Leave precious jewelry at home and use these cute, comfy rings when working out instead.
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Though you may never want to take off your wedding band or engagement ring, there are times when it’s best to leave precious jewelry at home to prevent any damage. A silicone ring can step in as a convenient replacement when you’re traveling, lifting weights at the gym or even cleaning the house. Silicone is not only more affordable than common metals found in rings like gold, silver or platinum, but it’s also durable and scratch-resistant so you won’t have to worry about banging up your ring during an intense sweat session at the gym. Below you’ll find the best silicone rings according to fitness experts and enthusiasts, featuring sizes and styles suitable for both men and women.
The fitness pros and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test the best accessories for working out, from top-rated dumbbell sets to phone holders, earbuds, running shoes and more. We put dozens of silicone rings to the test by exercising in them and wearing them in the real world throughout our daily routines. We also reviewed each product for various factors like price, stretch and resilience, style and color options and fit. Lastly, we asked our consumer testers to share feedback on their experience wearing silicone rings, including whether or not they fit properly and were comfortable to wear during activity.
Once you’ve checked out our top picks, continue scrolling to learn whether silicone rings are worth it for you and what to look for when shopping for one.
Receiving top scores and glowing reviews from our testers, Qalo's women's classic ring has a simple silhouette available in a myriad of colors and different finishes. Testers reported that Qalo's semi-thick silicone bands were 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. Plus, the ring's medium profile and its smooth finish make it easy to stack with other jewelry.
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 it doesn't trap sweat or moisture. The ring's matte finish feels more luxe and well-finished than shiny, rubber-like competitors on the market. "I love how chic they look without the normal shiny silicone look," one tester said. "These are perfect for travel!" GH Institute Nutrition and Fitness Lab Director Stefani Sassos also points out that Qalo has a whole line of silicone jewelry, including cute bracelets, earrings and more to complete the look.
This super-thin silicone ring is the perfect pick for fans of dainty jewelry. Not only is it affordable, but it enables you to leave your engagement ring or wedding band safe and sound while cooking, working out or running errands. Made for smaller hands, sizing starts at 3.5 and includes half sizes to help you find the best fit. Our pros appreciate that the rings are available in a variety of colors and their slim design makes them easily stackable so you can wear multiple on the same finger. One online reviewer says: "These rings are great for hiking, playing sports, working out and any other physical activity where you don’t want to lose your nice wedding ring or risk getting it damaged or dirty. They’re so cute and comfy, I forget I have them on!"
Though it’s available in classic metal shades like black, grey, silver and bronze as well as other colors, don’t let this ring fool you. It’s made entirely of silicone. Online reviewers rave about it for its durability, comfort and flexibility, and our pros find the wider 8mm design to be the perfect stand-in for a wedding band. “These rings are great," says one consumer tester. "They have a nice look and feel and a very reasonable price.”
They’re also the perfect choice for working professionals who cannot wear metal or anyone seeking a more comfortable alternative. “My husband works with his hands a lot for work, so these are perfect and give him peace of mind that they will stretch and/or break before his finger does if it were to get caught on something,” says another online reviewer. We also love that you can purchase the ROQ rings in packs of four or seven to not only save some money but also to alternate among colors.
With a unisex design and finish 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. Testers noted the Enso ring felt weightless during comprehensive workouts, so we love that this option seamlessly integrates into weightlifting routines. This feedback remained true for activities outside the gym, swimming included. While silicone rings can sometimes feel too tight, especially during vigorous activity, Enso's remained reasonably pliant and comfortable, with most testers indicating they were true to their traditional ring size.
This style is best for those who are looking for a metallic finish meant to look like a wedding ring due to the shine. 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 is made with a thin profile that's extremely close to the likeness of a traditional wedding band. It's available in a range of smaller sizes that may be best suited for women. In Lab tests, it earned top marks for its lightweight comfort during extended wear. It features a unique interior ridge pattern 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 and moves with you while weightlifting.
While accumulated dirt may be more noticeable on some of the light-colored designs, cleaning the ring is straightforward. They can even be tossed into the dishwasher. Available in dozens of designs, testers shared that Groove Life's rings complimented their wardrobes during the day and seamlessly transitioned from the gym to the 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!" For more muted color options, check out the brand's similarly sized Solid Thin ring,
Thin and elegant, this budget-friendly option can be stacked thanks to its 3.3mm thickness. The collection incorporates bands cast 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.
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.
ThunderFit's classic men's rings are made with an interior ridge design that aims to increase airflow and reduce trapped moisture, making them a go-to for fitness enthusiasts. While the brand offers unisex options, our pros like ThunderFit's men's collection for anyone with larger hands. It comes in extended ring sizes up to 16 as well as some half sizes for a customized fit. Though there aren't as many printed designs available, there are metallic finishes for those who wish to swap their wedding bands while working out or traveling.
This band maintains a rather wide profile and, according to our pros, its grip during vigorous activity is excellent given its size. "As someone with an active lifestyle, this ring has proven itself to be a five-star solution for comfort, durability and style," one online reviewer shares.
The fitness experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test workout equipment and accessories ranging from yoga mats and fitness trackers to workout leggings and supportive gym tops. We vetted each of the silicone rings featured above for comfort, durability and performance and considered available finishes and price points for consumers. Our experts have reviewed more than a dozen best-selling silicone rings by tapping a panel of testers to provide real-world feedback on each ring design.
Most shoppers intend to use silicone rings during fitness routines, so testers were asked to evaluate the rings' grip, extended comfort and durability in the gym during weightlifting sessions. 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 bathing and swimming. GH pros evaluated feedback from more than 10 real-world testers in our latest test to help make these selections.
✔️ 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 share that silicone rings stretch over time to provide a custom fit to the wearer's chosen finger. Meaning, at first, a silicone ring may feel tight or restrictive for some. Most silicone rings also do not come in half sizes; and while some brands offer sizing resources to ensure you find a good fit before making a purchase, brands often advise customers to size up or down based on the specific 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. Solid silicone bands often cause 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: While most of the rings on our list sit between $20 and $35, there are more economical options available. That said, we've found you often get what you pay for. Cheaper silicone rings may not be as durable or 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. Many are available in semi-metallic finishes that can mimic gold and silver, but there are more intricate designs available that can substitute for engagement rings or more casual stackable bands. All the brands featured in this guide provide upwards of 20 different styles in a myriad of combinations, with unique prints, colors and finishes to consider.
Often, 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 metal wedding bands to texturized grips or other machinery can lead to scratching, discoloration, tarnishing or even accidental breakage. Silicone rings can handle extreme use with ease — and they're sweat-resistant. Unlike traditional rings, silicone bands are designed to break at a certain point, a feature known as tensile strength. Well-made silicone rings will break if they're caught on something before serious damage is caused to your finger; the same can't always be said for metal rings.
Silicone rings are typically affordable, especially compared to traditional 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 finds that silicone rings are great to wear while doing household tasks and out and about with her toddler. They vary in thickness, and which you choose ultimately comes down to 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 like swimming, for example. They can be worn in the ocean or the pool, while hiking or rock climbing and 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 rings, for example, are designed to slowly stretch to accommodate the circumference of your finger; the manufacturer tells its customers they can expect a more comfortable fit once the ring has been worn for a few days. If you normally wear a half size, sizing should help you avoid bands that are too big.
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. 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 former role as Health Editor, Zee Krstic worked 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.
This guide was most recently updated by product analyst and writer, Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from tech to fitness, travel, lifestyle, home and more.
Zee Krstic is a content strategy manager for Hearst Magazines, focusing on SEO optimization and other editorial strategies for four brands, including Country Living, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor and VERANDA. He previously served as Health Editor for Good Housekeeping between 2019 and 2023, covering health news, diet and fitness trends as well as executing wellness product reviews in conjunction with the Good Housekeeping Institute. Prior to joining Hearst, Zee fostered a strong background in women's lifestyle media with eight plus years of editorial experience, including as a site-wide editor at Martha Stewart Living after developing a nutrition background as an assistant editor at Cooking Light. Zee produces service-based health coverage, as well as design and travel content, for Hearst brands on a contributor basis; he has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications.
Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
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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