The Amazfit Helio Ring, a wellness-tracking smart ring, has recently gained attention in the market. With no buttons, screens, or physical controls, this first-generation smart ring offers a unique approach to health monitoring. Equipped with health monitoring sensors, the Helio Ring beams data directly to a paired Apple or Android device running the Zepp Health app. It also shares data with the Apple Health and Google Fit apps, providing users with a comprehensive overview of their wellness.
Unlike its competitors, such as the Oura Ring Gen 3, the Helio Ring does not require a recurring subscription cost for its core features. Users can monitor their energy levels, sleep, stress, fitness recovery, and menstrual health without any additional fees. However, more advanced data and insights are available behind a paywall.
While the Helio Ring can track activities, it is limited to just four sports modes and does not offer auto-detection for workouts. Amazfit recommends pairing the Helio Ring with one of their flagship smartwatches, like the Amazfit Balance, for more accurate activity monitoring.
During a month-long test, the Helio Ring’s free features proved to be a decent alternative to other smart rings in the market. Sleep insights were particularly useful, and the device’s health data aligned well with other popular wearables.
The Amazfit Helio Ring is currently available for $299 in a Titanium finish. However, as of August 2024, only sizes 10 and 12 are available for purchase. Along with the free Zepp app, the Helio Ring comes with a free trial of the premium Zepp Aura app, which offers deeper insights into sleep data driven by artificial intelligence. Additionally, users can opt for a trial of Zepp’s premium Fitness membership, providing access to greater training analysis and a 24/7 chatbot for sports-related questions. After the trial period, the Aura app costs $69.99 per year, and the Zepp Fitness membership costs $29.99 per year or $2.50 per month.
In terms of design, the Helio Ring features a titanium alloy exterior and a plastic interior. It is 2.6mm thick and weighs around 4 grams, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear. The ring is well-constructed and durable, surviving bumps and knocks without apparent damage. However, it is prone to scratches. The Helio Ring offers 100 meters of water resistance, suitable for most water-based activities.
In terms of health tracking, the Helio Ring includes sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen, body temperature, EDA, and ECG. Correct fit is crucial for accurate tracking, as a loose fit may result in inaccurate metrics. The Zepp app provides access to recorded data and insights, although the organization of data could be improved. Some metrics are only accessible through the paid Aura app, encouraging users to upgrade for more detailed insights.
The Helio Ring excels in sleep tracking, providing valuable data on sleep duration, sleep cycles, and sleep quality. It also tracks heart rate, breathing quality, and detects if the user wakes up during the night. The Zepp app presents daily Sleep and Readiness scores, assessing the user’s sleep quality and overall readiness for the day. The Helio Ring also offers nap detection, although the accompanying warning against excessive napping may discourage some users.
While the Helio Ring supports activity tracking, it only offers four workout modes and lacks auto-detection. Users need to manually activate tracking for specific activities, and detailed insights are limited. The device also includes women’s health tracking, predicting menstrual cycles, fertility periods, and ovulation days based on body temperature and user input. However, this information cannot be shared with popular women’s health apps.
Battery life for the Helio Ring ranges from four to five days, depending on the settings. The device charges wirelessly using a small USB-C charging cradle, with a full charge taking less than two hours.
