After two weeks of using the Oura Ring 4, it’s clear that this sleek, smart device is much more than just an accessory. It offers a practical way to understand how sleep, stress, and exercise impact daily life, making it a compelling choice for health-conscious users. Now available in stores and online, the Oura Ring 4 impresses with its comfortable design, upgraded sensors, and improved battery life, making it easier to gather insights about your body. Priced at $349, users can also subscribe for $5.99 a month (or $69.99 annually) to unlock the app's full suite of features.
The Oura Ring 4 builds on the success of its predecessor with smoother sensors and a more ergonomic fit, while offering 12 sizes and six different finishes. Despite its premium feel, users may experience slight scratching with everyday use, and while the company claims an eight-day battery life, real-world use might see slightly less. However, with battery performance still superior to most smartwatches, this wearable holds its own as a reliable health-tracking tool.
For first-time users like myself, the setup was straightforward but not without its challenges. I opted for the silver model to match my accessories and used the Oura sizing kit, although my initial sizing was slightly off. Even with a slightly larger ring, I found it comfortable for all-day wear, including during activities like handwashing and writing.
Setting up the device was seamless—charging the ring, downloading the app, and pairing it with my iPhone took just a few minutes. From there, I was ready to dive into the app’s features.
The Oura Ring 4 really shines through its redesigned app, which organizes data into three key tabs: Today, Vitals, and My Health. The Today tab delivers bite-sized updates, perfect for quick check-ins throughout the day, while the Vitals tab digs deeper into detailed data, especially regarding sleep. The My Health tab focuses on long-term trends like heart health and stress resilience, although these insights only become available after several weeks of data collection.
One of the highlights of the Oura app is its ability to present health data in an easy-to-understand format. It breaks down complex metrics, like sleep latency, into terms that make sense even for those unfamiliar with technical jargon. The app also responds intelligently to your daily health, adjusting your activity goals based on how well-rested or stressed you are.
The ring itself fits seamlessly into daily life. With a sleek, minimalist design and water resistance, it’s comfortable enough to wear 24/7, even through activities like showering or exercising.
While the Oura Ring 4 delivers on comfort and functionality, it’s not without its drawbacks. After just two weeks, I noticed minor scratches on the surface. Oura advises users to wear the ring on their non-dominant hand and avoid high-friction situations, but it’s still something to keep in mind. Additionally, while Oura advertises an eight-day battery life, I found it needed a charge after five to six days of use.
Aesthetically, the ring may not suit everyone’s style, especially those with smaller hands like mine. It feels a bit bulkier compared to traditional jewelry, but after wearing it for some time, it became less noticeable.
Ultimately, the Oura Ring 4 offers an excellent, low-maintenance way to track health metrics like sleep, stress, and activity. Its user-friendly app and seamless integration into daily life make it an attractive option for those seeking deeper insights into their wellness. However, accessing all of its features requires a subscription, so be prepared for that added commitment.
For anyone looking to understand their body better and make informed decisions about their health, the Oura Ring 4 is definitely worth considering. With its sleek design, practical app, and valuable health data, it's a smart investment for those serious about wellness.
