Oura Ring 5 Wins New Users, Fails to Justify $399 Upgrade
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jul 12
Oura Ring 5 Wins New Users, Fails to Justify $399 Upgrade
1 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jul 12
Summary
The Verge says Oura Ring 5 remains the best smart ring for first-time buyers, but existing Oura owners should wait unless their current ring dies.
The main reason is limited hardware change: Ring 5 is mostly a thinner, lighter Ring 4 with the same sensors, similar battery life, and no software features exclusive to the new model.
At $399 minimum plus Oura’s $6 monthly subscription, the upgrade case weakens further because the charging case costs another $99 and older cases are incompatible.
Oura also narrowed sizing—dropping sizes 4, 5, 14, and 15—and skipped a ceramic option, while the review says the app’s expanding health features now risk clutter and data overload.
That leaves Ring 5 as a strong casual health tracker and smartwatch alternative, but a less compelling choice for users who want detailed fitness metrics or a simpler app experience.