Smart Rings That Charge with USB C
The Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon is the best smart ring with USB C for most people, offering accurate sleep tracking and a refined design, but its subscription fee is a drawback. For a budget pick, the RingConn Smart Ring provides solid health metrics without a subscription, though its app is less polished.
Smart rings are the new wearable trend, packing sleep, heart rate, and activity tracking into a discreet package. While many use proprietary chargers, a growing number now charge via USB C, which is convenient if you already carry a USB C cable for your phone or laptop.
This roundup focuses on smart rings that use USB C for charging. We compared specifications, user feedback, and features to help you choose the right one. Our top pick is the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon, known for its accuracy and style, but we also highlight alternatives that offer different strengths.
The top picks, ranked
Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon
The Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon is the gold standard in smart rings. It tracks sleep stages, heart rate, HRV, body temperature, and activity with impressive accuracy. The ring is made of lightweight titanium and has a smooth, rounded design that’s comfortable for all-day wear. Charging is done via a USB C charging dock that snaps onto the ring, and a full charge lasts up to 7 days. The companion app provides detailed insights and a daily readiness score. However, the app requires a monthly subscription after a 6-month free trial, which is a downside for some.
Pros
- Excellent sleep and activity tracking
- Premium build and comfort
- USB C charging dock
Cons
- Requires subscription for full features
- Higher price point
RingConn Smart Ring Gen 1
The RingConn Smart Ring Gen 1 offers comprehensive health tracking at a more accessible price. It monitors sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, and activity. The ring is made of lightweight titanium with a sleek matte finish. It comes with a charging case that uses USB C, providing up to 4 days of battery life on a single charge, and the case gives additional charges for travel. The app is free with no subscription, which is a major advantage. Some users report the app is not as polished as Oura’s, but it covers all essential metrics.
Pros
- No subscription required
- Charging case with USB C
- Good sensor suite
Cons
- App interface less refined
- Slightly bulkier than Oura
Ultrahuman Ring Air
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is a lightweight smart ring designed for performance. It tracks sleep, recovery, heart rate, HRV, and skin temperature, and provides a ‘Circadian Rhythm’ feature to align activities with your body’s clock. The ring is made of titanium and weighs only 2.4 grams. It charges via a USB C charging dock and lasts up to 6 days. The Ultrahuman app offers insights without a subscription, and includes workout guidance and cardiovascular age. However, it lacks built-in GPS and has fewer smart features than some competitors.
Pros
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Detailed recovery metrics
- No subscription
Cons
- No notifications
- Limited app ecosystem
Samsung Galaxy Ring
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is designed to work seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones and the Samsung Health app. It tracks sleep, heart rate, skin temperature, and activity, with a focus on sleep coaching and energy scores. The ring has a sleek, lightweight titanium design with a concave shape. It comes with a USB C charging case that allows for quick top-ups and provides up to 7 days of battery life. The ring features gesture controls to dismiss alarms or take photos on compatible Samsung phones. Non-Samsung users will miss some features, and the app requires a Galaxy phone for full functionality.
Pros
- Seamless Samsung Health integration
- Gesture controls
- USB C charging case
Cons
- Limited to Samsung phones for full features
- No iOS support
Amazfit Helio Ring
The Amazfit Helio Ring is a lightweight smart ring that focuses on sleep, recovery, and activity. It uses an optical sensor to track sleep stages, heart rate, HRV, and blood oxygen. The ring is made of titanium and weighs just 3.8 grams. It charges via a USB C charging dock and offers up to 4 days of battery life. The Zepp app provides detailed health insights and a readiness score, with no subscription fees. Some users find the ring less accurate for high-intensity workouts, and the app can be cluttered with sponsored content.
Pros
- Extremely light
- No subscription
- Accurate sleep tracking
Cons
- Short battery life
- App interface has ads
Circular Ring Slim
The Circular Ring Slim is one of the slimmest smart rings available, designed to be unobtrusive. It tracks sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, and offers a unique ‘Circular Health’ score. The ring includes a haptic feedback feature that can deliver silent alarms and call notifications. Charging is done via a USB C charging cradle, providing up to 4 days of battery life. The app is subscription-free, but some users note that the haptic vibrations are weak, and the ring is made of plastic, which may feel less premium.
Pros
- Ultra-slim and lightweight
- Haptic alerts
- No subscription
Cons
- Plastic build may not appeal to all
- Weak vibrations
Evie Ring
The Evie Ring is designed specifically for women, with a focus on cycle tracking, hormonal health, and sleep. It has a unique open design that fits comfortably and accommodates finger swelling. The ring tracks heart rate, sleep, temperature, and activity, and provides insights related to menstrual cycles and symptoms. It charges via a USB C charging dock and lasts up to 4 days. The app is free and includes a symptom log. However, the ring is only available in select sizes, and some users report inconsistent accuracy for cycle predictions.
Pros
- Female-focused features
- Comfortable open design
- USB C charging
Cons
- Limited size availability
- Cycle predictions can be off
What matters most
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Battery Life | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon | Up to 7 days | Best overall for accurate sleep tracking and sleek design | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | RingConn Smart Ring Gen 1 | 4-6 days | Best budget-friendly option with no subscription | 8.9 | Check price |
| 3 | Ultrahuman Ring Air | Up to 6 days | Best for athletes and fitness enthusiasts | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Ring | Up to 7 days | Best for Samsung phone users who want seamless integration | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Amazfit Helio Ring | Up to 4 days | Best for those wanting a lightweight ring with a subscription-free app | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Circular Ring Slim | Up to 4 days | Best for those who want a slim profile and haptic alerts | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Evie Ring | Up to 4 days | Best for women’s health tracking with a comfortable open design | 8.0 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
Are all smart rings with USB C charging compatible with any USB C charger?
Yes, the USB C port on the charging dock or case is standard, so you can use any USB C charger, including those for phones or laptops. However, some rings have specific charging requirements, but generally any USB C charger with adequate power output will work.
How long does it take to fully charge a smart ring?
Charging times vary by model. Most smart rings take about 1 to 2 hours to fully charge from empty. For example, the Oura Ring Gen3 takes about 1 hour, while the RingConn might take 1.5 hours. The charging case for some models can provide multiple charges, extending total usage time.
Do smart rings with USB C charging have a battery life advantage over others?
No, the charging method does not affect battery life. Battery life is determined by the ring’s size, sensors, and software optimization. Some smart rings with USB C last up to 7 days, while others last only 4 days. Always check the battery specifications.
Can I wear a smart ring while swimming or showering?
Most smart rings have water resistance ratings between IP67 and 100m. Many are suitable for swimming and showering, but it’s best to check the specific rating. For example, the Oura Ring Gen3 has a 100m water resistance rating, so it’s safe for swimming, but not for diving. Always avoid wearing the ring in hot water or saunas to prevent skin irritation.
Do all smart rings work with both Android and iOS?
Compatibility varies. Some rings like the Oura and RingConn work with both Android and iOS. Others like the Samsung Galaxy Ring are designed primarily for Samsung phones and may have limited functionality with other Android devices or iOS. Check the manufacturer’s website for compatibility before purchasing.
Are there any smart rings with USB C that have no subscription?
Yes, several rings do not require a subscription. For example, the RingConn Smart Ring, Ultrahuman Ring Air, and Amazfit Helio Ring offer all their features without a recurring fee. The Oura Ring requires a subscription after a trial period, so if you want to avoid subscriptions, consider the subscription-free options.
How accurate are smart rings compared to smartwatches?
Smart rings are generally as accurate as smartwatches for heart rate and sleep tracking, but they are less accurate for activities like cycling or rowing due to lack of GPS and movement detection. For everyday health monitoring, they are reliable. For precise workout tracking, a smartwatch might be better.
Can I use a smart ring to make contactless payments?
No, currently no smart rings with USB C charging support contactless payments. They focus on health and fitness tracking. If you need payment capabilities, you may need a smartwatch or a separate payment ring.
What is the warranty on smart rings?
Warranty periods vary by brand. Most offer a one-year warranty, but some like Oura offer a two-year warranty. It’s important to check the warranty terms before purchasing, as it may cover defects but not normal wear and tear.
How do I ensure accurate sensor readings from a smart ring?
Ensure the ring fits snugly on your finger without being too tight. The sensor should be in contact with your skin. Avoid wearing it on the same hand as a smartwatch, as this can interfere with readings. Also, keep the sensor clean and dry for optimal performance.
The bottom line
For most people, the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon is the top recommendation due to its unmatched accuracy and premium feel, even with the subscription. If you want to avoid ongoing costs, the RingConn Smart Ring is the best value, offering comprehensive tracking without a fee. Athletes may prefer the Ultrahuman Ring Air for its recovery insights, while Samsung users should consider the Galaxy Ring for deep integration. Choose based on your priorities, but remember that no ring is perfect; pick the one that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
