ZDNET’s product of the year: Why Oura Ring 4 bested Samsung, Apple, and others in 2024 [Video]

In a year brimming with technological advancements, from Apple’s first-ever mixed reality headset to the modern-day space race that is artificial intelligence, one particular niche of products saw its mainstream aspirations realized: smart rings.

According to IDC, global ring sales were estimated at 880,000 units in 2023. This year, the market research firm is forecasting a rise to 1.7 million units, with an even larger spike of 3.2 million units in 2025. As consumers continue to find ways to dial into their health and well-being, the burdenless form factors of smart rings are slowly but surely chipping away market share from fitness trackers, bands, and smartwatches. The uptick in new smart rings at CES 2024 was our first indication.

Also: We’ve entered the era of the smart ring. Here’s why it will shake up the wearables market

While the smart ring category was validated by the arrival of its first major tech vendor with Samsung’s Galaxy Ring— as well as …