Ditching the screen glare on your wrist, I've found five covert fitness trackers that cater to my professional needs as a tester. Check them out!
Living the life of a tech enthusiast, I'm always wrapped up in some gadget or another - and smartwatches have become an essential part of my daily routine. These wearable devices serve as health, communication, and organization tools, allowing me to pay without my wallet, navigate without my phone, track workouts, and monitor my health constantly.
However, with the added connectivity, there are fewer escape routes from the barrage of screens that fill my life. Even in nature or during a run, a screen often blinks at me, urging me to change my pace. When I wake up, my smartwatch delivers a morning report filled with detailed sleep and schedule summaries. If notifications are enabled, I receive haptic feedback buzzing on my wrist throughout the day.
Every feature offers value on its own, but the constant stream of pings from both my smartwatch and smartphone has become overwhelming at times. As a result, I've developed an affinity for screenless and discreet health-tracking tools that provide the essentials without the additional distractions. Here are five such gadgets that I'd wholeheartedly recommend:
1. Oura Ring 4
When it comes to smart rings, the Oura Ring 4 reigns supreme. This device, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Ring, is screenless and interact-free, with data displayed only via the Oura app. Wearing the ring silently, one can disconnect while still monitoring their health, sleep, stress, and wellbeing.
This premium ring costs approximately $349, with an additional $5.99 monthly subscription fee for access to advanced features like AI-powered health insights. Despite the extra investment, the Oura Ring 4 has earned itself a stellar 4.5-star rating in our official Oura Ring 4 review due to its precision in heart rate readings and ever-evolving suite of AI capabilities.
2. Whoop MG
Whoop, Whoop! Another premium subscription-based health tracker that demands attention. I recently tested the device, and, while its full review isn't yet complete, I can confidently say it's one of the best overall comprehensive health and wellness trackers I've tried. Its metrics are accurate, its battery life is robust, its medical-grade features are useful, and its in-app software is top-notch.
However, the Whoop MG isn't the most cost-effective option. At an eye-watering £349 / $359 / AU$629 annually, the Whoop Life subscription plan will net purchasers over £1,000 / $1,000 / AU$1,400 after three years if they stick with the device that long. Less expensive plans are available with fewer features. It's also not the best option for runners, as it lacks built-in GPS. Still, for those with the means to afford its lofty buy-in costs, a cheaper GPS-enabled running watch can be easily paired with the Whoop to cover both bases.
3. Samsung Galaxy Ring
The Samsung Galaxy Ring stands tall alongside the Oura Ring as an outstanding discreet wearable. It integrates seamlessly with Samsung Health, making it a fantastic choice for users of the best Samsung phones and smartwatches. This ring boasts AI-powered health tracking and good battery life, along with useful sleep and stress metrics. In our Samsung Galaxy Ring review, we declared it "a well-rounded device that integrates beautifully with the Samsung Health app, using AI and cutting-edge health tools to create a comprehensive 'set and forget' wearable experience".
4. Fitbit Inspire 3
Though it packs a small, full-color AMOLED screen, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is the kind of device you barely notice. Its slim profile and unobtrusive screen make it perfect for all-day and all-night wear, allowing it to passively track various health metrics such as sleep, steps, and heart rate. In our Fitbit Inspire 3 review, we called it "intuitive and affordable" and, with frequent discounts, it has become an even more attractive alternative to smartwatches and other screen-heavy devices.
5. Garmin Index Sleep Monitor
Recently released, the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor is a specialized device designed for sleep monitoring, positioned on the upper arm for accurate readings. Although we haven't had a chance to test the device ourselves, based on past experience with Garmin's sleep tracking capabilities, we're confident that it will deliver comprehensive sleep insights without the bulk and constant screen of the best Garmin watches.
- The Oura Ring 4, a smart ring with no screen, stands out in the market similar to the Samsung Galaxy Ring, offering silent health monitoring of sleep, stress, and wellbeing, while allowing users to disconnect from technology.
- The Whoop MG, a premium subscription-based health tracker, is another device worth mentioning for its accurate metrics, robust battery life, and top-notch software. Despite its high cost, for those willing to invest, it provides comprehensive health and wellness insights.
