Oura Ring 5 Review: Streamlined Design, Lightweight Feel, and Improved Performance

As I unboxed the Oura Ring 5, my first thought was, “It’s impressively compact.” Following that, I recognized this as the much-awaited smart ring that enthusiasts have been talking about.

Having previously owned the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic, I was struck by how much lighter and smaller the new Ring 5 feels.

Oura advertises the Ring 5 as the smallest smart ring globally, asserting it is 40% smaller than its predecessor, with a width of 6.09 mm compared to the Ring 4’s 7.90 mm, and a thickness of 2.28 mm versus the Ring 4’s 2.88 mm. Depending on size, the Ring 5 weighs between 2 grams and 2.69 grams, while the Ring 4 varies from 3.3 grams to 5.2 grams.

These enhancements significantly improve the ring’s comfort and visual appeal, giving it a more attractive design. The simplicity of the design allows it to pair seamlessly with other accessories. Oura claims that the Ring 5 is made to look like a regular ring, and I believe they’ve successfully accomplished that.

The starting price for the Ring 5 is $399.

In conversations about Oura’s smart rings, I’ve encountered mixed reviews. Some users feel it has been life-changing, while others find it somewhat clunky. I see the Oura Ring 5 as a revolutionary product that appeals to a broader audience, including those who may have previously shied away from smart rings due to their size.

Oura has recognized the need for a slimmer design and has addressed user feedback for a more streamlined ring. Additionally, competition from brands that offer subscription-free alternatives, like RingConn and Ultrahuman, which provide lighter options compared to the Ring 4, has influenced this redesign.

Though the Oura Ring 4 was never excessively bulky, the Ring 5 genuinely feels more comfortable on my finger. While I was constantly aware of the Ring 4, this new model often slips my mind, which is perfect for someone like me who typically doesn’t wear jewelry.

The ring’s smaller dimensions also improve comfort for nighttime wear, making it easier to monitor sleep and health metrics. Compared to a smartwatch, a smart ring is significantly more comfortable to wear overnight, and the Ring 5’s design makes it less obtrusive during sleep.

In terms of battery longevity, the Ring 5 lasts between six to nine days, while the Ring 4 is rated for five to eight days. From my experience, the Ring 5’s battery life seems impressive. It arrived at 50% charge, and after roughly 30 minutes of charging during setup, it reached 75%. After five continuous days of use, I still have about 25% battery life left.

It’s worth mentioning that the Ring 5 has a narrower range of sizes (6 to 13) compared to the Ring 4 (4 to 15). Oura explained that this limitation stems from manufacturing challenges associated with the smaller design. They decided to focus on the most popular sizes while monitoring demand for other previously offered sizes.

The Ring 5 comes in six distinct finishes, including a reimagined Gold with a more authentic appearance, a new Deep Rose that resembles copper, along with Silver, Brushed Silver, Black, and Stealth.

I received the Gold edition, which I find exceptionally eye-catching. Unlike previous versions, this new shade has a subtle tone similar to actual gold jewelry. It’s important to note that the Gold finish, along with Stealth and Deep Rose, costs $499—$100 more than the standard finishes.

As for durability, Oura claims the Ring 5 offers improved scratch resistance due to a new finishing method, though I cannot fully confirm this within just five days of use. There was a moment when I worried I might have scratched it while interacting with a rusty swing chain, but thankfully, it was just surface rust that cleaned off easily.

Oura’s new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating process aims to preserve the wearable’s premium look over time, and it will be interesting to see if this claim holds true in the long run.

In conjunction with the Ring 5, Oura is introducing new software features that will also be available for the Oura Ring Gen3 and newer models, including Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing. I cannot provide specifics on these features just yet, as more information will be released later this month.

To sum up, the Oura Ring 5 marks a considerable upgrade over the Ring 4 in both comfort and design, making it an excellent choice for those new to smart rings. Current users of the Oura Ring 4 may want to weigh the decision to upgrade based on their budget and personal style preferences, especially since the Ring 4 will also receive upcoming software updates.