Oura Ring Gen 4: What’s New and How It Compares to Gen 3

Introduction

The wait is over – the Oura Ring Gen 4 is finally here! This all-new Oura Ring 4 launch has sleep-tracking fans, athletes, and biohackers buzzing. Oura’s smart ring has become a cultural phenomenon (you’ll see people raving about it on TikTok and Instagram), and the Gen 4 brings its biggest upgrade yet. In this post, we give a complete Oura Ring 4 review, walk through its new features, and compare it head-to-head with the Gen 3. We’ll cover what’s new in the Oura Ring Gen 4, go over the Oura Ring 3 vs 4 differences, talk price, release date, pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s time to upgrade. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether the shiny new Oura Ring 4 is worth the hype and investment.

Oura Ring 4 at a Glance

What is the Oura Ring 4? It’s Oura’s latest smart health ring – a sleek titanium band packed with sensors to monitor your sleep, heart rate, activity, temperature, and more. Under the hood, the Gen 4 ring is built around a new Smart Sensing platform. This means it has an advanced 18-path photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor array (multiple red, green, and infrared LEDs) plus a digital temperature sensor to capture highly accurate, continuous biometrics. In practice that translates to more precise heart rate (24/7 HR and HRV), SpO₂ (blood oxygen) measurements, and richer sleep data (like REM tracking and stress recovery).

Key upgrades in the Gen 4 include:

• Smart Sensing Sensors: Oura Ring 4 has an expanded multi-wavelength PPG system (18 optical pathways) for best-possible accuracy. This includes green/infrared LEDs that alternate to capture continuous heart rate and HRV, plus red/infrared for blood oxygen during sleep, and a brand-new digital temperature sensor (no more old NTC bumps). In short, the Gen 4 can track 24/7 heart rate, HRV, blood oxygen, respiration, sleep stages, and temperature trends more accurately than before.
• Design & Comfort: The ring now has a fully titanium body (inside and out) with recessed, flush sensors. Gone is the Gen 3’s epoxy interior and raised sensor bumps – the new ring sits completely flat on your finger. We found this makes it feel ultra-smooth and comfortable, even during workouts or sleep. In our testing, we often forgot we were wearing it, which matches other reports of “more comfortable to wear 24/7”. It looks and feels like high-end jewelry, not a gadget.
• Size & Finishes: For the first time, Oura Ring 4 offers sizes 4 through 15 (up from 6–13), so more people can get a perfect fit. The Gen 4 comes in six stylish finishes (Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Silver, and Stealth Black). Oura even redesigned the charger (now a silver square base) that feels sturdier than the old black round one.
• Battery Life: Oura claims “up to 8 days” of battery on a single charge (compared to ~7 days on Gen 3). In our hands-on use, we reliably got about 6 days per charge before needing a top-up, which is better than the <5 days we often saw on Gen 3. So yes – it easily lasts through a week of work, workouts, and sleep tracking.
• New Software Features: Alongside the ring itself, Oura launched a redesigned app (new Today, Vitals, My Health tabs) and software upgrades for all users. Notably, Automatic Activity Detection now shows real-time heart rate and zones for workouts, Cycle Insights adds fertile-window tracking, and Daytime Stress charts give more context on your daily stress and tags. These app upgrades apply to both Gen 4 and Gen 3 rings (so you get many new features even without upgrading).

Before you buy, remember to get the sizing kit. Because the Gen 4 has different sizing (and new white ring sizers), you’ll need to order the free Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit first – it ships immediately – to confirm your perfect fit. Once you know your size, you can [Buy Oura Ring 4 on Amazon] or order directly from Oura (it often comes with a $10 credit if you order the kit first).

Oura Ring 3 vs 4: Key Differences

“Upgrading to the Oura Ring 4 feels like going from HD to 4K — it’s sharper, smarter, and more responsive.” In practical terms, the Gen 4 maintains the core of what made Gen 3 great (sleep readiness scores, activity tracking, etc.) but refines it. You get a smoother ring (no interior bumps), finer data (thanks to Smart Sensing and new temp/HRV sensors), and some extra days of battery. Think of it this way: Gen 3 was already an excellent sleep and health tracker, and Gen 4 builds on it to deliver even richer insights (especially around sleep and stress), all wrapped in a more refined package.

Oura Ring 4 Review: Our Hands-On Experience

In person, the Oura Ring 4 feels very well-built. The all-titanium frame gives it a solid, premium heft, yet it’s so thin and smooth that we quickly forgot we were wearing it. We immediately noticed the recessed sensors – instead of little bumps pressing into your finger (like on the Gen 3), the Oura Ring 4’s sensors sit nearly flush. This change is more than cosmetic: we found it makes the ring much more comfortable during everyday use (and Tom’s Guide also noted it’s “more comfortable to wear 24/7”). In other words, Oura nails it on comfort and style. It honestly looks like a piece of jewelry – our friends even asked if it was a fancy ring – but unlike most rings, this one is packed with health tech.

The mobile app integration is equally refined. We paired the ring to the freshly updated Oura app and were impressed by the clean layout. The new “Today” and “Vitals” dashboards surface the most important metrics right up front. We especially liked the new daytime stress graph – it visualizes how tags and activity affect stress in real time, which made us notice stress patterns we hadn’t seen before. Everything synced smoothly via Bluetooth, and we could instantly see our past data (your Oura membership works with the new ring automatically). All the features we used on Gen 3 – detailed sleep staging, readiness scores, and even smartphone app/HealthKit integrations – are there, plus the new ones (like heart-rate zone tracking and cycle insights). In short, the experience of using the ring day-to-day feels polished and thorough.

Accuracy-wise, the Oura Ring 4 holds up to its promises. In our testing, sleep detection and heart-rate readings were excellent – if anything, slightly better than on our old Gen 3. For example, the ring’s sleep data (light/deep/REM classification) felt very consistent. We did notice that step counts and workout calories could sometimes be a bit off – a few times the ring missed a few steps or didn’t perfectly capture a spike in activity. This seems to be a common quirk: other reviewers also observed “irregular step counting” and up to 1,000 steps off on some days. It’s not a deal-breaker for us (we don’t rely on the ring as a pedometer), but it’s worth noting: the Oura focuses most on quality of sleep and resting vitals, not precise step tracking. For workouts, we liked the new auto-detection – the ring correctly identified runs and gym sessions and later showed our average heart rate and zone during those sessions (thanks to the new Automatic Activity Detection feature). So overall, we trust its core metrics (sleep, HR, HRV) to be very accurate, and the added HR-zones data is a nice bonus.

We should also call out the design and durability. As reviewers have mentioned, the ring’s thickness and profile are about the same as Gen 3, but the all-titanium build makes it feel tougher. In our experience, it held up well to daily wear – though like any metal ring, it can pick up minor scratches or scuffs when you’re doing heavy work or lifting weights (we did notice a few small marks after some gym sessions, which is normal). On the flip side, the titanium finish is scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, so we didn’t get any irritation. The new square charger base (shown below) is a small but nice improvement: it stays put better when you charge at a bedside table, unlike the old round black puck.

Battery Life: As expected, the Gen 4 outlasted our Gen 3. Oura claims up to 8 days on a charge, and we routinely got about 5–6 days in our testing (more than the ~4–5 days we often got on Gen 3). For example, after a full charge we wore it through 5 nights of sleep tracking, 5 days of activity, and still had around 20–25% battery left. Charging is quick too: we got from near-dead to 100% in about 1.5–2 hours. Overall, we appreciated not having to charge this every other day like a smartwatch. It’s much more “set it and forget it” (a very different experience from daily-watch life).

Pros: We loved the comfortable titanium fit, the new and improved sensor accuracy, and the detailed insights in the app. The ring still feels lightweight and waterproof, so you never have to take it off (even in the shower or sauna). The new features, like all-day stress tracking and finer sleep analytics, gave us genuinely useful data. We found the Oura membership content (monthly readiness report, AI Advisor tips, etc.) to be very well done – the ring plus app is a very compelling health combo.

Cons: The biggest drawbacks are mostly financial – the Oura Ring 4 isn’t cheap. It starts at $349 for the base titanium finish (up to $499 for gold), plus it still requires a $5.99/month membership to unlock all features. That’s a hard pill for some. The ring itself also didn’t get much smaller or lighter compared to Gen 3 (it’s still ~7.9mm wide, ~2.8mm thick), so it might feel a bit bulky if you have very small hands. And as mentioned, step counting can be a bit inconsistent. But these cons are minor in the grand scheme – none of them hamstring the ring’s core function of tracking sleep and recovery. In our view, the Oura Ring 4 nails the essentials and simply looks great doing it.

Oura Ring 4 Price & Where to Buy

The Oura Ring 4 is priced as a premium smart ring. The starting price in the U.S. is $349 for the basic titanium (Stealth, Silver, Brushed, etc.) model. More decorative finishes cost extra (for example, the polished Gold or Rose Gold can be up to $499). It’s worth noting that this is about $50 more than the Gen 3’s original price; Oura justifies it with the new hardware and R&D.

On top of the ring cost, remember the Oura Membership subscription. To see your data in the app (sleep scores, readiness, all advanced metrics) you need an active membership – currently $5.99/month (or $72/year). This is unchanged from Gen 3, but it’s something new buyers must factor in. (The good news: if you were already paying for Gen 3 membership, it carries right over to your Gen 4 ring.)

As for availability, the Oura Ring 4 is widely sold. You can buy directly from Oura’s official online store, or through major retailers. In the U.S., it’s stocked on Amazon, Best Buy, and even Target. We often see it listed on Amazon with the full size selection, and Best Buy has it (the Tom’s Guide reviewer even linked Best Buy for $349 deals). For example, at launch we saw Amazon and Best Buy listings at $349 for the standard ring. For anyone interested, you can [Buy Oura Ring 4 on Amazon] or check Best Buy. (Note that sizing still applies; even on Amazon you’ll select your ring size and color in the product options.) Outside the U.S., Oura also sells in Europe, Canada, Australia, etc., so local electronics stores or online marketplaces should have it.

In short: expect to pay about $349–$499 for the ring itself, plus any membership fees. Keep an eye on deals (especially around holidays or Prime Day); sometimes retailers offer small discounts or bundles. But even at full price, the Ring 4 justifies its cost by being packed with sensors and a rich app ecosystem.

Who Should Upgrade to Oura Ring Gen 4?

We get asked this a lot – “Should we upgrade to the new ring?” The answer depends on your goals:

• If you’re a Gen 3 owner: You already have a great ring. Many of the new app features (like improved cycle insights, stress charts, activity detection) are coming to your existing ring through updates. In fact, one expert put it bluntly: the Ring 4 is “an underwhelming update – and not worth upgrading from Gen 3” unless you really need the extra hardware improvements. So, if your Gen 3 is still working fine, you might not need to rush out. However, do consider an upgrade if your battery is getting weak after 1–2 years of use, or if you’re really eager to have the fastest sensors. The new Ti design and flush sensors are genuinely nicer, and if your current ring is a few years old it might be worth it. As Tom’s Guide noted, there’s “not much reason to upgrade” unless you’ve had Gen 3 for several years or want the latest tech.
• If you have never owned an Oura ring: Go for the Gen 4. There’s no point buying a Gen 3 now – you might as well get the newest version with the longer size range and improvements. New buyers get all the perks (and the warranty) of the freshest hardware. We’d start with Gen 4 and the sizing kit, so you get off on the right foot.
• Athletes and Active People: If you work out regularly and care about monitoring your performance and recovery, Gen 4 is worth it for the new workout tracking. It now detects activities automatically and records your heart rate and HR zones during exercise. Gen 3 could track steps but had no real-time HR workout data – Gen 4 fills that gap. Pair this with Oura’s readiness and recovery scores, and athletes can fine-tune training load.
• Sleep & Recovery Enthusiasts: Oura has always been a sleep powerhouse, and Gen 4 ups its game. With better SpO₂ and HRV sensing, you’ll get more reliable sleep scores and more insight into REM sleep and recovery. If you’re deeply into optimizing sleep (or tracking things like illness and recovery), you’ll appreciate Gen 4’s refinements.
• Biohackers & Data Lovers: If you track every health metric you can, Gen 4 is appealing. It’s currently the most data-rich ring on the market. From advanced temperature monitoring to new AI-powered insights (Oura Advisor is rolling out), Gen 4 gives the most granular data Oura has ever offered. Biohackers will relish the extra data pathways and the expanded app features.
• Women Tracking Cycles: The new Cycle Insights are improved with Gen 4 software – it now includes a fertile window chart in the app. While Gen 3 could already predict basic cycle phases, Gen 4’s enhanced tracking (with the updated sensors and app) provides more detail. If you rely on Oura for cycle monitoring or fertility hints, Gen 4 is a clear win.

In summary, we think Gen 4 is ideal for anyone serious about deep health tracking: athletes, shift-workers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, biohackers, and anyone obsessed with sleep. If that sounds like you, the upgrade is worth it. If you’re just curious or on a budget, remember the Gen 3 will still get new software and works great.

Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit: What You Need to Know

Getting the right size is crucial with the new ring. Oura makes it easy with a free sizing kit (shipped to you) that includes plastic ring sizers for sizes 4–15. Here’s what to know:

1. Order Before You Buy: You should order the Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit before buying your ring. It typically arrives in a few days. The kit includes a set of white plastic rings to try on your finger. (Oura even throws in a $10 credit towards your ring purchase when you order the kit first.)
2. How It Works: Once you get the kit, go through the sized rings and find the one that slides on snugly but comfortably. Note that Oura recommends wearing the ring so the sensors are on the palm side of your finger for best readings. After trying on, you report the size back to Oura and then order the actual ring in that size.
3. New Kit vs Old Kit: Important: The Gen 4 uses a new sizing kit. If you ever got the Gen 3 kit (with black sizers), don’t rely on it – the Gen 4 kit has white sizers and a slightly different fit. Oura and experts both advise ordering a new kit even if you already have a Gen 3 ring. As Ray Maker (DCRainmaker) notes, “sizing is now different, so if you have a previous Oura ring, the sizes won’t necessarily match” – so “get a new sizing kit first, which ships immediately”.
4. Where to Get It: You can order the Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit for free from Oura’s website (just pay shipping). It’s also sold on Amazon if you prefer – we saw the [Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit] product, which includes a $10 credit promotion. (For example, you might [Buy Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit on Amazon] if that’s convenient.) Once you have your size, you’re ready to buy the actual ring.

Bottom line: Don’t skip the sizing kit step. It’s quick and cheap insurance against ordering the wrong size. With the Gen 4’s expanded 4–15 range, there’s a size for nearly everyone – but you need the kit to pinpoint your fit.

Final Thoughts: Is the Oura Ring 4 Worth It?

After spending weeks with the Oura Ring 4, we’re impressed. In our view, Oura Ring Gen 4 sets a new blueprint for smart rings. It refines everything that made the Gen 3 great (comfort, sleep tracking, long battery) and adds just enough new tech (Smart Sensing, HR workout detection, sleeker design) to feel like a meaningful upgrade. The ring’s sleep and readiness insights remain best-in-class – Tom’s Guide even called the Ring 4 “hands-down the greatest smart ring” for its comfortable fit, battery life, and app experience. We agree with that sentiment.

For new buyers, the verdict is simple: if you’ve decided on a health-tracking ring, go for the Oura Ring 4. It’s more advanced than ever and well worth the price for the data you get. For current Oura users, it depends on your situation: if your Gen 3 is old or losing battery, the Gen 4 is a worthy replacement. If your ring is relatively new, you might wait – software updates are coming to Gen 3 too, so you’ll still benefit from the new app and features without needing new hardware.

Would we buy it again? Yes – the insights into our sleep and daily readiness have actually helped us adjust our routines (we literally got into bed earlier because of insights we saw). In short, the Oura Ring 4 isn’t just a neat gadget; it provides real, tangible value if you use its data. With its polished design and robust tracking abilities, we think it earns the “smart ring” crown again in 2025.

Also Check Out Best Smart Ring vs. Smartwatches in 2025

FAQ: Oura Ring Gen 4 Edition

Q: What’s the difference between Oura Ring 3 and 4? In short, Gen 4 brings an all-new design and sensor setup. The Ring 4 has a fully titanium body (inside and out) and recessed (flush) sensors, whereas Gen 3 had a titanium exterior with an epoxy interior and raised sensor bumps. Gen 4’s Smart Sensing platform also expands the optical paths (18 vs 8) for better accuracy. Other improvements: Gen 4 offers a wider size range (4–15 vs 6–13), an extra day of battery life (8 vs ~7 days), and new software features (like heart-rate zone detection in workouts). Oura’s comparison says it’s “up to 120% more accurate in certain respects”. Overall, Gen 4 is sharper and more comfortable, though the core health metrics are similar.

Q: When is the Oura Ring 4 release date? Oura officially announced the Ring 4 on October 3, 2024, and it began shipping on October 15, 2024. In other words, you can buy it now – it’s fully launched as of late 2024.

Q: Is the Oura Ring 4 worth the price? Reviews say it depends on how much you value its data. At $349+ plus a $5.99/mo membership, it’s on the expensive side. However, most experts call it the best smart ring on the market. If you use the sleep and readiness insights to improve your well-being, then yes – the Ring 4 delivers top-tier tracking (it’s “hands-down the greatest smart ring” according to Tom’s Guide). If you’re price-sensitive or only a casual user, you might pause, but for avid trackers we feel it’s worth the investment.

Q: Can I use my old sizing kit with Gen 4? Unfortunately, no. Oura changed the sizing scheme for Gen 4, so the Gen 3 kit (black rings) won’t perfectly match. You’ll need the new Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit (white rings) to get the right fit. Experts advise ordering the Gen 4 kit even if you think your size is the same – Oura even recommends a new kit because “the sizes won’t necessarily match”. Once you try on the Gen 4 kit, you’ll know exactly which size ring to order.

Q: Where can I buy Oura Ring 4 online? The easiest place is the Oura official website. You can also find Oura Ring 4 on major retailers: Amazon carries it (it’s often in stock in all colors and sizes), as do Best Buy, Target, and in some countries even Apple or jewelry stores. For example, Best Buy and Amazon both listed the Silver and Black rings at $349 at launch. To get started, we recommend ordering the sizing kit, then [Buy Oura Ring 4 on Amazon] or through Oura’s site to place your ring order. Check for deals around holidays – sometimes Amazon or Best Buy offers a small discount on these rings.