Considering a smart ring? The Oura Ring 4 and RingConn Gen 2 Air are popular choices, but their price difference raises a crucial question: does the Oura’s premium cost translate to a superior experience? After wearing both for four weeks, I’m here to help you decide.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Oura Ring 4 | RingConn Gen 2 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Titanium | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 7.9mm wide, 2.8mm thick | 2mm thick |
| Weight | 3.3g – 5.2g | 2.5g – 4g |
| Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM, IP68 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy | Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Compatibility | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
| Sizes | 4 – 15 | 6 – 14 |
| Colors | Silver, Black, Gold, Rose Gold, Stealth, Brushed Silver | Dune Gold, Galaxy Silver |
| Price | From $349 + $6/month subscription | $238 |
A person wearing the RingConn Gen 2 Air and the Oura Ring 4.
Comfort and Design
The Oura Ring 4 boasts a sleek, circular design with flush sensors, while the RingConn Gen 2 Air features a unique “squircle” shape with subtle sensor nubbins. Surprisingly, the squircle proves comfortable, minimizing the bulk between fingers. While the Oura’s smooth titanium can feel slippery, the RingConn’s stainless steel and resin construction provides a more secure fit. Both rings offer a comfortable wearing experience, but the RingConn Gen 2 Air’s unique shape and secure fit give it a slight edge. Durability-wise, the RingConn appears more resistant to scratches and scuffs. Both are water-resistant to 10 ATM, but the RingConn also has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating.
A person wearing the Oura Ring 4.
A person wearing the RingConn Gen 2 Air.
Fitness and Activity Tracking
Both rings excel at sleep tracking, providing insights into sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV), and more. However, the Oura Ring 4 significantly outperforms the RingConn in activity tracking. It automatically detects various activities, from housework to intense workouts, and integrates with popular fitness apps like Strava. The RingConn, while suitable for basic activity tracking, lacks the Oura’s versatility and comprehensive data analysis.
The RingConn Gen 2 Air and the Oura Ring 4.
Screenshots taken from the Oura Ring app.
Screenshots taken from the RingConn Gen 2 Air
Data Accuracy and Insights
Both rings deliver generally consistent data, particularly regarding sleep metrics. While the RingConn sometimes reports slightly higher resting heart rate and HRV, the differences aren’t substantial. The Oura Ring 4 shines with its advanced features, including Symptom Radar and Resilience tracking, providing deeper health insights beyond the basics.
The RingConn Gen 2 Air next to the Oura Ring 4.
A person wearing the Oura Ring 4.
App Experience
Both apps offer user-friendly interfaces and provide ample data visualization. The Oura app, while initially requiring some navigation learning, offers a richer data experience and more detailed insights. The RingConn app presents data clearly, though its insights are less comprehensive, reflecting the ring’s simpler tracking capabilities. Both apps are well-designed and functional, making them a draw in this category.
The Oura Ring 4
The Oura Ring 4
The Oura Ring 4
Battery Life
The RingConn Gen 2 Air boasts significantly longer battery life, lasting up to 10 days on a single charge, compared to the Oura Ring 4’s 6-7 days. While both offer low battery alerts, the RingConn’s extended battery life is a definite advantage.
The RingConn Gen 2 Air and the Oura Ring 4 on charging plinths.
Price and Value
The RingConn Gen 2 Air’s $238 price tag makes it a significantly more affordable option than the Oura Ring 4, which starts at $349 plus a $6 monthly subscription. This cost difference is a key factor to consider.
The RingConn Gen 2 Air and the Oura Ring 4.
Final Verdict
The Oura Ring 4 provides a more comprehensive health and fitness tracking experience, with advanced features and app integrations justifying its premium price. The RingConn Gen 2 Air, however, offers excellent value, delivering solid sleep tracking and basic activity monitoring at a significantly lower cost. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
The RingConn Gen 2 Air and the Oura Ring 4.
