Product Note: Oura Ring 4
Company Overview
Oura Health Oy is a Finnish health technology company founded in 2013 and headquartered in Oulu, Finland, with offices in Helsinki and San Francisco. The company is known for its innovative Oura smart ring that focuses on sleep and wellness tracking. Oura's mission is to help people better understand their bodies and reach their full potential through personalized insights and guidance.
Product Overview
The Oura Ring 4, released in October 2024, is the fourth-generation smart ring from Oura Health. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Oura Ring 4 features a sleek, minimalist design packed with advanced sensors for comprehensive health tracking.
Key strengths of the Oura Ring 4 include:
Smart Sensing technology with an algorithm that works alongside advanced sensors to deliver accurate, personalized data
Improved comfort with a fully titanium design and recessed sensors
Extended battery life of up to 7 days on a single charge
Expanded size range from 4 to 15 for a better fit
Enhanced sleep staging and body temperature sensing for more precise health insights
Integration with the redesigned Oura app for an improved user experience
However, like previous generations, the Oura Ring 4 still requires a monthly membership to access all features and health data. It also lacks some smartwatch-like features such as contactless payments and extensive smart home integration.
Here's a score comparison between the Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 3:
Oura Ring 4: 4.5/5
Oura Ring 3: 4/5
Comparison: The Oura Ring 4 builds upon the strengths of the Oura Ring 3 while introducing several key improvements. The Smart Sensing technology and updated algorithms in the Ring 4 promise even greater accuracy and personalization compared to the Ring 3. The fully titanium design and recessed sensors of the Ring 4 offer enhanced comfort and durability, addressing some of the design limitations of its predecessor.
Battery life sees a slight improvement in the Ring 4, with up to 7 days on a single charge compared to the 4-7 days of the Ring 3. The expanded size range of the Ring 4 (4-15) ensures a better fit for a wider range of users compared to the more limited size options of the Ring 3.
While both rings offer comprehensive sleep and health tracking, the Oura Ring 4's enhanced sleep staging and body temperature sensing, along with the redesigned Oura app, give it an edge in terms of the depth and actionability of the insights provided.
However, both the Oura Ring 4 and Ring 3 still require a monthly membership to access all features and health data, which may be a drawback for some users. The Ring 4's lack of smartwatch-like features such as contactless payments and extensive smart home integration is also similar to the Ring 3.
Overall, the Oura Ring 4 is a worthwhile upgrade for existing Oura users and a compelling choice for those new to smart rings, offering improved accuracy, comfort, and health insights. However, the Oura Ring 3 remains a strong contender, especially for those who may find the Ring 4's additional features less essential or who can find the Ring 3 at a lower price point.
Bottom Line
The Oura Ring 4, with its cutting-edge Smart Sensing technology, enhanced comfort, and advanced health tracking capabilities, solidifies Oura's position as a leader in the smart ring market. The device's key strengths lie in its accurate sleep and wellness insights, extended battery life, and seamless integration with the updated Oura app.
The Oura Ring 4 is best suited for individuals who prioritize in-depth sleep and health tracking in a discreet, comfortable form factor. It's an excellent choice for those seeking personalized guidance to optimize their well-being without the distractions or bulk of a smartwatch.
However, users who require more smartwatch-like features or prefer not to commit to a monthly membership may want to consider alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Ring or other fitness trackers. Nonetheless, for those who value advanced sleep and wellness monitoring above all else, the Oura Ring 4 is a top contender in the smart ring space.