Circular Ring 2 Review 2025 — ECG Smart Ring, Shipping Update & Backer Reactions
The Circular Ring 2 promised much: from groundbreaking ECG with AFib detection to no-subscription pricing and sleek titanium design. Now, in mid-2025, rings are shipping—but the launch isn’t without turbulence. This full breakdown covers shipping progress, early impressions, controversies, and whether Circular can stack up against the big names.
1. When Is It Shipping?
According to recent Kickstarter updates (August 4, 2025), sizing kits have been sent, mass manufacturing is completed, and ring shipments have officially started. All orders are being fulfilled in phases.
On Reddit, backers report that shipments began on July 14, 2025, dispatched at approximately 1,000 rings per week—prioritized by early customers, replacement requests, then Kickstarter orders.
2. What Makes Circular Ring 2 Stand Out?
- ECG with AFib detection, FDA-cleared via B-Heart algorithms—rare in smart rings today.
- Subscription-free experience, starting at ~$349—competitive with Samsung and Oura.
- Elegant titanium build, lighter and more durable than the prior plastic model.
- Digital sizing via smartphone and a credit card (no plastic kits needed).
- Battery life estimated at ~6–8 days depending on mode.
- Comprehensive health tracking: sleep, stress, AFib, activity, and AI-powered “Kira.”
3. What's Fueling Backer Frustration?
Backers are upset that two headline features—blood pressure and blood glucose trend monitoring—aren’t available yet, and once released, will sit behind paywalls (“Circular Coins” micro-transactions). Circular argues these require additional R&D and regulatory approvals, and charging preserves the base ring’s subscription-free stance.
Additionally, some backers worry that new orders are funding outstanding refunds, raising concerns about the company’s financial transparency. A user on Reddit warns: “Don’t order... once they have your money, you’re on your own.”
4. How Strong Is the Trust Factor?
Circular has made real strides on hardware and shipping. Still, past struggles with the original Ring Slim—such as accuracy, build quality, app connectivity, and battery issues—have left marks.
Overall, backing sentiment is mixed: early adopters appreciate the elegant design and ECG novelty, while others point to delayed features and communication gaps with frustration.
5. Early Impressions & Industry Context
Coverage from Tom’s Guide, Wareable, and TechRadar highlight the Ring 2 as a promising contender for 2025—especially due to its ECG, design, and user-friendly sizing.
That said, comparison guides caution that while it’s an intriguing alternative, the ring occupies a niche: many mainstream reviewers still favor Oura, Samsung, or Ultrahuman for polish and ecosystem maturity right now.
6. Final Verdict — Should You Care?
If you’re a Kickstarter backer: your ring is likely en route. Track your email for shipping alerts—but be aware that key “stretch goal” features may not arrive until later and could cost more.
If you’re waiting to order: consider holding off until independent reviews are in, particularly around ECG accuracy, app performance, and delivery reliability. Circular’s hardware innovations are real—but the full experience is still unfolding.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Circular Ring 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ECG & AFib Detection | Yes, FDA-cleared | Unique among current rivals |
| Subscription | None | Core features free; pay-for extras planned |
| Battery Life | ~6–8 days | Competitive but needs real-world validation |
| Sizing | Digital via smartphone | Convenient, no plastic waste |
| Shipping Status | Started mid-July 2025 | In batches, check Kickstarter updates |
| Controversy | Yes—backers upset over pay-walls and delays | Transparency and delivery remain key risks |
Conclusion
The Circular Ring 2 is a bold, stylish entry in the smart-ring market—boasting ECG, AI insights, and a chic build. But its promise comes with caveats: partial shipping, a scaling rollout, and friction over monetization strategy. If you love bleeding-edge wearables and are comfortable navigating early delivery phases, it’s worth watching (or backing). If you prioritize polish, support, and trust, established options like Oura or Samsung may still be safer bets in 2025.
Want help tracking more circular coverage or comparing across models side-by-side? Head back to the home comparison page to see battery life, sensor arrays, pricing, and current deals.
Disclosure: This is informational content only, not medical advice. Some links may be affiliate-based, at no additional cost to you.