Oura Ring 5 Review: A Slimmer Shift in Smart Rings

The latest iteration of Oura’s wearable, the Oura Ring 5, arrives with a clear mission: to shed the bulk that has historically polarized potential users. By shrinking the device by 40% compared to its predecessor, the company is aiming to move the smart ring from a specialized health tracker to a piece of everyday jewelry.

Physically, the device has undergone a significant downsizing. While the Ring 4 measured 7.90 mm in width and 2.88 mm in thickness, the new model drops to 6.09 mm and 2.28 mm, respectively. This change translates to a weight reduction, bringing the device down to a range of 2 to 2.69 grams, whereas the previous generation sat between 3.3 and 5.2 grams.

Performance and Comfort

Beyond the dimensions, the user experience sees tangible gains. The Ring 5 is notably less intrusive during daily activities and sleep tracking. While the Ring 4 was a constant presence on the finger, the newer model often fades into the background, making it a more viable option for those unaccustomed to wearing jewelry.

Battery longevity has also seen an incremental boost. The new hardware is rated for six to nine days of use, an improvement over the five- to eight-day range of the previous model. In practical testing, the device maintained a steady charge, dropping to 25% after five days of continuous wear from an initial 75% setup.

Market Positioning and Pricing

The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399, with premium finishes—Gold, Stealth, and Deep Rose—priced at $499. The Gold variant, in particular, features a refined tone that moves away from the yellow tint of older versions toward a more authentic jewelry aesthetic.

• Durability: Oura has implemented a new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating to improve scratch resistance.
• Sizing Constraints: The device is currently available in sizes 6 through 13. Oura notes that manufacturing complexities in the new form factor limited the range compared to the Ring 4’s 4 to 15 spread.
• Software Sync: Upcoming features, including Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing, will be available on the Ring 5 as well as existing Gen3 and later devices.

The redesign appears to be a direct response to both user feedback and a tightening competitive landscape featuring rivals like RingConn and Ultrahuman. For new buyers, the ergonomic improvements make the Ring 5 a compelling entry point. Existing Ring 4 owners, however, may find the upgrade path less urgent, as Oura continues to support older hardware with the latest software feature parity.