Introduction: A Smart Ring for the Next Generation

If you’re reading this review, you likely fall into one of two camps: newcomers looking for a smartwatch alternative, or Oura users pondering an upgrade. In the case of the former, this is a great casual health tracker and the best smart ring on the market — but not your best choice if you really sweat the fitness details. If you fall into the latter, you don’t need to upgrade. The Oura Ring 5 is an iterative release that builds on the solid foundation of the Oura Ring 4, but it doesn’t offer enough new hardware to justify the jump for existing users.

I say this because the Oura Ring 4 came out less than two years ago. The ceramic version, of which I am a big fan, came out less than a year ago. These were major updates over the Oura Ring Gen 3, both in terms of software and in terms of sensors. Meanwhile, the Ring 5 is mostly an aesthetic update. You can think of this as a smaller and lighter Oura Ring 4. The sensors are the same, the battery life is roughly the same, and none of the software features are gatekept to the Ring 5. The smaller design is an engineering feat, but from a consumer perspective? It isn’t such a noticeable improvement that I’d advocate shelling out an extra $399 minimum if your current Oura Ring is working just fine. And that’s on top of the $6 monthly subscription you’re already paying.

Design and Build: Thinner, Lighter, but Not for Everyone

The Oura Ring 5 is noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor. The metal finish is also more durable, though after a month and a half of wear, I still saw a few nicks. If you’re rough on rings, the ceramic Oura Ring 4 might still be a better choice. The Ring 5’s design is sleek and comfortable, especially for those with smaller fingers. However, Oura has narrowed the size range: sizes 4, 5, 14, and 15 are not available. The company says it’s still assessing demand for these sizes, which is disappointing for accessibility. If you have particularly petite or large fingers, the Ring 5 might not fit.

The charging case is now a $99 accessory sold separately, rather than included with the ring. That’s a notable change. The case supports wireless charging, which is convenient, but it’s a extra expense. And the case is not compatible with the Oura Ring 4; you’ll need a new one if you upgrade. While I prefer a case over a dock (my cat has knocked over many docks), the added cost stings.

Software and Features: More Data, More Clutter

Oura bundles new rings with a host of software updates, and the Ring 5 is no exception. New features include GLP-1 Insights for those on weight-loss medications, Health Radar (a combo of Symptom Radar, nighttime breathing patterns, and blood pressure signals), medical lab imports, the ability to delete health data from a specific time period, improved live activity tracking, and a medical AI chatbot that can connect you with an actual doctor via Counsel Health. Best of all, these features are not exclusive to the Ring 5; they roll out to Oura Ring 4 owners as well.

While each feature is useful in isolation, the cumulative effect is a cluttered app. The Oura app used to be simple: three main scores for activity, readiness, and sleep. Now it’s packed with metrics like nighttime breathing patterns, stress levels, cardiovascular age, and AI-powered insights. I found the Health Radar feature works quietly in the background, surfacing insights only when necessary, which I appreciate. But the sheer amount of data can be overwhelming. The GLP-1 Insights, for example, require daily symptom tagging to be truly helpful, which is a burden for long-term users. The AI chatbot is fine for quick questions, but if you have an unusual side effect (like ear popping), it’s of limited use.

Battery Life and Performance

Battery life remains solid at around one week, depending on usage. The ring charges quickly, and the new case makes it easy to top up on the go. Performance is consistent, with accurate sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity detection. However, the ring’s sensors haven’t changed from the Ring 4, so don’t expect improvements in accuracy. If you’re happy with your Ring 4’s performance, there’s no reason to upgrade.

Who Should Buy the Oura Ring 5?

The Oura Ring 5 is best for newcomers to the smart ring world. If you want a lightweight, comfortable health tracker that prioritizes sleep and overall wellness, this is a solid choice. It’s also a good option if you’re coming from a smartwatch and want a less intrusive device. However, if you already own an Oura Ring 4 (or even a Gen 3), hold onto it. The differences are marginal, and the software features are coming to you anyway. Only upgrade if you absolutely must have the thinner design, or if your current ring is damaged or uncomfortable.

Sizing remains a challenge. I’ve lost weight over the past few months, and while a size 9 fits me perfectly in the Ring 5, my size 9 Ring 4 now feels loose. Finger size changes over time, so I recommend using the free sizing kit before ordering. The narrower size range is a potential dealbreaker for those with very small or very large fingers, and the lack of a ceramic option is a shame, as the ceramic Ring 4 was durable and scratch-resistant.

Price and Value

The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399, the same price as its predecessor. That’s premium for a smart ring, and the $6 monthly subscription adds up over time. While the ring delivers excellent software and hardware, the value proposition is weaker for existing users. If you’ve been eyeing a smart ring and don’t own one yet, the Oura Ring 5 is the best option available. But if you’re happy with a smartwatch or a simpler tracker, you might not need the extra cost.

The decision to sell the charging case separately is a sour note. For $99 extra, you get a wireless charger that’s more convenient than a dock, but it feels like a cash grab. Similarly, the absence of sizes 4, 5, 14, and 15 limits the ring’s accessibility. Oura says it’s assessing demand, but for now, some people simply cannot use this product.

The Bigger Picture: Oura’s Evolution

Oura has come a long way from its crowdfunding days. The Ring 1 was a niche gadget for sleep enthusiasts. The Ring 2 added activity tracking. The Gen 3 introduced subscription plans and a broader feature set. The Ring 4 refined sensors and added ceramic options. Now the Ring 5 focuses on software polish and a slightly improved form factor. This pace of innovation is typical for wearables, but it raises a question: how much more can Oura add without bloating the experience?

The company is banking on AI and health partnerships to deliver value. The Counsel Health integration is a step toward making the ring a medical device, albeit with caveats. The GLP-1 program taps into a growing market of weight-loss drug users. These moves make sense strategically, but they risk alienating the core audience: people who bought a smart ring because it was simple and non-intrusive. The more features Oura adds, the more it resembles a smartwatch without a screen.

Competitors like Samsung (with its Galaxy Ring) and Ultrahuman are also entering the space, offering no-subscription alternatives. Oura’s subscription model is a double-edged sword: it funds continuous software updates, but it also creates a recurring cost that competitors can undercut. For now, Oura remains the market leader due to its long history, proven algorithms, and loyal community. But the Ring 5 feels like a placeholder, a stopgap until the next major hardware revision.

Ultimately, the Oura Ring 5 is a refined version of a great product. If you’re new to smart rings, buy it with confidence. If you’re an existing user, wait for the Oura Ring 6 or until your current ring dies. The difference is not worth $399 plus a subscription. The best smart ring is still the one that fits your needs, and for most people, that’s whatever Oura ring they already own.

Source: The Verge News