Oura makes good smart rings but comparing the company’s best means cutting through all the details and nuances. What makes the newer Oura Ring 5 different from the Oura Ring 4 mostly comes down to design over functionality, though the latter matters, too.
To be clear, neither is a bad choice. If you’re new to smart rings and want to understand how they work, what features to look for, and how different models compare, our smart ring buying guide can help you choose the right fit for your needs.
Table of contents
- What changed from Ring 4 to Ring 5
- Design and comfort
- Size range and sizing kit differences
- Battery life
- Sensors and health features
- Software updates: What comes to Ring 5 vs Gen3 and newer
- FAQs
What changed from Oura Ring 4 to Ring 5
Oura launched the Ring 5 in May 2026 as a successor to the Ring 4, where the primary focus lies around getting smaller to increase comfort. The difference is obvious just by looking at both rings. The Ring 4 has a size range from 4-15, whereas the Ring 5 offers a narrower set between 6-13.
The key distinction here is that sizing doesn’t transfer over from one ring to the other. For example, wearing a size 10 Oura Ring 4 almost certainly means the same size Ring 5 won’t fit. The main reason why is because of slight design changes affecting the overall design.
Beyond that, changes between them are evolutionary, like modestly longer battery life, improved tracking, and new features layered onto the existing subscription model.
Design and comfort
The Oura Ring 5 is thinner, slimmer, and lighter, amounting to a 40% reduction in volume. That doesn’t mean the ring itself is 40% smaller than the Ring 4, just that the combined reductions make up the volume. The point is that wearing the ring feels closer to a standard ring than the previous model does, which is a notable achievement for a smart ring of any kind.
Oura built the Ring 4 around a fully titanium design with recessed sensors that made the inner side flush with the skin. A Ceramic variant adds extra durability on the outer side that’s more resistant to scratches and scuffs. It also sports a slightly different look because of it.
The Ring 5 also comes in a titanium body, only with better coating—known as physical vapour deposition (PVD)—to ward off those same scratches and scuffs. While not as tough as a ceramic body, it’s a step up from the regular Ring 4 in that regard.
Size range and sizing kit differences
With ring sizes narrowing between the Ring 4 and Ring 5, a major consideration off the bat is if your own size is on the lower or higher end of that spectrum. For instance, wearing a size 4 Ring 4 means you only have size 6 as an alternative for the Ring 5. Same story if you need a size 15, where a 13 is your only choice.
The main reason why sizes don’t carry over from one to the other is because of the inner side’s design. Where the Ring 4 has a flush inner side, the Ring 5’s onboard sensors protrude slightly. Throw in the fact that it’s thinner and it’s more likely to feel tighter by comparison.
That’s why it’s very important to try out the Ring 5 sizing kit first before committing to any particular ring size. Don’t assume that owning a Ring 4 or trying out its own sizing kit is good enough to apply to the Ring 5. It’s not.
Battery life
Here, Oura pulls off an impressive feat. Though incremental, battery life improves by about an hour across the board. Where the Ring 4 typically lasts 5-8 days between charges, depending on how it’s used, the Ring 5 can go up to 6-9 days. Individual usage still determines how long it ultimately lasts but you can bet on longer runtime with the 5.
Neither ring charges differently. The cradle for both rings looks the same, though given the differing diameters across the varying sizes, the charging cradle coming with your ring is specific to its size. If you want something more portable, you can also opt for a charging case with a lid that closes. This is a separately sold accessory.
Sensors and health features
Both rings track the same things, so there is no feature-laden advantage one way or another. The Ring 5, for instance, doesn’t have dedicated features its predecessor doesn’t. Much of what Oura changes or improves upon is software-based, not hardware-driven. One slight catch to that is that the placement of the sensors in the Ring 5 produce more accurate results, which is great for a smart ring lineup that’s already great at that.
Sleep tracking is tops among them, arguably setting the standard for smart rings as a category. That capability is what opens the door to a variety of metrics tied to how well you sleep on a nightly basis. Activity tracking can automatically recognize at least 40 exercises. There is no difference in how each of these rings handles those tasks.
Going forward, Oura will group several features under the Health Radar umbrella, alongside other health-focused additions rolling out across the ecosystem. For now, that rollout is limited to the U.S. and few other markets but will eventually make its way to Canada as well.
Software updates: What comes to Ring 5 vs Gen3 and newer
Some of the newest software experiences arriving alongside Ring 5 aren’t exclusive to the new hardware. Subscribers with a Ring Gen3 or newer gain access to a number of these updates, too. Oura states that it will roll out the same updates to both the Ring Gen3 and Ring 4, making the Ring 5 the latest in a broader, shared software ecosystem.
Who may want to upgrade
Readers who care most about owning the newest generation, who want the comfort and shape changes Oura is emphasizing, who fall within Ring 5’s updated size range, or who want the newest hardware paired with the newest software rollout are the clearest candidates for upgrading now.
Who may still be fine with Ring 4
There’s no need to rush if you have an existing Oura Ring with much of what’s new reaching Gen3 and later. If you fall outside the Ring 5’s size range, then you likely have to wait until Oura supports your size again. If you value the ceramic finish, staying with Ring 4 remains a reasonable choice. There aren’t bad choices here, just ones you have to weigh relative to the design and comfort available between them.
Buying checklist
Before buying or upgrading, it’s worth working through a short list:
- Design and comfort preferences.
- Does your size falls within the available range?
- Have you used the correct sizing kit?
- Battery expectations for your usage.
- Which software features you actually want and whether they require new hardware.
- What’s currently in stock.
Check out the Oura Ring 5 and Oura Ring 4 available now at Best Buy. Sizing kits and accessories for both are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed from Oura Ring 4 to Oura Ring 5?
Ring 5 launched in May 2026 with an updated size range, battery positioning, comfort-focused design, and new ecosystem-wide software.
Is Oura Ring 5 smaller or more comfortable than Oura Ring 4?
Yes, the Oura Ring 5 is smaller and should be more comfortable.
What is different about the size range on Oura Ring 5?
Ring 4 spans sizes 4 to 15, while Ring 5 covers 6 to 13, worth checking against your fit before ordering.
Do I need a new sizing kit for Oura Ring 5?
Yes. Sizing doesn’t carry over from one generation to another, especially when comparing Ring 4 to Ring 5, so it’s best to try the Ring 5 sizing kit first.
How does Oura Ring 4 battery life compare with Oura Ring 5?
Ring 4 typically lasts 5-8 days depending on usage, while Ring 5 goes from 6-9 days.
What new software experiences are associated with Oura Ring 5?
Health Radar and other health-focused additions are rolling out across the ecosystem, though Canada will get the full rollout sometime soon.
Do some new Oura software features also work with Gen3 and newer rings?
Yes, because they’re not exclusive to Ring 5 owners. Those with a Ring Gen3 or newer receive many of the same updates.
Does Oura Ring 4 still offer features some shoppers may prefer?
Yes, its wider size range and ceramic finish are two standouts that may matter more to some buyers than Ring 5’s changes.
Who may want to upgrade from Oura Ring 4 to Oura Ring 5?
Those drawn to the comfort and design changes, the updated size range, or the newest combined experience.
Who may still be fine staying with Oura Ring 4?
Anyone satisfied with the feature set, wearing outside Ring 5’s size range, or liking that new software is also reaching Gen3 rings.
What should I check before buying or upgrading to Oura Ring 5?
Confirm your size with the proper sizing kit, weigh comfort preferences, review battery expectations, and check out new features.
