Oura Ring 5 Launches With 40% Slimmer Design, Blood Pressure Tracking

Key Takeaways

• Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller than Ring 4 at just 6mm wide and 2.3mm thick
• Blood pressure monitoring and nighttime breathing reports launch in June for US, India, and UAE users
• Pricing starts at $399 for base finishes, $499 for premium options, plus a $5.99/month subscription

Oura has announced the Ring 5, its slimmest smart ring yet. The new wearable measures 6.09mm wide and 2.3mm thick. That's 40% smaller than the Ring 4, addressing the most common complaint about previous models: they looked like tech, not jewelry.

“The goal was to make the ring disappear on your finger while keeping the sensors smarter than ever. We've achieved both with the Ring 5.”

— Harpreet Singh Rai, CEO of Oura

The titanium construction remains, but Oura has redesigned the curvature for a smoother fit. Available in sizes 6 through 13, the Ring 5 carries IP68 water resistance rated to 100 meters.

New Sensors, Better Readings Across Skin Tones

Inside the smaller body, Oura has packed updated sensors with stronger LEDs. The company claims improved signal quality and, notably, more consistent readings across different skin tones and finger types. This addresses a criticism that has plagued optical heart rate sensors across the wearables industry.

The sensor upgrade powers Oura's new Health Radar system. It provides continuous monitoring across key biometrics and can detect health changes and patterns over time. Think of it as shifting from looking at yesterday's data to watching for tomorrow's warning signs.

Blood Pressure Monitoring Arrives

The headline health feature is blood pressure signal monitoring during sleep. Oura will analyze PPG data patterns to provide cardiovascular insights that previously required a clinic visit.

“By using nighttime PPG data to look at dipping patterns, we're providing a view into cardiovascular health that was previously locked behind a doctor's office visit.”

— Dr. M. K. Gupta, Lead Researcher at Oura

Blood pressure monitoring and nighttime breathing reports will roll out in June for Oura app members in the United States, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Users in those regions will also get GLP-1 insights for medication and weight tracking, a nod to the popularity of drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Activity Tracking Gets an Upgrade

Ring 5 now tracks over 50 health metrics. For workouts, it captures heart rate data, pace, and distance for running, cycling, and strength training. One limitation persists: you still need to start workout tracking from the Oura app rather than the ring itself.

Battery life ranges from 6 to 9 days depending on usage. Charging takes up to 80 minutes. Oura also announced a $99 wireless charging case sold separately. It holds enough juice to recharge the Ring 5 for about a month of use on the go.

Pricing and the Subscription Question

Oura Ring 5 comes in two pricing tiers. The Silver and Black finishes start at $399 in the US or €429 in Europe. Premium finishes, Gold, Stealth, and Brushed Silver, cost $499 or €529.

Here's the catch that frustrates long-time users: you still need an Oura membership to access most features. That's $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year. The ring alone gives you basic data. The subscription unlocks Health Radar, detailed sleep analysis, and the new blood pressure insights.

Reddit's r/OuraRing community has been largely positive about the size reduction. Many users note it finally looks like a 'real' ring. But the subscription debate continues. Some long-time users argue that fundamental health data shouldn't require recurring payments on top of premium hardware pricing.

Where to Buy

Oura Ring 5 is available now through Oura's online store and partnering retailers including Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oura Ring 5 require a subscription?

Yes. While the ring works without one, most features including Health Radar, detailed sleep analysis, and blood pressure monitoring require the Oura membership at $5.99/month or $69.99/year.

How long does the Oura Ring 5 battery last?

Battery life ranges from 6 to 9 days depending on usage patterns. The optional $99 charging case can recharge the ring multiple times for about a month of use.

Is Oura Ring 5 waterproof?

Yes. It has IP68 water resistance rated to 100 meters, so you can swim, shower, and wash hands without removing it.

When will blood pressure monitoring be available on Oura Ring 5?

Blood pressure monitoring launches in June for Oura members in the United States, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

How much smaller is Oura Ring 5 compared to Ring 4?

Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller in volume, measuring 6.09mm wide and 2.3mm thick compared to the bulkier Ring 4.

Source: GSMArena.com / Michail