I’ve been reviewing wearables for years now, and I’ve always had a soft spot for smart rings. I like that they’re more minimal, comfortable and less distracting than a watch buzzing on your wrist with a screen.
They’re also good at tracking sleep, recovery and movement. All without the constant reminder that you’re “being tracked.”
And, I like how they’re getting even better, smarter, slimmer and (for the most part) more stylish, too.
But as much as I love smart rings, so far it doesn’t feel as if they’ve been built for everyone.
The reality has been that if you wanted a ring, you needed to spend a lot of money, get your head around confusing data and often commit to a pricey subscription fee on top of it all. That’s a pretty high barrier for the vast majority of people who are simply curious about how sleep and recovery insights might support them.
I’ve lost count of how many people have said to me: “I’d love a ring, but it’s just too expensive.” Or: “I tried one, but I gave up. I was overwhelmed by what it was telling me.” And I get it. Until now, the smart ring market has been built for enthusiasts and early adopters, not so much for everyone else.
That’s why I think a smart ring for everyone has been long overdue.
We’ve needed a cheaper option
Smart rings have mostly been positioned as luxury devices.
Some cost almost as much as a smartwatch or even a smartphone. That doesn’t reflect how people actually want to use them.
For most, a smart ring isn’t about owning a flashy gadget. Sure, that’s part of the initial appeal.
But the long-term benefits are about sleep quality, energy and recovery. Which we all know are the basics of feeling good day to day.
They’re essential needs and I really do believe that tracking them shouldn’t come at a luxury price.
I’ve seen friends and readers put off by the cost again and again. It’s disheartening, because this kind of tech could really support them. And I think the ring design is much more suitable for a lot of people, even though you could find a decent wrist-based tracker that would be more in your price range.
We’ve needed a subscription-free ring
This one is huge.
A lot of smart rings have a subscription-based model. So you buy the device, then you also have to pay a monthly subscription fee on top.
But subscriptions change the whole relationship you have with your wearable. Suddenly, you’re paying every month just to keep access to your own data and unlock all of the key features.
I’ve tested plenty of devices where, after the free trial ends, you lose insights unless you subscribe. That feels unfair. You’ve already paid for the hardware, why should your data sit behind a paywall?
And psychologically, a subscription can put more pressure on you. You end up thinking that you better check your scores today to justify the monthly cost. That turns something that should feel supportive into something much more stressful.
We’ve needed it to be kinder
Too many wearables feel judgmental.
You stayed up late celebrating? You’re warned that you “missed your optimal bedtime.” You skip a workout? You get a “low activity” alert. Even when it’s meant to be helpful, it can feel like you’re being scolded.
Some people might be motivated by this, others are really put off.
I’ve felt that sting myself when testing trackers. Instead of igniting motivation in me, it creates anxiety. I know it makes plenty of people want to throw their device in a drawer and never see it again.
What we need are wearables that encourage us rather than criticize us. Tech that understands life happens, like you have a bad night’s sleep or a busy day without steps, and that’s okay. So the focus should be on consistency and balance rather than perfection.
We’ve needed data to be easier to interpret
This one drives me mad as a reviewer.
You’ll get a notification that says something like: “Pay attention to your recovery.” Okay… but what does that mean? Should I take a rest day? Go for a walk? Take a nap right now? Drink more water?
Vague advice isn’t helpful. Data is only valuable if it translates into clear, human guidance. Otherwise it just leaves people feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Good health tech should also meet you where you are with clear writing that feels like a friend explaining what’s going on. You know, something like: “You slept lightly last night, so try an early night tonight.” Simple, human and supportive. That’s the kind of language we need.
I’ve always said that the best wearables aren’t the ones that give you the most data. They’re the ones that help you understand what to do with it and talk to you in a supportive way. Of course, there’s only so much a wearable can know about you, but at least slightly more tailored recommendations feel the most helpful.
Why I’m hopeful about Leep
I haven’t had the chance to fully review Leep’s smart ring yet. But I’m genuinely excited about what it represents.
It ticks all of the boxes that I’ve been waiting for. It’s more affordable, it’s subscription-free and it promises a kinder, more human approach to data and language.
That might sound like a small shift, but I think it’s a big deal. Because when you make this kind of tech more accessible, you make wellbeing more accessible too.
Not everyone wants to become a data scientist just to get a better night’s sleep. Not everyone can (or should) pay a premium for the privilege either. A smart ring that’s simpler, kinder and available at a fair price feels like a step forward for the whole space.
For me, that’s what’s exciting about Leep. It feels like it’s not just another wearable. It’s the start of making smart rings something that everyone can benefit from – not just the few who could afford to buy in before –and that feels long overdue.
