Wearables are no longer just about smartwatches and fitness trackers. There are other rapidly growing categories in this space, ranging from neck fans to help keep you cool during the hot summer months to smart glasses so you look cool, can explore your surroundings, and capture memories. There are plenty of exciting items worth checking out in this category if you’re curious about what other wearables to consider adding to the mix.
Best Wearable for Keeping Cool: Torras Coolify 2S
Neck fans have become one of the hottest new wearables categories, largely thanks to the devices going viral on TikTok. When I vacationed in Italy a few years ago during the hot month of August, I noticed several people wearing these around their necks. When my son went to sleepaway camp earlier this summer, many of the kids had ones in their bags, too.
There are plenty of options with varying price points and features. One of the models that frequently appears on “best of” lists is the Torras Coolify 2S. This neck fan comes in four colours and provides 360° airflow with quiet operation. The best part is that you get up to 28 hours of use per charge, so it’s great to wear all day while you’re out exploring. At US$199, it doesn’t come cheap. But for those who live in areas where the weather can get very hot and humid, or travel often to places with such a climate, it’s worth every penny.
Best Smart Glasses for Exploration: Solos AirGo A5
While most of the attention is on the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses in this category, there are other options, too. I reviewed an earlier generation pair of Solos smart glasses and loved them, and the company has upped the ante with its latest Solos AirGo A5 smart glasses. Available in your own prescription, you can engage with SolosChat to learn more about the world around you, ideal for travelers exploring an unfamiliar city or country, hearing replies right from the glasses.
Along with AI smarts, they also include a 16MP camera for capturing photos and even videos as you explore. There’s live video streaming capability powered by ultra-low-power Wi-Fi. Translate signage, identify objects, and capture fleeting moments on the go. They will go on pre-sale starting August 2025 and will sell for US$249 (plus the cost of your prescription if desired).
Best Smart Ring For Augmenting Health & Wellness: Ultrahuman Ring Air
One of the best smart rings I have tried to date, the Ultrahuman Ring Air captures tons of data from the discreet ring worn on your index, middle, or ring finger. The PPG sensor tracks things like calories burned, detailed sleep data, skin temperature, heart rate and heart rate variability, stress, and more, everything captured and viewable in the companion app.
What’s unique about this ring compared to others is something called PowerPlugs, app plug-ins for tracking specific data that is important to you. This can range from female health cycles to Afib detection (subscription required), circadian rhythm, caffeine window, vitamin D, and more. It’s a highly personalized, comfortable smart ring with generous battery life for decent price of $349.
Best Wearable for Diabetes Management: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Glucose Sensor
The Abbott Freestyle Libre 3 Plus glucose sensor recently launched in Canada and offers a less invasive way for those who suffer from Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes to keep on top of their glucose levels. It’s a comfortable and discreet wearable that you can affix to the back of your upper arm. The sensor collects glucose data and provides readings in the companion smartphone app so you can track them in real time.
The sensor can be worn for up to 15 days, and you can choose to share your readings from the app with others, including family members or even healthcare professionals.
Best Wearable for Immersive Entertainment and Productivity: Apple Vision Pro
Apple launched its Vision Pro headset years ago, and while the expensive proposition isn’t for everyone, it’s an option to consider for those who love VR, AR, and truly immersive, futuristic experiences.
At WWDC 2025 in June 2025, Apple announced several enhancements to the headset through visionOS updates, including spatial widgets for things like clock, weather, music, and photos; shared spatial experiences with others who have their own headset in the same room; natural Personas that look totally lifelike; and more. For gamers, there’s also now support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller. Pop this headset on to watch a movie, chat with colleagues in other countries, or simply scroll while you enjoy your own personal oasis. It will sell you back at least $3,500, so start saving now.
The Wearables Category is Shifting
The wearables category is about much more than just wristworn devices. It’s diving into different health tech categories, providing new ways to explore, learn, and capture content, and enhancing your entertainment, communications, and gaming experiences.
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