The world of wearable tech has been buzzing about smart rings for years, but only recently have they started to gain real traction. Oura, a Finnish company that’s been in the game longer than most, remains the industry leader. With the release of the Oura Ring 4, the company aims to solidify its position while fending off competition from tech giants like Samsung. But does this sleek little device justify its price tag and subscription fees?
A Sleeker Design, but Still a Ring
Oura has refined its design over the years, and the Ring 4 is the most polished version yet. The shift to a full titanium body ditches the previous epoxy resin interior, making it both lighter and more comfortable. The company has also made a notable effort to address a common complaint—rings tend to spin on your finger, which can mess with sensor accuracy.
The solution? A subtle notch inside the band to help users align the sensors properly. It’s not the prettiest addition, but it gets the job done. Plus, Oura has packed in more signal pathways—18 compared to 8 in the previous version—to improve data collection.
One unavoidable issue remains: smart rings can’t match the security and fit of a smartwatch. If your hands shrink or swell slightly throughout the day (which happens more than you think), sensor placement can shift. That’s something buyers should keep in mind.
More Data, But Pay Up for It
On paper, the Oura Ring 4 is packed with features. It tracks sleep, activity, heart rate, temperature, and even stress. The mobile app does a fantastic job of organizing this data, giving you a Readiness Score each morning and insights on how to improve your overall health.
But there’s a catch. Many of the ring’s best features—continuous heart rate tracking, SpO2 measurements, cycle tracking, and advanced sleep metrics—are locked behind a $5.99-per-month ($70 per year) subscription. Without it, you get a stripped-down experience that significantly reduces the ring’s value.
Some key takeaways on features:
- The Oura app is among the best in the wearables market, offering clear and digestible insights.
- Stress tracking is useful but can be inconsistent—some high-stress events don’t always register.
- Activity detection is hit-or-miss, occasionally mistaking routine movement (like climbing stairs) for workouts.
- Battery life is solid, with a promised seven to eight days per charge, depending on ring size.
Competition Is Heating Up
Oura may have been the first major player, but it’s no longer alone. The smart ring market is growing, and rivals are offering compelling alternatives—often without a subscription fee.
Here’s a comparison of Oura and its main competitors:
| Feature | Oura Ring 4 | Samsung Galaxy Ring | Ultrahuman Ring Air | RingConn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349-$499 | $400 | $350 | $279 |
| Subscription Required? | Yes ($5.99/month) | No | No | No |
| Battery Life | 7-8 days | 5-7 days | 6-7 days | 7 days |
| Stress Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Sleep Metrics | Yes (with subscription) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SpO2 & HRV Analysis | Yes (with subscription) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI & Data Insights | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, for example, comes in at $400 with no recurring fees, making it a serious threat. Meanwhile, smaller brands like Ultrahuman and RingConn are marketing themselves as “no-subscription” alternatives, which is likely to resonate with cost-conscious buyers.
The Subscription Dilemma
Wearable tech companies are increasingly relying on subscriptions to sustain their businesses, and Oura is no exception. The $70-a-year fee is a hard pill to swallow, especially when basic hardware functions—like continuous heart rate tracking—are locked behind it.
Oura’s argument is that the subscription supports ongoing software updates, research, and new features. And to be fair, the company has continuously improved its platform. It’s even partnered with Dexcom to integrate blood sugar data for diabetics, a move that could be groundbreaking.
But for the average user, the subscription can feel like an unnecessary burden, especially when competing devices offer similar data for free.
Should You Buy It?
The Oura Ring 4 is undeniably the best smart ring on the market. It’s sleek, comfortable, and packed with useful insights. But it’s also expensive, and the subscription model makes it even pricier over time.
If you already own the Oura Ring 3, the upgrade isn’t essential. If you’re new to smart rings, the decision comes down to priorities. If you want the most polished experience and don’t mind paying extra for it, Oura is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a solid alternative without recurring fees, there are now more options than ever.
