After Over a Year of Use, Our Editors Reveal If the Oura Ring Is Worth It

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There's no question that fitness trackers can serve as an effective resource for enhancing your general well-being. As stated by research Wearing an activity monitor might aid in enhancing physical exercise, body makeup, and general well-being. fitness However, not everybody is keen on sporting a large gadget on their arm.

Over the past several years, businesses have developed subtle methods to gather personal information about consumers. A case in point is the Oura Ring, which appears as an ordinary accessory but functions as a sophisticated device for monitoring physical activity and well-being, tracking details such as exercise routines and menstrual cycles. Although this company has existed for more than ten years, positive feedback from satisfied customers has recently brought it into prominence. TikTok And celebrity enthusiasts have propelled the gadget to the height of its popularity, with Google searches peaking at an all-time high in November 2024 — and the fascination with the gadget remains strong.

Here, we’re addressing all your queries regarding the device, covering everything from notable functionalities to pricing and additional details. The most exciting news is that the Gen3 edition of the ring is now available at its lowest price point ever. Amazon's Big Spring Sale as reported by the price tracking website CamelCamelCamel.

Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage

Ring Gen3

Ring Gen3 $249.00 at Amazon
Ring Gen3 $249.00 at ŌURA Ring

Product Specs

What is the function of the Oura Ring?

The Oura Ring serves as both a sleep tracker and an activity and stress monitor, offering numerous additional functionalities. Inside the ring’s band, various sensors are integrated, such as infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensors, and a three-dimensional accelerometer. These components help measure aspects like variations in body temperature, heart rate, breathing patterns, and motion, providing comprehensive insights into your overall health data.

Each day, along with various statistics, the app will display additional information for you. three scores The Sleep, Activity, and Readiness scores each range between 0-100. The Sleep score is determined by factors such as time spent in various sleep phases, duration of falling asleep, and the timing of your rest period. Your Activity score depends on metrics like daily steps taken, exercise sessions participated in during the previous day, and overall physical exertion levels. Lastly, your Readiness score considers elements including sleep quality, level of activity, resting heart rate, core body temperature among others; this helps guide how intensively you should engage physically for the current day.

What our editors think

Associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky, Since 2023, someone who has been wearing the Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage mentions that they primarily use it for tracking their sleep, which has also led to positive changes in their routines.

She reveals, “It’s still the first app I check each morning.” She expresses particular interest in the ‘resilience’ chart, which offers a comprehensive overview of her long-term health by considering both physical activity and rest periods. Although maintaining an energetic routine isn’t challenging for her, she struggles with making sleep a priority—something this application uniquely ensures. eight hours every night as well as my Oura ring. I actually feel guilty if I don't wind down when it sends me a reminder on my phone! It has also made me realize that if I want those solid eight hours, I need to be ready for bed about an hour early to factor in the time it takes to fall asleep and any disturbances in the middle of the night."

For individuals who experience menstruation, this ring aims not just at predicting when their period will begin but also at estimating their most fertile days and providing them with information about how their menstrual cycle influences their overall bodily functions and energy levels.

Production Coordinator shares that her top favorite features include the sleep and menstrual cycle tracking capabilities. Camryn Privette It’s incredibly fascinating to review your complete sleep chart and receive suggestions on areas for improvement. Additionally, I find the period tracker quite useful and fairly precise based on my personal experience.

The ring can offer you information regarding aspects such as your cardiovascular age, stress resilience, and more. Several editors praised the extensive data provided by the ring concerning your bodily functions and general wellbeing, along with its precision.

"I discover its readings quite precise, whether it's forecasting my menstrual cycle, pointing out variations in my oxygen levels, or monitoring my sleep," says the editorial assistant. Madison San Miguel “I’ve also discovered some interesting facts about my well-being, like how my body temperature rises just before my menstrual cycle, and that I tend to be quite a light sleeper, which can be troublesome.”

A significant attraction is the subtle and unexpectedly stylish design. Previously, San Miguel had another well-liked fitness tracker from the same brand, but she found it too cumbersome when worn on her wrist. She appreciates that the Oura ring resembles just another piece of jewelry, making it feel more concealed compared to other health-monitoring gadgets.

Additional aspects to think about regarding the Oura Ring

A major gripe among our team regarding this device revolves around its steep price tag and the required subscription plan. Upon buying an Oura Ring, customers receive their initial month of membership at no extra charge. Following that period, they must shell out either $5.99 monthly or opt for the annual rate of $69.99 to maintain full access to all features and information provided. As Witonsky points out, "Personally, I'd prefer paying a higher upfront sum for the product instead of dealing with these repetitive yet relatively small ongoing fees."

Following a year of usage, they observed that the battery life had diminished. "Although it should endure for a week, currently I manage just around three days of use before having to recharge it," states Witonsky. Nonetheless, she points out that it charges rapidly — not to mention, it retains a longer battery life compared to certain other monitors that require daily charging sessions.

Oura Ring 4

Oura Ring 4 priced at $349.00 Amazon
Oura Ring 4 priced at $349.00 Target
Oura Ring 4 priced at $349.00 ŌURA Ring

Product Specs

I've been using the Oura Ring 4 for slightly more than two months now. This marks my initial experience with their products, and having tested numerous fitness trackers—from large clunky models to sleeker wristbands—this one stands out as the most fashionable I’ve ever owned.

The information provided by this tracker is quite comparable to more expensive models, but what sets it apart is its ability to track your body temperature overnight. This metric influences your daily readiness score within the accompanying app. It can also indicate when you're possibly getting ill. Once, the app flagged my increased temperature, suggesting I was about to get sick (sure enough, the following day, I felt unwell and had to call out from work). Instead of engaging in a strenuous exercise session, I opted to prioritize rest and recuperation.

Although I continue to use an additional tracking device since it allows me to keep tabs on my speed and mileage during runs, I find the information it provides about my sleep patterns, menstrual cycles, and general well-being quite impressive. This gadget further encourages me to adopt a healthier lifestyle—my competitive nature pushes me to discover ways of minimizing both my resilience levels and cardiovascular age.

Since I got it, I’ve mostly removed it just to recharge because I wore it through long, sweaty runs, during strength training sessions, and even in both pools and the ocean. Although I value the robust build which allows me to leave it on almost all the time (barring activities like deep-sea diving), I’m starting to see slight scratches appearing on the exterior. This makes me wonder about its longevity.

How does the Oura Ring version 3 differ from version 4?

In autumn of 2024, Oura launched their fourth-generation smart ring. Unlike the previous version available in two designs—Heritage with a sleek surface and Horizon as an entirely circular option—the latest iteration is offered solely in one design. This new edition boasts enhanced battery longevity along with a wider range of sizing options, ranging from size 4 up to size 15. Most notably, this update introduces “Smart Sensing” technology. According to the company, these advanced sensors can adjust themselves based on the wearer’s finger for improved accuracy and consistent tracking capabilities.

Is the Oura Ring really worthwhile?

Our editorial team concurs that as a sleep and general well-being monitor, the ring excels at providing valuable and precise information, earning high marks for its functionality. Privette remarks, “In my opinion, the company’s method of monitoring stands out as both distinctive and efficient.”

The sleek, almost jewel-like design makes this device appealing to those interested in tracking their data without wanting something that looks like a conventional wrist accessory. As Privette mentions, “Since I’m not into wearing watches, this kind of tracker is really the only option I’d consider.” For individuals willing to pay more for both style and comprehensive information, it might be worthwhile. Indeed, San Miguel adores hers so thoroughly that she’s considering purchasing additional units for her mother and partner too.

Although I concur that the subscription fee appears unjustified, considering the gadget’s steep price, the crucial health data and the encouragement it gives me to lead a healthier lifestyle justify the expense. Furthermore, recognizing that the monthly charge equals what I’d spend on a coffee drink—and perhaps cutting back on my café purchases—makes it easier to accept financially.

However, for those seeking a comparable alternative without a subscription service, here are some more suggestions listed below.

Oura Ring alternatives

Ultrahuman Ring AIR

Ring AIR

Ring AIR $307.00 at Amazon
Ring AIR $349.00 at Ultrahuman
Ring AIR $349.00 at Walmart

Product Specs

Although associate editor Kamari Stewart was initially interested in the Oura Ring, the extra subscription fee deterred her from buying one. Consequently, she has opted for utilizing this device from Ultrahuman instead.

She mentions that although this ring is slightly larger compared to her usual jewelry, it remains fairly discreet. This device monitors various aspects of health including physical activities, heartbeat, sleep cycles, stress levels, recuperation index, accumulated sleep deficit, bodily temperature, and menstrual phases. Additionally, it provides recommendations regarding optimal times to consume caffeine and guidelines about moderating screen usage. Various features such as tracking Vitamin D intake, monitoring screen time, offering insights into pregnancy, setting intelligent alarms, and managing group calendars come without extra charges. However, functionalities like assessing cardiovascular fitness and detecting atrial fibrillation require an additional payment of $2.90 and $4.90 per month, respectively.

She mentions that the application is user-friendly when navigating through it. "To be honest, I don’t have any issues with it at all! It’s great to view the statistics, particularly those related to sleep and heart rate."

Samsung Galaxy Ring

Galaxy Ring

Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Amazon
Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Best Buy
Galaxy Ring $399.99 at Walmart

Product Specs

For owners of Samsung Galaxy devices, the company’s innovative smart ring offers a chic method to monitor and retrieve your information effortlessly. The Galaxy Ring comes equipped with sophisticated sensors intended to measure your heart rate, assess sleep quality, count steps, and record fluctuations in body temperature among other things. Additionally, this device is programmed to recognize and log various types of physical activities without requiring you to initiate any settings prior to starting your exercises.

This ring boasts a distinctive curved design, according to the brand, this feature aids in shielding it from scratches and ensures comfort when worn.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a monthly charge for using the Oura Ring?

Once you buy your Oura ring, you'll receive one month of membership at no cost. Following this initial period, you will be charged either $5.99 monthly or an annual fee of $69.99 to keep using the service. If you choose not to subscribe, you can still utilize fundamental functionalities such as your three daily Oura scores and monitor your ring’s battery status among others. However, should you wish to use advanced options including workout heart-rate monitoring, long-term trend analyses, detailed sleep assessments, and additional perks, you must cover the subscription costs.

Is it necessary for me to keep wearing my Oura Ring constantly?

Although you have the option to remove your Oura Ring whenever you wish, the brand says you might overlook information that could impact your scores the following day.

Where can I find out about getting measured for an Oura Ring?

The Oura Ring sizes are different than standard ring sizes, so it may be a good idea to try one on before you purchase. If you're hoping to get an accurate idea of sizing before you buy your Oura Ring, you can purchase a sizing kit At several retail locations, they provide plastic sizing rings so you can test them out. Upon buying the kit, you'll get a credit that you can apply towards the purchase of an Oura ring.

If you fall between sizes, the brand suggests choosing the smaller size for better sensor precision.

How we chose

We decided to feature the Oura Ring due to its popularity on social platforms and its high search volume on Google. Each editor we consulted has been using this device for more than a year and is thoroughly familiar with its functionalities and attributes.

The alternate rings mentioned were selected due to their lack of extra subscription fees and because they are either approved by editors or come from reputable brands.

Why trust Shop GudangMovies21?

GudangMovies21 editors and contributors scour the web to identify top-notch items available. They consult specialists and draw from their individual interactions with both the products and brands, aiming to simplify the purchasing process for their audience.

Emma Stessman serves as a writer for Shop GudangMovies21. With more than ten years of expertise in digital media, she has spent roughly half of her career concentrating on health and wellness topics. Over the years, Emma has been through several fitness trackers from leading manufacturers and most recently conducted a comparison. three popular models At Shop GudangMovies21, she discusses various subjects ranging from new tech releases to expert-approved beauty trends.

This piece was initially published on GudangMovies21

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