The Evolution of the Oura Ring: A Hands-On Look at the New Oura Ring 5
Wherever I go, whatever I do, people often point at my finger and ask, “Is that an Oura Ring?” Many appreciate its sleek design and express their interest in switching from a smartwatch to a smart ring. However, some still scrunch up their noses and declare, “Hm. Maybe when it’s lighter or smaller.”
Fortunately, the newly announced Oura Ring 5 addresses these concerns. Priced at $399, the latest iteration is 40 percent smaller than its predecessor, the Oura Ring 4. The new model measures just 6.09 mm wide—down from 7.9 mm—and 2.29 mm thick, reduced from 2.88 mm. Depending on the size, it weighs between 2 to 2.69 grams. One might wonder whether the difference is noticeable between such tiny devices, but slipping the Oura Ring 5 off a stand and into my palm shows an immediate contrast. It feels noticeably slimmer on my finger as well.
The design remains familiar; however, Oura has re-engineered the ring to feature stronger LEDs and optimized battery life, which now lasts between six to nine days. Additionally, the titanium material and IP68 weather resistance mean it’s built to withstand various conditions, while the updated coating is reportedly more resistant to scratches than previous models. The optional charging case has also received an upgrade, now accommodating five full charges and supporting wireless chargers. The new “deep rose” color introduces a coppery rose gold hue, diverging from the traditional pink.
The Oura Ring 4 in ceramic on my middle finger. The Oura Ring 5 is on my index finger.
Despite its advancements, the Oura Ring 5 does have a few caveats. Users are encouraged to verify their ring size using a new sizing kit before upgrading. Due to redesigned components, some may find themselves in an “in-between” size that requires an adjustment to a larger or smaller dimension for comfort. Additionally, while the Oura Ring 4 was available in sizes 4 to 15, the new version will only be offered in sizes 6 to 13. This decision stems from the company still assessing the demand for the newer sizes after the Oura Ring 4’s recent launch at the end of 2024. Another disappointment is the absence of a ceramic option for the Oura Ring 5.
On the software front, Oura has rolled out several updates alongside the new hardware. Building upon the Symptom Radar feature, which detects early health changes, they have introduced the Health Radar suite. This includes nighttime blood pressure and breathing trends, the ability to import medical records, and a collaboration with Council AI to provide a medical chatbot. These features are designed to flag significant health changes without requiring users to check each metric daily.
For those focused on metabolic health, Oura has included GLP-1 insights, helping users monitor dosages and side effects while tracking how the medication may impact metrics, such as a slight increase in resting heart rate. Users can now also upload lab test results into the app and consult the AI chatbot regarding their findings—albeit with the caveat that AI health features can sometimes provide inaccurate information, so consulting a healthcare professional remains vital.
The $99 charging case (sold separately) is getting a minor upgrade. The new one (left) now supports wireless chargers.
In terms of fitness features, live activity tracking is also set to improve with the Oura app. Users will now be able to pair third-party heart rate monitors, along with viewing real-time metrics. Additionally, similar to other notable health tech companies, Oura is launching a research initiative called the Brain Health Study. Users may opt to share their data as Oura investigates how various metrics correlate with cognitive performance.
This type of sensitive information collection raises concerns, especially following Oura’s previous controversy regarding its partnership with Palantir. The company now promises expanded options for users wishing to delete their data. A new feature called Time-based Data Deletion will allow individuals to erase their information from specific time periods should they choose.
The Oura Ring 5 is available for preorder at Oura, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers starting today, priced at $399 for the black and silver options and $499 for other color choices. It is expected to ship on June 4th, coinciding with the launch of the Brain Health Study. The rest of the software enhancements will be introduced in June.
For a deeper dive into this innovative wearable technology and its accompanying features, visit the full article Here.
Photography by Victoria Song / The Verge
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
