Following the launch of numerous new smart rings this year, Oura has unveiled the Oura Ring 4, the latest edition in its line of well-regarded smart rings. This new iteration features a host of updates and enhancements, all wrapped in a fresh design.
Before the announcement, Jason Russell, Oura’s vice president of consumer software product, shared insights with Digital Trends regarding what sets this ring apart.
The Oura Ring 4’s New Design
“We’ve enhanced comfort for all-day wear, expanded the size options, improved the battery life, and introduced a remarkable new sensing platform,” said Russell, highlighting the significant upgrades.
The Oura Ring 4 is crafted from titanium, with the metal now extending to the underside of the ring, replacing the epoxy resin used in previous models. The former dome-shaped 1.3mm nubbins have been eliminated, making way for sensors that are now nearly flat at just 0.3mm high for improved comfort. Weighing between 3.3 and 5.2 grams, the ring measures 7.9mm in width and has a thickness of 2.88mm. It is now available in a wider range of sizes, from size 4 to size 15.
There are six distinct finishes to choose from: silver, black, Stealth, gold, rose gold, and brushed silver. The Stealth variant features a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, while the others utilize a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating for enhanced durability and scratch resistance. Importantly, the underside remains uncoated, and titanium is known for being hypoallergenic and friendly to the skin. The ring boasts an impressive 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming. Oura claims the battery life has extended to eight days, a slight increase from the seven days offered by its predecessor. The device comes with a charging dock that can completely recharge it in 80 minutes.
Enhanced Sensors for Superior Accuracy
Curious about how the redesigned recessed sensors impact accuracy? Russell clarified that the new design actually enhances precision.
“We developed [the dome sensors] five years ago for their accuracy, and many companies have since adopted that design. Some opt not to use domes, which compromises accuracy. We prioritize accurate readings, and what’s impressive about [the Oura Ring 4] is that we’ve lowered the domes while not just maintaining precision, but actually improving it with an innovative new sensing platform dubbed Smart Sensing,” he explained.
The Smart Sensing algorithm interacts with the sensors to capture data across 18 different pathways, an increase from the eight pathways utilized by the previous generation. This algorithm adapts dynamically to determine the best path for enhanced accuracy. According to Oura’s studies, Smart Sensing signifies a 120% boost in blood oxygen sensing, a 15% increase in breathing disturbance accuracy, and reduced gaps in heart rate data collection day and night. Russell stated that the Oura Ring 4 incorporates new LEDs paired with the updated algorithm.
“We want [the Oura Ring 4] to adapt to you,” Russell remarked. “The ring can twist up to 30 degrees in either direction while still providing accurate readings. It caters to all finger shapes and sizes, guaranteeing a reliable signal. The titanium interior not only improves comfort but also enhances accuracy by directing light precisely, preventing diffusion or absorption of stray light that the epoxy material and dome structure might cause.”
A Revamped Oura App
Accompanying the new ring design, Oura has also revamped its companion app.
“We’ve added 24 new features over the past 18 months,” Russell noted. “We’re integrating a lot, which can be a bit much. We’ve reorganized the app to emphasize holistic health, connecting immediate metrics for readiness and sleep with long-term health indicators like cardiovascular age.”
The app features three main tabs: Today, Vitals, and My Health. Notably, shortcut tabs atop the Today screen display familiar metrics including Readiness, Sleep, Activity, Heart Rate, Stress, and Menstrual Cycle scores, while the main area showcases current biometrics and goal progress. The Vitals screen offers more detailed insights, while the My Health tab focuses on long-term metrics such as Stress Resilience, Cardio Age, and evolving trends.
All features will be accessible to all Oura Ring members.
Several existing features have also been upgraded. The Activity function now supports automatic heart rate tracking for 40 activities, a significant increase from just five. This includes heart rate zone tracking and V02 Max assessment. The stress monitoring feature now encompasses daily movement and activities, alongside manually entered tags, providing a more comprehensive view of one’s daily state. Users can also log meals by adding photos, with the app automatically categorizing them.
Russell mentioned that a fertility window feature is on the horizon, and all functionalities will be available to Oura Ring users. The newly redesigned app will gradually roll out to current Oura Ring owners in the coming weeks, and the previously iOS-exclusive Oura Labs feature is now accessible to Android users as well. Digital Trends confirmed that subscription pricing remains unchanged at $6 monthly or $70 annually, with each Oura Ring 4 purchase including a month of free access to the app.
Oura Ring 4 Pricing and Availability
The Oura Ring 4 starts at $349 and is now available for preorder through Oura’s online shop, set to officially launch on October 15. It will also be sold on Amazon and at retail locations such as Best Buy, Target, and John Lewis in the UK. Oura stated that the Oura Ring 3 will remain available until supplies last, but it’s advisable to opt for the latest model unless the former is significantly discounted. Additionally, Oura provides a new sizing kit, recommending that users take advantage of it even if they already own an Oura Ring, as the sizing may differ slightly with the new iteration.
This announcement follows recent releases from Samsung with its Galaxy Ring, RingConn’s updated RingConn Gen 2, and Circular’s adjustments to its Circular Ring Slim. Oura has long set the standard for smart rings, and currently, it seems to have made notable advancements in all aspects, from design to accuracy, allowing it to maintain its leading position with the Oura Ring 4.