Tech Reviews

Oura Ring 4 Review: Sleep Tracking and More

Oura Ring 4 offers a sleek design, advanced health tracking, and long battery life, but requires a $5.99/month subscription.

Oura Ring Generation 4 is better than the Samsung Galaxy Ring—if you subscribe to the $5.99/month membership. It’s more comfortable, has better health tracking, AI insights, and stress metrics. The design is sleek, durable, and available in six finishes. The app is detailed, battery life lasts around six days, and automatic workout tracking covers 40 activities.

However, it’s expensive, starting at $349 / £349, plus the ongoing subscription to unlock most features. Unlike competitors, which have no extra fees, Oura charges for updates. It’s a top-tier smart ring, but only worth it if you can afford the added costs.

Oura Ring 4 Specification

FeatureOura Ring 4
💰 CostStarts at $349
📏 Available Sizes4 to 15
🎨 Color OptionsGold, Rose Gold, Silver, Brushed Titanium, Black, Stealth
🔬 Tracking SensorsHeart rate, Blood Oxygen (SpO2), Skin Temperature, Motion Sensor
⚖️ Weight Range3.3g – 5.2g
📏 Ring ThicknessAbout 2.88mm
🔋 Battery DurationUp to 8 days
💳 Membership Fee$5.99 per month

Oura Ring 4 Price and availability

Oura Ring 4 starts at $349 / £349, with pricing for Australia yet to be confirmed. Some colors cost more, with Rose Gold being the most expensive at $499 / £499.

To access all features, you’ll need an Oura Ring Membership, which costs $5.99 per month. A one-month free trial is included with the purchase. Without the subscription, many advanced features remain locked.

Samsung Galaxy Ring, a key competitor, costs $399 / £399 (around AU$750) but doesn’t require a subscription. Other smart rings are similarly priced or cheaper. While the Oura Ring’s subscription isn’t overpriced, it can be frustrating to pay extra just to access your own data.

Oura Ring 4 Design and Comfort

It has a simple, elegant design made of durable titanium. It comes in Black, Silver, Brushed Silver, Gold, Stealth (gray), and Rose Gold. The ring has a notch on the underside to indicate how it should be worn.

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Ring, it has a traditional ‘straight’ wedding ring design without a concave surface. It’s tough but may get light scratches over time, so it’s best to be careful, especially in the gym.

The key update is the flat sensors on the underside, replacing the previous nodes. These sensors are better at detecting signals and make the ring more comfortable to wear, especially at night. The Oura Ring 4 is also thicker than regular rings but still comfortable during both day and night use.

There are more size options now, ranging from 4 to 15, with larger sizes offering up to eight days of battery life. The app has been redesigned for easier navigation, with content organized into three tabs: Today, Vitals, and My Health. It’s user-friendly and lets you easily view and break down your health data.

Oura Ring 4 Features and Tracking

Oura Ring 4 is more than just a health monitor—it now tracks up to 40 types of workouts automatically. While it doesn’t have built-in GPS, it can use your phone’s GPS if enabled.

Its three main scores—Sleep, Activity, and Readiness—offer detailed breakdowns. Activity tracking includes factors like movement, calorie goals, and training frequency. The unique Timeline feature lets you add custom tags, such as ‘yoga’ or ‘alcohol,’ creating a personal health journal.

You can also track trends over time like deep sleep or heart rate variability. New metrics include Resilience, which measures stress response and Cardiovascular Age which compares your heart health to your actual age.

The app also features Oura Advisor, an AI tool that provides fitness and health advice. Women’s Health tracking is reportedly accurate and all previous Oura app features remain available. Overall, it’s packed with useful tools for health-conscious users.

Oura Ring 4 Performance

Oura Ring 4 delivers solid performance. Its battery lasted about five and a half days with regular use, including workouts. It’s comfortable to wear, and I only removed it occasionally, like when washing dishes.

The ring automatically detected two runs and provided stats similar to my smartwatch, though without detailed stride and cadence data. Sleep tracking was highly accurate, correctly logging wake times and quality of sleep. I used the Timeline feature to tag a night spent away from home, which I can reuse in the future.

The app’s metrics are easy to navigate, though some, like Cardiovascular Age, require about two weeks to generate. The built-in meditation content is comparable to other mindfulness apps like Calm, making for an enjoyable experience.

Oura Ring 4 Battery Life

Battery life of the Oura Ring 4 is impressive; depending on usage, it can last up to six days between charges. Rings that are larger may last up to eight days. It meets expectations and performs well in comparison to other wearables, despite not having the longest battery life in the market.

Oura Ring 4 Pricing and Subscription

The pricing structure of the Oura Ring 4 is its biggest drawback. With a base price of $349 or £349, it is a high-end product. However, users must pay $5.99 a month to become a member of Oura Membership in order to access the majority of features. Without it, you can only see basic Readiness, Activity, and Sleep scores.

By contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is expected to cost $399 / £399 but does not require a subscription. While Oura’s software is top-notch, ongoing payments make it less appealing for budget-conscious buyers. Other fitness wearables, like Garmin and Fitbit, offer free trials for their premium services, whereas Oura provides only a one-month free trial.

Pros and Cons of Oura Ring 4

ProsCons
✨ Stylish and comfortable titanium design🚶‍♂️ Step tracking can be inaccurate
🎨 Wide range of sizes and finishes💰 Requires a paid subscription
🔋 Improved battery life⚠️ Prone to scratches over time
📱 Comprehensive and user-friendly app

Conclusion: Is the Oura Ring 4 Worth It?

Oura Ring 4 is an outstanding smart ring with excellent health tracking, a comfortable design, and a great app experience. However, its mandatory subscription limits accessibility. If you’re willing to pay for ongoing membership, it’s the best smart ring available. But if you prefer a one-time purchase, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Ring might be a better fit.

Beautiful, comfortable and packed with health features, Oura Ring 4 is an excellent fitness tracker. However, the required subscription hurts its overall value.

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