COLMI R02 Review: A Real Oura Alternative?
Yes, the COLMI R02 is a real Oura alternative for the basics, and at about $55 with no monthly fee it is the easiest way to try a smart ring. My daughter has worn one every day for about six months with no problems. It is not as accurate or as polished as an Oura, but it does far more than the price suggests.
This review comes from real daily use, checked against COLMI’s own specs.
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The best part: no subscription
The COLMI R02 costs about $55 one time. There is no membership and no monthly fee, ever.
You download the free QRing app, pair the ring, and everything it tracks is yours to see. For anyone tired of paying monthly for gadgets, that alone is a big draw.
What it tracks
For a cheap ring, it covers the main things people want.
- Heart rate, all day and during workouts
- Blood oxygen, called SpO2
- Sleep, including light and deep stages
- Steps and 20 workout modes
The numbers are close enough to be useful for trends. They are not medical grade, so do not treat them as a doctor visit.
Battery and charging
The battery lasts up to 7 days on a charge, which is close to what the Oura does for a tiny fraction of the price.
When it runs low, it charges full in under an hour on the little magnetic dock. You barely notice it is ever off your finger.
How tough is it in water
The COLMI R02 carries an IP68 and 3ATM water rating. In plain terms, it handles splashes, hand washing, showers, and short shallow swims up to about 1.5 meters.
My daughter even wore hers on an ocean swim last weekend and it survived. I told her to take it off next time. Salt water and deep water are hard on cheap electronics, so do not push your luck.
Where it falls short of an Oura
You are spending about $55, so of course you give things up. Here is the honest list.
| Feature | COLMI R02 | Oura Ring 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $55 | From $349 |
| Monthly fee | None | $5.99 a month |
| Accuracy | Good enough for trends | Excellent |
| Early illness alerts | No | Yes |
| App polish | Simple | Excellent |
| Sizing kit | Often not included | Included and free |
If you want the deepest sleep data and the early illness warning, read our Oura Ring review and step up to the real thing.
Who should buy the COLMI R02
Buy it if you are curious about smart rings and do not want to spend $349 to find out if you like one. Buy it for a teen who will not baby an expensive ring. Buy it if monthly fees are a dealbreaker.
Step up to an Oura if you want serious accuracy and health features. Our best smart rings guide lays out both paths.
A note on sizing
A ring cannot be resized like a watch. Measure your finger carefully before you order, since many cheap rings do not include a sizing kit.
- Wrap a strip of paper around the base of your finger.
- Mark where it overlaps, then measure that length in millimeters.
- Match it to the seller’s ring size chart before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the COLMI R02 as good as an Oura Ring? No, but it covers the basics for a fraction of the cost. For casual tracking, most people will be happy.
Does the COLMI R02 have a monthly fee? No. You pay once for the ring and the app is free.
Can I swim with it? Short shallow swims are fine thanks to the IP68 and 3ATM rating. Avoid deep dives and frequent ocean use, and dry it after.
Which app does it use? The free QRing app, on both iPhone and Android.
How is it better than a fitness band? It is smaller, lasts longer per charge, and is nicer for sleep. It is why my family moved on from our old Fitbits.