The Oura Ring 5 has officially arrived, and it is a game-changer for the wearable market. Boasting a design that is 40% smaller than its predecessor, the new model addresses the primary criticism of previous smart rings: bulkiness. Now lighter, more aesthetic, and more comfortable for 24/7 wear, the Ring 5, which starts at $399, aims to convert those who previously avoided smart jewelry.
A Dramatic Shift in Form Factor
As someone who spent extensive time with the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic, the difference in the Ring 5 is immediate. Oura has successfully engineered what it calls the world’s smallest smart ring, measuring just 6.09 mm in width and 2.28 mm in thickness—a significant reduction from the 7.90 mm width and 2.88 mm thickness of the Ring 4. This translates to a weight reduction from a range of 3.3–5.2 grams down to just 2–2.69 grams, depending on the size.
Comfort and Daily Wearability
The physical footprint of the Ring 5 makes it feel like traditional jewelry rather than a piece of tech. While I was always aware of the Ring 4 on my finger, the Ring 5 frequently slips into the background, making it ideal for those who don’t typically wear rings. This is particularly beneficial for sleep tracking; the reduced profile is significantly less intrusive at night than any smartwatch currently on the market.
Battery Performance and Size Constraints
Despite the reduction in volume, battery life has seen a slight boost, now ranging from six to nine days compared to the five to eight days of the Ring 4. In my real-world testing, the ring arrived with 50% charge and, after five days of consistent use, still retained 25%. However, there is a trade-off: the Ring 5 is currently available in sizes 6 through 13, a smaller selection than the Ring 4’s 4 to 15 range, due to the technical complexities of manufacturing this new, thinner form factor.
Finishes, Durability, and Software Updates
The Ring 5 is available in six finishes: Silver, Brushed Silver, Black, Stealth, Deep Rose, and a newly refined Gold. The Gold finish is particularly impressive, shedding the yellow tinge of previous iterations for a more authentic, subtle metallic look. Note that premium finishes—Gold, Stealth, and Deep Rose—carry a $499 price tag, a $100 premium over the standard models.
To protect the exterior, Oura has implemented a new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating process, which the company claims increases scratch resistance. While my initial five-day test showed no permanent wear, the true durability of this finish will be tested over time. Launching alongside the hardware are new software features, including Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing, which will also be available on the Gen3 and later models once they roll out later this month.
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