The best budget smart ring can be hard to find, but it is an excellent option for those who want an alternative to some of the more common wearables out there today.
While the best smartwatches, for instance, are very impressive, a top-tier smart ring can still perform a lot of the same functions. However, it's worth noting that this technology has to be more compact, and is also fairly new too, which does make it hard to find budget options in this field.
That said, many of the options we have picked out can track things like sleep cycles and your heart rate, and some can even do contactless payments or help with phone calls thanks to using your bones as a way of transferring sound. That sounds absurd, but hey, this is the future.
We've selected these rings based on their specs, first and foremost, but have also kept price in mind of course. Typically, some of the very top smart rings come in at around $300 to $350, so we've picked out products around $100 or less. With that in mind, here are our top picks...
What is the Best Budget Smart Ring?
There are a few options to consider, but the ORII Smart Ring seems to be one of the most well-rounded budget picks.
Let's look at it and some other great choices...
- Best budget smart ring overall - ORII Smart Ring
- Best RFID budget smart ring - HECERE T5577
- Best budget smart ring for entertainment - Bkrtondsy Smart Ring
- Best budget smart ring for fitness - ArcX Smart Ring
- Best ceramic budget smart ring - Hecere Waterproof NFC Smart Ring
Why we chose the ORII Smart Ring
If you're only just hearing about this new form of wearable tech, then the ORII Smart Ring is sure to get you interested with its premium construction and futuristic features.
ORII started out as the Kickstarter project of a Hong Kong company that set out to make a product to aid the visually impaired, after being inspired by the CEO's blind father.
As a result, the product comes with a host of features that bring us closer to the future, not the least of which is its bone conduction technology, which allows a user to put their finger to their ear and hear soundwaves that travel up their fingerbone.
Bone conduction actually circumvents the eardrum, which results in 'superior audio quality even in noisy environments.
The ORII Smart Ring alerts you to different notifications with custom LED lights and vibration patterns, which can then be interacted with through its gesture-sensing capabilities or voice assistant, making for a truly screenless way of dealing with modern technology.
Why we chose the HECERE T5577
Most Smart Rings on the market interact with devices through NFC technology, but HECERE has given us an RFID solution to the problem of phone connectivity.
The HECERE T5577 comes in 3 different data and transmission styles: UID 13.56MHz, T5577 125KHz, and programmed 125KHz, each of which has different utilities.
Each style of the ring comes with 360-degree omnidirectional sensing, which they claim is of higher sensitivity than similar products on the market.
In terms of material, the ring is made of zirconia ceramic, which has great hardness, wear durability, fracture resistance, and even flexibility compared to other ceramics.
Why we chose the Bkrtondsy Smart Ring
Bkrtondsy has designed a smart ring for the express purpose of entertainment. Its design is simple but modern, decorated with only a few touch-sensitive buttons and an LED.
It connects to devices via Bluetooth, and its buttons are multifunctional, providing wireless assistance for things like scrolling TikTok, reading e-books, listening to music, and watching videos. This could prove useful if you've just set up a tablet stand for your bed and don't want to move.
It charges in 30 minutes, which can last up to 12 hours of use-time and 48 hours of standby, resulting in a product that can really go the mile if you need it to.
When it comes to its IPX rating, it has an IPX8 waterproof rating, which means that you can dive to a depth of 5 meters and stay there for 30 minutes and not have to worry about any water damage, so you won't have to stress about taking off your ring every time you run the tap.
A little bonus is that Bkrtondsy claims it has an AI chip inside, which continuously monitors feedback strength and user key strength so that it can optimise use in real time.
Why we chose the ArcX Smart Ring
The ArcX Smart Ring is another crowdfunded creation, this time hailing from IndieGoGo, which is still where the ring can be purchased. It's one of the more recent projects, and it certainly shows from its range of features. So let's take a look at what makes this fitness-focused ring so good.
The ArcX has honed in on its control options and settled for a clickable joystick that offers different inputs depending on which mode it's in, call mode, playlist mode, and camera mode, for example.
The ring is charged via USB-C and has up to 5 days of typical use and 20 days of standby time.
Its battery isn't the only long-lasting thing about it either, with a silicone body that's drop-tested to 1.7m and sports an IP67 dust and water rating.
The ArcX also has its own app, which allows you to customise different mode profiles and update the firmware, and is freely available for both iOS and Android.
Why we chose the HECERE Waterproof NFC Smart Ring
For another smooth ceramic option, you'll want to check out this ring from HECERE. It utilises rewritable NFC technology, which allows you to programme it to do practically anything you want.
Much like HECERE's RFID ring, the Hecere Waterproof NFC Smart Ring has a Zirconia Ceramic body, ensuring a long-lasting, fracture-resistant product. The ring also sports the same 360-degree omnidirectional sensing system, but thanks to its NFC capabilities, it has more general utility.
The ring works via its NFC Forum Type2 215 chip, which broadcasts at 13.56MHz and allows for easy read/write capabilities via any suitable NFC app, so you'll be able to customise its use however you want.
Since it's a passive NFC transmitter, you don't have to charge it. Combine that with a data storage time of more than 10 years and its Zirconia Ceramic body, and you'll have a product that'll just keep on going.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don't worry if you've come this far and have a couple of questions. We've answered the most commonly asked queries below.
Are smart rings reliable?
Yes, most smart rings are durable, well-built, and designed to withstand everyday use.
Many models feature strong construction, decent IP water/dust resistance ratings, and have been drop-tested for robustness. Thanks to their compact form factor, they’re less prone to damage than bulkier wearables, making them a solid choice for daily wear.
Can you shower with a smart ring?
Usually, yes, but it depends on the waterproof rating of the model.
Most smart rings are at least splash-proof, and many are fully waterproof — some even rated for depths of up to 5 meters. As long as your ring meets the necessary waterproof standards, it should be fine for showers, handwashing, and even swimming, though deep-sea diving is another matter entirely.
Always check the manufacturer’s IP rating before exposing your ring to water.
What can you do with a smart ring?
Smart ring features vary widely, from simple data storage to advanced gesture controls.
Some models act as passive transmitters, storing commands or small amounts of data for quick access, while others incorporate gesture-based inputs, miniature joysticks, or even voice recognition.
The best choice depends on your needs, whether that’s contactless payments, controlling devices, tracking fitness, or interacting with apps.
Different rings cater to different purposes, so matching features to your lifestyle is key.
Final Thoughts: Best Budget Smart Rings
Whether you're after fitness tracking, entertainment controls, or futuristic communication, there's a budget smart ring to fit your needs without breaking the bank. As the technology continues to evolve, these affordable options prove that powerful wearables can come in compact and cost-effective packages.