Review: Oura Ring 4 – Good Sleep Tracking and Practical Advice

Betyg Oura Ring 4:

8/10

Bekväm, lätt
Bra batteritid
Precis sömnmätning och bra analyser och råd

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It hasn't been long since we tested Oura's Ring Gen3, but now the new version is here. The impression of the new ring is very similar to the old one, and since the Oura Ring Gen3 is now cheaper, it can be a really good choice as long as it is still sold, but this new Oura Ring Gen4 has some new features that are worth studying more closely. 

Been around for almost ten years

Oura released its first smart ring in 2015 in the form of a Kickstarter campaign, and after that success, the following two rings came in 2018 and 2021. Now the latest version is here, and we recognize the concept even though it has been refined. What I especially notice with the new ring compared to the third generation is that the new one is a bit more comfortable. This is because the sensors on the inside of the ring do not protrude as much.

When you get a smart Oura ring, you first need to know what size you need. Just like before, there is a package with rings so you can try out the right size, and you order this package from the same place you buy the ring, in Sweden, for example, Elgiganten or directly from Oura. The new ring has more sizes, so if you know your size from the previous ring, it's not certain you have the same one now. For me, who had size 11 on the Oura Ring 3, size 11 was still the best fit even with the Oura Ring 4.

For those who are not used to wearing rings, it may take some time to get accustomed, but the ring's biggest advantage is that it is less intrusive than a smartwatch while still being able to measure large parts of your health data. After a few weeks of use, when I have gotten used to it, I rarely think about the ring being there, except when I grip something like a bicycle handlebar, pot handle, if I scratch myself, or something else when it gets in the way and reminds me of its presence.

For either iPhone or Android

With the right size, you just put the ring on your finger and you're good to go. You can use the ring with either iPhone or Android, and to get as complete a picture as possible, I have used the ring with both an iPhone and two different Android phones during the test period. The Oura app on the phone was updated when the Oura Ring 4 was released, but the updates are also available to those with the older ring. Oura can sync its information when you use iPhone with Apple Health and when you use an Android with Health Connect. How useful this is in practice depends on which other health and fitness apps you use and what support they have, but given that Apple Health is more developed, I would say the support is better there. When I log a workout with Apple Watch, for example, Oura can show it directly in the Oura app, and I don't get the equivalent function in Android. However, Oura has general support for Strava, so you can have your workouts with the ring synced there regardless of which phone you use.

To benefit from your Oura ring, a monthly subscription is required, costing 5.99 euros, approximately 70 kronor. When you get a ring for the first time, you get the first month free, but then you have to pay, and if you don't, you only see three very general numbers and can't even see how much you've slept. On the other hand, if you pay the fee, the summaries, conclusions, and advice that the Oura app provides make using the ring worthwhile.

The app is crucial and it's really good

Since a ring, unlike a smartwatch, doesn't have its own screen, the app on the phone is what completely determines the experience. In Oura's case, I get plenty of information and advice. I get a notification if I've been sitting still for too long, I get a sleep report if I open the app in the morning, and I get advice for the coming day, whether I should take it easy or if it's a day to perform more, but it is also emphasized that how I feel should be the deciding factor.

The data collected by the ring comes from sensors that have been updated since previous models, but the results are about as accurate as with the previous model of the Oura Ring Gen3. Both rings are good at measuring activities like walking and running, so when I compare with a smartwatch, the distance matches well. Of course, the ring lacks GPS, but when I have the iPhone the ring is connected to with me, the Oura app can use the phone's GPS to also get the route.

Sleep tracking more than exercise is the real forte of smart rings in general and Oura in particular. The Oura Ring 4 ranks as one of the best gadgets we've tested for measuring sleep and overall health. I often find that the sleep reports I receive match what I've experienced, but there are occasional mistakes, such as the ring thinking I took a nap when I watched a movie or not registering a time I woke up during the night. However, the mistakes are few.

Compared to the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Ring, which had not been released when we tested the previous Oura ring, Oura mainly has advantages. Better battery life, more detailed analyses and advice, and support for both iOS and Android. However, Samsung has a significantly better charging solution with a case and gestures so you can, for example, take pictures with the phone remotely. A more detailed comparison can be found in our duel between these two. 

Betyg Oura Ring 4:

8/10

Oura Ring 4

Mått: Bredd 7,9 mm, tjocklek 2,88 mm
Vikt: 3,3-5,2 gram beroende på storlek, säljs i storlekar 4-15
Material: Titan
Färgval: Svart, guld, roséguld, silver, grå, borstat silver
Batteritid: Cirka fem dygn, laddar på cirka en och en halv timme på medföljande laddaren
Anslutning: Bluetooth
Sensorer: Pulsmätare, syrehalt i blodet, accelerometer, termometer
Fungerar med: Androidmobiler eller Iphone.
Pris: 4700 - 6600 kr, säljs i Sverige av Elgiganten

Bekväm, lätt
Bra batteritid
Precis sömnmätning och bra analyser och råd

Begränsad för aktiv träning
Prenumerationsavgift varje månad