Oura Ring 5 review: 40% slimmer, one extra day of battery

Key Takeaways

• Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller than Ring 4, making previous generations look noticeably bulky
• Battery life extends by one day despite the smaller form factor
• Priced at $399, roughly $50 more than Ring 4, with the same annual subscription requirement

The Oura Ring 5 is 40% smaller than its predecessor, and that single stat tells most of the story. After wearing Oura's latest smart ring for a month, the size reduction isn't just a spec sheet bullet point. It changes how the device feels on your finger and, oddly, how you perceive every other smart ring you see in the wild.

The fifth-generation ring ships at $399, about $50 more than Ring 4, and still requires Oura's $5.99 monthly subscription for full feature access. For that premium, you get a slimmer profile and an extra day of battery life. Not much else has changed under the hood.

Does the 40% size reduction actually matter?

Yes. The size difference is immediately noticeable when switching from Ring 4 to Ring 5. One Reddit user described forgetting the ring was on their finger entirely, only to realize it was there, just less bulky. That's the experience Oura seems to be chasing: a wearable that disappears.

ZDNET's reviewer put it bluntly after spotting someone wearing an Oura Ring 4 on the subway. The older generation looked "huge" and "instantly noticeable." That's a harsh assessment for a device released barely a year ago, but it speaks to how quickly expectations shift when a meaningful hardware upgrade arrives.

This mirrors Apple's strategy with the iPhone Air. The biggest upgrade isn't a new sensor or algorithm. It's the physical form factor itself. Software updates arrive too, but you're buying Ring 5 for its discreet build.

Battery life gains despite smaller size

Oura claims Ring 5 delivers an extra day of battery life compared to Ring 4. That's counterintuitive. Smaller devices usually mean smaller batteries and shorter life. Oura achieved this through what they describe as a redesigned sensor architecture and improved power management.

The company hasn't disclosed exact battery capacity figures, but previous Oura rings typically lasted around seven days. An eighth day isn't transformative, but it's a welcome improvement that reduces the mental overhead of charging another device.

GLP-1 insights and new software features

Ring 5 introduces GLP-1 tracking insights, aimed at users taking medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. The feature monitors how these drugs affect sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and recovery metrics. It's a timely addition given the explosion of GLP-1 prescriptions over the past two years.

Other app improvements include expanded sleep analysis and readiness scoring. These updates hint at Oura's broader ambitions as a health technology company rather than just a hardware maker. But here's the thing: most of these software features will likely roll out to Ring 4 owners too. The hardware upgrade is the real differentiator.

Who should upgrade from Ring 4?

If you've worn Ring 4 for a year and find the size acceptable, there's no urgent reason to spend another $399. The sensor accuracy and core tracking capabilities remain similar. You're paying for comfort and aesthetics.

But if the bulk of Ring 4 has always bothered you, or if you want a smart ring that genuinely disappears on your finger, Ring 5 delivers. It's the first Oura ring that feels like jewelry rather than technology.

New buyers face a simpler decision. Ring 4 at its current price versus Ring 5 at $399. The $50 premium buys a noticeably slimmer device with better battery life. For a product you'll wear every day for years, that seems reasonable.

Competitive pressure from Samsung and others

Oura pioneered the smart ring category, but Samsung's Galaxy Ring has entered the market with aggressive pricing and tight integration with Galaxy phones. Google's recently announced Fitbit Air, a $99 screenless wearable, also competes for the minimalist health tracking crowd.

Oura's advantage remains its established ecosystem and years of sleep tracking data. Users who've built a historical baseline with Oura face switching costs beyond just hardware. But the company can't coast on loyalty alone. Ring 5's slimmer design feels like a direct response to competition that's catching up fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oura Ring 5 worth the upgrade from Ring 4?

Only if the bulk bothered you. The 40% smaller form factor and extra battery day are the main differences. Core health tracking remains similar.

How much does Oura Ring 5 cost?

The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399, about $50 more than Ring 4, and requires a $5.99 monthly subscription for full features.

What new features does Oura Ring 5 have?

GLP-1 medication tracking insights, improved sleep analysis, and updated readiness scoring. Most software features may also come to Ring 4.

How long does Oura Ring 5 battery last?

Oura claims one additional day compared to Ring 4, which typically lasted around seven days. Expect roughly eight days per charge.

Is Oura Ring 5 better than Samsung Galaxy Ring?

They target different users. Oura offers deeper sleep analytics and a mature ecosystem. Galaxy Ring integrates tightly with Samsung phones at similar pricing.

Source: Latest news