I wore the Oura 4 ring and I’m confused about it.

The Oura 4 ring is here, and it has been on my finger for a few hours. What you are about to read are my initial thoughts on the latest version of the best smart ring you can buy from someone who has been wearing an Oura ring for at least three years.

It is undoubtedly a beautiful ring, but I am puzzled about some major changes in the devices that differentiate it from my favorite Oura Ring 3.

What it’s like wearing the Oura 4 ring

The most important thing in any wearable technology piece is how it feels on your body, which is affected by its size, weight, design, and materials used in its construction. The Oura Ring 4 is made entirely of titanium, replacing the epoxy resin inner section of the third-generation Oura Ring. It is also completely flat on the underside.

Even in the first few minutes of wearing the Oura Ring 4, you can tell that it is entirely made of metal, and the dome-like protrusions have been removed. It does not have the same grip on your finger as the third-generation ring, which I assume is due to the flat metal bottom. It appears to be more sliding and moves more with your finger. This also means that you must be extremely careful about the ring size, as it does not fit snugly like previous Oura rings.

I used the sizing kit before choosing my ring size; and as Oura pointed out, the size has changed slightly. At that time, I found that the size 11 ring, the same as the third-generation Oura Ring, was the most suitable. It actually fits the same as the old ring size, but now, with cold hands, the size 11 Oura Ring 4 may be too big. This could be due to the smooth underside, but also because I am used to almost perfect compatibility with my old ring.

The size 10 ring was too tight when my hands were warm on the day I used the measuring kit, and it is still the case when I tried the test ring today. Therefore, I chose the size 11, but in reality, I may be somewhere between sizes with the new design. After wearing it all night and with warmer hands, the ring looks similar to the previous Oura Ring, but it is definitely not tight. It won’t slip off my finger, but this means that using the sizing kit fully before purchase is necessary.

The switch from the third generation of Oura Ring to the new Oura Ring 4 took less than five minutes using the redesigned Oura app, with no major disruption in data recording and no loss of historical data. Since Oura Ring 4 has new sensor sets, the app assures that it can accurately read the signals and uses waveform gesture to show you the measurable movement amount. The firmware update was also completed in moments, making using Oura Ring 4 an easy process.

The new design makes a big difference

I chose the new polished silver color to replace my third-generation silver Oura Ring, and it looks completely different. The reflective nature of the surface dominates the almost polished finish, shining when it catches the light. The sides are squared compared to the curved sides of the previous Oura Ring, and they definitely have a more defined edge. It also seems that the metal sandwiches are made of a different material, likely to ensure no Bluetooth connection issues. It’s hard to see in pictures because they may appear as reflections, but you’ll notice it personally.

On my finger, it doesn’t look significantly different from the previous Oura Ring, but I can feel a difference. This is due to two things. The full metal surface of the Oura Ring 4 takes some time to warm up on your finger, and it is overall cooler than resin-made Oura Ring models, in addition to being able to “feel” that it has lost the slight curve of the past. The ring did not become uncomfortable or force me to take it off, but it is clear that this is a change from the Oura Ring I have been wearing on my finger for the past few years.

I am completely conflicted. It looks great and appropriately different from other smart rings and the third-gen model. Additionally, the materials and shape represent a significant step forward in engineering and quality. However, I am unsure about moving away from the curved edges, as well as the entirely flat metal bottom, and how that will affect the work environment and comfort. The design and fit of the third-generation Oura Ring are great and suit me perfectly without causing any issues, and only time will tell if Oura Ring 4 will surpass it or not.

Another noticeable change in the devices is the charger. Like the previous model, it is a base with a USB-C port at the back (you also get a USB-C cable in the box), but this time, it is a box made of a larger metal block than before, giving it a high-quality appearance. It also matches nicely with the Brushed Metal finish of the Oura Ring 4, and there is a large and clear LED indicator at the front to signal the ring’s status.

Is it love at first sight?

I love the third-generation Oura Ring. It is the wearable technology piece I have constantly worn during the past few years, and it has shown me data on everything from how stress impacts my sleep to the extent of effort I exert at work when cleaning the house. It is easy to wear and does not take up space on my wrist, so I can wear any watch I like and still track movement and sleep. I am completely impressed by the Oura ring and the smart ring experience.

This level of familiarity means that I will be more sensitive to any modifications, and I will also consider how any changes will impact its great simplicity in use and seamless integration with my daily life. Oura Ring 4 must be everything the latest version and more with achieving maximum benefit from its new design, sensors, and app if I want it to be better.

I am appropriately impressed with the app and its changes, which I will revisit in another article. But after a few hours of wearing Oura Ring 4, I am not entirely sure if it is a step forward in terms of hardware and design. RingConn Gen 2’s shape and design are superior, and I already miss the curved sides of the third-generation Oura Ring. However, everything may change when I wear it more and my fingers adapt to the new design. It’s just the beginning of my journey with the Oura Ring 4, but I hope it will be as long-lasting and insightful as with the third-gen ring.

The Oura 4 ring is now available. It starts at $349 and requires a monthly subscription fee of $6 after a one-month trial period.