Read our full review of the Oura Ring 4.
If you’d prefer a more inconspicuous sleep tracker, smart rings are the answer. Taking on the shape and design of a classic ring band, they disguise the tech inside. Among all the smart rings we’ve tested, the Oura Ring 4 is the best. It doesn’t feel too clunky because while it is slim for a smart ring, it’s still thicker than your average ring.
Oura’s holistic sleep data approach focuses on long-term patterns and how they affect overall health. If you’re interested in understanding your health beyond sleep, an Oura Ring may be a better fit than other options, as it has several partnerships with other health tech brands like Clue or Natural Cycles.
If you’re interested in gentle recommendations and long-term insights, the Oura Ring is a worthy investment.
While Whoop is all about using data to maximize physical performance, Oura combines health metrics with a compassionate approach.
We tested the Whoop and Oura Ring 4 simultaneously. The sleep data was nearly identical, assuring accuracy won’t differ much between devices. Where they do differ is how they deliver information. Whoop’s recommendations have urgency, pressing you to make changes quickly to maintain your physical performance. However, Oura’s suggestions are much gentler, not pushing any agenda.
Oura also provides data that is invested in long-term health understanding. In the Oura app, which just got a redesign, under the “My Health” tab, there’s a whole section on sleep health delivering information on your sleep regularity and chronotype. Chronotype takes 90 days of continuous use to calibrate and presents your sleep profile, for example, whether you’re more of a morning or night person. While these tools are helpful, they take a long time to calculate, which may not be ideal if you want to gain insights quickly.
It previously had the best battery life among sleep trackers, until the Whoop MG came in hot with its 14-day battery life. Still, the Oura’s six to seven-day battery life is impressive.
The ring itself is comfortable, with a smooth finish that doesn’t cut into fingers. To assure a comfortable fit, it’s recommended to buy a sizing kit and wear a sample for 24 hours. This is especially helpful if your fingers swell at night, which could affect your overall comfort. Not to mention, it’s a lot more attractive than the Whoop, with a design that blends into your personal style rather than sticking out like a sore fitness tracker.
