Oura Ring 5: A Design Revolution

Oura has finally answered the most common complaint about its smart rings: they were too bulky. With the announcement of the Oura Ring 5, the company has delivered a wearable that is 40% smaller and significantly lighter than its predecessor, the Oura Ring 4. The new ring measures just 6.09mm wide and 2.29mm thick, a dramatic reduction from the 7.9mm width and 2.88mm thickness of the previous model. Weighing between 2 and 2.69 grams depending on size, the Ring 5 is so light that many users may forget they are wearing it. This update is a direct response to feedback from consumers who loved Oura’s features but found the ring uncomfortable for all-day or sleep use.

Oura has long been a leader in the smart ring market, competing primarily with the Samsung Galaxy Ring and other emerging players like Amazfit and Circular. The company’s first generation launched in 2015, and each subsequent version has refined both hardware and software. However, the form factor remained relatively chunky until now. The Oura Ring 5 represents a major engineering achievement, requiring the company to miniaturize sensors, battery, and LEDs while maintaining performance. Oura claims that despite the smaller size, the new ring features stronger LEDs and optimized battery life that lasts six to nine days. The charging case has also been upgraded, now holding five full charges and supporting wireless charging, a convenience that previous owners will appreciate.

Hardware and Design Enhancements

The Ring 5 is constructed from titanium with an IP68 weather resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and showering. Oura also states that the new coating is less prone to scratching than earlier models, a significant improvement given that many users reported wear and tear on previous generations, especially the rose gold version. The ring is available in several colors: black and silver at the base price of $399, with additional colors like deep rose, gold, and stealth at $499. The deep rose is a new coppery shade that avoids the pinkish tone of typical rose gold.

One notable change is the sizing range. The Ring 5 will only be offered in sizes 6 through 13, dropping the smaller sizes 4 and 5 that were available with the Ring 4. Oura explained that the Ring 4 had only launched in late 2024, and demand for extreme sizes was still uncertain. However, users with small fingers may be disappointed, as the ring may still feel bulky on petite hands. Additionally, Oura recommends that all buyers use a new sizing kit before purchasing, as the redesigned internal components can affect fit and comfort, potentially requiring a different size than previous versions.

Another absence is the ceramic finish option that was popular on the Ring 4. Oura has not commented on whether ceramic will return in future iterations. For now, the Ring 5 is strictly metal-coated. The charging case, sold separately for $99, now supports Qi wireless charging, meaning users can top up their ring on any standard wireless pad. This is a welcome upgrade over the previous case that required a wired connection.

Software: Health Radar and GLP-1 Insights

Alongside the hardware refresh, Oura is rolling out a major software update that promises to make the ring more useful than ever. The centerpiece is a new feature called Health Radar. Building on the earlier Symptom Radar tool that detected early signs of illness, Health Radar aggregates multiple health metrics into a single indicator of overall wellness. It includes nighttime blood pressure and breathing trends, the ability to import medical records, and integration with Council AI for a medical chatbot (the latter two are part of Oura Labs, the company’s experimental beta program). Health Radar aims to notify users when a significant change occurs in their health, reducing the need to manually track each metric.

For metabolic health, Oura is introducing GLP-1 insights, a timely feature given the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The ring can help users track dosages, monitor changes in metrics such as resting heart rate and body temperature, and understand common side effects. The company emphasizes that this is not a substitute for medical advice but a tool for awareness. Users can also upload lab results directly into the app and ask Oura’s AI chatbot questions about findings. Of course, as with all AI health tools, caution is warranted to avoid over-reliance on algorithmic interpretations.

Fitness tracking is also receiving upgrades. The Oura app now supports live activity tracking with the ability to pair third-party heart rate monitors. Users can view real-time metrics during workouts, a feature previously limited to smartwatches. This positions the Ring 5 as a viable alternative for athletes who prefer a minimalist form factor over a bulky watch.

Privacy and Data Control

Following last year’s controversy over Oura’s partnership with Palantir for data analysis, the company is taking steps to reassure users about privacy. A new feature called Time-based Data Deletion allows users to erase specific windows of historical data, rather than having to delete everything or nothing. This gives users granular control over their sensitive health information. Oura also reiterated that all data is encrypted and anonymized for research purposes.

The company is also launching a new research study called the Brain Health Study, which invites users to opt in and share their data to help researchers understand correlations between wearable metrics and cognitive performance. Participants can join through the Oura app starting today, and the study will run for several months.

Pricing and Availability

The Oura Ring 5 is available for preorder directly from Oura, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers starting today. The base price is $399 for the black and silver models, rising to $499 for other colors. The optional charging case is $99. The company expects to begin shipping on June 4, 2026. Most software updates, including Health Radar and GLP-1 insights, will roll out in June via the Oura app. The Brain Health Study is live immediately.

For those considering the upgrade from the Ring 4, Oura warns that sizing may be tricky due to the redesigned internal components. The company strongly recommends using a free sizing kit before purchasing. With a lighter, smaller design and a robust suite of new health features, the Oura Ring 5 is shaping up to be the most compelling smart ring yet, though the limited size range and lack of ceramic may push some users to wait for future iterations.

Source: The Verge News