The smart ring market is heating up with competition, yet the Oura Ring remains the top product. Originally launched via a Kickstarter campaign almost a decade ago, the brand really began to take off when the second and third generation rings were introduced in 2018 and 2021, respectively.
The Oura Ring stands out in a rapidly growing market not just for its longevity and expertise but also for its sleek, elegant design and its ability to provide valuable health and wellness insights through an innovative companion app. Looking to buy Oura Ring? Here’s everything you need to know about them, from choosing the right model to finding your perfect size.
What is the Oura Ring?
Smart rings like the Oura Ring work by using infrared LEDs on the underside that come in contact with your skin. They analyze changes in blood flow to capture useful biometric data. This includes body temperature, heart rate, sleep, and more. They’re another form of wearable that works just like a smartwatch, but they offer a different experience.
So, does it replace a smartwatch? Many people still like to wear smartwatches alongside a smart ring, especially for notifications, mobile pay, and other features. The two types of wearables can also work together to paint a more holistic picture of your health and wellness. But when it comes to the Oura Ring, it’s an unobtrusive health and wellness tool you could easily wear on its own. It tracks tons of metrics and real-time vitals and shows a history of data in a companion app so you get a full picture of your health and wellness.
What are the different Oura Ring models?
Oura offers two smart ring models: Horizon and Heritage. Both are identical in terms of feature set, how they work, and the Gen3 processor. The only difference is in how they look.
Oura Horizon
The Horizon models are sleek and round with a minimal design and a dimple on the bottom. It comes in five finishes: black, silver, brushed titanium, gold, rose gold, and stealth. Its rounded look is more modern, and those with smaller fingers may appreciate the sleeker design.
Oura Heritage
The Heritage employs a classic, plateaued design. It comes in black, silver, stealth, and gold, with a more traditional look. Those with larger fingers may like the ridged design that stands out on the hand.
What does Oura Ring do?
Both Oura Ring models use a Gen3 processor that can track sleep, activity levels, temperature trends, stress, heart rate, and more. Each comes with a charging kit, charging cable, and information booklet.
Sleep and readiness score
Receive a sleep score based on total sleep, how much time you spent in each sleep stage, heart rate variability, and more. A good night’s sleep isn’t just about getting seven to eight hours, it’s about quality sleep. This data can help you determine the quality of your sleep, not just the duration. A readiness score, meanwhile, factors in recent activity, sleep, and biometric signals. This lets you know when to tackle a workout or when you need a rest to help you avoid losing momentum when your body is at the perfect time to exercise or conversely overdoing it when your body needs a break. The activity score considers inactivity, activity level, and recovery.
Stress tracking
The smart ring can identify signs of stress and how you react to it. This can help you make positive changes towards better self-care. You can also use this information to eliminate or manage stress triggers. A Stress Resilience feature captures data over time to tell you how well your body reacts to stress.
Activity and vitals
Along with basics like step count, calorie burn, inactive time, training frequency and volume, and blood oxygen, you also get automatic activity detection for more than 30 common activities. This means you can head out for a walk or run, for example, and the ring will automatically detect that’s what you’re doing and start tracking the workout if you forget. There are also personalized goals, baseline numbers, and heart rate tracking during a workout. This helps motivate you and ensure you are reaching target heart rates. You can also see post-workout insights to compare, contrast, and applaud yourself for a job well done.
Additional features
Additional features include personalized recommendations and menstrual cycle tracking, ideal both for women who want to plan for their menstrual cycle as well as those looking to conceive. Partake in guided audio sessions for things like meditation and focus and activate a Rest Mode as desired. Circles are for connecting and sharing your data with like-minded other Members within the Oura community. This can add further motivation as peers can help push one another to achieve goals.
App integration
Everything is managed through the iPhone or Android app; there’s also a widget for Apple Watch. It’s also compatible with third-party apps for syncing relevant data from Apple Health, Google Fit, Health Connect, Strava, and Natural Cycles. So, if you’re already using a running app you love, for example, you can integrate that app neatly into the Oura Ring app for seeing the whole picture in one place.
Where to buy the Oura Ring in Canada
You can buy Oura Ring models in Canada directly through Oura’s official online store. You can also find them at authorized retailers like Best Buy Canada. Order online or visit a store to see it in person.
Choosing the right size
Before choosing the right model for you, it’s essential to get the correct version and size. Just like a traditional ring, a smart ring must fit perfectly—not only to ensure it doesn’t fall off but also to accurately track data through contact with your skin. A smart ring size isn’t the same as your traditional ring size.
It’s important to recognize that your finger circumference can change throughout the day, and for women, these fluctuations can be more pronounced during different phases of the menstrual cycle. This variability makes it crucial to choose a size that accommodates these changes.
Where to wear the ring
The Oura Ring can be worn on the index, middle, or ring finger. The index finger is the best option for the most accurate tracking and performance. It comes in sizes from 6 through 13, with no half sizes.
Order the sizing kit
Before selecting a size, use the Oura Ring sizing kit, which is available for $10 at Best Buy. The set includes plastic rings that are identical in size to the actual ones. If you purchase it from Best Buy, you will receive a $10 eCertificate.
Using the sizing kit
Follow the instructions in the kit, making sure to position the sizer ring with the sensor bumps on the palm side of your finger. Once done, the sizing kit does not need to be returned. You can then order the right sized ring using the $10 eCertificate that’s included with the sizing kit towards the purchase.
Try it on for size in store
If you need the ring more quickly, visit a Best Buy store near you to get an instant measurement. However, there’s value in wearing the sizing ring for at least 24 hours to capture your finger circumference in all environments and times of day.
Note on comfort: Keep in mind that the sizer ring won’t be as comfortable as the actual ring since it’s made of a plastic mould. It’s also slightly lighter in weight than the actual ring. The Oura Ring has an inner moulding for added comfort and won’t stick to your skin the same way. But the sizing rings are the exact same width and circumference as the real ones.
Tips on ensuring a comfortable and secure fit
Once you have used the sizing kit, there are a few things to consider before settling on your Oura Ring size. After buying your first (or new) smart ring, there are some things to remember as you prepare to wear it.
- Choose the right finger: Choose a finger that affords minimal disruption to your daily activities, taking into account that the ring is slightly thicker than a traditional piece of jewelry. You may prefer a finger on your non-dominant, hand, for example. Avoid choosing a finger with larger knuckles.
- Make sure it fits right: The Ring should fit tightly and securely while also being comfortable for extended periods. It should not be too tight nor too loose. The snugger the fit, the stronger the signal. You don’t want it to easily slide off your finger but it should be able to come off easily with a bit of soap and water. If there’s a gap between the top of your finger and the inside of the ring, that’s a good indication that you need to go smaller.
- Keep it clean: Keep the ring and the underside of your finger clean. Since Oura Ring is water-resistant, you can wipe it down. After washing your hands, slide the ring up on your finger and dry the base of your finger. Then slide the ring back down and dry the area above it. This will ensure that water doesn’t get trapped between the ring and your finger.
Practical considerations
There are a few practical considerations to keep in mind when opting for an Oura Ring:
- It requires a subscription: Oura Ring requires an Oura Membership to get the most out of it. New Gen3 device members get the first month free when purchasing through Best Buy or direct from the Oura online store. After that, it’s $7.99/mo. plus taxes or $89.99 per year.
- Returns and exchanges: Realize you got the wrong size? Maybe you gained or lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. You can return or exchange the Ring at Best Buy stores under the standard return and exchange policy.
- Purchase options: Buy the Oura Ring online (after finding your size through the sizing kit) or purchase in store. You can also buy online and choose to pick it up at a nearby location. Best Buy offers both pick-up and shipping options, so check your local store to see what’s available.
- Warranty: Oura Ring comes with a standard limited warranty when purchased through an authorized retailer like Best Buy. To make a warranty claim, you will need proof of purchase, like an online or physical receipt. Best Buy offers additional protection options for Oura Ring if desired.
Get tracking with Oura Ring!
A smart ring is a great complement to a smartwatch as part of your health, wellness, and fitness journey. When it comes to smart rings, Oura is at the top of the list for many. First, choose between the Heritage or Horizon design. Then, order the sizing kit, find the one you think is the right size, and wear it for at least 24 hours. Remember, Oura Ring doesn’t follow standard ring sizing. If you’re eager for it, you can alternatively visit a Best Buy store to try it on and buy right away. Just be confident that you are getting a snug yet comfortable fit.
Once back home, set up the companion app and activate your free Oura Membership trial to unlock your journey to health and wellness. Take care of the Ring by keeping both it and your hands clean. Go about your regular routine and let it gather baseline data about you and your daily habits. From there, view your metrics in the app, including historical and aggregate data. You might even want to compare it to your smartwatch. Use the data to help you improve habits, track progress, and continue your healthy living journey.
Ready to take the plunge into the exciting world of smart rings? Find both Oura Ring models in all finishes at Best Buy and make room on your hand for what will probably become your new favourite, and certainly most useful, piece of jewelry.
