Boat Active Plus smart ring review: Good for testing the waters

Smart rings symbolise a massive leap in wearable technology, especially for users who need to avoid screen time while still keeping up with their health tracking. These wearables promise discreet monitoring that easily becomes a part of our daily lives.

Priced at Rs 3,999, the Boat Active Plus smart ringenters this nascent category, promising comprehensive health-tracking features in a compact form factor.We tested the Active Plus smart ring in black, size 10, over several weeks, wearing it during workouts, sleep, and daily activities, and compared its readings against those of a smartwatch. Here's what we think about it:

Design and Build

The Active Plus smart ring takes a straightforward approach to wearable design.

The stainless steel construction feels solid and reassuring on the finger, with a smooth finish that doesn't catch on clothing or other surfaces. At just 4.7 grams, it's barely noticeable during daily wear and we often forget we're wearing it.

The build quality feels adequate for the price point. The 5ATM water resistance proved reliable during handwashing, showering and a few splashes in the kitchen. While it's not jewellery-grade finishing, the construction feels durable enough for regular use.

Sizing played a vital role in both comfort and accuracy. We initially ordered a size nine based on online measurements, but found it to be slightly tight and uncomfortable to wear.

The size 10 replacement fit snugly without being uncomfortable, though finding the right size required some trial and adjustment. The available sizes, ranging from 7 to 12, cover most users, though half-sizes would attract more.

Performance and Health Tracking

The Active Plus smart ring showed mixed results in tracking accuracy.

During morning runs, the heart rate readings from our reference smartwatch often varied by 8-12 beats per minute, particularly during high-intensity intervals. SpO2 measurements were inconsistent, sometimes showing 3-4% differences compared to our pulse oximeter, though they generally tracked in the right direction.

Sleep tracking proved somewhat accurate. The ring correctly identified our bedtime and wake-up times, even during irregular sleep schedules.

Sleep stage detection seemed reasonable, though we couldn't independently verify its accuracy in distinguishing between deep and light sleep. The ring automatically caught afternoon naps, something that impressed us during weekend testing.Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tracking provided consistent daily readings. However, interpreting this data required some research, as the Boat Crest app offers only a limited explanation of what these numbers mean in practice.The automatic skin temperature monitoring feature worked well, although it felt more like a trend indicator rather than a thermometer. During a moderate fever, the ring reported higher readings nearly 12 hours before feeling unwell, which was actually helpful from a prior awareness standpoint.Stress monitoring correlates with our perceived stress on busy workdays versus on relaxing weekends. Still, it would be nice to have a clear explanation of how the calculations are being done in the companion app.

Software and Features

The Boat Crest app serves as the primary interface for all health data. The app feels clean and responsive, displaying data in easy-to-understand charts and summaries without overemphasising technical details. Daily, weekly, and monthly views also helped us track trends over time.

However, the app dependency means you can't access any data without your phone nearby. Unlike smartwatches with on-device displays, the ring requires opening the app to view metrics, which can feel inconvenient during busier times.The Camera Control feature allowed us to shake to take photos. It worked reliably once we learned the right gesture intensity. It proved handy for group photos and selfies, though it took a few attempts to master the shake motion that the ring recognises.Data synchronisation occurred automatically throughout the day, although we occasionally noticed delays of 10-15 minutes between activities and app updates.

Battery and Charging

The magnetic charging case design is a testament to practicality.

The compact case fits easily in a pocket or bag, and the magnetic connection ensures proper alignment every time. You'll never struggle with finicky charging connections, making it a reliable companion for your health-tracking journey.

Battery life met expectations in real-world use. The ring consistently lasted 4-5 days with continuous monitoring enabled. The charging case extended this to about 3 weeks, meaning we only needed to plug it in twice a month.The 2-hour charging time of Active Plus from empty to full is not just manageable, it's practical. We developed a routine of charging during late-night showers, which provided enough power for a few days of use. This seamless integration into our daily routine made the charging process feel like a natural part of using the Active Plus smart ring.

Connectivity and Daily Use

The ring maintained a reliable Bluetooth connection with the smartphone throughout the testing period.

We experienced occasional disconnections in areas with heavy wireless interference, but reconnection happened automatically within minutes. This reliable connectivity ensures that you can trust the Active Plus smart ring to keep you connected to your health data, no matter where you are.

Verdict

The Boat Active Plus smart ring provides reliable health tracking in a discreet way, without a visual screen, at Rs 3,999. For those who want overall health tracking without the bulk of a traditional wearable or the distractions of a screen, the Boat Smart Ring Active Plus certainly offers a solid option to start with.In some respects, it may not replace a smartwatch for users who want notifications, app access, or instant access to data. However, it is competent enough to cover core health functions and offer reasonable accuracy for a tracker that is not a watch.With near-accurate sensor performance across most functions, adequate battery life, and reliable battery capabilities, it seems practical for someone ready to try health tracking with a smart ring.This smart ring is a decent introduction for someone interested in adopting these wearables without making a big hole in their pockets.