As a certified nutrition coach who’s consumed countless energy drinks over the years (including both of the brands we’re comparing) I’ve got you covered. In this Alani Nu vs. Celsius comparison, I’ll break down the ingredients in these popular energy drinks, the key differences, and help you decide which popular fitness energy drink is the best choice for your goals. 

Note: We’ve seen the recent press release announcing that Celsius Holdings recently acquired Alani Nutrition. However, this review will be based on the formulation of each beverage and our testing experience with both products, as the Alani Nu formulation remains unchanged at the time of writing.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Alani Nu Energy Drink

Alani Nu Energy Drink

GGR Score: 3.93

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Product Highlights

• Vegan and gluten-free

• Subscribe-and-save options available

• 30-day returns

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide range of flavors
• Zero sugar and low-calorie
• Contains B vitamins
• Vegan and gluten-free

Cons

• High caffeine content may not suit everyone
• Not third-party tested
• Subscription required for discounts
• Limited availability in some areas

Bottom Line

Alani Nu Energy Drink offers a flavorful energy boost without any sugar. This vegan-friendly energy drink packs 200 milligrams of caffeine and B vitamins in a low-calorie drink. It’s a great choice for those seeking variety and a healthier energy option, though its higher caffeine content may not be suitable for everyone.

Celsius Energy Drink

Celsius Energy Drink

GGR Score: 4.13

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free and free of artificial colors

• Subscribe-and-save options available

• Not third-party tested

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
• No artificial colors
• Variety of flavors
• 200mg caffeine for energy

Cons

• Not third-party tested
• Higher caffeine content may not suit everyone
• Subscription required for discounts
• Availability may vary by location

Bottom Line

Celsius Energy Drink is tailored for fitness enthusiasts seeking a clean energy boost. With a GMO-free and vegan-friendly formulation in a wide variety of flavors, it’s a solid choice for active individuals and gym-goers—though its higher caffeine content of 200 milligrams per can may not be suitable for everyone.

Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Alani Nu vs. Celsius

Both energy drinks share a very similar formulation, but there are a few key differences that are worth considering when making your decision. 

Who Should Buy Alani Nu

• Those who want fewer ingredients
• Anyone who doesn’t mind spending a little extra
• People who have tried and enjoy Alani Nu flavors

Who Should Buy Celsius

• Those shopping on a tighter budget
• Anyone who wants a higher dose of the added vitamins
• People who want more flavor options, including fizz-free beverages

Key Similarities Between Alani Nu and Celsius

• Both drinks contain 200mg of caffeine, as well as added vitamins and minerals for additional wellness benefits
• Both are sugar-free drinks that use artificial sweeteners to minimize calories
• For both energy drinks, you’re only consuming 10 calories per can

Important Differences Between Alani Nu and Celsius

• While retail pricing may vary, Alani Nu costs $2.49 per serving when ordering directly from the company, while Celsius only costs $2.08 per serving 
• Alani Nu is available in 12 flavors, while the original Celsius formulation is available in 29 flavors, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from with either brand
• Celsius offers different variations of its original energy drink, including fizz-free and hydration beverages, while Alani Nu’s other options include traditional supplements like pre-workouts, BCAAs, protein powder, and more

Formulation

When it comes to the formulation, the main ingredients in both products are quite similar. Both energy drinks contain only 10 calories, and provide 200 mg of caffeine, which is a fairly standard dose among energy drinks. In addition to caffeine, both drinks contain ginseng root extract, taurine, theanine, and L-carnitine tartrate; however, only Celsius has added green tea extract for an extra energy boost. 

However, aside from the caffeine, the other ingredients are listed in a proprietary blend without precise dosing information, so both drinks only earn 3 out of 5 for the formulation. 

There are also smaller differences in the dosing of the vitamins and minerals, which vary slightly between brands. 

Both energy drinks contain niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic acid, which are all various B vitamins. These are often used to promote energy production, however, according to Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD, most people get enough B vitamins from their diet, so adding more isn’t necessary. 

The last formulation difference is the addition of chromium to the Celsius family. Chromium is thought to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. However, recent research¹ shows that it has no effects on body composition in healthy individuals. 

In other words, while chromium certainly isn’t a bad ingredient to add, healthy individuals likely won’t benefit from consuming it, so you don’t need to choose Celsius just for the added chromium. 

Flavor Options

Considering the formulations are so similar, the flavor choices will likely settle the debate for most people. 

Flavor is subjective, but it’s worth noting our testers rated Alani Nu higher in the flavor category, giving it 5 out of 5, while Celsius only earned 4 out of 5. 

Amanda Dvorak, ISSA-CPT, ISSA-CNC, tested Alani Nu and loves the flavors.

“I got the Cosmic Stardust flavor for testing purposes, but I’ve had several other flavors of Alani Nu in the past: Cherry Slush, Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Breezeberry, Watermelon Wave, and Juicy Peach,” Amanda explains. “There are some I’ve preferred over others, but I’ve enjoyed every one. My absolute favorite Alani flavor is Witches’ Brew, a seasonal fall flavor that’s candy-apple flavored. I was skeptical about it but it is probably my favorite flavor energy drink ever, not just from Alani Nu.”

However, while Alani Nu has 12 flavors and regularly releases seasonal flavors and new releases, Celsius has 29 different flavors, including a variety of fizz-free, non-carbonated options. 

As someone who has tried most of the Alani energy drinks and probably 10+ Celsius flavors over the years, I’d agree that Alani Nu has a better taste. Certain Celsius flavors left a bit of a bitter aftertaste for me, but I’ve never had this with Alani Nu. 

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1, tried Celsius, and agreed. “I’ve tried several flavors recently, as my gym sells these cans. Peach Vibe was my favorite, although they all have a bit of an artificial tang to me. I think it’s the sucralose. It’s not my favorite taste, but it’s not bad, just not my first pick,” he says.

Overall, we think that Alani Nu has better flavors, but Celsius offers more than twice as many flavors, so you’ll have a wider range of options to choose from if you opt for Celsius. 

Company Policies

With both Alani Nu and Celsius, you won’t have a problem finding them. They’re sold in most gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores, and both drinks are also available on Amazon. 

Alani Nu also sells energy drinks directly through its website, while Celsius’ website redirects to Wal-Mart. 

You will likely need to follow the return policy of the individual company or retailer, unless you order directly from Alani Nu, which states that all beverage sales are final, so returns are not accepted. 

Both companies offer contact forms that you can use if you need to reach out, and Alani Nu features a live chat option on its website. Both Alani and Celsius also seem active on social media, so you may be able to reach them on Instagram, or other platforms.

Final Thoughts

Both Alani Nu and Celsius are popular, great-tasting energy drinks that are available in a variety of flavors, easy to find, and both contain a 200mg dose of caffeine, along with added vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients to enhance their effects. 

The formulations are very similar for both energy drinks, with minor differences that won’t make a significant difference for most people. The primary difference is the flavors.  

Celsius has more than twice as many flavors to choose from, but our testers agreed that most Alani Nu flavors are better, although taste is subjective. 

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either option, so my advice is to buy a can or two of both to see which you like better before ordering a whole case. 

Alani Nu vs Celsius: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Maret W. (2019). Chromium Supplementation in Human Health, Metabolic Syndrome, and Diabetes. Metal ions in life sciences, 19, /books/9783110527872/9783110527872-015/9783110527872-015.xml. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110527872-015

As a data hound myself, I’ve used both Garmin and Apple devices in my personal training regimen over the years. Our expert team of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and fitness aficionados also has experience with these high-tech workout tools. Below, we’ll outline the fine details of each respective silhouette to give you the full scoop on these training tech titans. For more information on how we test products for our content, be sure to read our GGR equipment testing methodology page.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin Forerunner 965

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Garmin running watch
• Color AMOLED display
• Features multi-band GPS and built-in maps
• Provides suggested workouts and training readiness
• Shows on-wrist running dynamics and training status
• Includes USB C cable and manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 3 colors
• Both touchscreen and button control
• Live location tracking and incident alerts with location data
• Built-in maps and multiband maps
• Tracks sleep data and provides a readiness score in the morning

Cons

• Short 1-year warranty
• Expensive at almost $600 dollars
• No ECG heart rate tracking
• No wireless charging capabilities
• Very mixed reviews on the Garmin Connect App

Bottom Line

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a running watch with multi-sport functionality. It features an AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, and built-in maps and tracks your activity, recovery, and sleep. Customer reviews for that watch are mostly positive. However, multiple customers dislike the Garmin Connect interface.

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Series 10

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Pricing starts at $399

• 18-hour battery life

• Seamless integration with other Apple devices

• Tracks heart rate, steps, ECG, sleep apnea

• Can track body temperature and energy expenditure

• Optional data plan available

• Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
• Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products
• Fast charging and bright display

Cons

• Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
• Sensors don’t work well with tattooed skin
• Only a slight improvement from the Series 9

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent smartwatch that’s made some small improvements over the Series 9, including a larger, thinner screen and faster charging time. This is the perfect choice for iPhone users who want a watch that acts as an extension of their phone.

Comparison Chart: Garmin Vs. Apple Watch

It goes without saying that both Garmin and Apple offer more than one fitness watch profile. To help keep things as simple as possible, we’ve pitted the Garmin Forerunner 965 against the Apple Watch Series 10 for this comparative review. Both are the latest iterations of their respective lineups for around the same price point. For more information on each brand’s roster of wearables, check out our best Garmin fitness trackers and Best Apple Watch round-ups.

Additionally, we’ll admit that it can be difficult to stay up to date on every tech release. While our team, myself included, has ample experience with the Forerunner 965 watch face, we are less seasoned with the Series 10 from Apple. Our latest testing bouts involved the Apple Watch Series 9, the predecessor to this Series 10 silhouette. Thankfully, though, the Apple Watch ecosystem hasn’t changed drastically between these two profiles, so we feel we’re still able to provide worthwhile insight.

Quick Look: Garmin Vs. Apple Watch

Garmin has long been a staple in GPS and wearable tech, with the brand’s Forerunner lineup serving up some of the best running watches on the market. The 965 profile is the latest and largest Garmin has to offer from this stable boasting in-depth metrics for performance, sleep, heart rate, and more. Additionally, you can monitor incoming notifications for email, texts, and phone calls, although you’re unable to actually speak through the watch—you’ll need a connected smartphone for such responses. For more information on this high-tech wristwear, be sure to read our Garmin Forerunner 965 review.

While the Forerunner 965 is a fitness tracker that doubles as a smart device, the Apple Watch Series 10 is more of a smartwatch-first profile capable of connecting to all your Apple devices, keeping your daily controls within reach. From a workout perspective, the Series 10 is capable of tracking multiple workout disciplines across its interface and providing helpful insight to your performance, although the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the more training-focused profile of the bunch. That said, though, the starting price of $799 may be too rich for some athletes, lending to our focus on the Series 10 for this comparison piece.

Key Similarities Between Garmin and Apple Watch

• Both watch brands feature mobile apps that sync to each respective watch face. Garmin uses Garmin Connect, while the Apple Watch Series 10 operates with Apple Fitness.
• The Forerunner 965 and Apple Watch Series 10 features multiple workout modules for tracking specific training disciplines.
• You can receive daily alerts on either device such as app notifications, texts, emails, and phone calls.
• Both Garmin and Apple feature multiple sensors for data tracking purposes, including swim sensors, making them some of the best waterproof fitness trackers available today.
• You can connect to multiple third-party apps with either wearable including Spotify, Strava, Zwift, and MyFitnessPal, among others.
• Both Garmin and Apple offer multiple watch bands, giving you room to find a style and look that suits your preferences.
• Each device supports wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.

Important Differences Between Garmin and Apple Watch

• The Forerunner 965’s battery life trumps the Apple Watch Series 10’s 18-hour stores. The Garmin profile can last up to 23 days between charges when operating in smartwatch mode.
• Garmin’s library is more diverse than Apple’s. The Forerunner 965 can track nearly 80 different activities, whereas the Series 10 can track only 25.
• While you can receive alerts on either device, you can only respond to texts, emails, and calls on the Apple Watch Series 10.
• You have more customization options with the Apple Watch profile. You can choose between a 42-millimeter or 46-millimeter watch face made from either aluminum or titanium—the Forerunner 965 is only available in a 1.4-inch titanium bezel.
• Garmin’s interface can track more health and wellness metrics such as body battery, a branded statistic that explains your training readiness and available energy stores.
• You can use the Forerunner 965 on both Android or iOS devices. The watchOS interface is only compatible with iPhones.
• There are more style options with the Apple Watch Series 10, giving athletes aesthetics options that could fare better outside of training. While the Forerunner 965 is available in multiple colors and features interchangeable silicone bands, the sports watch look is far more present that may not translate as easily to other social settings.

RELATED: Garmin Discount Code

Fitness Tracking

The trackable activities across both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Forerunner 965 are expansive and should be able to fit most general fitness needs. However, the Forerunner’s options are more specific to different modalities, meaning you can classify your training regimens better to your environments. For example, Garmin has modules for treadmill running, outdoor running, trail running, and more while Apple only lists a general “Running” module for such needs.

While it may seem like an unnecessary clarification, having these specific modules can be helpful for your fitness log, as each activity can pose different stressors and challenges. This can help you stay more informed on your progress and where your improvements are shining through most.

RELATED: How to Use a Fitness Log

Of course, though, the availability of these modules is only worthwhile if you actually think you’ll use them. The Apple Watch Series 10 can still provide helpful fitness tracking capabilities if you’re only looking for a basic monitoring setup. If you do prefer a more categorical layout, though, the versatility of the Forerunner 965 can be more appealing.

Health and Wellness Metrics

Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Forerunner 965 are well-built smartwatches with plenty of health and wellness tracking capabilities. This is due to the high-quality sensors equipped across each silhouette. While either profile can be helpful with sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, step counting, or determining how many calories you burn in a day, the Forerunner 965’s capabilities are more training-oriented than the Series 10’s capabilities.

Garmin’s trackable metrics include basic measurements such as calories burned, VO2 max, and heart rate—similar to the Apple Watch Series 10—but the watch’s abilities in other, more specific sports like cycling, hiking, and swimming provide additional readouts catering to specific workouts. For example, your swimming stroke power and cadence can be tracked with the Forerunner 965, while the Series 10 is not equipped for such measurements.

Of course, though, while we trust the metrics available through either watch face, we do recommend taking the data with a grain of salt. Studies report that data measured by wrist-worn activity trackers can be widely inaccurate at times. A 2022 study¹ states that energy expenditure on fitness trackers can be off by more than 30%.

Phone Notifications

What sets the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Forerunner 965 as smartwatches rather than simply fitness trackers is their added capabilities beyond just tracking your calories and steps. You can receive alerts, emails, texts, and even pay for goods across each respective touchscreen—Apple Pay for Apple, Garmin Pay for Garmin. However, only the Series 10 grants you the ability to respond to your phone calls and messages directly through the watch face itself.

RELATED: Fitness Tracker Vs. Smartwatch

When you opt for a cellular-powered Apple Watch model (and pair it to an active service plan) you essentially turn your wrist-worn gadget into an extension of your smartphone. The Garmin, on the other hand, can only alert you of incoming notifications, similar to what you experience with other fitness trackers from the likes of FitBit or Samsung.

RELATED: FitBit Vs. Garmin

Battery Life

The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 10 is up to 18 hours, although you can sustain power for up to 36 hours if you use the device in low power mode. While this can be decent enough for many needs, the juice is nowhere close to the capabilities of the Garmin Forerunner 965. When used in smartwatch mode, this Garmin wearable can go for up to 23 days between charges.

This can be excellent for multisport athletes that need effective battery power to fuel different activities day in and day out. However, the Forerunner 965 is not the most powerful battery in Garmin’s stable of performance smartwatches. The Garmin Fenix 8—another latest release from the brand—can last up to 29 days in smartwatch mode.

Style and Aesthetics

The Apple Watch Series 10 is available in three watch face finishes for each case option (aluminum or titanium) on top of the 42-millimeter or 46-millimeter size choices you have. Pairing these selections with the abundance of band picks at your disposal, and you can quickly see how this Apple Watch silhouette is better suited for lifestyle wear than the Garmin Forerunner 965 from a style perspective, at least. Yes, Garmin does offer the Forerunner 965 in multiple silicone band colorations, and you have the power to accessorize with different quick-adjust band accessories, but the quantity is not there when it comes to putting together a watch that fits every wardrobe.

Company Policies

Garmin offers a one-year warranty from defects in materials or workmanship. Additionally, the brand grants free 30-day returns for the Forerunner 965, although third-party sites such as Amazon, REI, or Fleet Feet may offer more enticing deals for this wearable.

Apple also offers a one-year warranty package for the Apple Watch Series 10 which also comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support when purchased through the brand’s retail site. As with Garmin, though, you may be able to find better return policies on other third-party retailers—Apple’s current return policy allows for free returns up to 14 days from the original purchase.

Garmin Vs. Apple Watch: Final Thoughts

For fitness enthusiasts wanting to upgrade their understanding of health and wellness metrics, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Forerunner 965 are two of the best smartwatches available today and can be excellent wearables capable of tracking informative stats across your workouts. In my opinion, though, the Forerunner 965 is more of an advanced tool designed for training given its heightened emphasis on activity tracking without other conveniences like receiving phone calls, supporting style needs, and more.

The Apple Watch Series 10 seems to be a better fit for casual athletes wanting their gadgets to work in multiple environments, whereas the name of the game with Garmin is performance and training. The price point is also lower with the Apple Watch, although you’ll need to account cellular expenses if you truly want to turn your wristwear into everything it can be. In the end, be sure to take your personal preferences into question and decide on a wearable that suits your needs best—regardless of your choice, you’ll surely be on your way to more informed training.

Garmin Vs. Apple Watch FAQs

References

1. Germini, F., Noronha, N., Borg Debono, V., Abraham Philip, B., Pete, D., Navarro, T., Keepanasseril, A., Parpia, S., de Wit, K., & Iorio, A. (2022). Accuracy and acceptability of wrist-wearable activity-tracking devices: Systematic review of the literature. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35060915/

Which side of the fitness tracker vs smartwatch line do you fall on? This Whoop vs Apple Watch breakdown will give you perspective on the similarities and differences between two popular wearables that both offer excellent tracking capabilities and a high degree of customization. So, if you’re on the fence about whether Whoop or Apple will help you best stay accountable, use this side-by-side comparison to weigh the pros and cons of going with a screenless strap or one of the top smartwatches.

Whoop 4.0

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Fitness tracker without display
• Whoop app delivers data
• Tracks blood oxygen, skin temperature, and heart rate
• Also tracks sleep metrics

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 24/7 physiological data available
• Offers more in-depth metrics than most other fitness trackers
• Comes with a “coaching” feature to tell you when to train and when to rest
• Comfortable to wear
• App is user-friendly

Cons

• Monthly membership fee required
• No step counter
• No watch face or display

Bottom Line

If you’re someone who takes their training seriously, the Whoop 4.0 could be an effective tool for you to use.

Apple Watch Series 10

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Pricing starts at $399

• 18-hour battery life

• Seamless integration with other Apple devices

• Tracks heart rate, steps, ECG, sleep apnea

• Can track body temperature and energy expenditure

• Optional data plan available

• Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
• Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products
• Fast charging and bright display

Cons

• Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
• Sensors don’t work well with tattooed skin
• Only a slight improvement from the Series 9

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent smartwatch that’s made some small improvements over the Series 9, including a larger, thinner screen and faster charging time. This is the perfect choice for iPhone users who want a watch that acts as an extension of their phone.

Whoop vs Apple Watch: Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Whoop vs Apple Watch

Apple entered the wearable technology market a decade ago by releasing the first-generation Apple Watch in April 2015. Since then, the company has unveiled a new model on an annual basis, most recently bringing the Series 10—our top-rated Apple Watch—into production in September 2024. Sleek, stylish, and packed full of user-friendly features like real-time notifications, activity tracking, and sleep tracking, the Apple Watch comes in different finishes and sizes. 

On the other hand, Whoop specializes in screenless fitness trackers — a smart solution if you’re prone to letting pings distract you from the task at hand. The company’s latest device, the Whoop 4.0, can be worn on your wrist or moved to your biceps with an upper arm band. The Whoop strap tracks several different metrics, giving you scores in four categories: sleep, recovery, strain, and stress. However, it does not track your steps.

To make it simple: Whoop is a solid option if you’re less concerned about notifications and connectivity and more concerned about fitness and sleep tracking.

Who Should Buy an Apple Watch

• Those who prefer a device that shows the time
• People who want to remain connected to answer calls, texts, etc.
• Fitness enthusiasts who want to integrate their Apple Health data 
• Runners or athletes who need GPS tracking capabilities

Who Should Buy a Whoop

• Athletes who want to improve their recovery
• Folks who don’t want to be distracted by a screen
• Those looking for more insight into their sleeping habits
• People who like customizing their fitness tracker to match different aesthetics 

Key Similarities Between Whoop and Apple Watch

• Both devices monitor key health metrics, including heart rate, calories burned, and blood oxygen levels
• Both are meant to be worn around the wrist; though you can wear the Whoop 4.0 around your biceps or in clothing from the brand’s Whoop Body line.
• You can select from a number of different band color and material options for either device.
• Both devices offer sleep and cycle tracking.

RELATED: Whoop vs Oura

Important Differences Between Whoop and Apple Watch

• The Whoop 4.0 is a screenless device; the Apple Watch Series 10 features an OLED always-on retina display.
• You must pay a monthly subscription (about $30/month) to gain access to your Whoop data and insights. There is no fee to use the Apple Watch. 
• The Whoop 4.0 performs 24/7 heart rate monitoring and provides more in-depth sleep data than the Apple Watch.
• While the Whoop tracks more than 100 types of workouts, the Apple Watch only does 20.
• The Whoop whoops the Apple Watch in terms of battery life, offering up to 4 to 5 days of usage compared to just 18 hours of normal use or 36 hours in low-power mode. 
• The latest Apple Watch offers far superior water resistance (50 meters) than the Whoop 4.0 (up to 10 meters for two hours). 
• Apple Watches allow you to receive and respond to calls, texts, and other notifications from your wrist. Whoop devices do not.
• In general, Apple Watches are more expensive. The top model, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, starts at $800. 

RELATED: Fitbit vs Apple Watch

Tracking Features 

Let’s face it: This is what matters most when you’re deciding whether to go with a Whoop or an Apple Watch. Let’s explore the different tracking features each device offers below.

Whoop

The Whoop 4.0 earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for tech capabilities thanks to its ability to give readings in four critical areas: sleep, recovery, strain, and stress. Of course, you must sync your strap to the Whoop app to record your workouts — a minor annoyance if you expected your fitness tracker to automatically track everything you do. Thankfully, the app is available for both iOS and Android users.

What can you expect from the Whoop app? You’ll be able to see graphs with your average heart rate data, max heart rate, HRV, and calories burned. This data is used to determine your workout strain (how hard you trained on a specific day). 

In addition, Whoop can help you know when it’s time for a rest or active recovery day with its recovery score system. However, GGR founder and Whoop user Cooper Mitchell noted that the recovery score is not always accurate. 

RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Tools 

Beyond activity tracking, the Whoop 4.0 allows you to glean more insight into your sleep patterns. The Whoop app uses various algorithms to generate daily reports on your sleep performance, even offering suggestions on how long your next night’s sleep should be. This can help you establish a baseline and make lifestyle changes that allow you to enjoy more REM (rapid eye movement) and deep sleep. 

Another neat feature: You can set a silent haptic alarm within the app that’ll vibrate your band when it’s time to wake up. Coop takes advantage of this unique feature to allow the rest of his family to stay asleep when he’s up at 5 a.m. 

Apple Watch 

Earning a perfect 5 out of 5 for tech capabilities, the latest Apple Watch tracks a variety of metrics using state-of-the-art sensor technology. As a Series 8 user for the last two years, I can vouch for the value of being able to see exactly what you did during a workout or exactly how much time I spent in REM sleep after a tough day. 

Here’s a brief overview of what the Apple Watch tracks: 

• Activity: Uses three color-coded rings to summarize your movement, time standing, and number of minutes exercises.
• Sleep: Estimates time spent in each sleep stage (REM, Core, and Deep), as well as when you might have woken up. 
• Vitals: The Vitals app tracks overnight health metrics, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, and sleep duration.

RELATED: Best Budget Fitness Tracker

Of course, many Apple Watch users track their training sessions using the Apple Fitness app. I log my workouts daily, which allows me to keep track of trends and stay more accountable. The Apple Watch is also compatible with many of the best workout apps, giving you more flexibility to fine-tune your training and tracking experience.

Construction and Design

Talk about two ends of the fitness tracker spectrum. On one hand, you have a screenless, more discrete device in Whoop. On the other hand, you have a premium smartwatch with a fantastic touch screen. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how each device is constructed. 

Whoop

Is the Whoop 4.0 the most aesthetically pleasing fitness tracker? Compared to the more luxurious Apple Watch, it’s easy to see why it “only” earns 4 out of 5 stars. However, even though it doesn’t have a screen, it’s still well-built, lightweight, and available in a multitude of color options. In fact, Whoop claims that there are 74,000 color and material combinations.

The Whoop 4.0 comes in two materials: a soft Superknit or durable Proknit strap. Although the company claims it “feels like nothing” on your wrist, Coop says, “I definitely notice it there, especially when working out and hitting it with a kettlebell or something, but it’s not much of a nuisance.” 

Although the Whoop 4.0 is “waterproof,” it wasn’t designed for deep sea diving or anything of the like. It only goes up to 10 meters (32 feet), a far cry from the Apple Watch, which can be submerged up to 50 meters (164 feet). 

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in two finishes: aluminum or titanium. The former starts at $399, while the latter starts at $699. 

You can also choose between a 42-millimeter or 46-millimeter case. Apple also gives you three standard band options: a flexible, swim-proof silicone rubber, a soft, lightweight textile, or a more sophisticated stainless steel. 

Although I’m two series behind, I love the look of my Apple Watch Series 8 with the standard black rubber band. If I was keen on fashion, I’d have a few other options to match whatever outfit I’m wearing. Still, you can’t go wrong with a well-designed smartwatch that can be highly customized to your liking. 

One of our reviewers gave the Series 9 a 4-out-of-5 rating for aesthetics but a perfect score for adjustability, which highlights how Apple caters to users of all different tastes. 

Battery Life

One of the main factors users look for in a fitness tracker is battery life. After all, you want your device to last long enough that you can get a ton done without needing to plug it back in. Who wins the battery life battle between Whoop vs. Apple Watch? 

Whoop

One of the few areas where the Whoop 4.0 stands head and shoulders above the Apple Watch is battery life. This device can stay powered on for four to five days — a remarkable feat for a fitness tracker. 

In addition, Whoop sells a slide-on battery pack that allows you to fully charge your device as you’re wearing it in about an hour. The GGR team gave the Whoop 4.0 a well-deserved 5-star rating for battery life.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a battery life of up to 18 hours on normal use. According to Apple, it can last for 36 hours on low-power mode. This is solid, but not nearly as impressive as the Whoop 4.0, which lasts for nearly a week. For a more apples-to-apples comparison, the Garmin vivoactive 5 smartwatch lasts 11 days, putting it in a class of its own. 

Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and a dedicated fitness enthusiast, experienced plenty of frustration with her old Apple Watch’s less-than-stellar battery life. 

“I had the Series 6 and I hated the battery life,” she explains. “I had to charge it every night, which meant I couldn’t really use the sleep tracking metrics.”

Fortunately for Apple Watch users, these devices are the kings of connectivity (as long as you have an iPhone). Not only can you keep track of all of your data in the Apple Fitness and Apple Health apps, but you can download a number of third-party apps to take full advantage of the tracking technology. 

Customer Reviews 

Customer reviews paint a very different picture of both devices. While Whoop generates mixed feedback, the Apple Watch Series 10 receives near-unanimous praise from users. Here’s what customers have to say about each of these fitness trackers.

Whoop

The Whoop 4.0 has earned a rating of 3.9 stars based on 1,878 reviews on Amazon. Customers enjoy being able to get insight into their sleep stages. However, several negative reviews call out charging issues, ease of use, and value for the money. 

To give a complete picture, here’s a mix of both positive and negative feedback:

“I’ve had this for a little less than a week but so far it’s been very useful. The data it provides gives great insights that I use to maximize my general health and fitness. The sleep tracker has changed my behaviors so I can be at a higher level all day especially for workouts. Sleep detection and activity detection make it easy to see performance for both with minimal interaction with the app. I also like the community section so I can see where I stack up in my gym group compared to those I know are very fit,” a customer named Erik Rausch wrote in his 5-star review.

Ironically, a customer named Don quickly realized the error of his ways after purchasing the Whoop. 

“Switched my Apple Watch, but honestly don’t see enough value over what I was getting out of my Apple Watch for free,” he wrote in his 2-star review.

Another disappointed customer named Rajat left a 1-star review, suggesting going with Fitbit over Whoop.  

“This is a very substandard product and technology. The band hurts the wrist, it takes an engineer to wear it. The charging is difficult. The Fitbits being sold for over a decade now are much better.”

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 10 has earned an impressive rating of 4.6 stars based on 1,174 reviews on Amazon. Customers appreciate its vibrant, colorful display, exceptional functionality, and ease of use. 

“From the moment I unboxed it, the premium design and sleek interface stood out. It’s not just a timepiece—it’s a versatile tool that integrates seamlessly into daily routines. The features are abundant, yet intuitive, ranging from health monitoring (like heart rate, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen levels) to convenience features like weather updates, notifications, and even wallet functionality,” a customer named Joe Green wrote in his 5-star review. 

Another customer named Andrew T. upgraded from a Series 5, and it didn’t take long for him to appreciate the newer features of the Series 10. 

“If you’ve never had an Apple Watch, and are on the fence about buying one… just buy it, it’s more useful than you think. I never used to wear watches as a kid, then when cell phones came around, I figured I’d just pull my phone out to check the time… Well decades later, I finally got on the bandwagon, and turns out I use it all the time. It’s nice to quickly check the weather forecast, start my car/truck, check and respond to a quick text, timers, walkie talkie, health data, and of course, checking the time.”

Company Policies

From warranties to returns to customer service, these little details can make a huge impact on your purchasing experience. Luckily, both Whoop and Apple rate highly in this area. 

Whoop

Whoop provides an industry-standard one-year warranty for its straps. In addition, you can try the Whoop 4.0 for 30 days from the date of delivery before deciding whether you want to return it. You will have to pay for shipping and handling in order to receive a full refund. 

Overall, the GGR team gives Whoop 4.5 out of 5 stars for warranty and returns. 

However, getting in touch with customer service isn’t quite as easy as it is with other companies. Whoop only offers support via email or phone. The GGR team gave Whoop a 4-star rating in the customer service category.

Apple

With a similar one-year limited warranty, Apple separates itself from Whoop with its affordable AppleCare+ program. Starting at just $2.49 per month or $49 for two years for Apple Watches, this protection plan extends your coverage and includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection. You can also finance your Apple Watch with an Apple Card, which gives 3% daily cash back upfront on the full cost of your Apple Watch. 

We gave Apple a 4-out-of-5 rating in this category and a perfect score for customer service, as GGR team members have had positive experiences with chat and phone support, as well as Genius Bar members.  

Whoop vs Apple Watch: Final Thoughts

Is Whoop worth the hype? If you’re less worried about staying in the loop with all your calls, emails, and texts and more focused on getting insight into your health, recovery, and sleep, it’s a solid option. Plus, we like that you aren’t tied down to wearing this gadget around your wrist, as Whoop’s Body line makes it possible to keep this tracker hidden in a sports bra, leggings, jacket, and other compatible apparel. 

However, the Apple Watch remains one of the best fitness trackers because it checks so many boxes beyond tracking your workouts and sleep. It functions well with a variety of third-party apps and fits seamlessly into the ever-expanding Apple ecosystem. So, if you’re an iPhone user looking to level up your health and fitness in style, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the Apple Watch models on the market. 

Ultimately, you need to decide whether a screenless (aka distraction-free) device that requires a monthly subscription is a better investment than a smartwatch with a higher upfront cost that keeps you connected at all times. 

FAQs

If you fall into the second category, you’ve arrived at the right destination. 

Although the Garage Gym Reviews team stands behind top-rated smartwatches like the Apple Watch, Garmin Forerunner 965, and Fitbit Versa 3, we recognize that the best fitness tracker rings offer a less cumbersome way to monitor your heart rate, sleep quality, and other key health and wellness metrics. However, with so many options on the market, choosing the right ring for your finger can feel as overwhelming as trying to master your Bulgarian split squat form.

Luckily, our eclectic squad of product experts has put several popular rings through our proprietary fitness equipment testing methodology to determine what separates the best from the rest. In this Evie Ring vs Oura Ring comparison, I’ll break down everything from their tracking features to their battery life to their performance (based on our fingers-on experience) so you can decide for yourself which ring rules them all. 

Evie Ring

Evie Ring

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Health tracking smart ring designed for women 

• Tracks metrics associated with health, menstrual health, sleep quality, and activity 

• Included: Evie ring and portable charger 

• Available in 3 colors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• HSA/FSA eligible
• Free app and no membership subscription required
• Free sizing kit available
• Made with scratch resistant metal

Cons

• Not compatible with Android devices
• Evie app only available in the United States app store
• Sizes do not match traditional rings sizes
• Shorter battery life than competitors
• Evie app is poorly reviewed by customers
• Customers complain of inaccurate and lost data

Bottom Line

The Evie Ring is a smart health tracking ring aimed at women. It tracks menstrual health, general health, sleep, and activity. The initial price is similar to other ring style trackers and you don’t need to subscribe to a monthly membership in order to maintain access to your data. Customer reviews were poor, customers often found the data inaccurate and complained that the app would lose data, especially the sleep data.

Oura Ring

Oura Ring

GGR Score: 4.2

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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.

Evie Ring vs Oura Ring: Comparison Chart

Editor’s Note: Our team tested and reviewed the Oura Ring Generation 3. Oura announced the fourth-generation model on Oct. 15, 2024. We have listed spec options for both. 

Quick Look: Evie Ring vs Oura Ring

Made by Movano Health, the Evie Ring is a small, lightweight device developed for women and people assigned female at birth. This device offers ovulation estimations, period tracking capabilities, and fertile window estimations. While it also tracks basic health metrics like heart rate, step count, and sleep data, it does not provide in-depth workout metrics. Budget-conscious folks will appreciate that unlike the Oura Ring, there’s no membership fee to use the Evie app. 

Unfortunately, that advantage comes at the expense of a shorter battery life (four days vs seven days for the Oura Ring Gen 3), fewer color options (three vs six for Oura), and less water resistance (just 1 meter vs up to 100 meters).

The Oura Ring Gen 3 also comes in two designs, giving you the flexibility to go with the octagon-shaped Heritage model or the more traditional circular Horizon model. The latest model, the Oura Ring 4, has several distinct differences from the previous generation, including recessed interior sensors instead of raised interior sensors, dynamic Smart Sensing technology, and a longer battery life (up to eight days). 

Who Should Buy Evie Ring

• Those who want to track their health data without paying for a subscription
• Women and folks assigned female at birth who value menstrual cycle tracking, fertility, and other women’s health metrics
• People who want insight into their sleep stages

Who Should Buy Oura Ring

• Those who want detailed insight into their sleeping habits
• People who swim regularly or need a waterproof tracker 
• Folks who want a comfortable ring that fits with any aesthetic
• Fitness enthusiasts who want to integrate workout data from apps like Apple Health or Google Fit

Key Similarities Between the Evie Ring and Oura Ring

• Both rings track basic health metrics such as step count, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), calories burned, and sleep. 
• Both rings track metrics suited for women’s health and menstruating individuals, including cycle tracking.
• Both come with a 1-year warranty. 
• Both rings are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate users with different finger circumferences.
• You can choose from multiple colors for either ring (though Oura offers more choices).

RELATED: Oura Ring Review

Important Differences Between the Evie Ring and Oura Ring

• The Evie Ring has a shorter battery life (four days) compared to the Oura Ring Gen 3 (seven days) and the Oura Ring 4 (up to eight days). 
• The Evie Ring is slightly thicker than the Oura Ring Gen 3 by 0.45 mm. 
• While the Oura Ring has a $5.99 monthly subscription fee to access all your data, the Evie Ring does not have a membership program.   
• The Evie Ring is only water-resistant up to 1 meter (3 feet). You can submerge the Oura Ring up to 100 meters (330 feet). 
• The Oura Ring Gen 3 comes in two styles, whereas the Evie Ring is only available in one. 
• Unlike the Evie Ring, the Oura Ring syncs with your Apple Watch or Google Fit.
• Depending on the color and model, the Oura Ring can cost as much as $499. The Evie Ring is more budget-friendly at $270.
• An extra Evie Ring portable charger costs $79—$20 more than an Oura Ring 4 charger. 

RELATED: Evie Ring Review

Tracking Features 

Evie Ring

Former GGR Senior Staff Writer and certified personal trainer (CPT) Lauren Strong tested the Evie Ring for six weeks, giving her ample time to try all its tracking features. In her words, it’s “fairly rudimentary when it comes to fitness tracking.” 

Don’t expect to glean much insight into your workouts, especially since the Evie Ring doesn’t have automatic workout detection. There’s also no way to select an exercise mode, another factor that limits its functionality for fitness tracking. 

Luckily, the Evie Ring redeems itself with solid sleep and cycle tracking. During her testing period, Lauren awoke each morning to a graph of her sleep cycles with how many minutes were spent in REM, light, and deep sleep. However, she was disappointed that the “sleep vitals” data are only presented as averages, preventing you from getting nightly insight into your body temperature or heart rate. 

RELATED: Best Heart Rate Monitors

Lauren found the Evie app more robust than Apple Health for cycle tracking because “you can log your energy levels, mood, and vaginal discharge all month long. And then during your period, you can log your flow and other symptoms like spotting and cramping.”

Still, the lack of skin temperature tracking alongside your other cycle data left her wanting more from a ring designed for women’s health.

Oura Ring 

Coop put a ring on it (again) for the sake of finding out just how effective the Oura Ring Gen 3 is for fitness tracking. Designed to track walking, cycling, or running, the ring allows you to log activities in the Oura app, which shows metrics such as total caloric burn, workout heart rate, pace, and more. The Gen 3 also provides a Readiness Score, which takes your body’s temperature, heart rate, and sleep into consideration to show how prepared you are to work out—another reason it’s one of the best smart rings on the market. 

The Oura Ring also provides Activity and Sleep Scores. Senior Staff Writer and Olympian weightlifter Caine Wilkes found the second feature quite helpful while he used the Oura Ring for 10 months leading up to the Tokyo Games. 

“Being able to see my rest and recovery was very helpful in planning out my workout and adjusting it if I wasn’t quite as recovered as I was expecting.”

RELATED: Best Muscle Recovery Tools 

The Oura Ring 4 takes things to the next level, as long as you pay for the $5.99 monthly membership. That gives you full access to the following health tracking features, many of which use different algorithms to analyze your sleep and activity data: 

• Detailed sleep analysis
• 24/7 heart rate tracking (daytime, nighttime, activity)
• Integration with third-party health and wellness apps like Strava
• Advanced temperature sensor monitoring
• Blood oxygen sensing (SpO2)
• Cardiovascular age
• Cardio capacity (VO2 max)
• Cycle insights
• Daytime stress 
• Dynamic activity goals with automatic activity detection
• Oura Labs
• Pregnancy insights
• Resilience
• Weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly, and anniversary reports

RELATED: Best Budget Fitness Tracker

Construction and Design

Evie Ring

Lauren isn’t shy when she says “the best thing about the Evie Ring is the way it looks.” Scoring the ring 5 out of 5 stars for general wear, she loves how the gold option matches her other gold jewelry and doesn’t look out of place at a formal event, either. 

Built with scratch-resistant Liquidmetal®, the Evie Ring comes in three colors: silver, gold, or rose gold. It’s available in sizes ranging from 5 to 12. The company recommends ordering the free sizing kit, which Lauren used to ensure she got the right fit. 

Oura Ring

The Oura Ring Gen 3 comes in two designs: the Heritage (octagon-like) and Horizon (circular). The Horizon comes in six color options, with the design and colorway impacting the final price. The Gen 3 is available in sizes 6 to 13, and Oura has resources on its website to help with sizing. 

Similar to the Evie Ring, the Oura Ring blends seamlessly with other jewelry and attire. In addition, its lightweight design left Coop forgetting he even had it on. Ditto for former Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly’s partner, Morgan, another Oura Ring user. This led to a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars for ergonomics and comfort from our team.

Caine, however, did have one callout about the design that deserves mention:

“I’m a big guy who lifts weights, so when I sized my fingers, the only finger I could fit an Oura Ring on was my pinky finger. I’d love to see them expand their sizes for larger athletes.”

RELATED: GGR’s Guide to Gym Accessibility

Featuring a seamless titanium interior and a non-allergenic titanium on both the inner and outer ring surfaces, the Oura Ring 4 has discreet sensors and a slightly sleeker design. It also features the most updated sensors, including an accelerometer that provides 24/7 movement and activity tracking. Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s inside:

• Red and infrared LEDs measure blood oxygen levels while you sleep.
• Green and infrared LEDs alternate to measure heart rate and heart rate variability 24/7 and respiration rate during your sleep.
• A digital sensor measures your temperature variations.
• An accelerometer tracks movement and activity 24/7.

RELATED: Fitness Tracker Metrics

Battery Life and Connectivity

Evie Ring

The Evie Ring comes with a portable charging case that holds up to 10 ring charges. Lauren confirms the company accurately lists that the Evie Ring can last for four days on a single charge with continuous use and logging one workout per day. 

In her experience, it only took about an hour to get a full charge from about 25% battery. She scored the battery life 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Unfortunately for Android users, the Evie Ring is only compatible with iOS 16 and higher (the iPhone 8 or newer). If you’re on #TeamAndroid, you may want to look into something like RingConn or the Samsung Galaxy Ring. In addition, the ring only syncs with the Evie App, which led Lauren to give it just 3 out of 5 stars for connectivity. 

RELATED: Samsung Ring vs Oura   

Oura Ring

In his review of the Oura Ring Gen 3, Anthony noted that Coop’s (GGR’s founder) and several long-time Oura users’ favorite feature is the quick charge and long battery life. It can hold a full charge for up to a week. Plus, it only takes 20 to 80 minutes to recharge. Overall, the Gen 3 received a perfect score for battery life. 

Similarly, the Oura Ring 4 typically charges in 20 to 80 minutes, depending on the battery level. However, it has a slightly longer battery life of up to eight days. 

What separates Oura from Evie is connectivity. While you can use the Oura Ring app, you can also sync your data with Apple Health. It’s also compatible with Android devices. Collectively, the GGR team gave the Gen 3 a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for tech capabilities. 

RELATED: Ultrahuman Ring AIR Review 

Customer Reviews 

Evie Ring

There are no customer reviews for the Evie Ring on the company website. The only available feedback is on TrustPilot, where the ring has garnered a disappointing score of 2.3 stars based on eight reviews. 

“Support is virtually nonexistent/useless,” a verified user named Felipe wrote in his 1-star review.

Another verified user named Melissa offered more insight into her less-than-stellar Evie Ring experience. 

“I like the design and the basic features like step counting, heart rate, temperature change and sleep tracking. However it doesn’t track naps, doesn’t detect workout (you have to tell it you’re going to workout with a specific time frame) activity well, has only a few days of battery life and doesn’t give any insights to the data it provides. The user manual is only available online and it is not comprehensive enough. Feels like they rushed this ring to market and cut a lot of corners, most importantly customer service and satisfaction.”

Oura Ring 

On the other hand, the Oura Ring Gen3 has earned an impressive rating of 4.3 stars based on 2,501 Amazon reviews. Customers appreciate the user-friendly app, sleek design, and effective tracking technology. 

“I’ve had the Oura ring for a month now and I love it so much! I had wanted this ring since it first came out but could never afford it. Now that you can use your FSA/HSA, it is possible. Since I used mine, I went with my favorite color: rose gold,” a customer named Griselda Cordero wrote in her 5-star review. “I have trouble tossing and turning all night and this ring picks up on my sleep cycles. It will give suggestions of when you should go to sleep to get a better night’s rest.”

Company Policies

Just like the Movano Evie Ring, the Oura Ring has a disappointing warranty of only 1 year from the date of purchase that covers defects in materials and workmanship. In other words: Take care of your ring since normal wear and tear aren’t covered. 

Both manufacturers offer a 30-day window for exchanges or returns. However, Movano requires you to conduct all returns and exchanges through a third-party service called Loop Returns. Lauren found it troubling that there’s no company phone number or business hours listed, resulting in a customer experience score of only 2.5 out of 5 stars. 

Evie Ring vs Oura Ring: Final Thoughts

In the battle between Evie vs Oura, the winning ring earned a significantly higher score of 4.2 compared to 3.5 for a multitude of reasons. While the Evie Ring looks attractive and has a solid battery life, it lacks connectivity options, is not particularly user-friendly, and falls short in tracking certain metrics. 

Meanwhile, the Oura Ring offers excellent construction and durability, an unbeatable battery life, excellent tech capabilities, and incomparable water resistance (100 meters vs 1 meter). It may not present as much value due to the higher price tag (especially if you pick certain finishes), but rest assured you’ll get more out of having an Oura around your finger than an Evie. 

FAQs

References

1. Asgari Mehrabadi M, Azimi I, Sarhaddi F, Axelin A, Niela-Vilén H, Myllyntausta S, Stenholm S, Dutt N, Liljeberg P, Rahmani AM. Sleep Tracking of a Commercially Available Smart Ring and Smartwatch Against Medical-Grade Actigraphy in Everyday Settings: Instrument Validation Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2020 Nov 2;8(10):e20465. doi: 10.2196/20465. PMID: 33038869; PMCID: PMC7669442.

A 2021 study¹ even found that wearing a smart ring—while being coached and educated—was helpful in increasing daily movement, improving heart rate variability, and decreasing body fat percentage.

Two of the more popular smart rings are the golden standard Oura Ring, as well as an Android user’s dream—the Samsung Galaxy Ring. Which ring is best for you? Each has its pros and cons, and in this Samsung Ring vs Oura Ring comparison, we’ll get into each feature of these smart rings to help determine which ring might be the best fit for you.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

Samsung Galaxy Ring

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Product Highlights

• Scratch-resistant titanium construction
• Up to 7 days of battery life
• Location tracker
• Hands-free control of your Android phone
• Three colors to choose from

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Integrates with Android devices
• Built-in location tracker
• Control your phone by pinching your fingers
• Durable titanium construction

Cons

• Only works with Android phones
• More expensive than competitors

Bottom Line

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is an excellent choice for those who want to use their ring with a compatible Android phone. The ring tracks your health metrics, allows you to control your phone by pinching your fingers, and includes a location tracker if you lose it. It's expensive, but a great choice for Samsung users.

Oura Ring Gen 3

Oura Ring

GGR Score: 4.2

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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.

Samsung Ring Vs Oura: Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring

Both the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring are two of the best smart rings that are becoming wildly popular for users who want to track sleep and health without the need for a bulky smartwatch or wristband. Each of these gadgets supply similar health data and metrics, providing health tracking, sleep scores, readiness scores, and activity tracking across a variety of workouts. 

From a bird’s eye view, the main difference is that the Samsung Galaxy Ring is only compatible with Android devices, like the Google Pixel or any Samsung phones. Rest assured, iPhone users: The Oura Ring, on the other hand, can work for both Android and Apple smartphones.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring was released in late summer of 2024; meanwhile, the Oura Ring has been around for a bit, and has just released its Gen 4. Instead of the Oura Ring 4, this comparison will focus on the Gen 3 version of the Oura Ring, which is focused on in our Oura Ring review. Regardless, Oura has updated the app with new features, so even Gen 3 users will notice some improvements on the user experience.

Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Ring

• People who prefer a less bulky smart ring
• Android phone users who are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem
• Those who wish to avoid a subscription fee

Who Should Buy the Oura Ring

• Both Android and iOS users
• Those who wish to have a few more colorway and design options
• Fitness enthusiasts who want to track walking, running, and cycling

Key Similarities Between Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring

• Both rings give sleep and energy scores
• Both provide sleep, activity, and cycle tracking metrics
• A sizing kit can be requested to help determine your ring size for either ring
• Each ring has a battery life of up to 7 days
• Both rings are HSA and FSA eligible
• Both rings have a 1-year warranty
• Both are also available through third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy
• Each ring is rated water-resistant up to 100 m

Important Differences Between Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring

• The Oura Ring is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, while the Samsung Ring only works with Android devices
• The Samsung Galaxy Ring has a portable charging case, whereas the Oura Ring charger has to be plugged in
• The Oura App requires a monthly subscription fee of $5.99
• The Samsung Galaxy Ring has fewer color options than the Oura Ring
• The Oura Ring is a heavier and bulkier smart ring
• While neither is great for tracking weightlifting, the Samsung Galaxy Ring does have the ability to track weight machines
• The Samsung Galaxy Ring is more expensive than the least expensive option for the Oura Ring 3, but less expensive than the Oura’s priciest option

Aesthetics

Having worn both the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring before, I have to give the Oura Ring the upper hand in terms of looks and aesthetics. Both designs of the Oura Ring Gen 3 are thicker and look like they could be actual jewelry; plus, they have six colorways compared to the Samsung ring’s three. The actual Samsung Ring looks clean, but the matte exterior gives the ring a plastic look that’s similar to the plastic rings in the sizing kit.

Both rings are comfortable while on your finger, and most people might prefer the sleeker, thinner design of the Samsung Galaxy Ring. I had moments when I forgot I was wearing it. The Oura Ring is a bit larger than the Samsung Galaxy Ring, but I (and our other testers) still found it comfortable during daily wear.

Battery Life and Durability

The Oura Ring and the Samsung Galaxy Ring are pretty much identical in terms of battery life, each lasting about 7 days on a single charge. The battery life is much longer than smartwatches (like the Samsung Galaxy Watch), which may have a battery life of just a couple of days.

Both smart rings are also rated water-resistant for a depth of 100 meters, making them great for swimming workouts. Morgan, a former NCAA Division 1 swimmer and partner of GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, says about the Oura Ring’s water resistance, “I love how waterproof it is. It’s annoying when I have to take off a fitness tracker before getting into the pool.”

RELATED: Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers

After hands-on testing of the Galaxy Ring, it holds up pretty well, too; I’ve had the ring in the shower and pool and never had any issues with it. It’s important to note, however, that these rings can get in the way of barbell training, and if you wear it while gripping an Olympic barbell or dumbbell, you may cause some scuffs or marks on the ring.

Fitness Tracking

Both rings track an array of activities, although neither is the best at strength training. Samsung and Oura both can automatically detect workouts or activities to begin tracking calories, steps, and distance (if it’s running, cycling, or a similar cardio activity).

RELATED: Best Fitness Trackers

Most activities that Oura and Samsung track are cardio-based. Out of the 40 activities that the Oura automatically detects, there is only “strength training” to track weight training. The Samsung Health app allows tracking weight machines, but that’s about it for strength training tracking.

I’ll also mention that barbell training with either of these rings is challenging, as the ring is still bulky enough to affect your grip on the bar. As an Olympic weightlifter, your grip on the barbell is vital in maintaining proper positions during the snatch and clean and jerk, so I usually just take the smart ring off prior to lifting.

Health and Wellness Metrics

Along with workout tracking, each ring tracks general health metrics: your heart rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. Both rings can track your heart rate while active or at rest, as well as heart rate variability (HRV), which is the natural variation in time between heartbeats. 

Each ring can also measure your stress levels, which is usually a measurement of how your resting heart rate may change while not exercising. They also can help track cycles for people who menstruate, although this is a feature I haven’t tested.

Sleep Tracking

While the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring are very similar in sleep tracking, Oura Ring has developed quite a reputation for its sleep tracking; that’s why I used it leading up to the Tokyo Olympics. The Journal of Medical Internet Research² published a study in 2020 that determined the Oura Ring worked just as well as medical-grade sleep trackers in sleep quality and overall time.

Both rings track your sleep stages and sleep cycles to help determine your quality of sleep and recovery, giving you a sleep and readiness score each day. Along with sleep cycles, the rings each use heart rate monitoring, HRV, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels to determine your sleep score and energy score.

To get the full functionality of the Oura Ring’s sleep tracking, you’ll have to pay for an Oura App subscription. Otherwise, you’ll get some basic metrics and scores without much insight.

Company Policies

Both companies have similar policies on warranties and financing. Each ring comes with a 12-month warranty on parts and labor, which is pretty standard in the world of fitness trackers. Financing is available on both rings, and each is also HSA and FSA eligible. Both companies even have a trade-in policy, where you can get store credit for giving back your old fitness tracker ring.

The one major difference between the two companies lies in the return policy. The Oura Ring can be returned in 30 days, while the Samsung ring has a shorter 15-day window, which doesn’t give you a lot of time to determine if you like the product, its fit and feel, and more.

Samsung Ring Vs Oura Ring: Final Thoughts

Looking between the Samsung Galaxy Ring and the Oura Ring, both have nearly identical tracking capabilities and durability specs. Both are high-quality fitness trackers that operate well, but there are some small differences. Here are a few things to factor in to decide which wearable fitness tracker is right for you:

• The Samsung Galaxy Ring is only compatible with Android devices.
• Oura Ring has a monthly subscription fee to use the Oura app and get its full functionality.
• The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a lighter and thinner ring than the Gen 3 Oura Ring.
• Oura Ring has developed a reputation for accurate sleep tracking and insights.

Samsung Ring Vs Oura: FAQs

References

1. Browne, J. D., Boland, D. M., Baum, J. T., Ikemiya, K., Harris, Q., Phillips, M., Neufeld, E. V., Gomez, D., Goldman, P., & Dolezal, B. A. (2021). Lifestyle Modification Using a Wearable Biometric Ring and Guided Feedback Improve Sleep and Exercise Behaviors: A 12-Month Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 777874. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.777874
2. Asgari Mehrabadi, M., Azimi, I., Sarhaddi, F., Axelin, A., Niela-Vilén, H., Myllyntausta, S., Stenholm, S., Dutt, N., Liljeberg, P., & Rahmani, A. M. (2020). Sleep Tracking of a Commercially Available Smart Ring and Smartwatch Against Medical-Grade Actigraphy in Everyday Settings: Instrument Validation Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(10), e20465. https://doi.org/10.2196/20465

Earlier in 2024, Google announced they would no longer produce Fitbit smartwatches like the Fitbit Sense 2 and Fitbit Versa 4, and the Fitbit website has been shut down. Similarly, the Apple Watch Series 9, the latest model we tested, is no longer available on Apple’s website. Therefore, for this Fitbit vs Apple Watch comparison, we’ll pit the newly-released Apple Watch Series 10 against Fitbit’s most recent fitness tracker, the Fitbit Charge 6 (which we have tested).

Fitbit Charge 6

Fitbit Charge 6

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Fitbit’s No. 1 fitness tracker 
• Built-in GPS
• Tracks exercise, sleep, stress, and heart rate 
• 7-day battery life
• 3 colors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Built-in GPS for phone free workouts
• Features ECG app
• Tracks sleep
• 7 day battery life
• Heart rate appears on connected exercise equipment

Cons

• Google account required
• Reviews said watch disconnects sporadically
• Full functionality requires Fitbit premium
• Customer reviews frustrated with customer support
• Music controls only work with Youtube Music app

Bottom Line

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the newest version of Fitbit’s Charge series. It is an affordable fitness tracker with a lot of functionality like exercise, heart rate, and sleep tracking. It will work best if you are in the Google/Android ecosystem. Access to some data requires a Fitbit premium subscription. Customers generally liked the affordable watch, however, if they encountered an issue they were frustrated with the customer support.

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Series 9

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Product Highlights

• Pricing starts at $399
• 18-hour battery life
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices
• Tracks heart rate and steps
• Can track body temperature and energy expenditure
• Optional data plan available
• Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
• Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products

Cons

• Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
• Sensors don't work well with tattooed skin
• Not much different from previous models

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a fantastic smart watch with integrated health and fitness tracking, especially for those who use other Apple products. The battery isn't very long, and the design hasn't changed much over the years, but this is a great choice for those who want a smartwatch that functions like a small iPhone.

Fitbit vs Apple Watch Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Fitbit vs Apple Watch

In addition to well-known brands like Garmin and Samsung, Fitbit and Apple have strong reputations in the world of fitness trackers and smartwatches. Two of the latest models from each brand include the Fitbit Charge 6 and the Apple Watch Series 10 (which many call the best Apple Watch to date).

The Charge 6 is more of a fitness tracker and the Apple Watch Series 10 is categorized as a smartwatch. However, both devices offer workout tracking capabilities, phone notifications, tech features like contactless payments, and various health and sleep insights. 

Who Should Buy the Fitbit Charge 6

• Anyone who doesn’t mind paying extra for premium app features
• Folks looking for a fitness tracker with a long battery life
• People who don’t have an iPhone

Who Should Buy the Apple Watch Series 10

• Mac and/or iPhone users
• People wanting a watch with a larger display
• People wanting a device that can function as more than just an activity tracker

Key Similarities Between the Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 10

• The Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 10 are both wearable devices you wear on your wrist.
• You need to set up an account with either brand to use their wearables. For the Apple Watch, you’ll need an Apple account. For the Fitbit, you’ll need a Google account.
• Both devices offer multiple customizable watch faces.
• Both devices can show email, text, and app notifications, as well as alert you to incoming phone calls.
• You can track dozens of workout modes on both watches.

Important Differences Between the Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 10

• The Fitbit Charge 6 is compatible with Android or iOS devices. While the Apple Watch can sync with an Android phone, it requires a workaround that may not be feasible if you don’t know someone with an iPhone.
• There is only one case size for the Fitbit Charge 6. There are two case size options for the Apple Watch Series 10: 42 millimeters or 46 millimeters.
• The Apple Watch Series 10 offers fall detection functionality, but the Fitbit Charge 6 does not.
• The Fitbit Charge 6’s battery can last up to 7 days (though using the SpO2 features and always-on display will cause it to drain faster). The Apple Watch Series 10 only lasts up to 36 hours, even in low power mode.
• You can answer phone calls directly on the Apple Watch Series 10, which isn’t possible on the Fitbit Charge 6.
• The Fitbit Charge 6 is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 10. That said, both devices are usually discounted during major shopping holidays like Black Friday.

RELATED: Smartwatch Black Friday Deals

Fitness Tracking

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers a ton of fitness tracking via the Workout app. Some of the workout types you can track include running, walking, cycling, using the elliptical, hiking, rowing, stair stepping, and swimming. There are also multi-sport tracking features for activities like triathlon training. There’s even an option for wheelchair users to track wheelchair-pushing workouts.

Tracking workouts is also possible on the Fitbit Charge 6. Like the Apple Watch Series 10, the Fitbit Charge 6 tracks dozens of workout modes. If you own a compatible cardio machine, you can even sync the wearable device to your machine to see your heart rate data in real time.

Both devices have built-in GPS, so you don’t need to take your phone with you to track your route when you go for a run or walk outdoors. They also track metrics such as time spent in various heart rate zones and calories burned. However, you should take the calories burned with a grain of salt. A 2022 systematic review¹ showed that the energy expenditure on fitness trackers can be off by more than 30%.

The Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 10 both also offer a daily score that shows how recovered you are and how much training you can handle on any given day.

RELATED: Whoop 4.0 Review

Health and Wellness Metrics

Both devices offer pretty robust health tracking. They offer heart rate monitoring and track skin temperature, blood oxygen level (SpO2), resting heart rate, and breathing rate. The Apple Watch Series 10 also tracks stress levels via heart rate variability (HRV). The Fitbit Charge 6 can provide a daily stress management score, but a detailed score breakdown requires a Fitbit Premium membership.

Notifications about a high or low heart rate or irregular heartbeat are also available on both devices, though you’ll need to download separate ECG apps to use these features.

Like other smartwatches in the Apple ecosystem, such as the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers fall detection functionality and medication reminders.

RELATED: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch

Sleep Tracking

The Apple Watch Series 10 and Fitbit Charge 6 both offer sleep tracking metrics, such as time asleep, time spent in different sleep stages, and movement disturbances. The Fitbit Charge 6 provides a daily sleep score while the Apple Watch does not. However, the Apple Watch Series 10 has sleep apnea detection, which the Fitbit Charge 6 doesn’t offer.

You should also know that many of the advanced sleep metrics on Fitbit are only available in the premium version of the app. Apple doesn’t require a separate subscription to view advanced sleep insights.

Cycle Tracking

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers cycle tracking via the Cycle Tracking app, which will alert you when your next cycle or fertile window is about to start. It also allows you to log your symptoms or other details about your period. If you wear your Apple Watch to sleep, it can track your wrist temperature and eventually learn to make more accurate predictions about your cycle.

Fitbit offers similar cycle tracking, although it’s better to use the Fitbit app on your phone to log symptoms, estimate your ovulation window, and view more trends about your cycle. The Fitbit Charge 6 will only display basic data, like when your period is about to start.

RELATED: Best Fitbit Devices

Tech Capabilities and Phone Notifications

The Fitbit Charge 6 can show app notifications, text messages, email notifications, and phone call notifications as long as your phone is within 30 feet of the device. The Apple Watch Series 10 does all of that as well but also allows you to take phone calls directly from your wrist. However, the exact functionalities available depend on the model you get. If you choose the GPS-only model, you’ll need to be connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth or WiFi to receive notifications. If you opt for the GPS + Cellular model, you can receive notifications on your watch even if your phone isn’t nearby.

Because the Apple Watch Series 10 has a speaker and microphone, it allows you to stream Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. You can’t stream music via third-party apps directly on the Fitbit Charge 6, but you can use the device to control what’s playing through YouTube Music on your phone. You need a YouTube Music Premium subscription to do this, though.

The Fitbit Charge 6 and Apple Watch Series 10 support contactless payments through Google Wallet and Apple Pay, respectively. The Charge 6 also syncs with Google Maps to show step-by-step navigation on your wrist, and the Apple Watch Series 10 syncs with Apple Maps.

You can use Siri on the Apple Watch, but the Fitbit Charge 6 doesn’t come with a voice assistant.

Battery Life

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a battery life of up to 18 hours. Using it in low power mode will increase the battery life to up to 36 hours. It takes about 30 minutes to charge the watch from 0% to 80%.

The Fitbit Charge 6 has a battery life of up to 7 days, though using certain features like the always-on mode or SpO2 readings will drain the battery faster. Charging it from 0% to 100% takes about 2 hours.

RELATED: Best Waterproof Fitness Trackers

Company Policies

Google offers a 1-year warranty and a 45-day return policy (from the date of shipment) on all Fitbit-branded devices. You can finance the Fitbit Charge 6 for 12 months if you buy it from Google’s online store. Retailers like Amazon or Best Buy may have different return windows and financing options.

Apple offers a 1-year warranty and a 14-day return policy on all products purchased on apple.com. The Apple Watch Series 10 also comes with 90 days of free technical support. As with Fitbit, Apple Watches purchased from other retailers are subject to those stores’ return policies.

Fitbit vs Apple Watch: Final Thoughts

The Apple Watch Series 10 and Fitbit Charge 6 are two excellent wearable devices with many health and fitness tracking capabilities. But if you’re still not sure who the clear winner is in the Fitbit vs Apple Watch debate, consider the following points:

• The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best smartwatch option for users who are already part of the Apple ecosystem.
• The Fitbit Charge 6 is ideal for Android users or people who prefer a more budget-friendly fitness tracker (though you will have to pay for Fitbit Premium for some advanced sleep and health metrics).
• The Fitbit Charge 6 is also the better choice for anyone who doesn’t want to charge their device frequently. Its battery lasts up to a week, while the Apple Watch’s battery lasts 36 hours at the most.

Fitbit vs Apple Watch: FAQs

References

1. Germini, F., Noronha, N., Borg Debono, V., Abraham Philip, B., Pete, D., Navarro, T., Keepanasseril, A., Parpia, S., de Wit, K., & Iorio, A. (2022). Accuracy and Acceptability of Wrist-Wearable Activity-Tracking Devices: Systematic Review of the Literature. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(1), e30791. https://doi.org/10.2196/30791

In this Whoop vs Oura comparison, I’ll explain everything you need to know about two of the most popular screenless trackers to help you choose the perfect option. 

Whoop 4.0

Whoop 4.0

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Fitness tracker without display
• Whoop app delivers data
• Tracks blood oxygen, skin temperature, and heart rate
• Also tracks sleep metrics

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 24/7 physiological data available
• Offers more in-depth metrics than most other fitness trackers
• Comes with a “coaching” feature to tell you when to train and when to rest
• Comfortable to wear
• App is user-friendly

Cons

• Monthly membership fee required
• No step counter
• No watch face or display

Bottom Line

If you’re someone who takes their training seriously, the Whoop 4.0 could be an effective tool for you to use.

Oura Ring

Oura Ring

GGR Score: 4.2

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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.

Whoop vs Oura Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Whoop vs Oura

Both Whoop and Oura offer discreet, screen-free options for monitoring your health markers, sleep, activity, and more. The Oura Ring offers a bit more tracking than Whoop, but it’s more expensive, and the ring may get scuffed if you’re regularly lifting weights. We haven’t tested the Oura Ring 4 yet, but we’ve extensively tested the Oura Ring 3, so feel free to read our full Oura Ring Review.

On the other hand, the Whoop is more affordable, durable, and less likely to be damaged during regular use, but it doesn’t track quite as many features as the Oura Ring. If you want to take a closer look, check out our in-depth Whoop 4.0 review.

Who Should Buy the Whoop

• Anyone looking for an affordable, durable fitness and activity tracker
• Those who don’t need to track their step count
• People who prefer a wrist- or arm-based device

Who Should Buy the Oura Ring

• Those who want to track as many metrics as possible
• People who don’t mind wearing a ring all day and night
• Anyone who prefers a lower monthly membership fee

Key Similarities Between Whoop and Oura

• Both trackers are controlled by your phone
• Both track sleep, heart rate variability, and blood oxygen
• Both the Whoop and Oura Ring have a long battery life
• Whoop and Oura both require a monthly subscription fee
• Both fitness gadgets are designed to help you manage sleep and recovery
• Both have great functionality and easy-to-use apps
• Whoop and Oura can be used with both iPhones and Android devices

Important Differences Between Whoop and Oura

• The Whoop doesn’t offer step tracking
• The Oura Ring tracks steps
• The Oura’s battery life is nearly twice as long
• The Oura can only be worn on your fingers
• The Whoop 4.0 is available in 35+ colors, and Oura Ring is available in 6 colors

Fitness Tracking

Both the Whoop 4.0 and Oura Ring do a good job of tracking your workouts, but they don’t offer the same data as typical fitness trackers. If you’re looking for an overall picture of your lifestyle, including activity, recovery, sleep, and more, they’re great options. For example, both Whoop and Oura provide a daily readiness score, which helps you plan your daily activity based on how recovered you are.

The Whoop is much more discrete and comfortable, as it can be worn on your wrist with the default strap or moved to your bicep with an upper arm band. This may be beneficial if you need an activity tracker that doesn’t get in the way of your wrists. You may not be bothered by this, but certain activities like lifting with straps or training in various martial arts require your wrists to be empty. 

However, one glaring omission from Whoop 4.0 is the ability to track steps, which many want to monitor each day. I’ve seen people wear a Whoop on one wrist and something like a Fitbit or cheap pedometer on the other, but this seems a bit excessive for most. 

Those who want advanced exercise metrics may not be thrilled with either option. Whoop and Oura track your daily activity and strain over the day, but they won’t provide things like pacing, tempo, target heart rate, or time spent working out in real time the way other smartwatches like an Apple Watch or Garmin might. 

RELATED: The Best Apple Watch

The Oura Ring also tracks your health and fitness, including your daily step count. However, many don’t want to lift weights with a ring, as barbells and dumbbells will quickly scratch it. You may not be able to wear the Oura Ring during your lifting sessions, leaving you no way to track them.

Sleep Tracking

One of the main reasons people may consider an Oura or Whoop is the ability to have non-invasive, non-disruptive sleep tracking. While many larger fitness tracker watches often have large screens, buttons, and lights that may be distracting, Whoop bands and Oura rings are very discreet and easy to fall asleep with. 

Both provide accurate sleep data, measuring things like light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, total sleep time, and more.

The Oura ring has even been studied for its accuracy. A 2024 study¹ published in Sleep Medicine compared the Oura Ring’s accuracy to a multi-night sleep study in a lab and found that it showed good accuracy when measuring time spent in various sleep phases. However, we have to point out that Oura may have had some financial influence on this study.

The Whoop wristband has also been studied for sleep accuracy, and the authors of this 2020 study² found that Whoop can provide a reasonable method for estimating sleep if bedtimes are manually entered into the Whoop app.

Both can be very accurate compared to a professional sleep study, but the Oura Ring seems just a bit better because it doesn’t require you to manually enter your sleep and wake times in the Oura app. Both Whoop and Oura provide valuable sleep graphs in the app, showing you a timeline of your sleep (or lack thereof) throughout the night and your daily sleep score. 

RELATED: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch

Health and Wellness Metrics

When it comes to tracking health and wellness, both devices do a good job of tracking your overall activity. However, they certainly place more of a focus on recovery, using biometrics like heart-rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate (RHR), respiratory rate, sleep duration, blood oxygen levels, and more. 

If you’re looking for real-time data on your wrist, such as heart rate, rest times, running pace, and more, you may want to opt for a tracker with a screen, like one of the best Garmin fitness trackers. However, if you simply want health tracking that monitors your overall wellness, sleep, and recovery, Whoop and Oura are great options to consider. 

They both focus on your recovery and stress levels, using various metrics to calculate a recovery score based on your recovery data. This can help you manage your weekly training volume, as well as see the impact of things like alcohol and caffeine on sleep and recovery. 

Menstrual Health

For people who menstruate, both devices can track your cycle and provide recommendations. Whoop’s Menstrual Cycle Insights feature tracks your sleep and recovery during your cycle. It offers personalized suggestions, like an extra rest day if Whoop learns that your cycle interferes with recovery. 

While Oura doesn’t offer as many tailored suggestions based on your cycle, it offers an advanced cycle tracker instead. Based on your body temperature fluctuations, Oura can monitor hormone changes to predict when your cycle will start and tell you which phase of your menstrual cycle you’re currently in.

Battery Life

If battery life is a concern, both devices have a multi-day battery that allows you to go several days without needing a charger. This is a great feature compared to other popular trackers like the Apple Watch, which has a battery life of 18 hours. 

Your exact battery life may vary, but Whoop’s battery life should last 4-5 days, while Oura’s battery life can last up to 8 days without a charge.

Company Policies

Oura provides a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty, so your device is covered for the first year. 

On the other hand, Whoop is more focused on the subscription model. The device is free with an active membership, though extra fees apply for any color besides Onyx, the standard black band. As long as you have an active membership, Whoop offers a lifetime warranty and will replace a defective sensor or battery pack that stops working after normal use. 

However, if you damage or break the sensor or battery or make any unauthorized modifications, you’ll have to purchase a replacement from the Whoop store yourself. 

Both Whoop and Oura are also sold at various retailers like Amazon, which may have different return policies.  

RELATED: RingConn vs Oura

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a great fitness tracker that doesn’t have a distracting screen and can track the most important health metrics, like sleep, recovery, heart rate variability, and more, both Whoop and Oura offer great options. 

The Oura features a ring design that doesn’t look like a tracker and has a longer battery life, but it may get in the way if you’re regularly lifting weights. On the other hand, the Whoop won’t be in the way of most activities and can sit comfortably on your wrist or bicep, but it’s missing some of the fitness tracking features Oura has, like step tracking. 

The best choice really comes down to personal preference. If you want to track your steps and don’t mind wearing a ring all day, the Oura is a great choice. However, if you don’t need step tracking and want something that won’t interfere with lifting, the Whoop 4.0 may be the better choice. 

• The Whoop has a higher monthly membership fee, but the device is included. 
• The Oura Ring is more expensive upfront but has a cheaper monthly membership. 
• Both do a great job tracking sleep, heart rate, and recovery, but only the Oura Ring has a built-in step tracker. 

Whoop vs Oura: FAQs

References

1. Svensson, T., Madhawa, K., Nt, H., Chung, U. I., & Svensson, A. K. (2024). Validity and reliability of the Oura Ring Generation 3 (Gen3) with Oura sleep staging algorithm 2.0 (OSSA 2.0) when compared to multi-night ambulatory polysomnography: A validation study of 96 participants and 421,045 epochs. Sleep medicine, 115, 251–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2024.01.020
2. Miller, D. J., Lastella, M., Scanlan, A. T., Bellenger, C., Halson, S. L., Roach, G. D., & Sargent, C. (2020). A validation study of the WHOOP strap against polysomnography to assess sleep. Journal of sports sciences, 38(22), 2631–2636. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1797448

Are you looking for a greens powder to support your wellness goals and feel your best? You’re not alone! These popular superfood blends are a quick, convenient way to boost your consumption of essential nutrients and antioxidants, and many claim to help boost energy levels, improve gut health, clear up skin, and strengthen the immune system. 

Live It Up Super Greens and Athletic Greens AG1 are two daily greens powder supplements vying for the title of the best greens powder, but is one better than the other? More importantly, can either do much to improve your overall health?

Our nutrition experts and product testers—which includes coaches and nutritionists—answer these questions for our Live It Up Super Greens vs AG1 comparison, offering insights on the price point, flavor, formulation, and more to help you choose the best product for your needs.

Athletic Greens AG1

GGR Score: 4.25

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First-time subs will receive 3ct AGZ, 3ct Travel Packs, and D3K2 for $79. See Details

Product Highlights

• Contains 75 minerals and nutrients in one serving
• Available in travel pouches and bundle and save options
• Said to support gut health with prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally occuring enzymes
• Supports immunity with key ingredients like vitamin C and mushrooms
• Magnesium is added to boost energy
• May aid in recovery as it features superfood complex with adaptogens and antioxidants

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backed by notable health experts
• Transparent and detailed ingredient list
• 75 vitamins and minerals

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers dislike the taste

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a greens powder with a unique blend of minerals, nutrients, power greens, enzymes, and probiotics and you're willing to spend some money, Athletic Greens may be a good choice for you.

Live it Up Super Greens

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Powdered greens supplement with 20+ superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes 
• Live it Up (formerly Enso Superfoods) shares that this product aids digestion, immunity, and energy 
• Caffeine-free formula 
• Contains 2 g of plant-based protein

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Subscribe and save 33%
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Made in the United States in a GMP-certified facility
• Vegan and vegetarian
• Dairy-, nut-, caffeine-, sugar- and gluten-free
• No artificial flavors or sweeteners
• 3rd-party tested

Cons

• Only available in 30-serving containers
• Mixed reviews on taste
• Only available via company website
• $2.00 per serving

Bottom Line

Live it Up Super Greens is a powdered greens supplement with over 20 superfoods, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Live It Up claims that this product improves digestion, decreases bloating, increases energy, supports immunity, and prevents illness. Most customer reviews for this product are positive.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.

Live It Up Super Greens vs AG1 Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Live It Up Super Greens vs AG1

First things first: what are super greens? While they may look like a simple mix of dried, powdered green vegetables you’d find on a dinner plate, most green superfood supplements contain extensive ingredient lists. 

Superfood ingredients can include nutrient-dense adaptogenic herbs, functional mushrooms, powdered algae, grasses, and fruit. Many also contain fiber blends of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes for additional digestive health claims, and some contain isolated extracts taken from fruits and veggies for an extra boost of antioxidants.

Both products are composed primarily of whole powdered greens with fewer fillers. Between the two, Live It Up is less expensive and has a simpler formulation including probiotics and digestive enzymes. AG1 from Athletic Greens adds adaptogens, fruit, and concentrated extracts from antioxidant-rich plants. 

AG1 is significantly higher in vitamins and minerals and, understandably, is the more expensive option. While most people can get all the nutrients they need from a balanced diet, some like the peace of mind that comes from taking these types of supplements.

For more detailed information on each product, check out our full Live It Up Super Greens Review and Athletic Greens Review.

Who Should Buy Athletic Greens (AG1)

• People who prefer having adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms in their greens powder
• Those looking for a more significant source of vitamins and minerals
• People sensitive to monk fruit

Who Should Buy Live It Up Super Greens

• Those looking for a more affordable option for their daily routine
• Anyone wanting a wider variety of probiotics and digestive enzymes
• People sensitive to stevia
• People already taking multivitamins

Key Similarities Between Live It Up Super Greens and AG1

• Contain proprietary blends of powdered algae, edible grasses, and green vegetables
• Good sources of antioxidants and probiotics
• Primarily made from dried whole-food ingredients
• High vitamin K content may interfere with blood-thinning medications¹
• Vegan, Non-GMO, dairy-free, and gluten-free with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners

Important Differences Between Live It Up Super Greens and AG1

• AG1 costs $3.30 per serving, while Live It Up is $2.00 per serving
• Live It Up doesn’t contain adaptogens, mushrooms, or fruit, and is low in vitamin C
• AG1 may be higher in anti-inflammatory polyphenols
• Live It Up contains modest amounts of most vitamins and minerals, while AG1 provides over 100% of your daily needs for many
• Live It Up is made with organic greens
• Live It Up is caffeine-free. The caffeine content of AG1 is not clear.

Price Per Serving

It’s no secret that greens powders cost a pretty penny, and these two products are no exception.

AG1 scored the lowest for price with a 1 out of 5 rating. At $3.30 a serving, this is one of the most expensive supplements we’ve come across. It’s a high-quality product with a larger variety of ingredients, but the price will make it inaccessible for many.

Fortunately, Live It Up is a more affordable option. Its $2.00 per serving price point is still relatively expensive for a dietary supplement, but it’s about average for a greens powder. We gave it a 3 out of 5 rating here.

Formulation

The differences between Live It Up and AG1 really begin to stand out when you look at their ingredient lists. Unfortunately, Live It Up failed to impress our product tester when it came to the actual formulation, especially when compared to AG1. 

On its own, Live It Up is a good source of powdered organic vegetables and contains a wider variety of probiotic strains and digestive enzymes than AG1. However, it’s low in vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant) due in part to the fact that it doesn’t contain any fruit. It’s also missing the adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms that many super greens fans prefer. Here, Live It Up received a 2 out of 5 rating.

On the other hand, this category is where AG1 really shines. In addition to the powdered greens and fruit, you get adaptogens like ashwagandha, astragalus, and reishi mushrooms. According to an August 2021 meta-analysis published in Nutrients², adaptogens may help the body adapt to chronic stressors and improve chronic fatigue, brain function, and immune function, although more research on humans is needed. 

AG1 is also higher in many vitamins and minerals than a number of its competitors and may contain more anti-inflammatory polyphenols thanks to extracts from green tea and cocoa beans. It stands so far out from the pack that GGR Head of Content, Nicole Davis, gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating.

We need some more context when determining potential super greens powder benefits. It’s important to note that we don’t know the actual amounts of each leafy green, adaptogen, or mushroom we’re getting since these are all included within proprietary blends, so it’s difficult to say whether there are enough of these ingredients to provide quantifiable health benefits.

In my opinion as a registered dietitian, you should take some of the gut health claims with a grain of salt. The antioxidant and polyphenol boost could help you feel better if you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, but powders won’t replace the dietary fiber needed for optimal digestive health.

In addition, all of the digestive enzymes in these powders are specific to breaking down proteins. Unless you drink your green juice with a protein-rich meal, these enzymes probably won’t do much to aid digestion. 

Lastly, research on probiotic supplements hasn’t yet shown significant benefits for gut health in healthy people. The strains in Live It Up and AG1 could help improve symptoms of abdominal pain, distention, and flatulence in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) according to the National Institutes of Health³, but the optimal doses are unknown at present. 

RELATED: Greens Powder vs Multivitamins

Taste

Our expert tester gave Live It Up a 4 out of 5 rating, saying: “I really liked how neutral this greens drink tasted. I’ve tried others that were far too sweet or that tasted like lawnmower clippings, but this one was really pleasant and a little minty.”

Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, really enjoyed trying AG1, rating the flavor a 4.5 out of 5. “I did pick up some mildly grassy notes, but it mainly tasted like pineapple and vanilla. It tastes so nice that I don’t mind the lack of other flavor options,” she said.

So, while both products tasted great, AG1 came out slightly ahead.

Third-Party Testing

If you’re familiar with our standards at GGR, you’ll know that we prefer supplements that have undergone third-party testing. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate the quality and safety of dietary supplements, we prioritize products that have been independently tested by outside labs for the presence of contaminants and heavy metals like lead.

Here, Live It Up got a 4 out of 5 rating. It’s produced in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility and is tested by a third party, but the name of the lab wasn’t disclosed by Live It Up on their website. Therefore, we docked a point for this lack of transparency.

Athletic Greens is NSF-Certified for Sport, receiving a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. NSF is one of the most trustworthy third-party testing certifications there is, offering peace of mind for competitive athletes who submit to regular drug testing.

Company Policies

AG1 also has the advantage due to its customer service and return policies, which Nicole rated a 4.5 out of 5. 

Athletic Greens offers a 90-day money-back guarantee for first-time customers that includes a full refund for any reason. In addition, many online reviews praise the customer service team for their quick response times and willingness to correct product quality and subscription issues.

Live It Up received a 4 out of 5 rating—they offer refunds, but only for first-time purchases and for a shorter period of time (30 days) than Athletic Greens.

Live It Up Super Greens vs AG1: Final Thoughts

If you’re primarily looking for a convenient way to get more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from natural superfoods in your diet, Live It Up and AG1 are both good options. 

Neither product will replace the wide-ranging health benefits of a diet rich in whole plant-based foods, but they might give you an extra boost if your diet is low in fruits and vegetables.

AG1 is pricier but offers significantly more bang for your buck. Compared to Live It Up, you’ll get more fruit, adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms, a higher volume of probiotics, additional polyphenols, and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. However, Live It Up may be a better option if you’re on a tight budget or prefer organic ingredients. 

Looking for a greens supplement to ease digestive discomfort? Check out the best greens powder for bloating.

Live It Up Super Greens vs AG1: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (March 22, 2021) Vitamin K – Fact Sheet for Consumers. NIH website. Accessed October 18, 2024
2. Todorova V, Ivanov K, Delattre C, Nalbantova V, Karcheva-Bahchevanska D, Ivanova S. Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 20;13(8):2861. doi: 10.3390/nu13082861. PMID: 34445021; PMCID: PMC8398443
3. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (November 3, 2023) Probiotics – Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH website. Accessed October 18, 2024

If a passive health tracking experience sounds more like you, this comparison will put two popular fitness rings side by side: RingConn vs Oura. Let’s get tracking! 

Oura Ring

Oura Ring

GGR Score: 4.2

Check Price

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.

RingConn

Ringconn Smart Ring

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Product Highlights

• Smart ring that tracks sleep and activity 
• Included: Smart ring, USB-C cable, quick guide, manual, and portable charging case  
• Available in 3 colors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 7 day battery life
• No subscription fee
• 24/7 monitoring with 7 days of offline storage
• Portable charging case with capacity for 18 full recharges
• Compatible with Apple Health and Google Fit

Cons

• Expensive
• Only 1-year warranty
• Customer reviews had issues with linking to Google Fit

Bottom Line

The RingConn Smart Ring is a ring-style fitness tracker that tracks sleep and activity. The initial price is expensive but the RingConn does not require a monthly subscription to use the device. Customers liked the ring and found the information useful. Some customers had issues with connectivity, particularly linking with Google Fit.

RingConn vs Oura Ring: Comparison Chart

Quick Look: RingConn vs Oura Ring

The RingConn and Oura Ring are wearable, screenless devices that both made it into our best fitness tracker ring roundup. Both rings are great options for people who want to track both movement and sleep without wearing something bulky (like an Apple Watch). They offer similar health metrics and have a similar battery life. 

We’ve personally tested the Oura Ring Gen 3—which we detail in our Oura Ring review—but there is a newer iteration currently available (Oura Ring 4). However, for this comparison, we used the specs from the Gen 3 model. 

Additionally, for the RingConn, the Gen 1 is featured in this comparison and is the iteration we tested. At the time of writing, the RingConn Gen 2 is on pre-order but not available for immediate purchase. 

Who Should Buy the Oura Ring

• Anyone looking to track sleep data and general fitness metrics
• People who can utilize an HSA or FSA account for this purchase 
• Exercisers who specifically want to track walking, running, and cycling 

Who Should Buy the RingConn Smart Ring

• People interested in an EMF-safe fitness tracker with airplane mode option
• Folks who want to avoid monthly subscription fees  
• Anyone who likes the flat-matte finish of RingConn

Key Similarities Between RingConn and Oura Ring 

• With either device, you’ll receive a ring sizing kit to ensure correct fit
• Both products are available on Amazon and corresponding brand websites
• Both rings are screenless fitness trackers that sync to your smartphone
• The RingConn and Oura are both waterproof fitness trackers 
• Both fitness rings are compatible with iPhone and Android users 
• Both rings can sync with the Apple Health App or Google Health 
• Both devices have a week-long battery life 
• Both rings can track health data like heart rate,  body temperature, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels (SpO2) 
• Neither ring has activity tracking that can detect a weight training workout

RELATED: Apple Watch Series 6 Review

Important Differences Between the RingConn and Oura Ring 

• The Oura Ring has a monthly subscription fee of $5.99 to access all your metrics
• The RingConn has fewer colors and finishes to choose from
• RingConn is less expensive up front and is totally subscription-free 
• The Oura Ring uses an accelerometer to sense sleep and heart rate, while the RingConn uses additional sensors (like photoplethysmography (ppg) sensors and temperature sensors) 
• The Oura Ring can detect and track walking, running, and cycling 

Fitness Tracking

Neither fitness tracker is going to blow you away with workout tracking capabilities, especially if you lift weights, because neither device has the ability to detect a lifting session. It’s likely you’ll need to remove the ring for heavy lifts anyway. 

The RingConn pretty much just detects your activity without categorizing it into a certain type of exercise. The RingConn will automatically detect and track your daily steps, calories burned, standing hours, and overall activity intensity. 

The Oura Ring will track your steps, calories, distance, and time. However, it can detect and track three main activities: walking, running, and cycling. So if you want to differentiate between your cardio workouts versus general activity, the Oura might be the better option. 

RELATED: Whoop Strap 4.0 Review

Health and Wellness Metrics

In addition to tracking movement and general exercise, both devices can track your vital signs: heart rate, skin temperature, and breathing (via blood oxygen levels). Both the RingConn and Oura Ring track your heart rate during exercise and at rest, in addition to heart rate variability (HRV). 

On both devices, there are also measurements for stress levels, especially when your heart rate deviates from your average when not exercising. 

RELATED: Best Fitbit Devices 

Sleep Tracking 

RingConn and Oura Ring both use built-in accelerometers to measure vibration and movement to detect how long you’re in bed and the type of sleep you’re getting. Upon waking, both apps provide sleep notifications and a breakout of how much time you spent awake versus in a light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). 

If you choose the Oura Ring, keep in mind the app will provide more detailed information on sleep if you’re a paying subscriber. Without the subscription, you’ll get a sleep score without a deep dive into each sleep cycle. 

As part of your sleep data algorithm, both devices also track your heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen consumption overnight. In 2020, the Journal of Medical Internet Research¹ published a study that found the Oura Ring to perform just as well as medical-grade sleep trackers for both sleep quality and overall time. 

RELATED: Best Garmin Fitness Trackers

Cycle Tracking

Oura can track your body temperature changes to detect fluctuations in your cycle in addition to the ability to manually enter your menstrual cycles (and symptoms). Oura can also sync with the Natural Cycles app, an FDA-approved tool for non-hormonal birth control. 

The RingConn we tested didn’t have cycle tracking features, but the RingConn Gen 2 will have similar features for menstrual cycle tracking and cycle forecasting.

Battery Life

RingConn and the Oura Ring both have a seven-day battery life, which our testers confirm is accurate. Some Oura Rings have GPS settings (like the Horizon model) which could drain the battery more quickly than without. 

The Oura charger only takes about 30 minutes, while the RingConn takes closer to 90 minutes to reach a full charge. However, the RingConn has a portable charging case that makes it easy to charge on the go. 

Company Policies

RingConn and Oura have a 1-year policy, which we find is pretty standard for wearable fitness tech. RingConn has a short 14-day return window, while Oura has a standard 30-day return policy. Both companies have general enquiry forms to contact the company. However, if you purchase a wearable tracker on Amazon, you’ll be subject to Amazon’s return policies. 

Ringconn vs Oura Ring: Final Thoughts

RingConn and Oura Ring made it to the top of our list for the best smart rings. We think both are quality options for general health tracking like step count, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. 

If you want to have more workout tracking abilities, go with the Oura Ring. The Oura Ring can track three types of movement (walking, running, cycling) whereas the RingConn just detects general movement. However, neither device is an excellent option for athletes who want to track advanced metrics like speed, pace, running splits, repetitions, or lifting load. 

Ringconn vs Oura: FAQs

References

1. Asgari Mehrabadi, M., Azimi, I., Sarhaddi, F., Axelin, A., Niela-Vilén, H., Myllyntausta, S., Stenholm, S., Dutt, N., Liljeberg, P., & Rahmani, A. M. (2020). Sleep Tracking of a Commercially Available Smart Ring and Smartwatch Against Medical-Grade Actigraphy in Everyday Settings: Instrument Validation Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(10), e20465. https://doi.org/10.2196/20465 

And with a team of Olympic-level athletes, certified personal trainers, and nutrition coaches, you can trust that we’re making holistic (and realistic) assessments of each device. In this Oura Ring vs Apple Watch comparison, we’re going to look at the differences and similarities between the smart ring and the smartwatch. 

Our testers haven’t yet used the latest iteration of either device (Oura Ring 4 and Apple Watch Series 10). However, we’ll lay down the stats on the models we have had our hands on. Now let’s get tracking! 

Oura Ring

GGR Score: 4.2

Check Price

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.

Apple Watch Series 9

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Pricing starts at $399
• 18-hour battery life
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices
• Tracks heart rate and steps
• Can track body temperature and energy expenditure
• Optional data plan available
• Added data unlocks calls and texts without your phone

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tracks heart rate, body temperature, ECG readings, and more
• Stream music, calls, and texts with a data plan
• Works seamlessly with other Apple products

Cons

• Battery only lasts up to 18 hours
• Sensors don't work well with tattooed skin
• Not much different from previous models

Bottom Line

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a fantastic smart watch with integrated health and fitness tracking, especially for those who use other Apple products. The battery isn't very long, and the design hasn't changed much over the years, but this is a great choice for those who want a smartwatch that functions like a small iPhone.

Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Oura Ring vs Apple Watch 

The Oura Ring and Apple Watch are both high-tech activity trackers that can measure your heart rate, skin temperature, and respiratory rates. However, how you interact with each device is different. 

The Oura Ring doesn’t have a screen, so you won’t be able to see your metrics without opening your phone. Some folks might find that aggravating, while others may appreciate being slightly more separated from their tech device. 

On the flip side, the Apple Watch is literally an extension of your iPhone. You’ll be able to touch the small, bright screen and find your favorite apps, track workouts, and check your health metrics without getting out your phone. Plus, depending on which model you purchase, you can get built-in GPS and the ability to take on-wrist calls and send texts. 

Keep in mind new iterations of the Oura Ring and Apple Watch are available, but we haven’t yet tested the newest models. For now, our comparison will focus on the Oura Ring Gen 3 (we have more details in our Oura Ring review) and the Apple Watch Series 9. 

Who Should Buy the Oura Ring

• Anyone who wants to engage in health tracking without a screen
• Swimmers or people who want a waterproof fitness tracker 
• Folks who can take advantage of HSA and FSA-eligible purchases 
• Both Apple and Android users 
• Users who want a multi-day battery life 

Who Should Buy the Apple Watch 

• Apple and iPhone users 
• Tech-savvy folks looking to make on-wrist calls and texts
• Anyone interested in advanced heart rate metrics like ECG and heart rate irregularities
• Older folks who may benefit from fall detection capabilities 
• Users who want the ability to customize their look with different watch bands 
• Anyone looking to avoid monthly subscription fees 

Key Similarities Between Oura Ring and Apple Watch 

• Both devices have activity tracking for walking, running, and cycling.
• Fitness tracking on both devices includes daily steps, calories, distance, and time.
• Either wearable tracker can track health data like body temperature, heart rate tracking, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels. 
• Both devices can sync with the Apple Health App.

RELATED: Apple Watch Series 6 Review

Important Differences Between the Oura Ring and Apple Watch 

• The Apple Watch has a touchscreen, while the Oura Ring is screen-less.
• The Oura Ring tracks sleep stages and provides sleep scores to the user every morning.
• The Oura Ring has a multi-day battery life; the Apple Watch needs daily charging.
• The Apple Watch can send push notifications to your wrist and remind you to move, stand, or take deep breaths. 
• The Apple Watch can track more types of exercise and estimate training loads. 
• The Oura Ring has a subscription fee of $5.99 per month to access all the metrics.

Fitness Tracking

Not surprisingly, the Apple Watch, with its touchscreen display, can do more than the Oura fitness tracker. It’s not only an extension of your iPhone—with the ability to text, call, and use apps—it automatically detects when you’ve started a workout. It can track more than 80 different types of exercise, including running, HIIT, rowing, swimming, and strength training, to name a few. It can also estimate load during weight training.

The Oura Ring can track your basic daily activity in the form of steps, calories, distance, and time. It can detect and track three main activities: walking, running, and cycling. However, you won’t have advanced metrics like tracking your running pace or weight used during strength training workouts. 

RELATED: Whoop Strap 4.0 Review

Health and Wellness Metrics

The Oura Ring tracks your heart rate during exercise, at rest, and heart rate variability (HRV). The ring device can also track your skin temperature, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen levels.

The Apple Watch can track all of the same health metrics as the Oura Ring, but it has a few more features that may interest some health nuts. The Apple Watch Series 6 and later (including the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra) has a dedicated electrocardiogram (ECG) app, which has the ability to identify irregular heart rhythms—a life-saving feature. 

Speaking of life-saving features, the Apple Watch also has fall detection and built-in GPS. The Apple device can also send you notifications to stand, walk, or take a moment to breathe or work through a mindfulness exercise. Not only that, it will track how much time you spend standing, sitting, walking, and doing general activities.  

RELATED: Best Fitbit Devices 

Cycle Tracking

Oura and Apple provide the ability to track menstrual cycles, which our experts didn’t test, but we thought it was important to mention. Both devices use the body temperature tracking abilities to track fluctuations in your cycle and predict period dates. You can also manually log menstrual cycle symptoms like cramps, mood changes, and spotting. Both devices can sync with the Natural Cycles app, which is a popular and FDA-approved method of non-hormonal birth control. 

Sleep Tracking 

Both wearable devices can track your sleep stages through built-in accelerometers, which are devices that can measure small vibrations and motions to detect how much sleep you’re getting and the quality of sleep. The quality of your sleep typically measures how much time is spent in each sleep cycle, including restlessness, deep sleep, and REM. Both devices track your sleep overnight, but the Oura Ring provides a sleep score to summarize how well you slept, while the Apple Watch does not. 

Both devices track your heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate overnight, too. While both devices can provide in-depth sleep data, our testers find that it’s more comfortable to wear a smaller ring device than a bulky wrist-based device overnight. Additionally, a 2020 study¹ found that the Oura Ring performed just as well as medical-grade sleep trackers for tracking total sleep time and sleep quality. 

GGR Senior Staff Writer and Olympic-level weightlifting athlete Caine Wilkes used the Oura Ring for nearly a year leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. “Being able to view metrics on my personal rest and recovery was helpful in planning workouts and making adjustments if I wasn’t recovered. It also made me more mindful of my sleep routine,” Caine says. 

RELATED: Best Garmin Fitness Trackers

Battery Life

The Oura Ring beats out the Apple Watch for battery life. The ring has a 7-day battery life, while the Apple Watch has an 18-hour battery life. Granted, the Apple Watch has a ton of features and is more interactive, making it consume more battery energy. The Apple device also takes longer to charge, about an hour or two depending on how low it is, while the Oura charger only takes about 30 minutes. 

Company Policies

Our testers found that neither fitness tracking device is going to “wow” you with long-lasting warranties. Both have a 1-year policy. If you purchase an Apple Watch, you’ll have the ability to purchase AppleCare+ for $79, which provides an additional two years of coverage on accidental damage. 

Both companies have a return policy: Apple has a very short 14-day return window, while Oura has a standard 30-day return policy. 

Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: Final Thoughts

The best health tracker (or best fitness tracker ring) for you will ultimately depend on what you want to know about your health. If you’re more interested in sleep, rest, and recovery, the Oura Ring will have more data for you in that realm. It’s also going to be more comfortable to wear overnight. 

However, if you’re looking to dive deep into your performance data during workouts, you’ll want to steer toward the Apple Watch, which can detect more than 80 different types of exercise. You’ll have to charge it more frequently, but it can offer more fitness data and provide life-saving health metrics like irregular heart rate and fall detection. 

Oura Ring vs Apple Watch: FAQs

References

1. Asgari Mehrabadi, M., Azimi, I., Sarhaddi, F., Axelin, A., Niela-Vilén, H., Myllyntausta, S., Stenholm, S., Dutt, N., Liljeberg, P., & Rahmani, A. M. (2020). Sleep Tracking of a Commercially Available Smart Ring and Smartwatch Against Medical-Grade Actigraphy in Everyday Settings: Instrument Validation Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(10), e20465. https://doi.org/10.2196/20465