Circular Ring 2 review: great sensors, but buggy software spoils a pricey wearable

The Circular Ring 2 smart ring packs an extensive sensor suite and a comfortable design, but unstable software keeps it from living up to its hardware potential. The device's biggest selling point is the absence of a mandatory subscription fee, which sets it apart from several rivals in the segment.

The ring covers all the essential health tracking basics, including sleep monitoring, recovery metrics, and general wellness data. It also supports electrocardiogram measurements and can detect atrial fibrillation. Future firmware updates are expected to bring blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, though the company has yet to provide a timeline.

The hardware itself impresses: the ring is lightweight, looks good on the finger, and ships with a practical charging case. Battery life stretches to roughly six days on a single charge, which is competitive for this category. The build quality feels premium, and the device is comfortable enough for round-the-clock wear, which matters for sleep tracking.

The software, however, is where the experience falls apart. Users report slow and unreliable synchronization with smartphones, which undermines the real-time health data appeal. The companion app has a convoluted interface that takes time to learn, and several advertised features do not work properly yet. This leaves the ring feeling like a work in progress rather than a finished product.

The manufacturer clearly invested in upgrading the hardware side, but the software still trails the main alternatives on the market. Given the premium price tag, buyers face a tough choice: pay more for a device with known software issues or opt for a more stable, albeit possibly less feature-rich, competitor. For now, the Circular Ring 2 is a promising concept held back by immature firmware and a rough user experience.