If you’re like me and have been a longtime fan of the Oura Ring 3, you might be wondering whether the new Oura Ring 4 is actually worth the upgrade.
I’ve personally relied on the Oura Ring 3 for years—since it first came out in 2021—and it’s been my go-to for tracking everything from sleep patterns to workout recovery. So, when I heard about the launch of the Oura Ring 4 on October 15, I couldn’t resist giving it a try.
At first, the two rings look pretty similar. The outer design hasn’t drastically changed, but there are a few tweaks that caught me right away.
For starters, the Oura Ring 4 is now made entirely from titanium. The Oura Ring 3 was also made with titanium, but it had an epoxy layer inside that made it slightly bulkier. This new version feels a bit lighter on the finger and looks sleeker overall.
In terms of price, there’s a noticeable jump. The Oura Ring 4 starts at $349, which is $50 more than the original Oura Ring 3’s launch price of $299. However, that’s the same price as the more rounded “Horizon” style of the Gen 3.
While it might seem like a steep increase, the changes in design and technology might just make it worth it. I’ll dig deeper into those upgrades in the following sections.
Design Tweaks I Noticed Right Away
At first glance, the Oura Ring 4 looks almost identical to the Oura Ring 3. But, when I took a closer look (and wore it for a bit), I realized the differences are actually quite significant.
For starters, the sensors in the Oura Ring 4 are nearly flush with the inner surface. The Oura Ring 3 had three raised ridges inside to house the sensors, but now the Oura Ring 4 has just two slight bumps, making it feel smoother against the skin.
Most people probably wouldn’t even notice them, which is a plus in terms of comfort.
The all-titanium design is another upgrade I could appreciate. The Oura Ring 3 had a titanium exterior but an epoxy layer inside, making it a bit heavier and bulkier. The new all-titanium build of the Oura Ring 4 makes it feel lighter and more accurate in tracking, at least in theory.
One more thing that stands out is the sizing. The Oura Ring 4 now offers sizes from 4 to 15, which is four more than what the Oura Ring 3 had. This gives more flexibility for finding the right fit, which can make a noticeable difference for those with smaller or larger fingers.
It’s even better than the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which only offers sizes 5 to 13.
The “Smart Sensing” Tech—Does It Really Make a Difference?
When I first heard about the new “Smart Sensing” system in the Oura Ring 4, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I mean, how much more accurate can a ring get, right?
But after trying it, I have to admit the changes are noticeable.
The Oura Ring 4 now has up to 18 different sensing paths to read through your finger, compared to just 8 in the Oura Ring 3. This upgrade means the ring can determine the most reliable path for capturing data at any given time, leading to fewer interruptions in data collection.
This new sensing approach helps improve overall accuracy, whether it's heart rate monitoring, temperature tracking, or sleep data. While Oura claims up to a 120% boost in accuracy, I did find the new model to be a bit more consistent in detecting my heart rate during workouts and providing sleep insights.
What’s New with the App Experience?
The app now splits its main sections into three tabs: “Today,” “Vitals,” and “My Health.” It’s a small change, but it makes navigating through all the health data a lot easier.
The “Today” tab is where you get a quick overview of your daily stats—like sleep score, heart rate, and readiness level. The “Vitals” tab goes deeper into metrics like respiratory rate and body temperature, while the “My Health” tab offers insights into your long-term trends and even menstrual cycle predictions (for those who need it).
All these updates are available for both the Oura Ring 3 and 4 users, but I found that the improved accuracy of the Oura Ring 4 makes the data more reliable.
However, it's important to mention that none of these features come without the subscription cost.
At $5.99/month, the membership is still needed for most of the app’s core features. While it may seem like a drawback, I personally found the new layout and extra data clarity to be worth it—especially with the upgraded sensors in the Ring 4.
Battery Life—Did Oura Ring 4 Deliver on Its Promises?
Oura claims that the Ring 4 can last up to 8 days on a single charge, compared to the 7-day claim for the Oura Ring 3. However, based on my experience with both models, the reality tends to be a little different.
With the Oura Ring 3, I usually got about 4-5 days of battery life, while the Oura Ring 4 seems to last closer to 5-6 days, depending on how many features are active. So, while there’s a small improvement, it’s not a massive leap forward.
The new charging base for the Oura Ring 4, though, is a nice upgrade. Instead of the black plastic base that came with the Oura Ring 3, the Oura Ring 4’s charging base has a squared-off, silver design.
It feels more premium and, honestly, is a lot harder to misplace.
It’s a small change, but one that makes a difference in everyday use—especially for someone like me who’s constantly forgetting where I put my charger.
The Pricing Dilemma: Worth the Extra Cost?
Let’s talk about the price.
The Oura Ring 4 comes with a starting price of $349, which is $50 more than the original Oura Ring 3.
For those who purchased the “Horizon” style of the Oura Ring 3, though, the price was the same as the new model at launch. While the price jump might seem steep for some, it’s worth noting that retailers are offering discounts on the Oura Ring 3 now that it’s being phased out.
During Amazon's recent October Prime Day, I even saw the Gen 3 on sale for $100 off, bringing it down to $199.
Should You Make the Switch? Here’s What I Think
Now comes the big question: should you upgrade from the Oura Ring 3 to the 4?
Based on my experience with both rings, I’d say it depends on what matters most to you.
If you're someone who loves having the latest tech and appreciates a slightly more accurate and comfortable design, the Oura Ring 4 is definitely a worthwhile investment. The improved sensor accuracy, lighter weight, and extra sizing options make it feel more refined. Plus, the new titanium build adds a touch of premium that I personally enjoyed.
However, if you’re already happy with your Oura Ring 3 and don’t feel the need for minor design and accuracy tweaks, sticking with it for a while longer is perfectly fine. The app experience is nearly identical on both models, so you’re not missing out on any major new features. But if you see a good discount on the Gen 3, it’s still a solid option.