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In a world where health and fitness tracking has become integral to our daily routines, choosing the right fitness tracker can feel like navigating a labyrinth of options. With each device boasting its unique combination of features and benefits, the decision can be daunting. Are you prioritising form or function?
Seeking a comprehensive view of your health or simply tracking steps? Enter the realm of fitness trackers, where the Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Whoop, and now the Ultrahuman Ring vie for a place on your wrist or finger.
From sleep patterns, heart rate variability and stress levels to skin temperature, menstrual cycle tracking and blood oxygen saturation (Sp02). There’s a lot these devices can now measure and provide insights from.
By tracking these various metrics, fitness enthusiasts can comprehensively understand their health status, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to optimise their well-being.
Join us as we delve into the pros and cons of these leading trackers, exploring their unique features and uncovering which one might best suit your lifestyle and fitness goals.
Labelled the “revolutionary smart ring”, Oura Ring is a passive tracker that monitors several health points (like heart rate or overnight blood oxygen) and provides insights you can access in their app…for a price.
✅ A convenient, easy-to-wear form (i.e. a ring!)
✅ Choose from several attractive styles
✅ Long battery life (up to 7 days)
✅ Easy-to-read key stats as “scores”
✅ More fine-tuned with sleep tracking
❌ Annual membership is required to access most of the data
❌ “Faceless” tracker (can only access data on the app)
Joining the ranks of fitness trackers, the Ultrahuman Ring offers a unique approach, worn discreetly as a ring, promising a seamless integration into daily life while delivering comprehensive health insights.
✅ Blends form and function with its sleek ring design.
✅Two-way data sync pairing with health apps like Apple Health, MyFitness Pal and Strava.
✅ Offers a range of styles to suit individual preferences.
✅ Extended battery life ensures uninterrupted tracking for up to 7 days.
✅ Continuous glucose monitor - a unique function not covered by the other devices.
✅ Presents key metrics in an easy-to-understand format.
✅ Specialised focus on advanced sleep tracking.
✅ No annual membership required for access to full data insights.
❌ “Faceless” tracker (can only access data on the app)
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The ubiquitous Apple Watch is now in its ninth “series”, and the latest generation has an impressive array of health and fitness tracking abilities to go alongside its more typical functionality.
✅ Comes with a screen
✅ No membership needed to access features
✅ Good general-purpose fitness tracking
✅ Includes a pedometer
✅ Does more than health and fitness (messages, notifications etc.)
❌ Shorter battery life (up to 18 hours)
❌ Lacks personalised or more in-depth features that other trackers have
❌ Bulkier feel compared to Oura Ring, Ultrahuman and Whoop
Another “faceless” fitness tracker that’s minimalist but stylish, Whoop’s impressive range of features requires no up-front cost, but is only available through a membership.
✅ Focuses on fitness and performance
✅ Personalised analysis of recovery and strain
✅ In-depth sleep analysis
✅ Lightweight, minimalist design
✅ Long life battery (up to 4-5 days)
❌ “Faceless” tracker (can only access data on app)
❌ No pedometer
❌ Only comes as part of a membership model
It comes down to the individual and their health and fitness goals.
Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring are the least intrusive and arguably the best-looking, and are made for people who want a holistic view of their health. A pair of set-and-forget trackers that still provide some fascinating insights (especially around sleep).
However, the Ultrahuman Ring crosses the finish line first, unlike the Oura and Whoop, there’s no membership fee, just a one-and-done price encompassing the whole system.
The Apple Watch may not compete with dedicated trackers like the others but it doesn’t have to. The screen sets it apart, as the Apple Watch was built for more than just health and fitness. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in tracking their health and fitness but still wants an everyday “companion” for their phone.
Whoop is targeted at more serious fitness enthusiasts or competitive athletes. It has a minimal (but stylish) design and functionality that focuses on, especially with personalised features neither Oura nor Apple Watch include.
It can take more than a fitness device to help get your training on track, so why not try out a Personal Trainer? Find out more.