Oura Ring 4 review: Discreet smart health tracker with accurate sleep, stress and heart insights
The Oura Ring 4 combines health tracking and subtle design in a lightweight titanium band. Picture: Oura.
Smart rings are a discreet alternative to wrist-worn trackers, and the Oura Ring 4 is one of the most advanced yet. It combines accurate sleep tracking, stress monitoring and health insights in a lightweight titanium band that features 24-hour data without the distraction of a screen.
Although the Oura Ring 4 is slightly bulkier than a standard ring, it still passes as a simple, understated piece of jewellery. Itās made from titanium, feels solid yet light, weighing 3.3 to 5.2g depending on the size, and is waterproof to 100m. The inner surface sits flush, with sensors that donāt protrude uncomfortably.
You can order it in sizes 4 through 15, which should fit most people. In my case, I initially underestimated the size of my fingers and found anything smaller than a 14 to be too tight. Once I had the right size, it was surprisingly comfortable, even in hot weather when fingers tend to swell.
Colour choices include brushed silver, brushed black, gold, rose gold and classic silver. I chose gold, but in hindsight, Iād probably have gone with brushed silver because the polished finish shows micro scratches more easily than the matte metals. If possible, visit a store like Harvey Norman to try on sizes and finishes before making a purchase.
Unlike a smartwatch, the Oura Ring is more subtle for the wearer. On my index finger, it rarely drew attention, and when it did, it was for its shiny gold colour. For men unused to wearing jewellery, it can take a few days to adjust, but after a week, I had forgotten it was there.
The ring works seamlessly with the Oura app (available for iOS and Android). Data is presented clearly, with core scores for Readiness, Sleep, Activity, Heart Rate and Stress. The app features daily stress measurements, womenās health information, and newer additions, including cardiovascular age tracking and symptom radar.
The app is easy to use, but the ā¬5.99 per month, or ā¬69.99 anual subscription is divisive. Without it, you still see basic scores, but miss out on detailed trends, historical data and personalised coaching. At the time of testing, it works with up to 40 apps, including Apple Health, Google Fit, Flo, and Strava.
While nobody likes another subscription, on the plus side, Oura has promised that data privacy is paramount. Oura states that, unlike some free services, your health data isnāt sold to advertisers, which is reassuring.
Womenās health features are a major strength of Oura. Cycle tracking, perimenopause insights and pregnancy support go far beyond what many wearables offer. While I couldnāt test these personally, the feedback I read from users online suggests the insights are accurate and practical.
The cardiovascular age feature could be a real wake-up call. My arteries matched my biological age, which was reassuring; however, if they had tested older, it would have definitely prompted me to reconsider my diet and exercise routine. As it is, the ring has motivated me to try harder to see if I can reduce my age score.
Despite being packed with sensors, the Oura Ring 4 isnāt a replacement for everything. Thereās no display, so you canāt see notifications, calls or texts as you would on a smartwatch. If youāre after an all-in-one device, the Oura Ring 4 isnāt it, as youāll still need a phone or a watch.
Fitness tracking is also limited.
While it recognises some activities, thereās no built-in GPS and no way to map runs or cycles as comprehensively as a smartwatch or phone. Serious athletes will likely find it lacking compared to a Garmin or Apple Watch, which can independently track your course without relying on a connected device. Of course, you can let the Oura Ring 4 access your smartphoneās GPS (subscription required), which means youāll get detailed tracking of your outdoor activities, such as running, cycling, or walking. Instead of relying solely on the ringās built-in sensors, the GPS data provides more accurate routes, pace information, and distance measurements.
Durability is good overall, but scratches are inevitable if you lift weights or work with tools ā even the brushed finishes will pick up marks over time.
I wore the Oura Ring 4 continuously for six weeks, including sleep, showers, workouts, and even swimming. It tracked reliably with minimal gaps, and the āsmart sensingā system means the sensors automatically optimise placement, regardless of which finger you use.
Battery life was excellent. I averaged six days per charge, occasionally stretching to seven when usage was lighter. The magnetic charger is simple, though the small dock is easy to misplace, and itās the only way to charge the ring. The dock uses USB-C for power, making it universal, so itās no big deal if you lose the original cable.
In terms of accuracy, the Oura Ring consistently impressed me. Sleep tracking was very close to what my Apple Watch Ultra 2 recorded, particularly for deep sleep. Heart rate and SpO2 (oxygen saturation) were also closely aligned.
Stress tracking is an interesting feature that could be useful for people who may be under stress without even realising it. I found that peaks often aligned with stressful work situations or busy periods, while restorative periods showed up during walks. It helped me identify unhealthy late-night habits, such as doomscrolling, which directly impacted my sleep quality.
The Readiness score was surprisingly helpful. A low score one morning made me ease back on exercise. Conversely, high scores encouraged me to push harder without feeling drained.
The Oura Ring 4 is the most comfortable and accurate smart ring Iāve tested. It wonāt replace a smartwatch if you rely on constant notifications, but as a discreet, all-day health tracker, it excels. Accurate sleep tracking, strong stress insights, and week-long battery life justify the initial cost, plus the ongoing subscription. If you want deep health insights without a bulky smartwatch, the Oura Ring 4 is an excellent choice.
From ā¬399. Harvey Norman
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