Oura has established itself as one of the leading names in smart rings and further expanded this legacy with the release of the Oura Ring 5. This overview will explore what a smart ring is, take a closer look at the innovative Oura Ring, and explore the improved features that set the Oura Ring 5 ahead of the game.

What is a smart ring?

Smart rings have received a massive surge in popularity, and deservedly so. These sleek devices combine the capabilities of smart watches and fitness trackers into a small ring, offering you greater comfort and freedom: from slipping the ring on and off with ease to barely noticing it on your finger when it’s time to sleep.  

One of the biggest appeals of smart rings is how seamlessly they fit into your daily life, but the technological benefits extend far beyond convenience. Because smart rings sit so close to your skin, the sensors in some models can pick up signals more reliably, with the Oura Ring 5 having a pulse signal 100x stronger than wrist-based wearables.

What is an oura ring?

Oura is a pioneering force in the smart tech industry, creating the first-ever fitness ring: the Oura Ring. With over a decade spent evolving the Oura Ring, Oura has perfected the formula for a smart ring that pairs in-depth insights with convenience.

Because the Oura Ring doesn’t have a screen, all your insights are sent to the Oura App in real time. The Oura App gives you clear, easily accessible insights into your health. At a glance, you’ll be able to see your sleep, readiness for the day, and activity levels, with options to deep dive into more detailed analysis.

It’s worth noting that the Oura App is subscription-based, which starts at £5.99 a month. Although the Oura Ring can technically still function without a subscription, access to personalised insights and data from the Oura App requires one. Ultimately, a subscription is pretty much necessary to have a positive Oura experience.

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What makes the oura ring 5 standout?

The Oura Ring 5 further builds on the series’ strong foundations with some evolutionary upgrades, neatly packed into your choice of 6 colour variants: Gold, Silver, Deep Rose, Stealth, Brushed Silver, and Black. 

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Size
One of the biggest improvements of the Oura Ring 5 is the size—or rather, lack of size. At its time of release, the Oura Ring 5 is the world’s smallest smart ring: 40% smaller than the Oura Ring 4, with less bulk and a seamless look that resembles an actual piece of jewellery. Alongside the stylistic benefits, this also means that any dust, dirt, or water is less likely to get trapped beneath the ring, resulting in more accurate sensor readings and peace of mind that your health is being tracked well.


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Another notable upgrade for the Oura Ring 5 is its battery life, which is surprising given the ring’s smaller size, leaving less space for internal hardware. The Oura Ring 5 overcame this challenge and improved on the previous generation's battery life: offering 6-9 days of use after a full charge, a clear upgrade from the Oura Ring 4’s 4-5 days of use.


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Durability
The Oura Ring 5 also sees improvements in durability, helping protect the tech in your smart ring from damage whilst maintaining its sleek, stylised finish. It’s made from durable, scratch-resistant titanium—an upgrade from the previous generation’s less advanced titanium or zirconia ceramic. The Oura Ring 5 also offers full waterproof protection up to 100m, an improvement over the Oura Ring 4’s less effective water resistance of up to 100m.


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Insights
The Oura Ring 5 uses advanced sensor technology to improve readings. The low-profile sensor domes help achieve better skin contact, whilst the 12 signal pathways improve readings across a wider range of finger types and skin tones.

The Oura Ring 5's release coincided with the introduction of menstrual health updates in the Oura App, which older ring models can also access. These updates include insights on menopause, upgraded cycle insights, and hormonal birth control tracking.

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Final thoughts

The Oura Ring 5 represents a significant step forward in smart ring technology, combining more advanced health tracking, longer battery life, and improved durability into a smaller device that feels even more like jewellery than technology. Ultimately, the Oura Ring 5 offers a refined and convenient way to stay connected to your health—every day and night.