The Oura Ring 4 has arrived, cementing Oura's position as the leader in smart ring technology. But with increased competition and a higher price tag, is it still the top choice for health-conscious consumers?
Design and Comfort Improvements
The Oura Ring 4 brings some notable design changes:
- All-titanium construction, replacing the resin interior of previous models
- Recessed sensors for a flatter, more comfortable inner surface
- Expanded size range (4-15) to fit more users
- Fully circular design across all models
These refinements result in a more comfortable wearing experience, especially for those with sensitive fingers or who experienced issues with the sensor bumps on older models.
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| A comparison of the Oura Ring 4 and Gen 3, showcasing design upgrades |
Enhanced Tracking Capabilities
Oura has introduced Smart Sensing with the Ring 4:
- 18 sensor signal pathways (up from 8)
- Improved accuracy for blood oxygen and breathing disturbance detection
- Better compensation for natural ring rotation
- Expanded automatic activity detection for up to 40 activities
While the accuracy improvements may be subtle for many users, the expanded activity tracking is a significant upgrade for those who prefer not to manually log workouts.
Battery Life and Charging
The Oura Ring 4 boasts improved battery life:
- Up to 7-8 days on a single charge (varies by ring size)
- New metal charging dock (though still not as convenient as competitors' charging cases)
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| The elegant charging dock for the Oura Ring 4, emphasizing its improved charging features |
Software and App Experience
Oura continues to lead in software:
- Redesigned app with three main tabs: Today, Vitals, and My Health
- Frequent feature updates and new health metrics
- Strong focus on scientific validation and research partnerships
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| The Oura app interface showcasing vibrant health metrics and features |
The Subscription Question
The elephant in the room remains Oura's $6 monthly / $70 annual subscription. While it provides access to advanced features and insights, it's a significant ongoing cost that some competitors don't require.
Pricing and Availability
- Starting price: $349 (up $50 from the previous generation)
- Available now in six finishes (prices vary by finish)
- No trade-in program for existing Oura users (10% discount for current members)
Should You Buy It?
The Oura Ring 4 is undoubtedly the most refined smart ring on the market, with best-in-class software and health tracking. For new users focused on sleep and recovery metrics, it's a compelling option. However, existing Oura Ring 3 owners may find little reason to upgrade, given that most software improvements will be available on their current device.
The decision ultimately comes down to whether you're willing to pay a premium price and ongoing subscription for what is currently the most advanced smart ring experience. As competition heats up, particularly from tech giants like Samsung, Oura will need to continue innovating to justify its higher cost of entry and ownership.
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| The premium packaging of the Oura Ring 4, reflecting its status as a top-tier smart ring |