Oura Ring 4 vs Oura Ring 3: Is it worth upgrading?

Oura, one of the top competitors in the current smart ring market, has established itself as a reliable brand in finger-based fitness tracking. Oura Ring 3 has been at the top of our best smart rings list for some time, offering a comfortable form factor, highly accurate sensors, and a versatile companion app. Now that the company has launched an even newer model, it’s time to see if readers should consider upgrading. Read our Oura Ring 4 vs. Oura Ring 3 comparison to find out what each model has to offer.

Like its predecessor, Oura Ring 4 offers users subtle, passive health tracking with a device that blends into their daily lives by mimicking traditional jewelry. The new model has a slightly thinner and lighter design than the previous one, but the real improvement in its design is on the inside of the bezel. Here, buyers will find recessed sensors (instead of the bulbous ones on the Oura Ring 3) and a full titanium (rather than epoxy) interior. The result is a more comfortable fit and greater durability. Combined with updated algorithms, the new sensors also provide greater accuracy.

This time, the ring is also available in additional sizes to attract even more people to the ecosystem. While Oura Ring 3 is available in sizes 6 to 13, Oura Ring 4 is available in sizes 4 to 15. During the purchase process, users will also receive a sizing kit that allows them to determine their best fit before ordering the official device.

In terms of design and color, Oura Ring 4 ditches the previous generation’s Heritage option with a plated top. Instead, the latest line is only available on fully rounded Horizon models. The device is available in silver, black, brushed silver, stealth, gold and rose gold. Oura Ring 3 is not available in brushed silver.

The most noticeable difference between Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 3 is the updated latest generation sensor technology. As already mentioned, the newly built-in sensors combined with all the new algorithms provide “intelligent detection”, a more efficient setup that uses an 18-track system to dynamically track user data. According to Oura, the improvement should provide better signal quality, fewer dropouts in heart rate data, and, of course, greater accuracy in many monitored metrics. The device still tracks the same basic data, including heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, activity, etc.

Other new features introduced with Oura Ring 4 include new automatic activity detection, fertility and daytime stress insights. Daily stress shows users’ stress levels in relation to their daily habits and activities. These tools can be accessed through the refreshed Oura app, which is divided into three new tabs: Today, Vitals and Health. The updated app is also available for Oura Ring 3 users.

Oura Ring 4 also offers up to 8 days of battery life. This is an all-day improvement over the previous generation, despite the added features. Unfortunately, the Ring still charges in the puck-style charger rather than in a charging case with a built-in battery.

Oura Ring 4 starts at $349, with prices increasing depending on the finish level you select at checkout. The most expensive models, Gold and Rose Gold, cost $499. In other words, it is not a cheap device. Oura Ring 3 was initially launched at slightly lower prices, but with a slightly more complex pricing structure, considering that the device is available in two different versions. Now that the new model is available, the older generation can be found for up to $50 cheaper.

Both Oura Ring 4 and Oura Ring 3 require a subscription. These prices remain the same from generation to generation and are $5.99 per month equal to $69.99 per year.

While we love the Oura Ring 3, it’s clear that the Oura Ring 4 offers some significant improvements. Built-in sensors and a titanium interior provide a more comfortable fit while contributing to greater accuracy. Three years in the making, this is a welcome update. It’s not as thin as many had hoped, but it’s an update nonetheless. If your Oura Ring 3 is looking a little worse for wear, there’s no harm in upgrading to the next generation.

On the downside, the device isn’t cheap, and most features will still be available to users of the older model via the Oura companion app. Since Oura plans to continue supporting these three for now, you shouldn’t feel rash to drop a few hundred dollars right away.

If you are purchasing an Oura ring for the first time, it is best to invest in the latest equipment. Even if you can find the Oura Ring 3 on sale, the price difference over time probably isn’t worth sacrificing the accuracy that the latest model’s sensor improvements provide. Finally, if you’ve been waiting for Oura to introduce a size that actually fits your finger, the added next-gen fit options may open the door to checking out this worthy device.