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. Where COLMI’s own pages disagree, I say so instead of guessing.
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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 many 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
Here is where honesty matters. COLMI’s own websites list different battery numbers, so I will not pin one figure on it.
Its consumer product page lists 2 to 3 days, while its spec page claims up to 7. In real family use, expect several days between charges.
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 water rating is another spot where COLMI’s own pages disagree, listing both 3ATM and 5ATM.
Treat it as safe for splashes, hand washing, showers, and short shallow swims. Do not treat it as a dive watch.
My daughter even wore hers on an ocean swim last weekend and it survived. I told her to take it off next time, since salt water and deep water are hard on cheap electronics.
Where it falls short of an Oura
You are spending about $55, so of course you give things up. Here is the honest trade.
| Feature | COLMI R02 | Oura Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $55 | From $399 new |
| Monthly fee | None | $5.99 |
| Accuracy | Good for trends | Excellent |
| Illness alerts | No | Yes |
| Sizing kit | Often not included | Included free |
| Best for | Tight budget | Serious tracking |
The current Oura is the Ring 5, though the older Ring 4 now sells for less. Either one costs far more than the COLMI.
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 hundreds 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, and our Oura alternatives guide covers other no fee rings.
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.
How long does the COLMI R02 battery last? COLMI’s own pages disagree, listing 2 to 3 days in one place and up to 7 in another. Expect several days in real use.
Can I swim with it? Short shallow swims are fine. 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.