5 Best Silicone Rings 2023, Tested by Experts

Nov 25, 2023

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These well-designed options were tested in real-world gym settings to replace wedding bands and other delicate rings.

Silicone rings can provide stylish-yet-hardy protection against accidental (and painful!) weightlifting damage (especially to wedding rings) in the gym or at home. Fitness aficionados who frequently train their muscles are often handling heavy, bulky equipment that doesn't mix well with delicate metallic finishes or flawless gemstones — silicone rings, then, are made for stress-free use during powerlifting sessions. They're also casual in other situations where you may be worried about damage or theft (traveling abroad, for example!). And those who use their hands for work (think: chefs, surgeons, mechanics!) often find that the right silicone ring can be a trendy tool during long days at work.

Fitness experts within the Good Housekeeping Institute have coordinated tests on dozens of popular silicone rings, putting them through rigorous exercise routines as well as everyday use in real-world settings. We evaluated technical aspects like stretch and resilience, unique finishes as well as size inclusivity, price points and availability — and then sent rings to the gym with testers to measure how comfortable they felt during extended wear, as well as their versatility throughout the day. Each of our top-tested picks works as well for weightlifters as they do for parents and caregivers, for example, who wear silicone rings while cleaning, cooking and even swimming — all instances where fine jewelry may be at risk for undue wear and tear.

You can read more about how we evaluate silicone rings in our Lab and our real-world testers — plus, all the info you'll need to shop for the best silicone ring for you or a loved one — at the end of this guide. Follow along to shop rings that are best for handling dumbbells, lifting for upper back strength, as well as other options for weightlifting newcomers.

Receiving top scores and glowing reviews from our testers, Qalo's women's classic ring incorporates a classic silhouette available in a myriad of colors and different finishes. Our pros love that lab testers indicated that Qalo's semi-thick silicone bands were the most comfortable to wear on an extended basis, making them an ideal choice for those who want to use a silicone ring outside the gym as well. The medium profile of this ring and its smooth finish make it easy to stack with other jewelry you like to wear on a regular basis.

It's important to note that hands-on evaluations revealed that Qalo's classic silicone ring designs didn't have the most grip compared to other options in this guide. But its sleek matte finish makes it easier to put on and remove than most — and doesn't trap sweat or moisture between skin and the ring itself. The ring's matte finish feels more luxe and well-finished than shiny, rubber-like competitors on the market. Qalo also notes that its rings support up to 17 lbs of force in the gym, known as tensile strength.

"I love how chic they look without the normal shiny silicone look," one tester remarked. "These are perfect for travel!"

With a unisex design and finishing options that mimic traditional gold and silver wedding rings, Enso's classic ring earned top marks in tests for its snug, comfortable fit in the gym. Our pros love that this option seamlessly integrates into weightlifting routines as testers noted the Enso ring felt weightless during comprehensive workouts. This feedback remained true for activities outside the gym, swimming included. While silicone rings can sometimes border on being too tight, especially during vigorous activity, Enso's model remained reasonably pliant and comfortable, with most testers indicating they were true to their traditional ring size.

Wearing this style all day long (outside of workouts) is best for those who are looking for metallic motifs meant to substitute for wedding rings directly. The ring's design may seem a bit too glossy and iridescent for those who aren't looking for a wedding band substitution. But given there are plenty of designs to choose from in Enso's standard classic-width band, shoppers can opt for a more neutral color or finish should they wish.

Our pros love that Enso offers a lifetime warranty on its rings, including ones that are customized and engraved. It covers any discoloration caused by friction or heavy use, as well as tears, rips or straight breaks if they occur.

Groove Life's Aspire ring model is made with a thin profile that's extremely close to the likeness of a traditional wedding band, also available in a range of smaller sizes that may be best suited for women. In Lab tests, we saw top marks for the ring's lightweight comfort during extended wear, as there's a unique interior ridge lining that provides continuous air circulation throughout the day. Made from an elastomer blend that minimizes the amount of silicone in its exterior finish, the Aspire ring feels extremely durable during exercise activity and moves with you when you're flexing during weightlifting.

While accumulating dust and crud may be more noticeable on some of the muted designs, cleaning the ring is straightforward, with the brand indicating that its rings can even be tossed into the dishwasher. Available in countless designs as well as muted tones in its similarly sized Solid Thin ring, testers indicated that Groove Life's rings were the most complimentary towards their wardrobe during the day, and seamlessly transitioned from the gym or office to more casual social settings. "I'm impressed by how realistic some of the bands look when compared to a metal ring," one tester noted. "You'd never be able to tell the difference from afar!"

A budget-friendly option that leans towards more of a casual look, stackable silicone rings made by Qalo's can be worn two to three at a time, incorporating bands casted in unique shapes and patterns as well as distinct raised textures.

For those who wear more delicate wedding bands and find thicker rings stifling or uncomfortable, Qalo's low-profile stackable silicone rings provide many of the same benefits without the width of a regular band, and can be worn alone for maximized comfort. Its thin 2mm bandwidth does allow wearers to stack more than one of its geometric designs for a comprehensive look; finishes range from shimmering metallic to polished matte, and can be mixed and matched.

Our experts noted that some of the geometric band designs — including rounded, braided bands — may be more prone to slipping and movement along the finger, especially during exercise. Due to the decrease in the band's surface size, the grip that some of the other rings in this guide provide doesn't always translate to this stackable ring.

ThunderFit's classic men's rings are made with interior ridge design that aims to increase airflow and reduce trapped moisture. Unisex options may not be the best for those with larger hands, which is why ThunderFit's men's range comes in extended ring sizes that range up to a full 16, as well as some half sizes available for truly customized fits. While there aren't as many printed designs available, there are metallic finishes for individuals who wish to make a true swap for their wedding bands while working out, doing housework or even traveling.

This band maintains a rather wide profile, despite being designed to sit as close to the ring finger as possible. Its grip during vigorous activity is comprehensive given its size.

The fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test workout equipment and accessories ranging from yoga mats to fitness trackers, and workout leggings to supportive gym tops. We vetted each of the silicone rings featured here for comfort, durability and performance, and considered available style finishes and price points for consumers. Our experts have reviewed more than 12 best-selling silicone rings on the market by tapping a panel of testers to provide real-world feedback on each ring design.

Testers were asked to evaluate the rings' grip, extended comfort and durability in the gym during weightlifting sessions, given that most shoppers intend to use silicone rings during fitness routines. Tests were also conducted in everyday scenarios where functionality is key. Rings were evaluated for their design and comfort during home cooking sessions, house cleaning and repair, laundry, driving, gardening, knitting, typing, washing dishes and even while bathing or swimming. GH pros evaluated feedback from more than 10 real-world testers in our latest test to help make these selections.

You'll need to consider a silicone ring that's designed for fitness use alone or a more stylish counterpart for extended use. There are a few other important factors you'll need to take into account as well.

✔️ Size: While silicone and fine jewelry ring sizes are indeed the same, metal by nature is different from the stretchy, adaptable material that is used for silicone rings. Most manufacturers advertise that their rings stretch over time to provide a custom fit to the wearer's chosen finger. Meaning, at first, a silicone ring may feel exceedingly tight or restrictive for some. Most silicone rings also do not come in half sizes; and while some brands offer sizing activities and resources to ensure you find a good fit before making a purchase, often they choose to tell customers to size up or down based on their ring's molding. It's crucial to check for these instructions as too large of a ring may lead to slippage during workouts or vigorous activity, whereas rings that are sized too small can easily lead to discomfort.

✔️ Design: Many of the products featured in this guide are designed with interior band ridges and tracks that aim to reduce the amount of moisture trapped between your finger and the silicone ring itself. Solid silicone bands often prompt more sweating than those with special designs that aim to reduce the contact surface with your skin. If you know that you prefer thinner ring bands due to sweaty fingers, choosing a ring with a special interior breathability feature is key.

✔️ Price: There's a wide array of prices for rings sold online, in particular. While most of the rings on our list sit at between $20 and $35, there are more economical options available. Our pros have learned that in the case of silicone rings, you often get what you pay for — meaning cheaper silicone rings may not be as durable and resilient, requiring frequent turnover for newer bands due to a loss of shape. Rings priced upwards of $20, however, may also feature warranty offerings that include coverage for loss and theft, which makes them all the more worth it in the end.

✔️ Style and silhouette: If you're looking for a traditional swap for a wedding band, most silicone rings are designed in the same minimalist profile, available in semi-metallic finishes that can mimic gold and silver rings you already wear. But there are more intricate designs available that can substitute for engagement rings as well as stackable bands that are more casual for those who prefer costume jewelry or an everyday look. All the brands featured in this guide provide upwards of 20+ different styles in a myriad of combinations, with unique prints, colors and even finishes to consider for your own look. Stackable rings are also made in very distinct shapes and textures, leaning towards the geometrical patterns that silicone rings are now easily recognized for.

More often than not, gym goers choose to swap out their wedding rings or other fine jewelry for silicone bands for safety reasons and to avoid unintentional damage. When weightlifting, exposing fine metallic wedding bands to texturized grips or other machinery can lead to scratching, discoloration, tarnishing or even accidental breakage, a costly mistake. Silicone rings, on the other hand, can handle the extreme pressure levied on them with ease — and they're sweat resistant during other physical activities, too. Unlike traditional rings, silicone bands are designed to break at a certain point, a feature known as their tensile strength. Well-made silicone rings will break first if they're caught on something, for example, before serious damage is caused to your finger's skin, flesh or bone; the same can't always be said for rings made of metal.

Silicone rings are typically affordable, especially compared to traditional jewelry rings, and are cheap to replace. They tend to come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and some can offer alluring shimmer and shine to look strikingly close to a standard ring. They are soft and flexible and can withstand workouts, washing dishes and other tasks for busy hands.

As a busy working mother, Sassos also find that silicone rings are great for wearing around while doing household tasks and out and about with her toddler. They vary in thickness level which ultimately comes down to your comfort and personal taste.

Silicone rings are also a great way to protect valuable jewelry while traveling or taking part in activities that would put your fine jewelry at risk; think of activities like swimming, for example. They can be worn in the ocean or in the pool, while hiking or rock climbing, as well as on adventure excursions while on vacation. They're a great way to signal commitment without putting wedding bands or engagement rings at risk of damage, loss or theft.

Most manufacturers have clear instructions on their storefront pages about their approach to sizing. Enso's silicone ring products, for example, are designed to slowly stretch to accommodate the circumference of your finger; the manufacturer tells its customers they can expect comfort to develop once the ring has been worn for a few days' time. Sizing down if you are normally a half size may help to avoid bands that are too big, which are prone to slipping off or up your finger during weightlifting or other vigorous activity where sweat or moisture is involved.

As a NASM-certified personal trainer, Stefani Sassos uses her expertise and exercise science knowledge to create informed fitness content for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Stefani has been working in the fitness industry for the past 10 years, specializing in indoor cycling and strength training. From vigorously testing exercise equipment to curating workout plans for Good Housekeeping readers, Stefani is passionate about leading an active lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. She has been wearing silicone rings consistently for the past five years during her workouts and also finds them useful as a mom to an active toddler.

In his role as Health Editor, Zee Krstic works hand in hand with analysts in the Good Housekeeping Institute to highlight consumer-facing input from leading health experts; he interweaves doctors' and healthcare providers' key expertise into shopping guides to better educate readers. He also independently reviews new products in the wellness space for Good Housekeeping, which he has done previously for Martha Stewart Living and Cooking Light.

Zee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. Prior to joining GH in 2019, Zee fostered a nutrition background as an editor at Cooking Light and is continually developing his grasp of holistic health through collaboration with leading academic experts and clinical care providers. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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