# You Don’t Have to Wait for Black Friday to Find an Affordable Smartwatch, but Scoring a Cheap Smart Ring is More Challenging
In the realm of wearable tech, smartwatches have consistently been the preferred option for users seeking to monitor their health, receive alerts, and maintain connectivity while on the move. Conversely, smart rings, a subtler and more fashionable alternative, are starting to gain popularity. With Black Friday around the corner, you may be contemplating whether to purchase a smartwatch or a smart ring. While there are smartwatch offers already emerging, snagging a solid deal on a smart ring tends to be more difficult.
## Smartwatches: Abundant Deals Before Black Friday
If you’re on the lookout for a smartwatch, you need not wait for Black Friday to score an excellent bargain. Numerous leading brands have already begun to provide substantial discounts. For example, the **Samsung Galaxy Watch 6** is currently **$140 off**, and other variants like the **Galaxy Watch 7** and **Watch Ultra** are at all-time low prices. Garmin, a well-regarded brand, has also kicked off its **Holiday Sale**, featuring discounts exceeding **$100 off** on many of its top selections.
Most of the **best smartwatches** are either already up for a discount or will be soon, so you won’t have to search extensively for deals. Just keep a lookout, and you’re likely to uncover a steal.
## Smart Rings: A More Challenging Find
While smartwatches are readily available at discounts, smart rings tell a different narrative. The top smart rings, like the **Oura Ring**, seldom go on sale, and when they do, they tend to sell out fast, particularly in sought-after sizes and finishes. Unlike smartwatches, which typically offer a universal size, smart rings necessitate specific sizing, complicating the purchasing process.
At present, there are some price cuts available on older generation smart rings. For instance, the **RingConn Gen 1** is priced at **$199 (27% off)**, and the **Oura Ring Gen 3** has been marked down to **$299 ($50 off)**. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in the newest models, such as the **Oura Ring 4**, **Samsung Galaxy Ring**, or **Ultrahuman Ring Air**, you may need to wait until Black Friday, as these latest models remain at full price and are comparatively expensive in relation to smartwatches.
### Why Are Discounts on Smart Rings So Uncommon?
One factor contributing to the scarcity of smart ring discounts is that the technology is still relatively novel and specialized compared to smartwatches. Companies are continuing to invest significantly in research and development (R&D) to enhance the precision and capabilities of these devices, which elevates their pricing. Furthermore, smart rings are often perceived as luxury items, making them less likely to receive substantial markdowns.
## A Smart Ring Won’t Substitute Your Smartwatch; It’s a Luxury Item
Although smart rings provide many of the same health-monitoring capabilities as smartwatches, they are more of a luxury than a necessity. For many individuals, smartwatches are crucial as they deliver notifications, GPS tracking, workout monitoring, and other practical features. In contrast, smart rings primarily concentrate on health tracking, particularly regarding sleep, heart rate, and stress management.
One of the key benefits of smart rings is that they allow for health monitoring without the bulk of a smartwatch, especially during the night. Numerous individuals find it uncomfortable to wear a watch while sleeping, but a smart ring is lightweight and unobtrusive, making it perfect for round-the-clock health tracking.
That said, smart rings are not suitable for everyone. They are still evolving, and while they accurately track resting heart rate data and step counting, they may struggle with exercise accuracy and sometimes record false steps when you’re seated or typing.
## Fitness Bands vs. Smart Rings: Which Is Superior?
If the concept of a smart ring isn’t appealing to you, you might consider a fitness band as an alternative. Fitness bands, such as the **Fitbit Charge 6** or **Xiaomi Smart Band 9**, are crafted to monitor your health and workouts, much like smart rings. However, fitness bands generally provide more room for sensors and can yield greater accuracy during workouts.
Nevertheless, fitness bands are generally less comfortable for sleep tracking and may shift during the night, while a well-fitted smart ring stays securely in place. Moreover, fitness bands are often less fashionable than smart rings, which can be a significant factor for those who value style.
Ultimately, fitness bands tend to be more affordable and utilitarian, but smart rings offer a more discreet and stylish approach to health tracking.
## Conclusion: Should You Hold Out for Black Friday?
If you’re seeking a smartwatch, there’s no reason to delay until Black Friday. Many popular models are already heavily discounted, and you’re likely to discover a fantastic deal now. However, if you’re leaning towards a smart
