After wearing Oura Rings for nearly five years, I upgraded to the Oura Ring 5 the day it launched. Since then, I’ve been wearing it daily to see whether the improvements are actually meaningful or if this is just another annual tech refresh.
If you’re trying to decide whether to buy your first Oura Ring, upgrade from an older generation, or simply figure out what’s changed, here’s everything I’ve learned so far.
Quick Verdict: The Oura Ring 5 is noticeably smaller, more comfortable, and includes updated sensors, but most of the newest app features are also available on previous generations. For many existing users, the biggest upgrade is actually the improved design rather than revolutionary new functionality.
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What Changed With the Oura Ring 5?
The most noticeable improvement is the size.
Oura claims the 5 is significantly smaller than previous generations, and after wearing both side by side, I absolutely noticed the difference.
For years, one of the most common complaints about smart rings was that they looked bulky. Even people who loved the health tracking often hesitated because the ring looked more like a piece of technology than jewelry.
The Oura Ring 5 addresses that concern better than any previous model.
That said, don’t expect it to completely disappear on your hand. It still looks like a smart ring. The difference is that smart rings have become common enough that most people recognize them immediately.
Personally, I still like stacking mine with another ring to make it feel more like jewelry and less like a fitness tracker.
Oura Ring 5 Sizing
Before launch, Oura strongly recommended that existing users order a new sizing kit. In my case, I found the sizing to be nearly identical to my previous Oura Ring.
I wear a size 8 in both standard rings and Oura Rings, and that remained true with the Ring 5.
If you’re unsure about sizing and don’t want to wait for a sizing kit, many Target locations have display models available so you can test sizes in person before ordering.
Battery Life: Better Now, But Long-Term Durability Matters
Oura advertises up to one week of battery life, and so far, that’s been accurate in my experience.
However, battery longevity is one of the biggest reasons I upgraded.
My previous Oura Ring had reached the point where it was only lasting about a day on a charge.
To be fair, I’m incredibly rough on my rings. I lift weights wearing them. I garden in them. I use them during DIY projects and generally never take them off.
Many users report years of use without battery issues.
Still, battery degradation has consistently been my biggest frustration across multiple Oura generations.
For now, the Ring 5 battery performance is excellent. The real test will be how it performs after a few years of daily use.
The Charger Situation Still Needs Improvement
One area where Oura still frustrates me is charging.
The Oura Ring 5 requires a new charger, meaning previous-generation chargers won’t work.
Even more frustrating, chargers are still size-specific.
If two people own different ring sizes, they can’t share chargers.
After owning multiple Oura Rings over the years, I now have a collection of chargers that aren’t compatible with one another.
I’d love to see Oura move toward a universal charging solution in future generations.
Are the New Sensors Actually Better?
Oura says the Ring 5 includes upgraded sensors and improved accuracy.
From my personal use, I haven’t noticed a dramatic difference.
For most people, that’s probably okay.
I’m not training for the Olympics. I’m using my Oura Ring to understand long-term trends in sleep, recovery, activity levels, and overall health.
For casual users, trend data matters far more than whether one metric is 2% more accurate.
If you’re a serious athlete who needs highly precise performance data, you’ll probably still want dedicated fitness equipment alongside the Oura Ring.
New Oura Features Are Good News for Existing Owners
One surprise was learning that many of the newest Oura features are app-based rather than hardware-based.
That means many existing Oura users can benefit from new features without upgrading.
One example is Live Activity Tracking, which allows you to manually start activities and view real-time stats.
For walking and running, this works well.
For strength training, the experience is less impressive.
Strength Training Tracking Still Isn’t Great
As someone who spends a lot of time lifting weights, this remains one of my biggest complaints.
The Oura Ring frequently mistakes my workouts for housework.
Apparently Oura thinks I’m a much better homemaker than I actually am.
The problem seems to come down to how traditional strength training works.
Heavy lifting often includes long rest periods, which can make it difficult for wearable devices to recognize the activity correctly.
More intense circuit-style workouts tend to be detected more reliably.
Women’s Health Features Continue to Improve
One area where Oura consistently stands out is women’s health tracking.
The company continues to expand features related to:
- Cycle tracking
- Hormonal Birth control tracking
- Menopause tracking
These aren’t just token features added for marketing purposes. They’re genuinely useful tools that many users rely on daily.
As someone who has watched these features evolve over the years, this remains one of Oura’s strongest advantages.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
Historically, my gold Oura Rings have scratched fairly easily.
Oura claims the Ring 5 has its most durable coating yet.
So far, I haven’t noticed any scratches or unusual wear.
It’s still too early for a definitive verdict, but initial impressions are positive.
Oura Ring 5 Price and Subscription Cost
The good news is that Oura did not raise pricing for the Ring 5.
Current pricing remains:
- Standard finishes: $399
- Premium finishes: $499
In addition to the hardware cost, you’ll also need an Oura membership.
Current membership pricing:
- Monthly: $5.99
- Annual: $69.99
Some people hate subscriptions.
Personally, I think the app provides enough value to justify the cost, especially given how frequently Oura continues adding new features.
Can Insurance Help Pay for an Oura Ring?
Depending on your insurance provider, you may qualify for wellness benefits that help offset the cost of an Oura Ring.
It’s also worth checking your credit card benefits.
American Express Platinum cardholders currently qualify for an annual $200 statement credits that can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing a new ring.
Should You Buy the Oura Ring 5?
Buy the Oura Ring 5 If:
- You want a comfortable wearable for sleep tracking
- You prefer a ring over a smartwatch
- You value long-term health trends
- You care about the smaller design
Skip the Oura Ring 5 If:
- You obsess over every health metric
- You expect revolutionary new features over previous generations
- You’re happy with your current Oura Ring
Should Existing Oura Owners Upgrade?
This is where things get tricky.
If your current ring still works well and you’re happy with it, I’d probably wait.
Most of the benefits come from the smaller size and improved comfort rather than game-changing new functionality.
However, if your current battery is struggling, you’re bothered by the size of older models, or you’re ready for a replacement anyway, the Oura Ring 5 is an easy recommendation.
Final Thoughts
After several weeks with the Oura Ring 5, my opinion is pretty simple:
It’s the best Oura Ring yet.
At the same time, it’s also a fairly conservative upgrade.
New buyers will love it.
Existing users should carefully consider whether the smaller size alone is worth the upgrade cost.
For me, the answer was yes. But if your current ring is still working perfectly, you may want to hold onto it a little longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oura Ring 5 worth upgrading to?
For most existing users, the biggest improvement is the smaller design. If your current ring is working well, you may not need to upgrade immediately.
Does Oura Ring 5 have better battery life?
Yes. Oura advertises up to one week of battery life, and that matches my experience so far.
Is Oura Ring 5 more accurate?
Oura claims improved sensor accuracy. In everyday use, I haven’t noticed dramatic differences compared to previous generations.
Is Oura Ring 5 worth buying over a smartwatch?
If your primary goals are sleep tracking, recovery insights, and all-day wearability, many people will prefer the ring form factor over a smartwatch.
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