The slim ring on your finger has long outgrown its niche – and IFA 2026 (4 to 8 September, media days from 2 September) once again turns it into an eye-catcher. Because market leader Oura is not listed as an exhibitor in Berlin this year, it is chiefly RingConn, Ultrahuman and Circular using the stage to draw attention to the trend.
Who is showing up in Berlin
RingConn and Ultrahuman are confirmed exhibitors. According to the maker, RingConn’s Gen 3 already arrived this year with vibration alerts, upgraded sensors, a „Vascular Trend“ feature and up to 14 days of battery life. Ultrahuman is showing its Ring PRO, launched in early 2026 with a larger battery, redesigned internals and a charging case – although shipments were delayed. Whether Circular unveils a next generation remains open (manufacturer information).
- RingConn Gen 3 – vibration alerts, Vascular Trend, up to 14 days battery
- Ultrahuman Ring PRO – larger battery, charging case, no mandatory subscription
- Luna Ring & Luna Band – second ring generation plus a screenless band (shown at CES 2026)
Ring instead of watch: the difference
Unlike a smartwatch, a smart ring does without a display and on-wrist app controls. Its appeal lies in the background: around the clock it tracks sleep stages, heart-rate variability (HRV), resting pulse and activity, weighs next to nothing and lasts for days on a charge. Anyone wanting hard training data, notifications and payments sticks with the watch – those after discreet health monitoring reach for the ring.
Established, readily available models such as the Ultrahuman Ring Air or RingConn’s Gen 2 show what this class already offers in stores.
Subscription or not – the cost factor
One decisive purchase criterion remains the subscription: Oura charges a monthly fee for full analytics, while RingConn and Ultrahuman offer their core features without recurring costs, according to the makers. That very point is likely to be a central selling argument for the challengers in Berlin.
Sources: Gadgets & Wearables – IFA 2026 Preview, Tom’s Guide, Android Authority, Wareable. Model and specification details are manufacturer claims; devices not yet officially presented are marked as announced/expected.
Already available and a solid entry point:
