Oura released its fifth-generation smart ring this week, with shipments beginning next week. The device tracks sleep, activity, heart rate, and body temperature to provide health insights through the company's mobile app.
The Oura Ring 5 cuts thickness compared to competing models like the Samsung Galaxy Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air. This slimmer design appeals to users who find current wearables bulky for all-day wear.
The new app introduces several tracking features. Temperature sensing now measures skin temperature variations to flag potential illness. Improved sleep tracking analyzes sleep quality and duration with greater accuracy. Activity monitoring expands beyond step counts to capture different exercise types. Heart rate variability tracking measures stress levels throughout the day.
Pricing remains unchanged from the previous generation. The basic model starts at $299, with premium titanium versions reaching $499. Oura charges $5.99 monthly for premium app features beyond the free tier, or $59.99 annually.
The Ring 5 represents Oura's response to growing competition in the smart ring market. Samsung's Galaxy Ring launched at $399 and focuses on sleep and fitness tracking. Ultrahuman's Ring Air costs $249 and emphasizes metabolic health data. Apple remains absent from the smart ring space, relying instead on the Apple Watch.
For everyday users, the Ring 5 offers continuous health monitoring without requiring daily charging like smartwatches. Most users charge every three to four days. This convenience factor drives smart ring adoption among people who find watches uncomfortable or inconvenient.
The expanded health metrics appeal to fitness enthusiasts and those monitoring chronic conditions. Sleep tracking improvements help identify patterns affecting recovery and energy levels. Temperature sensing adds medical value by detecting fevers before symptoms emerge, useful during cold and flu season.
Potential buyers should evaluate whether $5.99 monthly for premium features fits their budget