Samsung Galaxy Ring

The Galaxy Ring is Samsung's take on the screenless smart ring, launched at its Unpacked Summer 2024 event. On paper it hits the right notes for something you're meant to forget you're wearing. It has a lightweight titanium build, a choice of three finishes and a wide spread of sizes. Rated battery life is up to a week, and it ships with a charging case.

Its biggest selling point against the competition is that it doesn't require a subscription. That makes it an appealing alternative for people put off by ongoing fees. There is one hard limit: it works only with Android phones, so iPhone owners can rule it out immediately.

This is best suited to Android users who want discreet, around-the-clock wellness tracking without wearing a watch to bed. Sleep tracking is the main reason to buy. It is less suited to anyone who wants deep, coaching-style health analysis.

Sleep is where the Galaxy Ring earns its place. Its AI-powered sleep analysis covers a Sleep Score, movement, snoring analysis and heart rate. Paired with a form factor that's easy to wear overnight, this makes it a genuinely useful sleep tracker. Menstrual cycle tracking based on skin temperature adds further value for those who need it. Roughly a week between charges, with a case for top-ups, means it shouldn't become a daily chore.

The weaknesses are notable, though:

• Reviewers consistently find its software and insights less deep than the Oura Ring's. That matters, because with a ring the data interpretation is the product.
• Wareable reported spotty heart rate data and poor SpO2 tracking, which raises questions about accuracy beyond sleep.
• Android-only compatibility shrinks its potential audience considerably.

On value, the no-subscription model is a real advantage over rivals that charge monthly. Our pricing information is limited, however: the reported $399 / £399 figure carries only medium confidence. Treat that as indicative, and check current pricing before buying.

Overall, the Galaxy Ring is a solid, comfortable smart ring that does sleep well and costs nothing extra to run. For Android users, especially those already invested in Samsung, it's an easy recommendation. Anyone who prioritises the richest insights or the most reliable daytime metrics may find Oura's deeper software worth the subscription.