A common thematic motif in science fiction is the intersection between machines and humankind. For several years now, countless books, movies, video games, and pieces of media have explored the potential utopian possibilities or dystopian ramifications of this intersection.
While we haven’t quite advanced to the full-on futurist sci-fi stage of all being cyborgs, healthcare researchers have poured billions of dollars of R&D expenses into arguably the second-closest thing: biohacking! “Biohacking” is a wide-encompassing buzzword, essentially referring to those who use science-driven technologies and practices to modulate their own health, wellness, and human biology.
According to market research published by PRNewswire, the biohacking industry’s total net worth is projected to near $64 billion by the year 2028. As technology, automation, AI, and augmentations all continue to advance, we can only expect that number to keep growing. But one of the most popular types of biohacking devices isn’t necessarily as complicated as the sort of augmentations you’d see playing games like “Deus Ex” or “Cyberpunk” - it’s as simple as a wearable fitting snugly around your wrist or ankle!
Grand View Research, the same firm which came to that $64 billion projection, projects that the wearable technology market could double the net worth of the biohacking market, exceeding $186 billion in total revenue by 2030. Fitting snugly around your wrist, ankle, fingers, and shall we say, other areas, these wearable devices aim to uplift the quality of life for the people who wear them.
People use these wearables to aid their mental health, dietary health, sexual health, and just their overall health and wellness at large. There is a plethora of these wearable technology devices on the market right now, but let’s take a look at five of the biggest names currently in the game.
1. Oura Ring
This sleek ring carries a big helping of features in a deceptively small and simple package. Essentially, the Oura serves as an all-in-one biometric health tracker, capable of monitoring important wellness metrics like:
- Sleep health data
- Body temperature
- Heart rate + HRV
- Menstrual cycles
- Blood oxygen
- Fitness data
This smart ring can seamlessly fit around your finger like any other ring, meaning that you’ll barely even notice its presence if you wear it while sleeping or working out. This ring has been clinically tried and tested (JMIR, Taylor & Francis) as an effective, discreet health tracker, integrated with your smartphone via the Oura mobile app.
Oura’s lowest-cost ring is currently priced at $299.99, with a 30-day return policy if you buy from the company directly. Its highest-valued smart ring, designed in collaboration with Gucci, is currently selling for $950.00 on its website. Before you buy, you can read our review to better understand if the Oura Ring is right for you!
2. Apollo Neuro
Many people are drawn toward meditation, yoga, and mindfulness exercises as a natural way to balance the parasympathetic nervous system, calm the body’s stress response, and to just cultivate a more aware, alert disposition across the board. The Apollo Neuro wearable aims to cultivate a similar nervous system response to the sort that some people get from meditation and yoga, through programmed vibration therapy.
The device’s seven modes all play on the idea that touch stabilizes the nervous system, as well as heart rate variability. While this mode of relief might sound unconventional, it has been developed by board-certified researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, and tested in 7 completed clinical trials, with 9 more currently ongoing.
(You can read more about them on the Apollo Neuro website’s study roundup page.)
In our view, the most promising early preliminary results point toward the wearable device’s efficacy in potentially alleviating anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. When worn for a minimum of three hours a day, five days a week, Apollo claims that this device will leave your nervous system feeling less stressed, less dysregulated, and more balanced.
You can currently get the Apollo Neuro for $349 at the lowest, and read our review to learn more about this wearable device’s pros and cons.
3. Eddie By Giddy
Developed by Giddy, an industry-leading provider of sexual health products, this horseshoe-shaped dingaling ring is essentially designed to keep healthy blood flow packed into your package during intimate moments.
Millions of men struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) in their sex lives, a condition diminishing the experience for themselves and their partners. Though medications like Viagra, Cialis, and BlueChew have been helpful in alleviating these symptoms for some people, they aren’t safe or effective for everyone.
This makes the need for a drug-free ED solution all the more prescient, which Eddie has sought to meet through its adjustable, dynamically fitting wearable. The device is meant to fit comfortably and promote comfortable blood flow without pinching too tight around your privates, and won’t interfere with condoms or contraceptives. It’s sold at different plans at different price points, but each plan includes:
- Free shipping in 5-7 business days
- 60-day money-back guarantee!
- Free size insurance (in case it doesn’t fit)
You can read our Eddie review to learn more about this wearable, and use the code “TAKE10” to get $10 off any purchase!
4. Veri
This FDA-backed glucose monitoring wearable will monitor more than just strictly your glucose. Like the Oura, these Veri wearable health sensors track a number of pertinent health biometrics, including:
- Weight management data
- Blood sugar levels
- Sleep issues and insomnia
- Fitness and workout data
This device is offered via doctor approval, and we feel that it’s a useful supplemental tool for diabetics and anyone looking to improve their diet. But you can read our review if you’re still on the fence, and need additional info to make up your own mind.
5. Fisher Wallace Stimulator
This research-driven device isn’t for the same kind of stimulation that the Eddie is, and it’s also meant to be worn around a different head than the Eddie. Rather, this band is designed to alleviate the symptoms of depression, insomnia, anxiety, and emotional distress via cranial stimulation.
This FDA-cleared wearable has been tested on over 1100 clinical participants, with no serious side effects or unpleasant discomfort reported. This device can be worn at home for a minimum of 20 minutes twice a day, and safely used in tandem with antidepressants or other prescribed psychiatric medications.
Fisher Wallace’s head wearable gently increases the brain’s serotonin, and lowers the presence of cortisol and other chemicals that exacerbate stress. The device normally sells for $499, but is currently selling for $299 on a limited inventory sale.
We hope this guide helped you wrap your head (or wrist, or ankle) around some of the industry’s top wearables!
