Oura Ring 4 vs Oura Ring 3

Oura Ring is probably the most popular smart ring out there that has its own Android application (and iOS) and is able to sync with other Android health apps.

They’ve recently launched their new model, the Oura Ring 4. Their approach was since launch a holistic wellness tracking, so it is an alternative for those looking to understand and optimize their health. V4 comes with upgraded features and a refined design over the previous version, but also with a price increase. Is it worth upgrading from Oura Ring 3 to it? Not necessarily since there’s nothing ground breaking, but if you’re new to the smart wearable rings’ arena it’s good choice.

What’s new/upgraded in the Oura Ring 4

Enhanced material and design
The Oura Ring 4 now features a fully titanium exterior and interior, offering a more robust and hypoallergenic option compared to the Oura Ring 3, which had a titanium exterior and epoxy interior. This change adds durability while ensuring a seamless and comfortable fit.

Recessed interior sensors
One of the most noticeable advancements in the Oura Ring 4 is its recessed sensor placement. Positioned at a depth of 0.3mm, the sensors in the Oura Ring 4 are closer to the skin, enhancing signal clarity and accuracy. In comparison, the Oura Ring 3’s sensors are raised at 1.3mm, which makes the new design of Oura Ring 4 feel less obtrusive and more comfortable for continuous wear.

Smart sensing for dynamic accuracy
Oura Ring 4 introduces Smart Sensing technology, a dynamic system that optimizes the path of biometric signals for improved accuracy. This is a shift from the fixed static configuration of the Oura Ring 3, enabling the Oura Ring 4 to gather and process more precise data based on real-time conditions.

A bit more longer battery life
Battery life is always a crucial factor for wearable devices, and the Oura Ring 4 comes with up to 8 days of battery life on a single charge, an upgrade from the 7 days available on the Oura Ring 3. An improvement, not by much, but still an improvement.

Expanded size range
Oura Ring 4 comes with sizes ranging from 4 to 15. The previous model was limited to sizes 6 to 13, so this expansion makes it accessible to more users, especially those with thicker fingers. There’s a $10 sizing kit that you can order in advance to see exactly what size you should order if you want to be sure it’ll fit right. Or you can order and send back if it’s not a good fit.

Feature highlights: a holistic health companion

The Oura Ring 4, like its predecessors, offers a suite of features designed to support physical and mental wellness. Here are some of the standout functionalities:

• Sleep Tracking – Quality sleep is very important health-wise, and Oura helps by offering insights into sleep patterns. It keeps daily sleep scores and insights, so that you can try to do adjustments and see if those help improve sleep and consequently the mood and energy. If not, there’s always sleeping pills.
• Activity Tracking – Oura Ring 4 tracks your daily movement and quite accurately detects what you’re doing. This way it helps you keep the right balance between exercise and recovery to avoid consuming too much and entering burnout. You’re no Arnold Schwarzenegger!
• Readiness Score – Oura’s Readiness score aggregates over 30 physiological signals, including temperature, heart rate, HRV, and sleep metrics, to provide a daily measure of how prepared you are to take on the day. It’s a personalized guide that helps you align with your body’s needs. I bet mine would always say I’m not ready for work.
• Stress Detection – Using movement and other subtle signals, the Oura Ring 4 tries to identify periods of stress, so that it can help you manage stress triggers. It’s a good stress management process to detect when you’re stressed and try to minimize exposure to those triggers. Bet a nagging wife would be a trigger, but what do I know.

• Heart Health – I think this is the most important feature. The ability to track your cardiovascular health with daily insights into heart rate and heart rate variability. The Oura Ring also helps you assess your cardiovascular age, making it a good tool for heart health monitoring. It’s not a certified health monitoring device, but at least it gives you hints when things aren’t ok.

• Women’s Health Tracking – Women can benefit from cycle tracking, allowing them to understand how different phases affect their health, energy, and mood. With a strong emphasis on MOOD!

• Illness Detection – By monitoring temperature trends and other key biomarkers, the Oura Ring 4 can help detect early changes in your health that may indicate some form of illness. Or it will trigger hypochondria in you, thinking you’re sick all the time.

• Broad health app support – Oura can sync with other apps, not just their own Android/iOS versions. It can sync up with other health apps such as Google Fit, Apple Health, Health Connect by Android, Strava, Natural Cycles and more.
• Water resistance – Oura Ring 4 can be used under water for up to 100m. Not enough to reach Titanic, but still more than you’d be able to dive for sure.

Pricing and availability

The Oura Ring 4 starts at $350, with prices varying based on color choices (gold exterior is at $400). Although the Oura Ring 3 remains available at a starting price of $300, the advanced features of the Oura Ring 4 make it a compelling option for those seeking the most accurate and comprehensive health tracking.

In addition to the cost of the ring, Oura offers a membership at $6 per month, with the first month free. Membership unlocks detailed insights, and personalized guidance to make the most of your health data.

Should you upgrade to the Oura Ring 4?

If you’ve got the extra $350 and want to always be in line with what’s new then sure. If not, i think the Oura Ring 4 is just an incremental upgrade. It does have a more comfortable and durable design, updated sensing technology and a slightly longer battery life, but nothing ground breaking.

With the new Oura Ring 4, you’re tracking health data to see how your health is changing and detect problems earlier. I do think it’ll evolve into a full blown reliable medical tracking device, so I’m happy that it’s still doing well. While for me sleep optimization never worked because my mind is stubborn, heart health monitoring and stress management are more enticing. It’s also created in Finland, so maybe there’s some sort of hidden viking tech in it.