Oura Ring 4: A Deep Dive into the Premier Smart Ring of 2025

The wearable technology landscape in 2025 is a diverse arena, dominated by the ubiquitous smartwatch but punctuated by innovative alternatives. While wrist-worn devices maintain their popularity due to sheer variety and established presence, the smart ring category offers a unique blend of convenience and discreet functionality that appeals to a specific segment of users. Within this niche, the Oura Ring 4 stands out as the clear frontrunner.

Oura is a well-established name, enjoying popularity across both Android and Apple ecosystems. Debuting its first-generation smart ring in 2015, the company has consistently refined its technology and design. Having previously reviewed the Oura Ring Gen 3, we were eager to explore the improvements offered by its successor. The Oura Ring 4 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, presenting a compelling upgrade for both existing Oura users and newcomers to the smart ring concept.

Design and Durability: A Refined Aesthetic

The Oura Ring 4 is available in a range of colors and finishes, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. Our review unit arrived in the Rose Gold variant, boasting a flawless metallic finish that subtly differentiates itself from the more yellow Gold option. For those who prefer a more understated look, Oura also offers a matte Stealth version.

Initial concerns about the durability of the metallic finish were quickly dispelled. Despite rigorous daily wear and tear, the Rose Gold finish proved remarkably resilient. While it does exhibit some susceptibility to fingerprints, the ring resisted scratching and scuffing to a surprising degree. This durability assuages previous reservations about opting for metallic finishes in wearable devices.

The resilience of the Rose Gold finish is a testament to the quality of materials and manufacturing processes employed by Oura. The ring’s appearance remains pristine even after months of continuous use, reinforcing its status as a premium wearable.

Comfort and Fit: A Seamless Experience

The Oura Ring 4 prioritizes comfort. Building upon the already comfortable design of the previous generation, Oura has implemented a significant improvement. The internal surface of the ring is now completely flush, eliminating the two small nubs that were present in the Gen 3 model. This results in a smooth, unobtrusive fit that feels like a traditional ring.

The reduction in thickness also contributes to the overall comfort of the Oura Ring 4. It doesn’t feel bulky or oversized, blending seamlessly into everyday wear. Its discreet design makes it difficult to distinguish from a conventional ring, appealing to users who prefer a subtle wearable experience.

Sensors and Data Collection: A Powerhouse in Miniature

Despite its compact size, the Oura Ring 4 is packed with sophisticated sensors that continuously monitor a comprehensive range of health metrics. Embedded within the ring’s thin walls are sensors that measure blood oxygen levels, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and respiration rates during sleep.

The Oura Ring 4 utilizes red, green, and infrared LEDs to ensure consistent and accurate measurements. A dedicated temperature sensor tracks subtle variations in body temperature, providing valuable data for menstrual cycle tracking and early detection of illness. An integrated accelerometer continuously monitors movement throughout the day.

The red and infrared LEDs measure blood oxygen saturation, while the green and infrared LEDs track heart rate and variability. This comprehensive data collection powers the ring’s sleep tracking capabilities, providing users with a detailed understanding of their sleep patterns and quality.

The Oura App: Transforming Data into Actionable Insights

The true strength of the Oura Ring 4 lies in its accompanying app. While the ring’s sensors gather a wealth of data, it is the app that transforms this raw information into actionable insights. The app’s intuitive design and comprehensive features set Oura apart from other health tracking platforms.

The app is organized into distinct sections, including a daily summary, vitals, and overall health trends. This structure ensures that information is presented in a clear and easily digestible manner, which is essential for a health app.

The daily section highlights key scores derived from Oura’s proprietary algorithms, including readiness, sleep, and activity scores. These scores provide a quick snapshot of the user’s overall well-being. The daily section also displays metrics such as time spent stressed and average heart rate, offering a comprehensive overview of the day’s activity.

Each data point can be explored in greater detail by tapping on the relevant score or metric. The app provides additional information and context, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of their health data.

The Oura app excels at breaking down complex data into easily understood information. Whether tracking sleep quality or understanding the impact of sleep on overall health, the app provides the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions.

Having used the Oura app for over a year, we have witnessed firsthand the company’s commitment to continuous improvement. Regular updates introduce new features and refine existing ones, enhancing the user experience and expanding the app’s capabilities. This ongoing support and development are a significant advantage for Oura Ring 4 users. A $6 monthly fee provides this continued app support.

Accuracy and Performance: A Reliable Fitness Companion

The Oura Ring 4 provides accurate data tracking, aligning with other wearable devices. While it may not offer the same level of detail for workout tracking as dedicated fitness trackers, the Oura Ring 4 still provides valuable information for a wide range of activities. The workout list is extensive, and the data presented is consistently accurate.

Oura’s focus is on the bigger picture, emphasizing long-term health trends and overall well-being. The app’s design reflects this philosophy, prioritizing insights and actionable recommendations over granular workout data.

Battery Life and Charging: Convenience and Efficiency

The Oura Ring 4 boasts improved battery life compared to its predecessor, providing approximately 5 to 6 days of use on a single charge. This is a significant improvement over the previous generation, although it falls slightly short of the hoped-for week-long battery life.

The new charger is more convenient and stable, providing a secure and reliable charging experience. A full charge typically takes under an hour, allowing users to quickly top up the battery when needed.

The Oura Ring 4 offers a balance of battery life and charging speed. The ability to wear the ring for several days without needing to recharge is a major advantage, and the fast charging capabilities ensure that the ring is always ready for use.

Value and Conclusion: A Worthwhile Investment

The Oura Ring 4 is a top-tier wearable fitness tracker, surpassing even its predecessor in performance and design. The app’s intuitive interface and comprehensive features make it an invaluable tool for understanding and improving overall health.

The Oura Ring 4’s price point of $349 may seem high for a ring-shaped device. This cost reflects the significant investment in research and development, as well as the high cost of miniaturizing sensors into such a small form factor. The Stealth and Gold models command even higher prices.

Ultimately, the value of the Oura Ring 4 depends on individual priorities. For those who appreciate a low-profile fitness tracker that provides accurate data and actionable insights, the Oura Ring 4 is a worthwhile investment. The ability to track heart rate and other vitals without wearing a conspicuous smartwatch is a significant advantage for many users.

The Oura Ring has proven to be a reliable and indispensable piece of technology, earning a permanent place in daily life. The combination of innovative hardware and insightful software makes the Oura Ring 4 the leading smart ring on the market.