Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: Which smart ring should you buy?

A year after the Oura Ring 4 launched, we’re keen to see how it really measures up against its predecessor.

Considering the Oura Ring 4 scored 4.5-stars while the Ring 3 achieved a four-star rating, does that mean the newer model is easily the better option? Or can you make do with the ring 3 and nab a decent price cut in the process?

To help you decide between the two, we’ve compared our experiences with the smart rings below. Once you’re finished here, make sure you visit our best smart ring guide to see other alternatives.

Price and Availability

Although the Oura Ring 4 has a starting price of £349 / $349,this cost can rise significantly,depending on the finish you opt for. For example, while the standard silver option is at the lower end, one of the recently announced ceramic options or the gold finish will set back £499 / $499 rather.

As it’s an older model, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the Oura Ring 3 is no longer readily available to buy directly from Oura. However, it is possible to pick up the ring 3 from third-party retailers such as John Lewis, Amazon and more. While the price may vary, generally you can expect to buy the Ring 3 for around the £230 mark.

Design

* Oura Ring 4 is near-enough the same size as the Oura Ring 3
* Both have a 10 ATM rating but do tend to scratch quite easily
* Oura Ring 4 has 18 signal pathways compared to eight on the Ring 3

The Oura Ring 3 is available in two iterations: Horizon which was round and Heritage which had a flat-top. In comparison, the Oura Ring 4 only comes as a rounded model and is near-enough the same size as its predecessors. In actual fact, the Oura Ring 4 is slightly larger than the Heritage.

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Oura Ring Review: A Deep Dive into Health Tracking

The Oura Ring has become a prominent player in the wearable health technology market, offering a unique approach to tracking sleep, activity, and overall well-being. Unlike traditional smartwatches, the Oura Ring prioritizes data-driven insights delivered in a minimalist, ring-shaped design. This review will explore the Oura Ring’s features, accuracy, subscription model, and overall value.

What is the Oura Ring?

The Oura Ring is a smart ring designed to track various physiological metrics. it focuses on three main pillars: sleep, activity, and readiness. It doesn’t have a screen; instead, it syncs data to the Oura app on your smartphone for analysis and personalized recommendations. The ring is crafted from titanium and comes in various finishes and sizes.

Key Features and Tracking Capabilities

The Oura Ring tracks a thorough range of health data, including:

• Sleep Stages: Detailed analysis of sleep stages (deep, REM, light, and awake) using heart rate variability (HRV), movement, and temperature sensing.
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV): A key indicator of nervous system balance and recovery.Oura explains HRV as a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat.
• Resting Heart Rate: Tracks your heart rate while at rest, providing insights into cardiovascular health.
• Body Temperature: Monitors changes in body temperature, which can be useful for identifying illness or tracking menstrual cycles.
• Activity Levels: Tracks steps, calories burned, and activity intensity.
• Readiness Score: A daily score that summarizes your body’s recovery and readiness for activity, based on sleep, HRV, resting heart rate, and activity levels.
• Period Prediction: For users who identify as female, the Oura Ring can predict menstrual cycles and provide insights into hormonal fluctuations.

Accuracy and Validation

Oura has invested in validating the accuracy of its sensors. Studies have shown the Oura Ring to be reasonably accurate in tracking sleep stages, notably when compared to polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard for sleep analysis.Oura’s science page details their validation studies. Tho, like all wearable trackers, it’s not a medical device and should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Accuracy can vary based on individual factors and proper ring fit.

Oura Membership and Pricing

The Oura Ring itself requires an ongoing subscription to unlock its full potential.As of December 10, 2025, the Oura Membership costs £5.99 / $5.99 a month or £69.99 / $69.99 a year. Oura’s membership page outlines the benefits. While the ring functions without a membership, providing basic activity and sleep data, the detailed insights, personalized recommendations, and advanced features are locked behind the paywall. The membership includes access to guided audio sessions, advanced sleep and activity analysis, and personalized insights.

Oura Ring Generations: Horizon vs.Heritage

Oura currently offers two main ring generations:

• Oura Ring Heritage: The original Oura Ring, known for its sleek design and focus on core health tracking.
• Oura Ring Horizon: The latest generation, featuring a thinner design, improved sensors, and the addition of a daytime heart rate tracking feature. The Oura Ring collection page details the differences.

The Horizon is generally considered the superior option due to its enhanced features and more comfortable fit, but it comes at a higher price point.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Minimalist design and comfortable to wear.
• Comprehensive health tracking metrics.
• Detailed sleep analysis and personalized insights.
• Readiness score provides valuable recovery guidance.
• Growing body of scientific validation.

Cons:

• Requires a monthly or annual subscription for full functionality.
• Can be expensive compared to other fitness trackers.
• Accuracy, while good, isn’t perfect.
• No screen for immediate data viewing.

FAQ

Q: is the Oura Ring waterproof?

A: Yes, the Oura Ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable