boAt Smart Ring Active Plus review: Fitness tracker you forget you’re wearing

For those who find traditional wrist wearables a bit cumbersome, the boAt Smart Ring Active Plus offers a more subtle approach to fitness tracking. Over the course of a week, I tested it on my middle finger, and its sleek design, weighing just 4.7 grams, feels more like an elegant piece of jewelry than a tech gadget. Despite its minimalistic appearance, it effectively gathered essential health data without being intrusive. The ring’s stainless steel construction exudes quality and quickly becomes unnoticeable after a short period of wear. To ensure optimal performance, it is crucial to position the sensor towards the palm and choose either the index or middle finger for accurate readings. With a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, it can endure workouts and shallow swimming, although it’s advisable to remove it during hot showers or sauna sessions as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. The accompanying Crest app is user-friendly, offering real-time monitoring of heart rate, SpO₂ levels, heart rate variability, skin temperature, stress, and sleep cycles—including deep, light, and REM sleep stages. A Quick View feature allows users to highlight up to five vital metrics on their dashboard. It supports various activities such as running, walking, cycling, and yoga, with a simple three-minute threshold before a workout is registered. Throughout daily use, the heart rate and SpO₂ readings were closely aligned with those from my smartwatch, and the sleep tracking reflected how well-rested I felt. For those who thrive on competition, the Wellness Crew leaderboard adds an encouraging element. An amusing feature is the camera shake-to-shoot option, which can make group photos more enjoyable. In terms of battery life, the device lived up to its promise, lasting between three to four days under continuous heart rate and sleep tracking, supplemented by a few workouts. The charging process is efficient, taking only about 30 minutes in its USB-C case, which itself takes 1.5 to 2 hours to recharge. Keeping the case handy during travels is recommended. Connectivity is straightforward, requiring Bluetooth and location services to be enabled. Initial setup should be conducted while the ring is charging, and the advertised range of approximately seven meters is accurate—moving too far from the phone will halt synchronization until you return. Remember to keep the app running in the background for seamless auto-syncing. Priced at ₹3,999, the Smart Ring Active Plus presents a compelling option for those interested in ring-based health tracking. It delivers essential health metrics, comprehensive sleep analysis, intuitive coaching features, and an easier charging routine compared to most smartwatches. While it is not a medical device and should be used within its water resistance limits, it serves as a smart and budget-friendly choice for continuous wellness monitoring.