Oura has long been a dominant force in the smart ring arena. The Oura Ring 3 held the top spot for three years, but with increasing competition, its reign was threatened. Enter the Oura Ring 4, Oura’s latest offering designed to reclaim its throne. This sleek, redesigned ring boasts improvements in battery life, sensing technology, and software features (many of which are also available for the Oura Ring 3). But is the Oura Ring 4 a worthy upgrade from the Oura Ring 3? And for newcomers, which Oura ring should you choose? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison.
Design and Build: A Noticeable Refinement
A person holding the Oura Ring 4.The Oura Ring 4 (Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX)
The Oura Ring 3, while initially well-received, faced criticism for its thickness and weight, especially for those with finger swelling. Competitors like Samsung and RingConn demonstrated that slimmer, lighter smart rings with longer battery life were possible. The Oura Ring 4 addresses these concerns with an all-titanium build and a new integrated sensing system that minimizes the need for bulky internal sensor domes. This redesigned interior significantly enhances comfort, making it a compelling option for those who previously found smart rings uncomfortable.
The side of the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4.Oura Ring 3 (left) and Oura Ring 4 (Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX)
The Oura Ring 4 also offers a wider range of sizes (4-15) compared to the Oura Ring 3 (5-13). The all-titanium construction of the Ring 4, versus the titanium exterior and epoxy interior of the Ring 3, results in a slightly lighter and marginally thinner ring. While both are durable, the Ring 4’s redesigned finish promises enhanced resilience. However, neither ring is recommended for strenuous activities or weightlifting due to the risk of exterior damage. The Oura Ring 4’s thinner, lighter, and sleeker profile, coupled with its improved interior design, makes it a clear winner in this category.
Winner: Oura Ring 4
Fitness and Tracking: A Data-Driven Approach
Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 3 on two fingers.Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 3 (Image: Nirave Gondhia / MaagX)
The Oura Ring 4 introduces “Smart Sensing,” a new system that replaces the sensor domes with up to 18 sensing paths. This system dynamically selects the most accurate path for reading data through your finger, a significant improvement over the Oura Ring 3’s eight-path system. The increased data capture frequency leads to more precise data and analysis within the redesigned Oura Ring app (compatible with both rings).
Oura RIng 4 Silver Size 12 on a shelfOura Ring 4 (Image: Nirave Gondhia / MaagX)
Both rings offer a comprehensive suite of health metrics, including activity tracking with automatic workout detection, heart rate monitoring, readiness scores, stress ratings, cycle predictions, and long-term health insights. Detailed sleep tracking is also available, with basic reports accessible to all users and advanced reports requiring an Oura membership.
Oura Ring 3 in front of the Oura Ring 4 to show the difference in sensor design.Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4 sensor comparison (Image: Nirave Gondhia / MaagX)
The Oura Ring 4’s exclusive sleep apnea detection feature and enhanced sensors for better adaptation to finger shape and skin tone set it apart. The option to disable sensors for extended battery life is a welcome addition. While the Ring 4 boasts superior data capture and sleep apnea detection, the core fitness experience remains largely the same.
Winner: Tie
Battery Life: A Marginal Improvement
The Oura Ring 4 on charge.Oura Ring 4 Charging (Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX)
While the Oura Ring 3 offers up to seven days of battery life, the competition has raised the bar. The Oura Ring 4 extends this to approximately eight days, a marginal but welcome improvement. However, the redesigned interior necessitates a new charging dock, rendering previous Oura chargers incompatible. The lack of a portable charging case also limits on-the-go charging options.
Winner: Oura Ring 4
Compatibility: A Level Playing Field
The Oura Ring 4 alongside the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.Oura Ring 4 and iPhone (Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX)
Both the Oura Ring 3 and Ring 4 are compatible with both Android and iOS, offering broad compatibility unlike competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
Winner: Tie
Price and Availability: Simplified Choices
A person wearing the Oura Ring 4.Wearing the Oura Ring 4 (Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX)
The Oura Ring 4 simplifies the finish options with one style and six colors (silver, black, brushed silver, Stealth, gold, and rose gold), compared to the Oura Ring 3’s more complex Heritage and Horizon styles with multiple finishes.
Screenshots taken from the Oura Ring app.Oura Ring app (Image: Oura)
Both rings require a $6/month Oura membership for advanced insights and features, although existing Oura Ring 3 memberships and lifetime plans (for Oura Ring 2 upgraders) transfer to the Ring 4. The Oura Ring 4 ranges from $349 to $499 depending on the finish, while the Oura Ring 3 remains available at $299-$449. Both rings include one month of free Oura membership. A sizing kit is recommended for the Oura Ring 4 due to slight sizing differences.
Verdict: Evolution, Not Revolution
A person wearing the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4.Oura Ring 3 (top) and Oura Ring 4 (Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX)
The Oura Ring 4 focuses on comfort, durability, and user experience rather than drastically new health-tracking features. Upgrading is recommended for those experiencing discomfort or finger swelling, or who would benefit from sleep apnea detection. For new smart ring users, the Oura Ring 4 is the better choice for its superior design, comfort, and longevity. The Oura Ring 3 remains a viable option for those prioritizing the Heritage design.
