I also like tracking my Activity Score. The Oura Ring counts your steps, walking equivalency, and how many calories you’ve burned. I’ve found this to be the most accurate way to keep track of my steps during the day—especially when I’m wandering around a new city or going on a walking tour. After I run on the treadmill or do so much as blow dry my hair, the app recognizes the movement and asks me if I want to log my workout. The Oura Ring also tells you how active you are throughout the day and reminds you to get up and move—particularly useful for those working a desk job like me.
The Readiness tab on the app tracks things like your resting heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The Oura Ring uses these metrics to help guide my day—it reminds me to take it easy when I’ve had a lousy night’s sleep or to seize the day when my energy is high. An upgrade I’m loving about the Oura Ring 4 is that it can sense if my body might be coming down with a cold or flu, and will encourage me to rest and recover. This has allowed me to stay so much more in tune with body and really listen to what it’s craving.
How has it held up?
The battery life on the Oura Ring 4 is much better than the 3; mine can usually last six or seven days before it needs to be recharged. It’s also water-resistant in up to 330 feet of water, so you can leave it on to wash your hands, shower, or swim. It can handle heat and cold temperatures too: On a recent trip to check out the Fairmont Chateau’s Lake Louise’s new Basin spa, I wore my Oura Ring in the sauna, hot tub, and ice bath without any hiccups. I’m not the most gentle with it and have dropped it and banged it against things by mistake—and somehow, it still looks almost almost brand new, with only a few minor scratches, after three months. Each Oura Ring is made from aerospace-grade titanium, which helps it to be durable and long-lasting.
What about sizing?
It’s important to have a well-fitting ring to get the most accurate metrics and the most comfort. If you’re not sure what size you are, select that you’d like to receive a free sizing kit upon checking out. If you’re purchasing on Amazon, you can buy a sizing kit there for $10, and receive a $10 Amazon credit toward your Oura Ring purchase. The sizing kit features several plastic ring sizers that you can help you determine what size is best for you. Oura recommends wearing the ring on your index finger, but it works on all fingers. The brand doesn’t offer half sizes, but the plastic ring sizers will help you decide if you should order a smaller or larger one if you’re in between sizes.
How about its looks?
It’s a pretty thick ring, similar to a wedding band, but the upgraded model does feel a little bit slimmer than the Oura Ring 3. I actually don’t mind the thickness of it—it feels very lightweight and I usually forget I’m wearing it. (For what it’s worth, I have heard friends say it’s easier to wear and more stylish than a smart watch.) It’s otherwise pretty simple in design and looks quite sleek. I have it in a shiny gold, but it’s also available in rose gold, brushed silver, silver, stealth, and an updated black finish that features a glossy PVD coating for improved durability.
Who is this best for?
It’s useful for nearly anyone, regardless of personal goals or age. The Oura Ring can be synced with over 40 other apps, like Apple Health, Google Health Connect, Flo, and Strava. Oura also connects with an app called Natural Cycles, which tracks menstrual cycles and ovulation. Whether you’re training for your first marathon, aiming to get better sleep, or trying to start a family, the Oura Ring can help you reach those goals.
The final verdict:
I love my Oura Ring. It has improved my daily habits and helped me become a more mindful traveler. I’ve accepted that my Sleep Score will probably never be as high when I’m in a different city as it is when I’m at home, but I do appreciate the reminders to prioritize rest, even on a busy travel day. If I wake up to a less-than-ideal Sleep Score, I try to go easy on myself and make sure I add in time to recharge throughout the day. It’s also been great to track my steps while I’m exploring a new place, so even when I’m not logging workouts at the gym, I can add all that walking toward my daily movement goals.
Given its high price point, the Oura Ring is a thoughtful gift if you want to spoil someone on your holiday list. Whether you’re shopping for the tech-obsessed, the fitness guru, or the homebody, this smart ring will become a part of their everyday life—and they’ll definitely be thanking you. And thanks to early Black Friday deals, the smart ring is currently on sale, making now a great time to add it to cart.
