The Readiness tab on the app tracks things like your resting heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate. I will note that the ring, which comes with its own charging port, has a fairly generous battery life, but it does need to be regularly charged in order to track daily metrics. I typically have to power it up once every five days or so.
Who is this best for?
It’s useful for nearly anyone, regardless of personal goals or age. The Oura Ring can be synced with over 40 other apps, like Apple Health, Google Health Connect, Flo, and Strava. Oura also connects with an app called Natural Cycles, which tracks menstrual cycles and ovulation. Whether you’re training for your first marathon, aiming to get better sleep, or trying to start a family, the Oura Ring can help you reach those goals. Given all its unique magic, the Oura Ring also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone on your holiday list. Whether you’re shopping for the tech-obsessed, the fitness guru, or the homebody, this smart ring will become a part of their everyday life—and they’ll definitely be thanking you.
How about its looks?
It’s a pretty thick ring, similar to a wedding band, so if you prefer dainty, more understated jewelry, it might not be your style. I actually don’t mind the thickness of it—it feels very lightweight and I usually forget I’m wearing it. (For what it’s worth, I have heard friends say it’s easier to wear and more stylish than a smart watch.) It’s otherwise pretty simple in design and looks quite sleek. The one complaint I often hear from my fellow Oura Ring wearers is that they don’t love wearing it on their pointer finger. I think that makes it appear a little bigger than it actually is. I wear mine on my middle finger (the pointer finger is most recommended, followed by your middle finger), and think it actually helps slim my fingers that way. There are plenty of colorways to choose from, so it really is something anyone can wear every day. Beyond gold, it comes in silver, black, rose gold, brushed titanium, and stealth.
Another pro of the ring is that it’s waterproof, so you can wear it in a pool or doing any kind of water activity without hesitation. I don’t personally shower or swim with it, but I do wash my hands regularly while wearing it and have never had any problems. I’m also not the most gentle with it (whoops) and have definitely dropped it and banged it against things by mistake—and somehow, it still looks almost brand new, with only a few minor scratches, after six months. Each Oura Ring is made from aerospace-grade titanium, which helps it to be durable and long-lasting.
What’s new about Oura Ring Gen 4?
The newest model of the Oura Ring, Gen 4, made its debut in October 2024. The upgraded version is available in more sizes (4–12) and in six colors: gold, rose gold, brushed silver, silver, stealth, and an updated black finish that features a glossy PVD coating for improved durability. As for the ring itself, the Oura Ring 4 is built with Smart Sensing technology, increasing the ring’s sensors and ability to find the best signal path, which in turn also improves battery life.
The final verdict:
I love my Oura Ring. It has improved my daily habits and helped me become a more mindful traveler. I’ve accepted that my Sleep Score will probably never be as high when I’m in a different city as it is when I’m at home, but it has reminded me to prioritize rest always—even on a busy travel day. If I wake up to a less-than-ideal Sleep Score, I try to go easy on myself and make sure I add in time to recharge throughout the day. It’s also been great to track my steps while I’m exploring a new place, so even when I’m not logging workouts at the gym, I can add all that walking toward my daily movement.
Given its price point, it’s a perfect gift if you want to spoil someone on your list. And thanks to Cyber Week deals, the smart ring is currently on sale, making now a great time to snag it.
