Test RingConn Gen 2: the end of smartwatches?

As we saw again this year at the CES in Las Vegas, there are now many connected rings. However, some manufacturers have managed to stand out, such as the RingConn Gen 2, which immediately distinguishes itself by its focus on discretion and comfort, without compromising on performance. As competition intensifies between established players and newcomers, this model opts for minimalist elegance and a streamlined user experience. The absence of notifications or screens makes it primarily a device dedicated to continuous data collection, with a focus on measurement accuracy and the privacy of users. With its high-quality materials, IP68 certification, and a charging case that can extend its battery life by several days, it positions itself as a solid choice for anyone wishing to monitor their sleep, heart rate, or stress daily, without a subscription or unnecessary gadgets. A detailed return on a model that aims to disrupt the hierarchy of health wearables while providing concrete answers to the growing demand for connected, minimalist, and effective tools.

In summary:

• Discreet and high-end design in titanium, ergonomic without screen or buttons, lightweight.
• Portable charging case, up to 12 days of battery life, fast charging with precise level indication.
• Integrated sensors for tracking heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature and advanced sleep analysis (possible apnea detection).
• Comprehensive mobile app, compatible with iOS/Android, AI-generated personalized programs.
• Advanced protection of personal data, storage outside of China, GDPR compliance.
• No subscription or hidden fees after the initial purchase price.
• Limited sports modes, absence of integrated GPS, but reliable tracking of overall well-being and stress.
• Real accuracy in health tracking for an audience seeking sobriety and efficiency.

Origins and evolution of the RingConn Gen 2 connected ring in the wearables market

The market for connected rings has seen particular excitement since 2023, driven by increasing demand for discreet and high-performance health devices. RingConn has positioned itself in this dynamic by launching its first generation of ring, the result of a successful crowdfunding campaign that highlighted the potential of these smart accessories, both practical and elegant. In its early days, RingConn aimed to address a common frustration: the proliferation of bracelets and watches that are sometimes intrusive or uncomfortable, especially during sleep (who likes to wear a watch while sleeping?).

The user experience and feedback from the community quickly allowed the brand to refine its approach and give birth to the RingConn Gen 2. This evolution of the range capitalizes on the strengths of the first model while optimizing dimensions, thinness, and robustness to establish itself as an essential player against competitors like Oura, Samsung Galaxy Ring, Whoop, or Ultrahuman. The Gen 2 bets on a rare combination: extreme thinness, increased durability, and improved sensor accuracy.

Widely acclaimed during its pre-order, the product has attracted a demanding audience looking to go beyond simple calorie tracking or daily steps. The intent: to provide fully integrated monitoring of heart rate, sleep, and stress, facilitating health management via a clear and subscription-free application. A strong position in the wearables universe, aiming to combine cutting-edge technology and unparalleled portability.

Launch and rise against industry giants

From the first generation, RingConn quickly sparked interest thanks to its participatory campaign on Indiegogo, raising over $1 million and several thousand backers. This initial success was based on an honest proposition: to capture essential data without sacrificing user style. Faced with Oura and other competitors, the Chinese brand distinguished itself by offering a unique price, with no subscription, and by positioning itself around privacy, a major concern for many buyers in 2026.

The rise of the market has not been without obstacles: the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Ring or the rise of Ultrahuman have affected competition. Nevertheless, the RingConn Gen 2 relies on its reputation for thinness, comfort, and reliable tracking to now impose itself among users looking for a discreet, efficient, and reassuring device.

Transition to Gen 2: user feedback and tangible results

One of the key drivers of the transition to generation Gen 2 was the thorough listening to users of the first version. Among other improvements, the reduction in weight and thickness responds to the demand for a ring to wear day and night, without discomfort, particularly for sleep tracking. The brand thus introduced new high-end materials and strengthened tracking algorithms to optimize the accuracy of heart rate and stress detection.

This desire to stay attuned to an experienced community allows RingConn to position itself as both an innovative and pragmatic player, sensitive to the usability and robustness of its products, ensuring an exemplary daily experience for the most demanding users.

Innovative design and optimized comfort of the RingConn Gen 2 ring

What immediately strikes with the RingConn Gen 2 is its design of rare elegance. The classic tubular shape is forgotten: the ring adopts a slight concavity on the outside, giving the object a unique and refined visual signature.

No logo or marking disrupts the overall sobriety. Inside, the surface approaches a square shape, ensuring not only the stability of the ring against the base of the finger but also a comfortable fit, even during physical activities or while sleeping.

The choice of materials highlights the attention paid to comfort: the exterior is made of titanium alloy, a metal particularly appreciated for its strength and lightness. The interior, coated with epoxy resin, ensures a smooth touch, without risk of irritation, even after long hours of wear. These materials contribute to the “second skin” sensation often reported by users: the ring knows how to be forgotten, as the perception of weight (2.8 to 3.3 grams depending on size) becomes negligible within minutes.

Controlled dimensions and impact on user experience

Beyond the materials, the dimensions of the RingConn Gen 2 contribute to the high-end feel: the width, less than 8 mm, and contained thickness guarantee total discretion in daily life. Whether typing on a keyboard or carrying loads, the ring never hinders movements. It is completely forgotten during sleep or during light sports activities.

The transition to an almost square internal surface proves strategic: it prevents the ring from turning on itself during movements, a key point to ensure the quality of measurements. This stability is also essential to guarantee the performance of the sensors located inside the ring.

Minimalist aesthetic and stylistic adaptability

The RingConn Gen 2 is offered in a range of sober colors (Silver, Black, Gold, Rose Gold) to adapt to all types of wearers. This choice enhances the versatility of the product, which remains elegant both in casual settings and professional environments. Those looking for an aesthetic and discreet connected ring to wear constantly will find in this product a remarkable balance between technology and elegance.

Durability and IP68 certification: how does the waterproofing of the RingConn Gen 2 measure up?

The question of water and dust resistance has become a major criterion in choosing a connected ring, intended to be worn continuously, day and night. RingConn has opted for IP68 certification, a guarantee of advanced waterproofing. In practice, this means that the ring can withstand immersion up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes and is not afraid of splashes, sweat, or dust – a must-have for swimming enthusiasts, running in the rain, or simply taking daily showers without constraints. Personally, I wear it all the time, whether for showering, swimming, or going to the spa, I have never encountered any issues.

This robustness should not overlook the inherent limits of all thin metal objects. While the RingConn Gen 2 handles the rigors of an active daily life commendably, it remains vulnerable to deep scratches, especially during DIY activities or contact with abrasive surfaces. The discretion of the design also highlights the visibility of the slightest scratch, inviting caution for anyone who frequently handles hard objects. The manufacturer has also launched a series of silicone protections to safeguard the ring, which, in addition to preventing scratches, also allow for a bit of style change.

Well, I assure you, this is only if you work with hard objects that could cause scratches. For “regular” use in everyday life, no issues; I have worn the ring for 6 months without any particular scratches.

Adjustment system and customization options for the connected ring

Say goodbye to approximate sizes: RingConn provides each purchase with a dedicated measuring kit, consisting of fake rings in various sizes to ensure an optimal fit on the chosen finger. A detail that makes a difference in the world of connected rings, as the stability of the ring – and therefore the accuracy of the data collected – directly depends on the correct size/finger correspondence.

A ring that is too tight would disrupt comfort during the day and the quality of night measurements. Conversely, a ring that is too loose would tend to turn, making the reading of heart rate or SpO2 during sleep unstable.

A specific guidance via the mobile application facilitates checking the sizing after receiving the kit. Several reminders and notifications explain how to simulate a full day of wear or even test the ring during sleep before finalizing the size. This attention to detail guarantees a high user satisfaction rate, minimizing returns and errors during the initial choice. However, I won’t make this discovery here, since I had the opportunity to try it directly at a fair to ensure the right size, so I never got the measuring kit :)

As mentioned earlier, the RingConn Gen 2 comes in four colors opening the doors to varied styles – Silver for discretion, Black for elegance, Gold and Rose Gold for a touch of refinement. The color variation occurs entirely on the external titanium part, with the interior remaining hypoallergenic for all users. This choice serves both the desire to stand out and the ability to fit in with any outfit.

Extended battery life and charging case: the true strength of the RingConn Gen 2

Innovating in the wearables world also means overcoming battery life constraints. In this regard, RingConn surpasses most of its competitors: thanks to advanced miniaturization of components, the Gen 2 easily lasts 10 days of use, sometimes more with software optimization and intelligent management of nighttime readings (sleep). For my part, I last about 11 days without problems, which is far from the battery life of smartwatches.

The true strength, however, lies in the charging case. Compact (42x46x22 mm), it only adds 56 grams to your pocket or bag. Its non-slip design ensures stability on all surfaces. Once placed in the case, the ring starts charging instantly without complex manipulation, benefiting from secure storage thanks to the magnetic cover.

The case offers up to 150 additional days of charging autonomy – a precious asset to avoid any disruption in support during extended travels or trips. Apart from compact USB-C charging (100 minutes for a full charge), the mobile application provides precise information on the remaining charge level, allowing users to anticipate needs and plan recharge cycles without stress.

Intelligent battery management

The absence of a haptic motor or power-hungry LEDs greatly limits consumption. The ring chooses to activate its sensors wisely, based on the time of day and the user’s biological clock. Those who sleep poorly or experience episodes of stress can thus count on uninterrupted tracking of sleep and heart rate, without manual monitoring of power.

Be careful, though; it’s easy to forget to recharge the ring, as the battery life extends. A key point is the ability to use the case as a portable power reserve, without risking the automatic data collection stopping during a business trip or extended weekend.

Advanced features and dedicated mobile application for the RingConn Gen 2

True to its philosophy of simplicity and discretion, the RingConn Gen 2 opts for hardware minimalism: no haptic motor, absence of screen, nor buttons or touch surface on the ring. All interaction occurs through the mobile application, a real health dashboard, compatible with iOS and Android.

The interface is organized around four main axes:

• Consultation of dynamic health scores, generated by AI (energy, stress, sleep, daily activity plan).
• Detailed analysis of weekly or monthly trends in heart rate, sleep, or stress.
• Recommendations for health programs (sleep, breathing, meditation, physical activity) evolving based on collected data.
• Parameter management, user alerts (charge level, size adjustment…), seamless synchronization of histories, and multilingual support.

The accuracy of the dashboard makes one forget the absence of so-called “connected” features: the connected ring does not vibrate and displays no notifications, but concentrates its resources on relevant data collection and reporting. The clarity of the sleep scores or nighttime heart rate, presented in easily interpretable graphs, is appreciated.

The application ensures compatibility with the majority of smartphones (iOS 14+ and Android 8+), while allowing partial data sharing with Apple Health or Google Fit. However, RingConn does not offer a web dashboard or an open API for third-party applications like Strava, which limits data synchronization for some advanced athletes. That’s my main regret (I would have liked to retrieve all this info into my Home Assistant :). But this is a deliberate positioning: protecting privacy while limiting unintended uses.

The absence of complex overlays allows for immediate use. Reminders regarding charge status, the cleanliness of the sensors, or the need to move after sitting for a while are adjustable, avoiding a constant stream of unnecessary alerts. Even during sleep, no light disturbs rest, unlike some competitors. And that is an important detail!

Precise analysis of integrated sensors and health tracking offered by the RingConn Gen 2

At the heart of the RingConn Gen 2 are its sensors: optical PPG sensor for heart rate and SpO2 (oxygen saturation), skin temperature sensor, and 3D accelerometer. These instruments ensure continuous readings, particularly during sleep, where variations in signals can reveal valuable insights about physical condition and latent stress.

The tracking of sleep is among the most comprehensive on the market: the different phases (paradoxical, deep, light), the analysis of nighttime heart rate, HRV (heart rate variability), skin temperature, and overall recovery score are systematically documented via the application. If you love numbers, you will be well served!

Sleep apnea detection and advanced metrics

The possible sleep apnea detection places the RingConn Gen 2 a notch above standard models: through cross-analysis of SpO2, micro-awake occurrences, and irregularities in nighttime heart rhythms, the ring issues an alert if it detects a strong presumption (announced accuracy rate superior to 85%). This feature, which does not yet have official medical validation, nonetheless represents progress for anyone concerned about the quality of their rest.

However, it is not active continuously, as this impacts battery life. One can thus launch an assessment from time to time, the system aggregating all the data for study.

I personally compared it with the Sleep Analyzer from Withings, very good in this area, and the data matches.

Physical activity and reliability of readings

The tracking of physical activity remains intentionally sober: step counting, estimation of calories burned, duration and intensity of activity or standing time, but the workout modes are limited to running, walking, or cycling. The absence of integrated GPS and the non-compatibility with services such as Strava or Garmin limit detailed analysis opportunities for advanced athletes. This will likely be the main complaint we can make about this connected ring.

When comparing the heart rate measured by the RingConn Gen 2 with professional tools (Polar H10 belt, Garmin watches), the gap is generally less than 2-3 bpm in standard use and during sleep. Step counting shows slight underestimation (3 to 5% according to tests), which is quite negligible for long-term trend tracking.

The management of stress is particularly appreciated during demanding days: the ring detects, through multi-parameter analysis, peaks of tension with a silent return via the application, often guiding the user in establishing breaks or breathing routines.

The application also allows users to consult weekly, monthly, or even annual reports, to study the trends of all these parameters, which hold greater importance over time than taken individually day by day.

Finally, it is possible to set goals: better sleep, regularity, activity, etc. Everyone can adjust their goals as they wish, and the application then provides suitable suggestions.

Last important point: the management of user data, which reassures those who fear the leakage of biometric information; Encryption of histories, hosting outside mainland China, total GDPR compliance, and no unsolicited sharing with third-party platforms, regardless of the price paid upon purchase. The manufacturer places great importance on this and dedicates an entire page on their site to it.

Conclusion

Compared to other competitors, the RingConn Gen 2 stands out for its lightness, the stability of its fit, the robustness of sleep and heart rate tracking, its accuracy on essential metrics, and its unmatched battery life. The target audience? Users seeking objectivity and discretion to monitor their health, sleep, spO2, stress, and overall well-being daily, without subscriptions or unnecessary notifications. For my part, this is an aspect that I truly appreciate, as this ring completely forgets itself in my daily activities. My geek side might have liked small vibrations to signal certain events, or even an NFC chip for contactless payment, for example, but those remain “bonus” functions, and RingConn chose to focus here on the mission it set for itself, which we cannot reproach it for. The result is in any case top-notch: discreet, efficient, and reliable, we love it!