Smart Wearables 2026: The difference between watches, rings and bands

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It seems like everyone and their mother has an Apple Watch these days. And perhaps, you’ve seen a few other similar products and wondered, “What’s the difference?”

Well, we asked ourselves the same question and decided to do a comparison of some of the most common wearable devices! Here is what we found.

Smartwatches

Smart Wearables - Apple Watch
Credit: Apple

Now, whether you choose smartwatches, smart rings, or fitness bands depends on factors such as what you want to track, how you like to wear your device, and your budget. Let’s first discuss our increasingly common smartwatches.

This is for those of you who like the idea of having a screen on your wrist, where you can get quick information without pulling out your phone. The latest Apple Watches, Samsung Galaxy Watches, and Garmin smartwatches are all compelling options, but which you go for depends mostly on the “ecosystem” you are in, and how deep you are.

Apple Watch Series 12

Smart Wearables - Apple Watch Series 12
Credit: Apple

The Apple Watch Series 12 is one of Apple’s latest smartwatches, released in September 2026. iPhone users and those who are very comfortable with Apple devices should definitely consider this as one of their main smartwatch options.

Besides the usual features of tracking workouts and sleep patterns, this latest Apple Watch has other new tricks worth mentioning. A new Health Sensing System provides users with the most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable.

watchOS 27 brings an upgraded Siri AI to the Apple Watch Series 12, allowing you to get real-world information and have conversations with your virtual assistant anytime. A new Readiness score derived from all your health and fitness statistics also helps you decide how much to push yourself each day.

The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at S$599, while its more powerful cousin, the Apple Watch Ultra 4, is available from S$1,199.

Apple Watch Series 12
Instagram | Website

Samsung Galaxy Watch9

Smart Wearables - Samsung Galaxy Watch9
Credit: Samsung

For all the Android users, especially those in the Samsung ecosystem, here’s your alternative. The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is the latest in Samsung’s smartwatch line, alongside the Galaxy Watch Ultra2.

Its goal is to be the ultimate everyday health companion for wellness-conscious users. The design is lightweight yet durable, with the Galaxy Watch’s signature cushion silhouette. Pair it with a soft-touch band, and you’ll have a comfortable wearable you won’t mind keeping on all day.

Main features of the Galaxy Watch9 include actionable health insights, activity tracking, and sleep monitoring. Advanced features such as Sleep Apnea, Vitals, and Daily Cardio Load also help to optimise your sleep and training routines.

The Galaxy Watch9 is available from S$518.

Samsung Galaxy Watch9
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Garmin Venu 4

Smart Wearables - Garmin Venu 4
Credit: Garmin

Honestly, it’s tough to recommend one specific Garmin smartwatch as there are so many. Each model is built with a specific user in mind. The large Garmin smartwatch range includes Outdoor Watches, Running Watches, Diving Watches, Golf Watches, and more. 

If you’re an enthusiast in a particular sport or activity, it is likely that you will find your best smartwatch within Garmin’s product range. You can find the Garmin watch for you here.

However, for the sake of this article, we will recommend the Garmin Venu 4, which is comparable in features to the smartwatches we’ve mentioned so far. If you’re just looking for an everyday watch you can bring on workouts, regardless of your ecosystem, this is worth checking out.

It is also worth mentioning that the Garmin Venu 4 has more than 80 fitness apps, Garmin Coach training plans, up to 12 days of battery life, an LED flashlight, and many more features.  

If you’re interested, take a look at the Garmin Venu 4 here, starting at S$729. 

Garmin Venu 4
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Smart rings

Smart Wearables - Oura Ring
Credit: Oura Ring

Let’s talk about smart rings next. These are for those of you who prefer a discreet wearable that blends in as an accessory with your overall fashion choices. Or perhaps you want something less intrusive or distracting, and that feels “invisible”.

If you are someone who checks your stats only once or twice at the start and end of the day, and don’t mind trading quick access to information for a sleek wearable, smart rings might suit you best.

Oura Ring 5

Smart Wearables - Oura Ring 5
Credit: Oura Ring

Want more than 50 health metrics at your fingertips, literally? Oura Ring 5 gives you that while also being the world’s smallest smart ring. To access information about sleep, activity, stress levels, and more, you will need the Oura app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android.

Note that only basic daily scores and information will be available unless you have an Oura Membership. To get all detailed insights, you need an active subscription, which will cost USD6.99 per month or USD79 per year.

The Oura Ring 5 might be small, but it has a durable titanium body and is also highly waterproof (IP68 water-and-dust-resistant). It also comes in 6 finishes to match your style.

The smart ring is available for purchase in Singapore from authorised retailers like Harvey Norman, starting at S$599.

Oura Ring 5
Facebook | Harvey Norman | Instagram | TikTok | Website

Samsung Galaxy Ring

Smart Wearables - Samsung Galaxy Ring
Credit: Samsung

If you want an AI-powered smart ring that works with the Samsung Health app, there’s essentially only one best option – the Samsung Galaxy Ring. This health-focused smart ring works well across Android devices and gets smarter the more you wear it.

As it tracks your daily habits, it will give you personalised suggestions and insights to improve your days and nights. It also tracks your walks and runs automatically, recording calories you burn.

It’s also a cool tool that can recognise gestures. With a simple double-pinch, you can use the Galaxy Ring to take a picture or turn off an alarm on your compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone. 

The Galaxy Ring is available in 3 colours and, as of the time of writing, is available at a discounted price of S$438 (U.P. S$538) on Best Denki’s online store. As with all smart rings, check available sizes before placing your order.

Samsung Galaxy Ring
Best Denki | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Screenless fitness bands

Smart Wearables - Google FItbit
Credit: Google Fitbit

Finally, it’s time to cover the “middle ground” of smart wearables in this article – screenless fitness bands. These familiar devices are mostly known as fitness trackers without a screen, though features may vary from product to product.

This is for those of you who prefer a distraction-free, lightweight wearable device around your wrist rather than your finger. This works especially well for weight lifters, climbers, and other fitness enthusiasts who would rather keep their fingers free during exercise.

Like smart rings, these bands track your daily activity but will not show you information directly. Daily stats are only accessible via companion apps.

Google Fitbit Air

Smart Wearables - Google FItbit Air
Credit: Google Fitbit

One of the most well-known brands for screenless fitness bands is Fitbit. And one of its commitments has always been to make wearable technology with good form factors and price points. 

The Fitbit Air is a great example of this commitment, being a simple, comfortable, and affordable product. Priced at S$189, it is the cheapest smart wearable in this article, yet it does not feel cheap.  

Paired with the Google Health app, it can seamlessly track your daily activities, 24/7 heart rate, and sleep schedule. If you want a smart wearable that isn’t too heavy on features and on your wallet, the Fitbit Air is a great option.

Check out the screenless fitness band on the Google Store.

Fitbit Air
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So, which smart wearable do you prefer? No matter what you choose, stay fit and stay healthy!

For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood. 

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