The Oura Ring Gen 4
The Oura Ring 4, also known as the Oura Ring Gen 4, represents the next step in wearable health technology. Designed for continuous tracking without the bulk of a smartwatch, this smart ring offers a discreet yet powerful tool for monitoring sleep, readiness, activity, and more. In this detailed Oura Ring 4 review, we explore its new features, underlying tech, pricing, and whether it’s worth the upgrade or first-time purchase.
What’s New in Oura Ring 4?
The Gen 4 model continues Oura’s minimalist aesthetic but incorporates several hardware and software upgrades:
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Updated Sensors: Additional red, green, and infrared LEDs for more precise biometrics.
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Advanced Skin Temperature Sensors: Improved tracking of cycles and illness.
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Enhanced Sleep Staging: Better differentiation between REM, deep, and light sleep phases.
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Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Monitoring: Refined insights into stress and recovery.
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Activity Scores: Now more adaptive with personalized baselines.
These improvements elevate the Gen 4 into a more sophisticated wellness tracker with refined smart ring analysis capabilities.
Key Features and Health Metrics
Oura Ring 4 delivers an integrated system of biometric monitoring. Below is a breakdown of its core features:
1. Sleep Tracking
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Tracks total sleep, latency, and disturbances
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Breaks down sleep into light, deep, and REM
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Provides a Sleep Score out of 100
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Detects naps automatically
2. Readiness Index
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Combines HRV, resting heart rate, temperature, and sleep data
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Predicts how prepared your body is for physical or cognitive exertion
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Score personalized daily to guide recovery
3. Activity Tracking
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Step count, calorie expenditure, and activity duration
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Encourages balance with periods of rest
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Includes Inactive Alerts and Move Goals
4. Temperature Monitoring
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24/7 skin temperature readings
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Tracks ovulation cycles and early signs of illness
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Helps detect subtle physiological changes
5. Heart Rate and SpO2 Monitoring
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Continuous heart rate tracking now available during the day
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Nighttime SpO2 for respiratory analysis
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HRV trends visualized over time
Battery Life and Charging
Despite its compact design, the Oura Ring Gen 4 offers solid battery performance:
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Battery life: 4 to 7 days, depending on use
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Charging time: ~80 minutes
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Uses a redesigned charging dock with USB-C compatibility
Power efficiency is maintained without compromising the integrity of round-the-clock monitoring.
Mobile App Integration
The Oura App, compatible with both iOS and Android, unlocks the full potential of Gen 4:
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Offers detailed graphs and trend data
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Tracks menstrual cycles, workouts, and meditation sessions
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Integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Strava
A membership subscription ($5.99/month) is required for advanced insights, daily scores, and personalized recommendations.
Pros and Cons of the Oura Ring Gen 4
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, unobtrusive design | Subscription fee required for full features |
| Accurate sleep and readiness tracking | No display for real-time data |
| Long battery life | Limited fitness tracking compared to smartwatches |
| Enhanced temperature and SpO2 sensors | Ring sizing may take time to perfect |
| Feature | Oura Ring 3 | Oura Ring 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Infrared only | Infrared + Green + Red |
| Daytime HR | Limited | Continuous |
| SpO2 | No | Yes |
| Temperature Accuracy | Basic | Advanced |
| Subscription Model | Required | Required (same rate) |
Gen 4 is clearly targeted at users who prioritize more precise biometrics and expanded health insights. Those already using Gen 3 may notice subtle upgrades, but new users will appreciate Gen 4’s broader capabilities.
Smart Ring Analysis: How Oura Stands Out
In a market now welcoming new entrants like the Ultrahuman Ring, Motiv Ring, and Circular Ring, the Oura Ring 4 distinguishes itself with:
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Proven accuracy in sleep science
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Trusted partnerships with academic and sports institutions
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Frequent firmware and app updates
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Strong emphasis on holistic health, not just fitness
Unlike competitors focused solely on physical activity, Oura aims to optimize your lifestyle and recovery patterns, making it unique in the wearable space.
Pricing and Value
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Retail Price: ~$299 USD (varies by finish: silver, black, stealth, gold)
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Membership Fee: $5.99/month after initial 6-month free period
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Warranty: One year standard; extended warranty available
Despite the ongoing subscription, Oura offers real value through actionable health insights that rival bulkier fitness wearables.
Is the Oura Ring 4 Worth It?
For individuals seeking accurate, science-backed biometric data without wearing a bulky device, the Oura Ring Gen 4 is an outstanding choice. It excels in sleep analysis, readiness tracking, and long-term health monitoring.
Those primarily focused on high-intensity training or real-time fitness metrics may prefer a smartwatch. However, for wellness enthusiasts, biohackers, and those managing chronic health conditions, Oura Gen 4 delivers powerful tools in an elegant form.
