Key Takeaways
- The Ultrahuman Ring Air is lighter and more comfortable for sleep tracking than the Apple Watch Series 9.
- Ultrahuman Ring Air focuses on sleep stages and HRV monitoring.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 displays health metrics such as an ECG.
- The Ultrahuman Ring Air is generally more affordable than the Apple Watch Series 9.
- For stress relief and relaxation, consider adding Pulsetto to your sleep improvement toolkit.
Ultrahuman Ring Air vs Apple Watch Series 9 Overview
Both the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Apple Watch Series 9 have robust sleep-tracking capabilities, but they approach it in different ways. Understanding these differences can help you decide which device aligns better with your needs.
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is designed specifically for sleep tracking. It is a lightweight, ring-shaped device that you wear on your finger. This design makes it comfortable to wear throughout the night without causing any discomfort. The ring uses advanced sensors to monitor your sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), and other key metrics.
Close-up view of the Ultrahuman Ring Air.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a versatile smartwatch that has a wide range of features, including sleep tracking. It is worn on the wrist and uses its built-in sensors to track sleep stages, heart rate, and other health metrics.
The Apple Watch Series 9 in two colors.
Ultrahuman Ring Air vs Apple Watch Series 9 Comparison Table
Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the Ultrahuman Ring Air and Apple Watch Series 9 for sleep tracking:
Feature |
Ultrahuman Ring Air |
Apple Watch Series 9 |
Sensors |
Infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) for heart rate Non-contact skin temperature sensor Motion sensors |
Accelerometer Heart rate sensor Blood oxygen sensor Temperature sensor |
Sleep Stage Detection |
Tracks light, deep, and REM sleep Provides insights into sleep quality |
Tracks REM, core, and deep sleep Provides sleep duration and trends |
Sleep Scoring |
Calculates sleep metrics like start, end, and total duration High correlation with polysomnography |
Integrates sleep data into the Health app Lacks detailed sleep scoring |
User Insights |
Offers personalized recommendations for improving sleep |
Provides limited contextual analysis or sleep scoring |
Data Synchronization |
Sleep data does not always sync seamlessly with Apple Health |
Fully integrates with the Apple Health app for comprehensive health tracking |
Comfort |
Lightweight ring design is comfortable for sleep tracking |
Watch design may be less comfortable for some users |
Accuracy |
High accuracy in sleep duration tracking |
Tends to overestimate sleep duration; lower specificity in wake detection |
Battery Life |
Lasts up to 6 days on a single charge |
Lasts 18-36 hours, typically around 1-2 days depending on usage |
Charging Time |
Takes about 90 minutes to charge from 0 to 100% |
Fast charging; about 80% in 45 minutes |
How to Wear |
Worn on the finger, discreet and comfortable |
Worn on the wrist, may feel bulky for some users |
Durability |
Made from titanium, water-resistant up to 32ft for up to 2 hours |
Durable but requires protection from high temperatures and impacts |
Affordability |
Generally more affordable than smartwatches |
Starts at $399 for the GPS-only version, higher for cellular and larger sizes |
Lifestyle Content |
Free lifetime access to premium fitness and meditation content |
No similar offering for lifestyle content |
Form Factor |
Minimalist and non-intrusive |
Larger display with touch and voice control capabilities |
*Price |
Approximately $349 |
From $399 |
*Prices were collated at the time of writing and may be different now.
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Sleep Features
Data Precision
The Ultrahuman Ring Air excels in accurate sleep tracking with its advanced sensors that provide precise measurements of sleep stages (e.g., light, deep, and REM) and HRV.
The Apple Watch Series 9 also has accurate sleep tracking, but its primary focus is on providing a complete view of your health. It tracks sleep stages, heart rate, and even skin temperature.
Health Metrics
Both devices track various health metrics, but the Apple Watch Series 9 goes a step further by offering additional features such as blood oxygen level monitoring and ECG readings.
To measure your blood oxygen levels with your Apple Watch, open the Blood Oxygen app. Place your arm on a flat surface, ensuring your wrist is flat and the watch display faces up. Tap "Start" and keep your arm still for the 15-second countdown. Once the countdown is complete, your blood oxygen results will appear on the screen.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate monitoring is a key feature for both devices. The Ultrahuman Ring Air continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the night using red, green, and infrared LEDs.
The Apple Watch Series 9 also offers continuous heart rate monitoring, but it goes beyond just sleep tracking. It provides real-time heart rate data during workouts and daily activities.
User Experience
Comfort and Design
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is incredibly lightweight, weighing just 2.4 grams. It fits comfortably on your finger without causing any discomfort during the night.
Fingers provide more accurate biomarker readings than wrists because they have higher blood flow and a greater density of arterioles.
Because it is so light, you can easily forget that you're wearing it—ideal for sleep tracking. The ring is also hypoallergenic and features a smooth inner lining for maximum comfort.
Weighing about 31.9g to 38.7g, the Apple Watch Series 9 is not as lightweight as the Ultrahuman Ring Air but still has a user-friendly interface with a touchscreen display. This display allows you to review various features and access your sleep data with just a few taps.
Usability
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is straightforward to use, with a companion app that provides detailed insights into your sleep data. The app is intuitive and easy to navigate and it’s easy to track your sleep patterns and make adjustments.
The Apple Watch Series 9 also has a user-friendly experience, with its touchscreen display and integrated health app. The watch provides real-time notifications and insights, so you can stay on top of your sleep and overall health.
Here’s what notifications look like on the Apple Watch Series 9.
Battery Life
The Ultrahuman Ring Air has an impressive battery life of up to 6 days on a single charge.
The battery for the Apple Watch Series 9 lasts up to 18 hours with normal use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode - this should be sufficient for a full day of use but may require daily charging.
Additional Features
Fitness Tracking
The Ultrahuman Ring Air tracks your daily activity levels, including steps taken, calories burned, and distance traveled since it has 6-axis motion sensors built-in. This data is seamlessly integrated with your sleep tracking data for a comprehensive view of your daily activity and rest patterns.
The Apple Watch Series 9 takes fitness tracking to the next level with its extensive range of workout modes and activity metrics. Regardless if you're running, cycling, swimming, or doing yoga, the Apple Watch can track your performance and provide real-time feedback to help you achieve your fitness goals. The watch has sensors such as a high‑g accelerometer and high dynamic range gyroscope.
Workout Modes
The Apple Watch Series 9 excels in its variety of workout modes for running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and other sports and activities. Each mode provides specific metrics and feedback to help you optimize your performance and reach your fitness goals.
The Ultrahuman Ring Air, while not as extensive in its workout modes, still provides valuable insights into your overall activity levels.
Stress Management
The Ultrahuman Ring Air provides continuous HRV monitoring, which can give you insights into your stress levels and help you identify patterns that may be affecting your sleep and overall health.
While the Apple Watch Series 9 also tracks HRV, it has other stress management features, including guided breathing exercises and mindfulness apps. These features can help you relax and reduce stress, which in turn can improve your sleep quality.
Price and Availability
Ultrahuman Ring Air Pricing
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is priced at $349.00. This price includes the ring itself, and access to the companion app that provides detailed insights into your sleep and activity data. Considering its advanced features and long battery life, the Ultrahuman Ring Air offers excellent value for money.
Apple Watch Series 9 Pricing
The Apple Watch Series 9 is priced higher than the Ultrahuman Ring Air - with prices starting at around $399.00 and going up depending on the model, features, and finishes such as stainless steel or aluminum. While it has a wide range of features beyond sleep tracking, its higher price point may be a consideration for some users.
Where to Buy
Both devices are widely available for purchase online and in retail stores. Here are some options for where you can buy them:
- Ultrahuman Ring Air: You can purchase the Ultrahuman Ring Air directly from the Ultrahuman website or authorized retailers.
- Apple Watch Series 9: The Apple Watch Series 9 is available for purchase from the Apple website and various electronics retailers and online marketplaces.
Final Recommendation
After comparing the Ultrahuman Ring Air and the Apple Watch Series 9, it's clear that both devices offer excellent sleep-tracking capabilities. However, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Best Choice for Sleep Tracking
If your primary focus is on sleep tracking, the Ultrahuman Ring Air is the better choice. Its lightweight design, advanced sensors, and continuous HRV monitoring make it an excellent option for tracking your sleep patterns and improving your sleep quality.
Who Should Use Ultrahuman Ring Air?
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is ideal for individuals who:
- Prioritize comfort and prefer a lightweight, ring-shaped device.
- Want detailed insights into their sleep stages and HRV.
- Are looking for a more affordable sleep-tracking solution.
Who Should Use Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a great choice for individuals who:
- Want a versatile device that offers more than just sleep tracking
- Are interested in additional health metrics like blood oxygen levels and ECG readings.
- Prefer a wrist-worn device with a touchscreen display.
Pulsetto: A Perfect Complement for Sleep Tracking
Besides that, for those looking to enhance their sleep quality further, consider adding Pulsetto to your sleep improvement toolkit. Pulsetto is a wellness device that uses vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it a valuable complement to your sleep-tracking device.
Wear Pulsetto around your neck all day and continue with any other activities.
The Pulsetto device is worn around the neck and uses gentle electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve, helping to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
It can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing users to adjust the intensity and duration of sessions. Key features include its non-invasive and user-friendly design, customizable settings for personalized use, lightweight portability, and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices.
Additionally, Pulsetto offers free worldwide shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 2-year warranty, making it a valuable investment in improving your sleep and overall well-being.
Take control of your sleep health today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How accurate is the sleep tracking on Ultrahuman Ring Air?
The Ultrahuman Ring Air is highly accurate in tracking sleep stages and HRV, thanks to its advanced sensors and precise measurements. It provides detailed insights into your sleep patterns, helping you make necessary adjustments for better rest.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 offer continuous HRV monitoring?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 does not offer continuous HRV monitoring. Instead, it provides periodic HRV measurements, which can still be useful for understanding your stress levels but may not be as comprehensive as the continuous monitoring offered by the Ultrahuman Ring Air.
Can both devices track other health metrics?
Yes, both devices track various health metrics. The Ultrahuman Ring Air focuses on sleep stages and HRV, while the Apple Watch Series 9 offers additional features such as blood oxygen level monitoring, ECG readings, and skin temperature tracking.
Is Pulsetto safe to use?
Yes, Pulsetto is non-invasive and safe for most users. It is designed to provide gentle stimulation and comes with customizable settings.