Once upon a time, smart glasses debuted at one of those technology events or another and while they never really gained traction, they aren’t gone just yet. Then smartwatches swooped in and stole the entire show, becoming the most popular wearables available on the market.
It was only a matter of time before smart rings dove into the mix. Considering how rings are (they slide over your knuckles and are pretty much meant to stay there), they aren’t really something you want to take on and off all the time. With that being said, do they hold up in the water?
Are Smart Rings Waterproof?
If you look at the popular models of smart rings available today, you’ll find that the level of water resistance they provide ranges from zero resistance to protection from light rain to water resistance at a depth of up to 100 meters. It’s safer to always check a specific smart ring before you buy, especially if there’s a level of water resistance you require.
So if you’re planning to take a smart ring snorkeling, you’ll have to choose carefully before you buy because many will not stand up to that.
Take a look at the following list of popular smart rings and the level of water resistance each offers.
- The Oura Ring 3: water resistant up to a depth of 100m.
- RingPay: water resistant up to a depth of 50m.
- Circular Ring: water resistant to light water exposure, such as soft rain.
- Prevention Circul+: not water resistant.
- ORII Smart Ring: splash-proof – IPX7 rating.
- ArcX Smart Ring: IP66 waterproof rating – water resistant against hose-directed water and raindrops or falling snow.
As you can see, the level of protection offered varies a lot.
You can safely bet that the most popular smart rings on the market will at least stand up to a bit of rain. They’re certainly easier to manufacture that way, especially compared to smartphones and smartwatches.
For instance, one of the most popular smart rings is the Oura Ring 3, which is waterproof to a depth of 100m, which is well below what anyone outside of divers is going to go. If it can withstand water at that depth, your nightly bubble bath isn’t going to hurt it. The Qura Ring 3 also has an operating temperature that ranges from 14°F – 129°F, so you can safely take it with you in the hot tub, sauna, or even ice bath if that’s your thing.
Related Article: Do Smart Rings Work With iPhone? (What You Should Know)
Then there is the Hecere NFC Ring, which says it’s waterproof in most online markets but provides no information on how deep you could take it. It may be waterproof in a bubble bath and become compromised in a swimming pool. Who knows?
The McLear RingPay, which is a smart ring almost solely designed for contactless payments, only lists its product as water-resistant. In truth, the term “waterproof” is a misnomer. Just ask any existing cave on the planet. Nothing is truly waterproof.
That includes the Oura Ring 3, which markets itself as waterproof but at 329 feet, it’s not so waterproof anymore. Where there is water, there’s a way.
Next on the menu is the Circular Ring, which comes in a variety of colors and focuses on sleep, your overall health, and your fitness activities. It’s also marketed as “waterproof,” without an indication of depth.
Last but not least is the Bodimetrics Circul Sleep and Fitness Ring. It’s a pretty extensive mouthful but not as waterproof as some of the above rings.
It’s marketed as “moderately” waterproof, which is another way of saying, “don’t wear this in the shower.” If that’s the case, you should avoid washing your hands with it on as well.
All Things Considered
Smart Rings are pretty new to the table, so there will be some understandable adjustments, improvements, and innovations coming in the near future. When it comes to their level of water resistance, it’s not a good idea to say that all smart rings are waterproof or even water-resistant.
The best thing you can do is research the smart ring you want to buy and decide for yourself if it fits your needs, whether that’s deep sea diving or pink bubble baths.
