The Oura Ring has long been a favorite among health-conscious users who prefer a discreet wearable over a bulky smartwatch. But a common complaint has been its thickness and weight, which can feel clunky on smaller fingers or during sleep. Now, Oura has answered those criticisms with the announcement of the Oura Ring 5, a device that is 40 percent smaller and significantly lighter than its predecessor.
The Oura Ring 5 measures just 6.09mm wide (down from 7.9mm) and 2.29mm thick (down from 2.88mm). Depending on the size, it weighs between 2 and 2.69 grams — a remarkable reduction that makes it almost imperceptible on the finger. In side-by-side comparisons, the difference is immediate; the Ring 5 sits lower on the finger and feels much less obtrusive. This is a crucial improvement for users who wear the ring 24/7 for sleep tracking and continuous health monitoring.
Despite the slimmer profile, Oura has packed in more powerful LEDs and optimized battery life, now rated for six to nine days on a single charge. The ring is made from titanium and retains an IP68 weather resistance rating, meaning it can withstand dust, sweat, and immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The outer coating has also been improved to resist scratches better than previous models — a notable upgrade for those who remember the damage-prone rose gold finish of the Oura Ring Gen 3.
The optional charging case has been redesigned as well, now holding five full charges and supporting wireless charging. This means users can top up the ring on the go without needing a cable, a convenience that rivals that of many true wireless earbuds. The case itself is compact and pocketable, making it easy to carry when traveling.
However, there are some compromises. The Oura Ring 5 is only available in sizes 6 through 13, dropping the smaller size 4 and 5 options from the Ring 4. Oura stated this is due to ongoing market analysis and the relatively recent launch of the Ring 4 in late 2024. Also, there is no ceramic version at launch, and the company recommends that existing users order a new sizing kit because the internal component redesign may result in a different fit. Some users may find themselves between sizes, requiring them to choose a larger or smaller ring for optimal comfort.
Health Radar: A New Suite of Wellness Tools
Alongside the hardware refresh, Oura is rolling out a major software update called Health Radar. This suite builds on the earlier Symptom Radar feature, which could detect early signs of illness. Health Radar goes further by combining nighttime blood pressure trends, nighttime breathing patterns, medical record imports, and a new AI chatbot powered by Council AI. The goal is to provide a unified view of significant health changes without requiring users to analyze each metric individually.
The blood pressure feature uses optical sensors to estimate systolic and diastolic trends during sleep. While not a replacement for a medical-grade cuff, it can alert users to sustained elevations that might warrant a doctor's visit. The breathing trend analysis tracks respiratory rate and variability, which can be early indicators of respiratory infections or sleep apnea.
For those managing metabolic health, Oura is introducing GLP-1 insights. This feature allows users to log their GLP-1 medication dosages (such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy) and monitor how the medication affects their metrics. It can show patterns like a mild increase in resting heart rate, which is a common side effect, and help users track weight loss progress in the context of their overall health data. Lab uploads are also being added, enabling users to import blood test results directly into the app and ask the AI chatbot to explain the numbers. Oura is careful to note that this is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
In the fitness realm, live activity tracking is getting a boost. Users can now pair a third-party heart rate monitor (such as a chest strap or armband) to the Oura app during workouts, and view real-time metrics like heart rate zone, intensity minutes, and estimated calorie burn. This makes the Oura Ring more versatile for serious athletes who previously relied on watches for detailed workout data.
Brain Health Study and Data Privacy
Oura is also launching a new research initiative called the Brain Health Study. Users can opt in to share their data — including sleep, activity, heart rate, and temperature — to help researchers understand how these metrics correlate with cognitive performance. This could lead to early detection of cognitive decline or simply provide insights into how lifestyle factors affect mental sharpness.
Given the sensitivity of such data, Oura is expanding user control over their information. A new Time-based Data Deletion feature allows users to erase a specific window of past data, rather than deleting everything. This addresses some of the privacy concerns that arose after Oura's partnership with Palantir sparked controversy last year. The company emphasizes that all health data remains encrypted and that users have full ownership.
Pricing and Availability
The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399 for the black and silver finishes. Other colors, including the new deep rose (a coppery rose gold), are priced at $499. Preorders are live today on Oura's website, Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers, with shipping expected to begin June 4th. The Brain Health Study is open immediately, while the software updates (Health Radar, GLP-1 insights, lab uploads, live activity tracking) will roll out throughout June.
For those considering an upgrade from the Oura Ring 4: while the hardware improvements are significant, the software updates are also coming to the Ring 4. So existing users won't miss out on the new features. The main reason to upgrade would be the smaller, lighter form factor and longer battery life. For newcomers, the Ring 5 represents the most refined smart ring experience yet, combining discreet design with powerful health tracking capabilities.
The smart ring market is heating up, with competitors like Samsung, Amazfit, and Ultrahuman also vying for attention. But Oura has the advantage of years of data analysis and a dedicated user base. The Ring 5's combination of size reduction, battery life, and software enhancements make it a strong contender for anyone looking to move beyond traditional wearable form factors.
Source:The Verge News