Smart rings offer a convenient way to track health and fitness metrics without the complexity of a smartwatch. The RingConn Gen 2 Air aims for simplicity and affordability. But has RingConn sacrificed too much in its pursuit of a lower price point? This review explores the Gen 2 Air’s design, features, and performance to answer that question.
Design and Durability
The RingConn Gen 2 Air inherits the comfortable “squircle” shape of its predecessors, making it less noticeable between fingers than some competitors like the Oura Ring 4. Its polished silver finish and sculpted design give it an attractive, understated look. While made of stainless steel instead of titanium like the standard Gen 2, the Gen 2 Air doesn’t feel significantly heavier. In fact, the stainless steel construction has shown surprising durability, resisting scratches better than the titanium Oura Ring 4 in my testing. With an IP68 and 10ATM rating, the Gen 2 Air is also suitably dust and water-resistant. It’s available in Galaxy Silver and Dune Gold finishes.
Health and Activity Tracking
The RingConn Gen 2 Air connects to a dedicated app for iOS and Android. While the Android app can be a bit finicky with battery optimization settings, the connection is generally reliable. The ring tracks basic activity metrics like steps, calories burned, and standing time. It also offers tracked workout modes for outdoor running, cycling, indoor running, and outdoor walking. However, it lacks automatic activity detection and comprehensive workout tracking found in more advanced smart rings and smartwatches.
The Gen 2 Air monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. While it alerted me to potential blood oxygen drops and a high heart rate instance during my testing, these weren’t corroborated by the Oura Ring 4, raising questions about accuracy. The Gen 2 Air also tracks and predicts menstrual cycles.
Sleep and Stress Monitoring
The RingConn app presents sleep data in a clear and comprehensive manner, including sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen, skin temperature, and respiratory rate. This data largely aligns with the Oura Ring 4’s readings. The Gen 2 Air also provides a detailed stress analysis, offering more information in this area than the Oura. While it doesn’t offer specific stress management guidance, the data can be helpful for self-monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
Battery Life and Charging
RingConn claims a 10-day battery life for the Gen 2 Air, and my experience suggests this is accurate, if not slightly underestimated. In three weeks of use, I’ve only needed to charge it twice. The ring charges on a small, secure magnetic puck. Unlike the standard Gen 2, the Air doesn’t come with a travel charging case.
Price and Availability
The RingConn Gen 2 Air is priced at $238 and available directly from RingConn’s website. This is significantly more affordable than the Gen 2 ($359), the Oura Ring 4 (starting at $349), and the Samsung Galaxy Ring ($400). Crucially, the Gen 2 Air doesn’t require a subscription for full access to data, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Should You Buy the RingConn Gen 2 Air?
The RingConn Gen 2 Air is a compelling choice for those seeking a simple and affordable smart ring. It excels at sleep tracking and provides valuable insights into stress levels. While its activity tracking is basic, it’s more than adequate for casual users. If you prioritize comprehensive workout analysis or advanced features like sleep apnea detection, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for everyday health monitoring and sleep tracking, the RingConn Gen 2 Air offers excellent value and a hassle-free experience.
