is the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Unfortunately, unless you're an Android user — I am not — the device is off limits. And to get the most out of Samsung's finger-based wearable, you'll of course need to own one of the best Samsung phones. Ringconn, like Oura, Ultrahuman, Amazfit and others, doesn't play favorites when it comes to smartphone compatibility. The Ringconn app is available on both the Google Play and Apple App Store. Ringconn says the Gen 2 Air should last for up to ten days on a single charge. That rating makes the wearable even longer-lasting than the best smart rings, but how realistic is it? Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. After exactly 96 hours of near-constant wearing, I've only used 25% of the battery. At this rate, ten days seems entirely reasonable. Of course, I plan to keep wearing it until the battery fully drains. Stay tuned for my full review where I'l report on those figures. So far, I'm finding the Ringconn Gen 2 Air pretty darn comfortable. At roughly 3.5 grams, it's no heavier than an Oura Ring 4. The thickness of the ring varies from 3.1 mm, where the sensors protrude from the inside, to 1.6 mm, where there are no sensors. While I prefer flush sensors, like on the Oura Ring 4, the pair of 1.5mm tall nubs (which appear to be heart rate sensors) don't bother me much. Ultimately, the size 11 fits comfortably on my index finger, while looking no different from an ordinary ring in terms of heft or design. The stainless steel exterior of the Ringconn Gen 2 has a few faint micro scratches from my four days of testing, which included dropping it on a hardwood floor not once but twice (accidentally, of course). The interior, where the sensors are, is epoxy resin and shows no signs of wear. Ringconn says the device is impact- and scratch-resistant, and I believe it. Ringconn also didn't skimp on environmental sealing. With 100 meters of water resistance — the same as the Oura Ring 4, Samsung Galaxy Ring and others — you can wash your hands, shower and even swim with confidence while wearing it. I strongly dislike confusing product names, and so the following must be said: Despite what may seem logical, the Ringconn Gen 2 Air actually weighs more than the standard Ringconn Gen 2. According to the brand's site, the Air weighs between 2.5 and 4 grams, depending on size, while the standard Gen 2 is between 2 and 3 grams, again, depending on ring size. I weighed both models on my own scale, and the silver size 11 Ringconn Gen 2 Air weighed in at 3.5 grams, while the black size 12 Ringconn Gen 2 checked in at 2.5 grams. The standard Ringcon Gen 2 is one of the few smart rings in 2025 with sleep apnea detection. Unfortunately, the feature is absent on the more entry-level Gen 2 Air. Though this isn't terribly surprising, it is a bummer. Along with a lighter design and use of titanium alloy instead of stainless steel, sleep apnea detection is one of the key differences that sets the $299 flagship model apart from the $199 entry-level option.
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
I just tried Acer's surprising smart ring, and it gives the Oura ring a run for its money
The Acer FreeSense smart ring is not something I'd expect from a company that specializes in laptops, monitors and even electric bikes, but there it was being showcased at Computex 2025 — and I got a chance to check it out. Acer's first-ever smart ring comes with all the health monitoring features you'd expect from the best smart rings, including health, sleep and fitness tracking, AI-powered insights and a lightweight, durable design with up to seven different sizes (in both Black and Rose Gold colorways). But there's one key feature that sets it apart from its major competition in the Oura Ring 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring: price. There's no subscription fee to get full access to all your health data, and it's available starting at $199. Already, the FreeSense Ring offers a lot of value. Can this smart ring tango with the best wearables around? After a brief demo during Acer's showcase in Taipei, here's what I learned about the Acer FreeSense Ring. Acer FreeSense Ring Price $199-$249 Dimensions 8 x 2.6mm Sizes 7 - 13, 7 total sizes Weight 2.0 - 3.0 g Colors Matte Finish: Black, Gloss Finish: Rose Gold Battery life Up to 4 days Sensors PPG (heart rate, SpO2), accelerometer Talking to a representative, I was told the Acer FreeSense smart ring will be available for around $199 to $250, and it's set to be released sometime in August. The price is still being worked out, but this is the ballpark Acer is aiming for. At $199, this places it at the same cost as the Amazon Helio Ring, which is the best value smart ring on the market right now. In addition to being subscription-free, the FreeSense Ring has a lot going for it, but this isn't just due to its pricing. When picking up the FreeSense smart ring, I could tell this would be a wearable I would barely notice being on. I wasn't able to try on the ring itself, as it was tethered to a cable and the models on show didn't come in my size, but Acer's ring certainly offers some lightweight, minimalist style. Speaking of sizes, it's available in sizes 7 to 13. This is less than the Oura Ring 4 (4 to 15) or Samsung Galaxy Ring (5 to 15), but more than some other value-focused smart rings, like the Amazfit Helio (8, 10 and 12). Weighing just 2-3 grams (depending on ring size) and with dimensions of 2.6 to 8mm, this is as light and compact as a smart can get (not unlike the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the RingConn Gen 2). I'm a fan of the look and feel of the FreeSense, and it's sure to get you through all the rough and tumble of physical activity and the like. It's made of titanium alloy, vacuum plating and PVD coating, coming in black and rose gold (the former is very much to my liking), and comes with an IP68 rating so dirt and scuffs shouldn't be a problem. That also means a water resistance of up to 50m, which shouldn't be a problem for the majority of swimmers. Overall, it looks and feels like a general ring, with a design that doesn't feel like it's anything more than what it boasts — something you'd want in a smart ring. One of the first things I asked was what this smart ring can track, and the Acer FreeSense Ring includes everything you'd expect. It collects heart rate monitoring, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels and sleep quality, along with fitness tracking such as your steps. How accurate is this? We'll have to take a proper look, but this is a smart ring through and through. One thing that was emphasized to me was its sleep analysis, which can tell you the different stages of sleep you go through via its sleep stage analysis. So, everything from your REM to your deep sleep. As you might expect, this should be accurate enough, but may have slight differences, such as the Oura Ring 4 vs Ultrahuman Ring Air. From what I've seen, it appears to be more focused on sleep rather than workouts, but it's tricky to tell without using it (the best smartwatches are known to do a good job). There's still a lot to learn about what the Acer FreeSense Ring can do and how accurate it can deal with your biometrics, but without a subscription fee, that makes it all the more enticing for those who want a 24/7 analysis of their health with just a one-time fee. The Acer FreeSense Ring can last 4 days on a single charge. This isn't the longest a smart ring can go for, as the Oura Ring can last up to 8 days, while the Galaxy Ring can get you up to 7 days. Still, it's long enough without having to worry about its charge, and should be similar to the Amazfit Helio smart ring (also around 4 to 5 days). Interestingly, though, I was told that a one-hour charge could get you its full battery life of up to four days, which already beats Amazfit's ring (up to two hours). Battery capacity wasn't mentioned, but it's already looking like this smart ring can last a good while before needing a boost. So, what can the ring work on? Well, everything, it seems, as the Acer FreeSense smart ring comes with a companion app that compatible with iOS and Android. That's already better than the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which only works with Android, and it means no matter if you have the latest iPhone 16 or Pixel 9a, it's app will work just fine. From the interface that I saw, you can expect a user-friendly design displaying all the health metrics on the home tab. However, seeing as it's powered by AI (what isn't these days?), you will also get personalized insights on the health data that is recorded. So, it will tell you if you're getting enough sleep, what you need to do to get good rest, if your heart rate is too high and the like. One thing that goes beyond health features is the smart ring's gesture features. For example, I was able to wave 'hello' in order to take a picture on a tablet. This means it works on smartphones, too. Don't worry; there isn't just a blur of your hand shaking while the picture is taken, and you can wave and get prepared to the snap. I didn't experience any other gestures, but there's sure to be more than just the one. No word on special insights like the Galaxy Ring's sleep apnoea detection, but I'd expect it to offer similar features. There's still a lot to learn about the Acer FreeSense Ring, but as far as smart rings go, this is clearly in the running to be one of the best value smart rings you can get. I mean, at $199 and no subscription fees, it's on its way to be a wearable that many people interested in finger-wielding devices should put on their radar. It's global release is set to arrive sometime in August (no specific date just yet), so we'll have to wait and see how well it performs. One thing's for sure, this is unknown territory for Acer, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs, and if it offers some special compatibility to the brand's PCs (like its gesture features). Stay tuned for more to come while we're on the ground at Computex 2025.
Tom's Guide
16-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
The Oura ring just got a new rival with a titanium design and 24/7 biometric tracking — no subscription required
The Acer FreeSense Ring was just unveiled at Computex 2025 in Taipei. A subscription-free alternative to the Oura Ring 4 — the best smart ring available today — the FreeSense boasts all-day bio-metric tracking with 'AI-driven' wellness insights. Of course, that's the sales pitch for pretty much every new smart ring that hits the market. So what sets Acer's first foray into the world of finger-based wearables apart from the pack? Read on. We don't know when the Acer FreeSense Ring will be available or what it will cost, but we will update this story as soon as we learn more. That said, we can confirm that it's subscription-free. The Acer FreeSense Ring will launch in seven sizes, from 7 to 13. That's a considerably smaller selection than the Oura Ring 4, which comes in sizes 4 to 15 and the Samsung Galaxy Ring, available in sizes 5 to 15. Still, the Acer FreeSense Ring beats the best value smart ring, the Amazfit Helio Ring, which only comes in sizes 8, 10 and 12. Constructed from titanium alloy, the FreeSense boasts a PVD coating for durability and weighs between 2 and 3 g, putting it on the lighter end of the smart ring spectrum. Other devices that weigh about the same include the Samsung Galaxy Ring, the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the RingConn Gen 2. The interior appears to be epoxy, which is fairly common for smart rings. From the product shots, the sensors seem to protrude out slightly from the interior, which could make it less comfortable to wear than those with flush interior sensors (like the Oura Ring 4). Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Water resistance is 50 meters compared to 100 meters for the Oura Ring, Galaxy Ring and most others. Still, that's more than enough water resistance to make it splash and showerproof. Maybe just avoid diving with it, though. The FreeSense is additionally IP68-rated, which means you shouldn't need to worry about dirt, dust or grime mucking up the inner workings. Two styles of the Acer FreeSense Ring will be available for launch, including a glossy black and a matte rose gold (shown above). The Acer FreeSense Ring tracks heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and blood oxygen levels. It also measures sleep quality, though details on how are vague. All we know is there will be some form of sleep stage analysis and presumably details on how long you slept. Holistic data is processed via a companion mobile app — no word yet on phone OS compatibility — and presented to the user alongside custom-tailored wellness insights and recommendations. Without spending hands-on time with the ring and companion app — and with so many key details missing, including battery life, price and compatibility — it's tough to tell whether the Acer FreeSense is destined for our best smart ring buying guide, or is just another example of a brand half-heartedly dipping toes… er, fingers, into a shiny new market to test the waters, without fully considering the competition. That said, I like the fact that the FreeSense Ring is lightweight and subscription-free. And while the 24/7 wellness-monitoring sounds promising, as do the AI-backed insights, I'm definitely curious to know more. After all, wellness tips come in many forms. Will Acer's custom-tailored holistic suggestions be genuinely useful or half-baked? On that note, my TG colleagues on the ground at Computex 2025 are on red alert for any opportunities to check out the Acer FreeSense Ring IRL, as well as the newly announced Acer AI Transbuds. Stay tuned.
Tom's Guide
13-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy Ring is changing the game for cycle tracking — here's how
Since the Galaxy Ring launched last summer, I've been wearing it regularly and have had plenty of time to explore what it can do. I've come to appreciate how effortlessly it collects data on things like skin temperature, heart rate variability, and sleep (one of the reasons it made our list of the best smart rings). Most mornings, I open the Samsung Health app to check in on my recovery and cycle, and more often than not, the insights feel surprisingly in tune with how I actually feel. That said, I haven't worn the ring every single day and night. As a big part of my job involves testing wearables and writing about health tech, there are times when I need a break from constantly analyzing my own well-being. After a while, even the best insights can start to feel like information overload, like when my Garmin watch flagged a potential heart issue. Still, when I've used the Galaxy Ring consistently, I've found it to be an insightful tool, particularly when it comes to menstrual cycle tracking. But how accurate is it? And what should you know before relying on it for reproductive health? I tested it across several cycles and asked Dr. Lisa Becht, a board-certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist, to weigh in. Here's what I learned. To look at, the Samsung Galaxy ring doesn't scream 'femtech'. First of all, it's unisex, it's fairly minimal looking, and if you get the gold or silver finish, it looks more like a piece of jewelry than a health tracker. But under the surface, it gathers key metrics that feed into Samsung's Cycle Tracking feature via the Samsung Health app. These include skin temperature changes during sleep, heart rate, sleep stages, and respiratory rate. Cycle Tracking uses a combination of calendar-based prediction and retrospective temperature trend analysis, powered in part by Natural Cycles, a digital birth control app cleared by the FDA. You'll need to manually enter the first day of your period, but from there, the Galaxy Ring uses data from your body to estimate fertile windows and ovulation. Unlike the Oura Ring, which requires both an Oura Membership ($5.99/month after a free trial) and a separate Natural Cycles subscription ( $21.99/month or $149.99/year), the Galaxy Ring offers these features without additional subscription fees. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In my testing, I found the Samsung Galaxy Ring predictions to be impressively accurate. That said, if you're used to more granular ovulation data like LH test strips or cervical mucus tracking, Samsung's system may feel a little vague to you. You don't get a specific ovulation date or fertility score, just a general window and phase updates. To better understand how the Samsung Galaxy Ring fits into the broader picture of cycle tracking and why that matters for anyone trying to better understand their fertility, I spoke with Dr. Lisa Becht, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist. While she emphasized that wearables are not diagnostic tools, she explained they can help users gain a clearer view of their cycles and, in some cases, prompt earlier conversations about fertility with a healthcare provider. 'Consumer wearables are gaining popularity and can help patients track their cycles and fertility more effectively,' Dr. Becht told me. 'With accurate tracking, this could quicken the time to pregnancy for some. For others, if they are not detecting potential ovulation, it may lead to a patient seeking care earlier, which is great.' That said, she cautioned that the markers wearables rely on, like temperature and heart rate shifts, are subtle. 'Changes in temperature, heart rate, etc, that could denote ovulation and potential early pregnancy are very small changes, so it might not always be detected accurately,' she said. 'Some patients may get false confidence from the results, and this could delay them in seeking fertility care. So overall, I think this technology is helpful as long as a patient is aware of its limitations.' There's no doubt that the Galaxy Ring makes cycle tracking more accessible. You don't need to log symptoms daily, take your temperature manually, or wear a bulky wrist tracker to bed. It does the hard work while you sleep and rolls that data into clear visuals in the Samsung Health app. But it's not a complete cycle tracking tool. You won't get pinpoint ovulation confirmation, and as Dr. Becht noted, the biological signals it relies on can be too subtle to detect accurately. If you have irregular cycles, the limitations become more pronounced. "Use wearables with caution," Dr. Becht advised. "They can be helpful, but if you have long or irregular cycles, seek care earlier with an OB/GYN or fertility doctor." The Galaxy Ring won't replace ovulation test kits, and it shouldn't be your only tool for cycle tracking if you're actively trying to conceive. But it is a solid step forward in making cycle tracking passive, consistent, and wearable. If you're already in the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring offers a polished, subscription-free way to keep tabs on your overall health and cycle. It's especially useful if you want an easy way to spot trends or bring something tangible to your next gynecology appointment. Just be sure to pair it with education, realistic expectations, and ideally, professional guidance. As for the future? Dr. Becht hopes wearables will continue to evolve. "Increasing technology and precision will hopefully improve the ability of these devices to support women's cycle tracking and reproductive health,' she said.
Android Authority
10-05-2025
- Android Authority
Samsung Galaxy Ring deal: Get a $100 gift card with your purchase!
Lanh Nguyen / Android Authority The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a pretty awesome wearable. In fact, it is likely the best smart ring out there, but boy, is it pricey! If you're getting one, you might want to try to catch a good deal. Actual discounts are rare for this product, but here's a little something that may help soften the blow. Right now, you can get a $100 gift card for free if you purchase a Samsung Galaxy Ring. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Ring for $399.99 and get a free $100 gift card This offer is available from Amazon, which is the retailer for which the free gift card is intended. That said, you can also get the same deal from Best Buy, which will give you a $100 gift card for its own stores. Samsung Galaxy Ring with $100 gift card Samsung Galaxy Ring with $100 gift card Fancy Titanium ring, with fancy sensors The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a leap into a new device segment for Samsung. Available in nine sizes 5 through 13, this jewelry-inspired wearable is packed with sensors to track your health and fitness, and some basic controls for your smartphone. Designed for 24/7 wear. See price at Amazon Save $100.00 Limited Time Deal! Why is the Samsung Galaxy Ring so pricey? Well, as mentioned above, it's pretty much the best in its category. It looks great, feels comfortable, and comes with a nice set of features. The accessory features a minimalist, sleek design. It's made of titanium, making it both light and resistant. It's also only 7mm wide and 2.6mm thick. It also has the benefit of not looking like a tech gadget, so the Galaxy Ring can go unnoticed nearly anywhere you go. Of course, you're not getting one of these for its looks and comfort. It can do much more than look pretty. There are the basics, such as heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring. It can also track your activity, sleep, skin temperature, and even help women predict their menstrual cycles! I also like that it integrates with Samsung's SmartThings app, so you could even use it to automate smart home devices. For example, you could set it to turn off lights when it detects you are asleep. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Of course, most of these features will only work when the Samsung Galaxy Ring is paired with a smartphone from the same brand. This is why the Samsung Galaxy Ring is mainly recommended for those of you already using a Sammy smartphone. Another pro is that it requires no subscription, while some competitors charge a monthly fee. Based on our testing, battery life is about four days, and you get the convenience of being able to power it using the case, just in case you're on the go. All things considered, we think there is no competitor that gets close to the Samsung Galaxy Ring yet. It's rarely on sale, too, so take advantage of this deal while you can. We're pretty sure it won't last long. Just make sure to get the right size for your finger before you make the purchase. Samsung has a guide to find the right size for your Samsung Galaxy Ring.
