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Oura's New Ring 5 Is Smaller and Lighter -- and Adds an AI Health Coach
It's slimmer, lighter, and more durable. But the real upgrade is Oura's push into AI-powered health insights and proactive monitoring. Two years on since the Oura Ring 4, Finnish health tech company Oura is back with a new smart ring -- right in time to compete with the other screenless fitness tracker of the moment, the Fitbit Air. The Oura Ring 5 doubles down on the company's minimalist ethos with a smaller ring design, upgraded durability, and -- unsurprisingly -- a suite of AI-powered wellness features. The Ring 5 is available for preorder today and begins shipping June 4. It starts at $399 in silver and black, while premium finishes -- Stealth, Brushed Silver, an updated Gold, and a new Deep Rose color -- cost $499. Oura's subscription pricing remains the same at $6 per month or $70 annually. The Charging Case is also available for preorder in select markets. The ring, charging case, and Oura membership all qualify for HSA and FSA reimbursement in the US. Tiny Ring, Big Ambitions At 6.09 mm wide and 2.28 mm thick, Oura's latest ring is 40 percent smaller than the Ring 4, which the company claims makes it the world's smallest smart ring. The titanium exterior is now coated with a new physical vapor deposition (PVD) to improve scratch resistance, and the ring itself is dustproof and water-resistant up to 100 meters with an IP68 rating. Shrinking the Oura Ring hasn't come at the expense of performance. Oura says the Ring 5 is more accurate than its predecessor, thanks to LEDs four times more powerful and redesigned sensors positioned closer to the skin for improved signal detection. The ring supposedly incorporates 12 independent signal pathways to refine accuracy across a range of finger shapes and skin tones. Battery life gets a modest boost, too, with Oura claiming between six and nine days per charge, up from the Ring 4's five-to-eight-day range. Oura is also releasing a new portable Charging Case ($99), which can add an extra month of battery life, or roughly five full charges. The case has a button to check its charging status and pairing. It's also compatible with the new Locate feature rolling out to Gen 2 devices and newer, allowing users to track misplaced rings and charging cases through the Oura app. The Oura Advisor The most notable changes arrive on the software side. Oura is positioning the Ring 5 as a proactive health platform, much like how Google is positioning its AI Health Coach at the center of the redesigned Google Health app. Central to that shift is Oura Advisor, the company's large-language-model-powered assistant that debuted last year, and Oura's proprietary AI model for women's health. The company is partnering with Counsel Health to integrate AI-assisted health guidance with access to licensed physicians through Oura Advisor. Via the integration, you can ask health questions, receive personalized guidance, and connect with health care professionals from the app. Fitness tracking is getting an overhaul. A new live activity mode lets users start workouts from the app and view heart rate, pace, and distance in real time through lock-screen widgets, so you don't even have to unlock your phone mid-session. For activities where a smart ring can be uncomfortable, such as powerlifting, the app now supports third-party heart-rate monitors and select devices, so you can continue to capture live workout data without wearing the ring itself. Oura also says its updated Automatic Activity Detection is significantly more accurate than previous generations, particularly for lower-motion exercises like pilates. Then there's Oura's preventive health ambitions: Health Radar, which builds on the Symptom Radar feature introduced in 2024. Health Radar continuously analyzes biometric patterns in the background to flag subtle changes before they become more obvious problems. At launch, Health Radar centers around two new functions: Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing. Blood Pressure Signals continuously analyzes biometric trends that may correlate with cardiovascular strain. A new Nighttime Blood Pressure capability monitors whether blood pressure drops appropriately during sleep. Oura says this metric may reveal cardiovascular risks that daytime readings may miss. You can also add cuff readings to provide additional context. Meanwhile, Nighttime Breathing provides a rolling 30-day view of breathing disturbances during sleep to identify changes that could affect sleep quality or signal underlying issues. Earlier this month, Oura announced a partnership with Resmed that offers users with elevated nighttime breathing alerts access to sleep health resources, complete sleep assessments, and the option to connect with independent healthcare providers for potential diagnosis and treatment. Metabolic health is another growing focus. Oura is introducing GLP-1 medication self-management tools that allow users to log and track dosing schedules, side effects, and weight changes. Oura is also expanding its Health Panels feature with Lab Uploads, so you can import blood test results and compare biomarkers over time. In the US, subscribers can connect eligible providers to import diagnosed conditions, medications, and lab results into a Personal Health Record in the app. The new launch comes with a stronger emphasis on privacy controls, according to Oura. A new time-based Data Deletion feature lets users -- across all Oura generations -- erase data from specific periods without wiping their long-term history. Members also have more granular oversight with configurable controls over how their data is used and shared with third parties. The Ring 5 is available in sizes 6 through 13, and Oura recommends all consumers, including existing members, use the company's updated sizing kit before ordering, since the smaller design may fit differently than previous generations. Also new is multi-ring support, allowing users to pair and switch between multiple Ring 4 and Ring 5 devices on a single account at no additional charge. SpecsWeight2 to 2.69 grams (depending on size)MaterialsTitanium with physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatingBattery LifeUp to 9 daysWater ResistanceUp to 100 meters (IP68)Sizes6 to 13ColorsSilver, Black, Stealth, Brushed Silver, Gold, and Deep RoseCompatibilityiOS and Android
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They've finally made the Oura Ring smaller and lighter
Wherever I go, whatever I do, people point at my finger and ask, "Is that an Oura Ring?" Lots of people find they like the design, and they tell me why they're thinking about switching to a smart ring from a smartwatch. But the people who scrunch up their noses? They usually say something along the lines of, "Hm. Maybe when it's lighter or smaller." Good news. The newly announced $399 Oura Ring 5 is both. It's 40 percent smaller than the Oura Ring 4, measuring 6.09mm wide (down from 7.9mm) and 2.29mm thick (down from 2.88mm). Depending on the size, it weighs from 2 to 2.69g. You'd think it might be hard to notice much a difference between the Oura Ring 4 and 5 -- two very small wearables. But slipping the Oura Ring 5 off a ring stand and into my palm? It's immediately noticeable. On my finger, it's slimmer, too. The design doesn't look that different, though Oura told me in a press briefing that it was reengineered to include stronger LEDs and optimized battery life that can last for six to nine days. (Alas, petite-fingered friends: Larger rings always have longer battery life.) The ring itself is titanium and IP68 weather resistant, and the coating is reportedly less scratch-prone than previous models. (Though I will be the judge of that in testing. I will never forget how deeply I was burned by the rose gold Oura Ring Gen 3.) The optional charging case now also holds five full charges and works with wireless chargers. There's also a new "deep rose" color, which is more of a coppery rose gold than pink. There are a few disappointments. As with the Oura Ring 4, the company is recommending that people seeking to upgrade double-check their size with a new sizing kit. Because of the redesigned components, people can get stuck with an "in-between" ring size, which may require going larger or smaller to be more comfortable. Also, while the Oura Ring 4 was available in sizes 4 to 15, the Oura Ring 5 will only come in sizes 6 to 13. At my briefing, I was told that's because the Oura Ring 4 isn't that old yet (it launched at the end of 2024) and the company is still figuring out how much demand there is for the newer sizes. Another bummer: There's no ceramic option yet. Alongside the hardware, Oura is also announcing a ton of new software updates today. Building on Symptom Radar, which detects early health changes, the company is launching something called Health Radar. This suite of features includes nighttime blood pressure and nighttime breathing trends, the ability to import medical records, and a partnership with Council AI for a medical chatbot. (The latter two features require you to participate in the experimental Oura Labs beta testing feature.) The idea is that Health Radar will flag when a significant change happens in your health without having you look at each metric separately every day. For folks interested in metabolic health, Oura is also adding GLP-1 insights and lab uploads. At my briefing, I was told the GLP-1 insights are meant to help users keep track of their dosages, monitor changes and side effects, and get a sense of what's normal regarding how the medication may affect their metrics. For example, GLP-1s can cause a mild increase in resting heart rate. Lab uploads will allow Oura users to directly import test results into the app and chat with Oura's AI chatbot about the findings. (As always, an obligatory reminder that most AI health features are capable of hallucinations and poor advice, so it's a bad idea to think this can replace your doctor.) Fitness-wise, live activity tracking is also improving in the Oura app. You'll now be able to pair a third-party heart rate monitor to the Oura app, as well as view various real-time metrics. And similar to other big-name health tech companies, Oura is launching a new research study called the Brain Health Study. Users can opt in to share their data as Oura studies how metrics correlate to cognitive performance. All of this is pretty sensitive information, and given Oura's controversy last year over its Palantir partnership, the company says it'll now give users expanded options for deleting their data. A new feature called Time-based Data Deletion will allow users to erase their information from a specific window of time should they wish. The Oura Ring 5 is available for preorder today, starting at $399 for the black and silver colors and $499 for the rest of the colors. It's expected to ship June 4th. The Brain Health Study is live starting today. The rest of the software updates will roll out in June. Photography by Victoria Song / The Verge
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Oura's Ring 5 is a dramatically thinner smart ring - Engadget
Smart rings may blend invisibly into our lives, but they're not good at blending invisibly into our hands. Unless you're a fan of chunky statement jewelry, it's likely your smart ring makes every other ring you wear look tiny by comparison. That's the issue Oura is looking to solve with the new Ring 5, which is a whopping 40 percent smaller than its immediate predecessor. Shrinking such a small piece of gear down by that much has taken a lot of engineering, but the company says it comes with no compromises. If you've previously been put off by the bulk of most smart rings, then today might have all the makings of your lucky day. Oura's VP of Product, Jason Russell, explained that the company heard plenty of users asking for smaller rings. To reduce the size by almost half, every part of the ring has been redesigned to be both smaller and more power-efficient. Those with a keen eye on the spec list may notice the number of signal pathways has dropped from 18 on the Ring 4 to 12 on the Ring 5. Russell explained that the 4th-gen ring had four low-power photodetectors, which worked in tandem with low-power LEDs. The Ring 5's LEDs are four times as powerful, paired with three beefier photodetectors which, Oura says, offers better, more accurate readings across a wider range of skin tones. The company is also responding to relatively lukewarm demand for the smallest and biggest ring sizes. Whereas the Ring 4 comes in sizes 4 through 15, the Ring 5 serves sizes 6 through 13. Oura doesn't think it's boxing out would-be buyers but Russell added that the Ring 4 will remain on sale to help cater to those groups. Naturally, Oura is also leaning harder into the fashion angle and is talking up the new paint jobs on these rings. As well as the basic finishes of Silver and Black, you'll be able to get Stealth, Brushed Silver, a new more natural Gold and Deep Rose (Rose Gold). The finishes should also be more scratch-resistant thanks to a new vapor deposition application method, too. Interestingly, there was no mention of any ceramic finishes, despite the colorways breathing new life into the Ring 4. This is entirely my own speculation, but I'd wager the company will launch those for the Ring 5 down the line as a mid-cycle refresh. Oura promises that, no matter what size Ring 5 you own, you'll see a week of life on a single charge. But if you're away for longer and don't want to schlep around the charging plate, you can bring along the new charging case. Its built-in battery is large enough to last a month on a single charge, and there's a single button to both pair the ring and check the charge level. Oura added that each case is custom-designed for each ring size, so if your fingers shrink or grow, you'll also need to replace this, too. As eye-catching as the hardware is, it's the insights generated by the ring that usually matters more. The advent of the Ring 5 is a chance to roll out a suite of new features to further cement its wearable health dominance. Health Radar, for instance, builds upon the proactive monitoring in Symptom Radar to keep an eye on your key health signals. Should the trends go in a less-than-favorable direction, you'll get an alert with advice on your next steps. It'll pay special attention to your blood pressure and nighttime breathing as key metrics, free from the confounding data that might appear when you're up and about. The downside to pretty much every consumer wearable is that its conclusions aren't clinically validated. Even the most advanced smartwatch on the market can tell you your heart rate is elevated, but it won't be able to tell you why. To mitigate this, Oura is partnering with Counsel Health to integrate its chatbot, letting users speak to an AI that offers personalized medical advice. Helpfully, you'll also be able to bounce into a live chat with a real medical professional in the 43 states where such a thing is allowed. There are plenty of smaller additions, like being able to see your workout stats displayed as a Live Activity on your iPhone lock screen. GLP-1 Insights will help users track medication and body changes as they go on their health journey. Users will also be able to upload their bloodwork results to the app platform, giving the system more data to crunch. Rounding out the list is Health Records, a way to bring your hospital records together with your ring data. The company says the system uses the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Technology Ecosystem standards. Russell said that some users may wish to erase data from a troubling period, but didn't have a way to do so without wiping their whole account. This is why Oura is now allowing users to edit specific elements of their health data without losing everything else. Naturally, it's worth remembering that the US can access your wearable data far more easily than medical records. The Oura Ring 5 is available to pre-order today, with shipping expected to begin on June 6, with the base finishes of Silver and Black setting you back $399. If you want the other paint jobs, you'll need to plonk down $499, while the standalone charging case will set you back a further $99. Plus, of course, you'll need to opt for the company's monthly subscription, setting you back $6 a month or $70 for the year.
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Why the Oura Ring 5 Costs $50 More Than Its Predecessor
The Oura Ring 5 marks a significant step forward in wearable technology, blending subtle design refinements with advanced health tracking capabilities. As noted by TechAvid, this latest version introduces a thinner, more ergonomic design and larger optical sensors, promising greater comfort and improved accuracy for users who rely on continuous monitoring. However, these enhancements come with a price increase, with the base model now starting at $399, making it a more premium option in the smart ring market. For those considering an upgrade, understanding the balance between these updates and the higher cost is key to evaluating its overall value. Explore how the Oura Ring 5's enhanced AI-driven analytics and upgraded sensors deliver deeper insights into sleep patterns, readiness scores and overall health metrics. Gain insight into the implications of its subscription-based model, which unlocks advanced features but adds to the total cost of ownership. Additionally, discover how the new deep rose finish and other premium design choices aim to appeal to style-conscious users while maintaining functionality. This breakdown will help you assess whether the Oura Ring 5 aligns with your health tracking needs and budget. Why the Price Hike? The Oura Ring 5 now starts at $399 (429 euros) for its standard silver and black finishes, representing a $50 (30 euro) increase compared to its predecessor, the Oura Ring 4. For users seeking a more luxurious look, finishes such as brushed silver, matte black, gold and the newly introduced deep rose variant are priced at $499 (529 euros). This pricing strategy reflects Oura's intent to position the Ring 5 as a high-end wearable, appealing to users who prioritize advanced health tracking features alongside premium aesthetics. While the price increase may deter some buyers, it underscores Oura's focus on delivering a polished product that blends functionality with style. Design Tweaks for Comfort and Style The Oura Ring 5 introduces a thinner and more ergonomic design, enhancing comfort for extended wear. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for users who wear the ring throughout the day and night for continuous health monitoring. The addition of the deep rose finish, replacing the previous rose gold option, provides a fresh and stylish alternative for those seeking a fashionable accessory. While the overall design remains consistent with earlier models, the potential inclusion of larger optical sensors suggests improved accuracy in health tracking. These design refinements aim to strike a balance between modern aesthetics and practical functionality, making sure the ring remains both visually appealing and effective. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in wearables. Technology Upgrades for Smarter Insights The Oura Ring 5 builds on the technological foundation of its predecessor by incorporating upgraded sensors and deeper integration of artificial intelligence (AI). These advancements enable more precise health insights, including enhanced sleep tracking, improved readiness scores and comprehensive health analytics. The device also reportedly features an improved charging system, offering greater convenience for users. However, the battery life remains consistent with previous models, lasting up to seven days per charge. These updates aim to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience, making sure that the Oura Ring 5 continues to meet the needs of health-conscious individuals without compromising usability. Subscription Model: A Double-Edged Sword As with earlier versions, the Oura Ring 5 operates on a subscription-based model, requiring users to pay $5.99 per month to access its full suite of features. This subscription unlocks advanced health insights, AI-driven analytics and personalized recommendations, which are central to the device's appeal. While the subscription adds to the total cost of ownership, it also reflects Oura's commitment to maintaining a robust and evolving software ecosystem. For users, the value lies in the depth and accuracy of the insights provided, which can significantly enhance their understanding of personal health metrics. However, the ongoing cost may deter those who prefer a one-time purchase model. Facing Stiff Competition The smart ring market is becoming increasingly competitive, with brands like Samsung, RingConn and Ultrahuman introducing alternatives that challenge Oura's dominance. These competitors focus on features such as longer battery life, subscription-free models, and specialized health tracking capabilities. For instance, RingConn offers a subscription-free experience, while Ultrahuman emphasizes metabolic health tracking, catering to users with specific health goals. These alternatives provide consumers with a wider range of choices, pushing Oura to differentiate itself through its sensor precision and software ecosystem. For potential buyers, the growing competition highlights the importance of evaluating features and pricing to find the best fit for their needs. Strategic Timing Amid IPO Speculation The launch of the Oura Ring 5 aligns with speculation about Oura's potential plans for an initial public offering (IPO). This timing suggests a strategic effort to refresh its flagship product and solidify its position in the market ahead of a possible public listing. For users, this could signal a commitment to long-term innovation and growth, as Oura seeks to attract investors and expand its market presence. However, it also raises questions about how the company will balance profitability with user satisfaction, particularly as competition intensifies and consumer expectations evolve. Is the Oura Ring 5 Worth It? The Oura Ring 5 represents a refined evolution rather than a innovative leap forward. Its thinner profile, improved sensor accuracy, and enhanced AI integration cater to users who prioritize advanced health tracking in a stylish and discreet package. However, the higher price point and reliance on a subscription model may deter budget-conscious buyers, especially as competitors offer alternative features and pricing structures. For those who value precision, detailed health insights, and a strong software ecosystem, the Oura Ring 5 remains a compelling option in the wearable tech market. Media Credit: TechAvid Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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Finnish health tech company Oura unveils the Ring 5, claiming it's the world's smallest smart ring at 6.09mm wide. The device features upgraded sensors, AI-powered health insights through Oura Advisor, and new Health Radar capabilities for proactive monitoring. Available for preorder at $399, it ships June 4 with a $6 monthly subscription.
Finnish health tech company Oura has launched the Oura Ring 5, marking a significant evolution in wearable technology with a dramatically smaller footprint. At 6.09mm wide and 2.28mm thick, the smart ring is 40 percent smaller than its predecessor, the Ring 4, making it what Oura claims to be the world's smallest smart ring
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. The difference is immediately noticeable when comparing the two devices, with the smaller and lighter design addressing one of the most common complaints from potential users who found previous models too bulky2
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Source: Geeky Gadgets
Despite the dramatic size reduction, Oura engineered the Ring 5 to maintain performance through upgraded optical sensors that are four times more powerful than the previous generation. The device incorporates 12 independent signal pathways positioned closer to the skin for improved signal detection across a range of finger shapes and skin tones
1
. Battery life receives a modest boost, lasting six to nine days per charge, up from the Ring 4's five-to-eight-day range. The titanium exterior features a new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating for improved scratch resistance, while maintaining IP68 water resistance up to 100 meters1
.The most substantial upgrades arrive on the software side, where Oura positions the Ring 5 as a proactive health platform centered around AI health coach capabilities. Oura Advisor, the company's large-language-model-powered assistant, takes center stage with a new partnership with Counsel Health that integrates AI-assisted health guidance with access to licensed physicians in 43 states
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. Users can ask health questions, receive personalized guidance, and connect with healthcare professionals directly through the app.Health Radar represents the next evolution of the company's Symptom Radar feature, continuously analyzing biometric analysis patterns in the background to flag subtle changes before they become obvious problems
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. At launch, Health Radar centers around Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing capabilities. The Blood Pressure Signals feature continuously analyzes biometric trends that may correlate with cardiovascular strain, including a new Nighttime Blood Pressure capability that monitors whether blood pressure drops appropriately during sleep—potentially revealing cardiovascular risks that daytime readings miss1
. Nighttime Breathing provides a rolling 30-day view of breathing disturbances during sleep to identify changes affecting sleep quality or signaling underlying issues.
Source: The Verge
Fitness tracking receives a comprehensive overhaul with new live activity mode that lets users start workouts from the app and view heart rate, pace, and distance in real time through iPhone lock-screen widgets
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. For activities where a smart ring proves uncomfortable, such as powerlifting, the app now supports third-party heart-rate monitors, allowing users to capture live workout data without wearing the ring. Updated Automatic Activity Detection shows significantly improved accuracy for lower-motion exercises like pilates.Metabolic health emerges as another growing focus with GLP-1 insights that allow users to log and track dosing schedules, side effects, and weight changes
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. The feature helps users monitor how GLP-1 medications affect their metrics, such as mild increases in resting heart rate. Users can also upload lab results directly into the app and discuss findings with Oura Advisor, though the company acknowledges that AI health features remain capable of hallucinations and poor advice.Related Stories
The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399 for silver and black finishes, representing a $50 increase over the Ring 4's launch price
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. Premium finishes including Stealth, Brushed Silver, updated Gold, and new Deep Rose color cost $4991
. The subscription pricing remains unchanged at $6 per month or $70 annually to access the full suite of advanced health tracking capabilities. A new portable Charging Case ($99) provides an extra month of battery life with roughly five full charges and includes a Locate feature for tracking misplaced rings1
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Source: Wired
The Ring 5 comes in sizes 6 through 13, a narrower range than the Ring 4's sizes 4 through 15. Oura explains this decision reflects demand patterns, though the Ring 4 remains available for those requiring smaller or larger sizes
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. The device qualifies for HSA and FSA reimbursement in the US. Available for preorder today, the Oura Ring 5 begins shipping June 41
.The smart ring market grows increasingly competitive, with brands like Samsung, RingConn, and Ultrahuman introducing alternatives that challenge Oura's position
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. RingConn offers subscription-free experiences, while Ultrahuman emphasizes metabolic health tracking for users with specific health goals. These competitors focus on features like longer battery life and specialized health tracking capabilities, pushing Oura to differentiate through sensor precision and its software ecosystem. The company also addresses privacy concerns by introducing Time-based Data Deletion, allowing users to erase information from specific time windows following controversy over its Palantir partnership2
. Oura simultaneously launches the Brain Health Study, inviting users to opt in and share data as the company studies how metrics correlate to cognitive performance and readiness scores.Summarized by
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