Oura Ring 5 review: a stunning generational leap for smart rings

Oura's new Ring 5 is a massive upgrade for smart rings, dramatically shrinking in size and weight to bring them right into line with standard wedding bands and other jewellery. It is finally a smart ring you can genuinely forget you're wearing. The Ring 5 is a straight replacement for the popular Ring 4 and costs from £399 (€399/$399/$A649), though it requires a £5.99 (€5.99/$5.99/A$9.99) a month subscription to access anything but basic daily metrics.

An Oura is not a cheap proposition. The new design is a significant departure from its predecessor, with a sleeker and more streamlined aesthetic that makes it nearly indistinguishable from a traditional ring. This redesign addresses one of the primary criticisms of previous Oura models, which were often considered too bulky for everyday wear.

The Ring 5's more compact form factor and reduced weight make it an attractive option for those seeking a discreet health-tracking solution. In terms of functionality, the Ring 5 boasts impressive upgrades, including enhanced health monitoring capabilities and a more user-friendly interface. The device provides detailed metrics on sleep patterns, physical activity, and other vital signs, making it a valuable tool for individuals seeking to optimize their well-being.

The Oura Ring 5's success will likely have far-reaching implications for the wearables industry, as it sets a new standard for health-tracking devices. For developers and businesses, this means raising the bar for innovation and user experience. For consumers, it translates to more sophisticated and user-friendly options for monitoring their health.

As the market continues to evolve, questions remain about how Oura will maintain its competitive edge and address potential challenges, such as data accuracy and user engagement. Nevertheless, the Ring 5's impressive upgrades position Oura for continued growth and influence in the wearables sector.