# Oura Ring 4 Review: A Great Smart Ring, But Prepare to Spend
Let’s dive right in. The Oura Ring 4 has arrived, and Oura is definitely aiming to maintain its smart ring supremacy. However, with Samsung, Ultrahuman, RingConn, and Circular all entering the mix, Oura faces some stiff competition.
So, what’s new this time around? A bit more titanium, an assurance of improved tracking accuracy, additional health metrics, and enhanced battery life compared to Gen 3. I’ve been using this device for some time—putting it through its paces against rivals and my own standards—so let’s determine if it’s worth your investment.
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## Design & Build
### Stylish, But That Etching? Not Great
If there’s one aspect Oura excels at, it’s crafting a smart ring that doesn’t resemble a plastic piece stuck to your finger. The Ring 4 is available in six finishes: silver, black, brushed silver, stealth, gold, and rose gold. Silver and black are the more affordable options, while gold and rose gold come with a hefty price tag.
A notable design alteration is the etched section on the outside. It’s intended to indicate the correct orientation for wearing, but honestly, it gives the ring a somewhat peculiar appearance compared to earlier versions. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I preferred the simpler aesthetics.
### Extra Titanium, Extra Toughness (Kind Of)
Oura has added more titanium on the interior, allowing the sensors to fit snugly against your skin. It’s more comfortable than the Gen 3, which is a plus, but here’s the downside—it still picks up scratches like crazy. Oura even admits this on their website now. If you’re not cautious, your fancy ring will end up looking like it’s been through a boxing match. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring holds up better in this regard, so that’s something to keep in mind.
### Sizing: Get the Kit, Don’t Guess
Oura has revamped the design, so even if you owned a Gen 3, you might need a different size now. The new range includes sizes four through 15, which is broader than before. You’re advised to wear a test ring for at least 24 hours to find your ideal fit. Do it—your fingers swell during the day, and you don’t want to spend a fortune on a ring that feels too tight or slips off in the shower.
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## Fitness & Tracking
### Good, But That Subscription Is Painful
Oura is effective for tracking your sleep, steps, heart rate, stress, and even skin temperature, but you need to pay a monthly (or yearly) fee to access all features. Yep, you’re already shelling out £349+ for the ring, and they want an additional £5.99 per month on top. Cheeky. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring? No sub. Other competitors? Also no sub.
### Improved Sensors, But Still Not Gym-Ready
Oura’s optical sensors now boast more pathways, allowing for better accuracy across various skin tones and finger shapes. That’s commendable, but I still don’t have faith in it for exercise tracking. It handles steady workouts adequately, but for CrossFit-style sessions where my heart rate fluctuates, it’s just not as dependable as my Garmin or a proper chest strap.
The integration with Strava is beneficial, but let’s be honest—you’ll probably still want a dedicated fitness tracker if you take your workouts seriously.
### Sleep Tracking: Still Among the Best
This is where Oura excels. Sleep tracking has always been its forte, and the Ring 4 continues that reputation. It accurately captured my sleep stages, resting heart rate, and temperature trends far better than most wearables I’ve evaluated. If you’re in the market for a sleep tracker that avoids the bulk of a smartwatch, this is one of the top choices available.
### Stress Tracking: Intriguing, But…
Oura now assesses your daily stress levels and resilience (whatever that entails). The app indicates when you’re getting tense, with little explanations that can feel somewhat condescending at times. “You seem stressed at 3 PM because work is draining.” Thanks for the insight, Oura; I never would have realized.
Still, it’s a nice feature if you’re aiming to be more mindful throughout your day.
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## Battery Life & Charging
### Better Than Gen 3, But Competition Lasts Longer
Oura claims up to eight days of battery life, but unless you have a massive ring and disable a lot of features, you’re likely to get about five. That’s what I experienced with a size eight ring, and enabling blood oxygen sensing reduces that even further.
In contrast, the RingConn Gen 2 lasts 12 days, and Samsung’s Galaxy Ring manages a week. Oura has made strides compared to the Gen 3, but they’re still behind the competitors.
### Charging: Still Utilizing a Dock
The Ring 4 continues to charge via a small dock, rather than a case like some other smart rings. It takes roughly 90 minutes to fully charge, which isn’t too bad, but I really wish they had opted for something more innovative—like Samsung’s portable charging case.
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## Price & Availability
Brace yourself—this isn’t an inexpensive device.
– Silver/Black: **£349/$349**
– Brushed Silver/Stealth: **£399/$399**
– Gold/Rose Gold: **£499/$499**
– Subscription: **£5.99/month or £69.99/year**
The subscription fee is painful, particularly when Samsung presents a competing ring for £399/$399 without additional charges. Other rivals like RingConn and Circular are also more affordable. If you’re already part of the Oura ecosystem and comfortable with monthly payments, it might be worthwhile—but if you’re searching for a one-time purchase, this isn’t it.
You can purchase it from **Oura’s website**, John Lewis (UK), Amazon, and Best Buy (US). However, be cautious—some customers have reported shipping delays when ordering directly from Oura.
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## Should You Buy the Oura Ring 4?
Alright, let’s wrap it up.
✅ **Consider It If:**
– You’re looking for the top smart ring for sleep tracking.
– You appreciate a comfortable, lightweight design.
– You don’t mind paying extra for the subscription.
❌ **Pass On It If:**
– You dislike the idea of a monthly fee.
– You want the best battery life (RingConn offers more).
– You need precise exercise tracking—opt for a proper sports watch instead.
Oura still offers one of the finest smart rings in the market, but between the high price and that sneaky subscription, it might not suit everyone. If sleep tracking is your primary focus, you’ll adore it—otherwise, you may want to explore other options.
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## GadgetLad’s Blunt Summary: “An Upscale Ring That Drains Your Wallet”
Oura has perfected sleep tracking and design, but they’re pushing it with that subscription fee. Battery life is improved but not exceptional, and exercise tracking remains lacking. If you have the cash and don’t mind extra expenses, go for it. If not, you have other choices.
