The Oura Ring 5: Embracing Simplicity for Enhanced Performance
If you’re diving into a review of the Oura Ring 5, you’re probably either a newcomer seeking a smartwatch alternative or an existing Oura user contemplating an upgrade. For those new to the scene, this smart ring serves as an excellent casual health tracker and stands out as the top option available. However, if you’re focused on detailed fitness metrics, it might not be the best fit. For current Oura users, there’s really no pressing need to upgrade.
The Oura Ring 4 was released less than two years ago, with the ceramic version debuting just a year back. These models brought significant enhancements over the Oura Ring Gen 3, both in software and sensor technology. In contrast, the Ring 5 primarily offers aesthetic changes. Think of it as a more compact and lighter version of the Oura Ring 4. The sensors remain unchanged, battery life is similar, and all software features are accessible without needing the Ring 5. While the sleeker design is impressive from an engineering standpoint, it doesn’t warrant the minimum $399 price tag if your current Oura Ring is still doing the job. Plus, that’s on top of the $6 monthly subscription you’re already paying.
Still on the fence? Here are more reasons to hold off on upgrading. Unless the larger ring feels uncomfortable due to smaller fingers, the differences are minimal. If your current ring is showing signs of wear, I’d actually suggest the ceramic Oura Ring 4. While my Oura Ring 5 has proven to be more durable than the non-ceramic Ring 4, it still picked up a few scratches after about a month and a half of use. (Keep in mind, I tend to be rough on my rings, so your experience may vary.) If you have the funds available through your FSA/HSA or can comfortably afford it, go for what makes you happy. With the Oura app now allowing multiple rings to be paired, you can easily switch between them, so your older Oura doesn’t have to end up as e-waste.
My main hardware concern with the Oura Ring 5 is its sizing. During my initial hands-on, I learned that the Ring 5 has a narrower size range compared to its predecessor, with sizes 4, 5, 14, and 15 not available. This decision seems to stem from Oura still evaluating demand, given the recent expansion of the Oura Ring 4’s size options. This is disappointing for accessibility, but it also reinforces that there’s not much functional difference between the 4 and 5 for users. Additionally, I’m let down that there’s no ceramic option for the 5.
Sizing can be tricky with smart rings since fingers can swell, and weight fluctuations can affect fit. Therefore, it’s wise to try out the latest sizing kit. For instance, I’ve lost a fair amount of weight, and while a size 9 fits perfectly in the Ring 5, my size 9 Ring 4 feels looser.
Another issue is Oura’s choice to sell the charging case as a $99 accessory rather than including it as the default charger. Charging cases are simply more convenient than docks, especially if you have a mischievous pet that likes to knock things off your nightstand. It’s also frustrating that if you purchased a charging case for the Ring 4, you’ll need to buy a new one for the Ring 5 due to the sizing differences between generations.
Moving on from hardware, Oura typically bundles new rings with a host of software updates, and this time is no exception. The latest features include:
* GLP-1 Insights
* Health Radar, which combines Symptom Radar with nighttime breathing patterns and blood pressure signals for a more comprehensive view of health changes
* Medical lab imports
* The ability to delete health data from specific time periods
* Enhanced live activity tracking
* A medical AI chatbot that connects you with a real doctor through Counsel Health
These features aren’t exclusive to the Ring 5, and most are optional. While I don’t mind the individual additions, they do contribute to a more cluttered experience within the Oura app.
I began my long-term testing of the Oura Ring back in 2019, when the app offered a straightforward experience focused on three main scores: activity, readiness, and sleep. After several redesigns and feature additions, the app now feels overloaded with data. One newer metric is nighttime breathing. While Oura has always tracked nighttime breathing disturbances, it now provides insights into your “prevailing pattern” over a 30-day span, along with factors like demographics, weight, activity levels, sleep regularity, and average sleep duration. It highlights areas for improvement and those you’re excelling in. While this sounds good in theory, locating this metric can be confusing as it’s buried within multiple screens.
Health Radar operates mostly in the background, surfacing insights on your Today tab, which I appreciate. However, since I haven’t experienced any significant health changes recently, I can’t comment on its accuracy just yet.
The most beneficial update for me has been GLP-1 Insights, especially if you’re new to the medication. I receive weekly dose reminders and can specify where I plan to inject (e.g., which arm, leg, or abdomen). I can also tag symptoms, and the AI provides context on whether what I’m experiencing is typical. My main issue is that to get the most out of this feature, you need to track and tag symptoms daily, which isn’t as helpful several months into my journey. It’s also less useful for those experiencing unusual side effects from the medication. For instance, Oura’s AI insights didn’t offer any advice for my ear popping, which, while not a direct side effect of GLP-1, is something many users encounter.
I’ve shared my thoughts on AI chatbots in fitness tracking apps before, and my skepticism remains. However, I do appreciate that the Oura app makes it easier to connect with a real doctor. (Note: The medical AI chatbot is included in your subscription, but any consultations or prescriptions will incur additional costs.) I find this feature suitable for quick questions that don’t require a doctor visit but need more reliability than a quick online search. For more serious health concerns, I still recommend finding a primary care physician you trust.
Ultimately, I keep coming back to the idea that “less is more” with Oura. This smart ring was already the best on the market, and it still holds that title, especially in terms of hardware. However, the primary appeal of smart rings over smartwatches is their simplicity. They offer no notifications, basic metrics, and a streamlined health tracking experience. While many of the new features are optional, the clutter is not. I understand that Oura may be trying to add value for subscribers by incorporating more health tracking features, but I question whether that’s truly necessary. Users were drawn to Oura for its minimalist approach, and right now, I’m starting to feel overwhelmed by the data from a device I once turned to for a simpler experience.
Agree to Continue: Oura Ring 5
Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we started counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate.
To use an Oura Ring, you must pair it with an iOS / Android smartphone. That includes the phone’s terms of service, privacy policy, and any other permissions you grant. You may also be asked to share permissions for location data, Bluetooth, etc.
By using the Oura Ring 5, you’re agreeing to these mandatory agreements:
* Oura Ring Terms of Use
* Oura Ring Health Privacy Policy
* Oura Teams Privacy Policy
There are several optional agreements for health sharing:
* If you integrate with Apple Health / Google Fit or third-party apps like Strava, you agree to their terms.
* You can select which metrics are shared to or read from Apple Health / Google Fit.
* You can agree to import workouts from other apps. If you do, you agree to that app’s terms as well as Apple Health / Google Fit.
* If you choose to use the Oura Ring for digital birth control with Natural Cycles, you will also have to agree to their terms, conditions, and privacy policies.
* If you choose to import medical labs, or use the Counsel AI medical chatbot, you also agree to their terms, conditions, and privacy policies.
* Choosing to partake in any research studies within the Oura Labs features also means you consent to share your data with Oura for further research.
Final tally: whatever your phone requires, three mandatory Oura policies, and at least four optional agreements for health sharing.
