Oura Ring 5 review: A slimmer, lighter, and more refined smart ring

The moment I opened the box containing the Oura Ring 5, one thing immediately stood out: its size. My first reaction was, “That’s incredibly small.” After spending considerable time with the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic, I noticed the difference right away. The latest version feels significantly lighter and more compact than the previous generation.

Oura says the Ring 5 is the smallest smart ring currently available, and the numbers help explain why. The new model measures 6.09 mm in width, compared to 7.90 mm for the Ring 4. Thickness has also been reduced from 2.88 mm to 2.28 mm. Weight varies by ring size: Ring 5 ranges from 2 grams to 2.69 grams, while Ring 4 weighs between 3.3 grams and 5.2 grams.

These reductions make a surprisingly large difference in day-to-day use. The Ring 5 feels considerably more comfortable and visually refined. Unlike some earlier smart rings that clearly looked like wearable technology, the new model blends naturally with regular jewellery. Oura’s goal was to create a device that feels indistinguishable from a standard ring, and in many ways, it succeeds.

The Oura Ring 5 starts at $399.

Smart rings have often generated mixed reactions. Some users praise them as transformative health and wellness tools, while others dismiss them as too bulky or obvious on the finger. The Ring 5 appears positioned to bridge that divide by offering a slimmer profile that could appeal to people who previously avoided smart rings altogether.

According to Oura, customer feedback played a major role in the redesign. Users consistently requested a thinner and lighter product, prompting the company to rethink the hardware. Competition has likely played a role as well. Rivals such as RingConn and Ultrahuman offer subscription-free alternatives that already feature lighter designs than the Ring 4, increasing pressure on Oura to innovate.

Although I never considered the Ring 4 uncomfortable, the Ring 5 is noticeably easier to wear. With the older model, I was constantly aware that it was on my finger. The new version fades into the background to the point where I frequently forget I’m wearing it at all. For people who are not accustomed to jewellery, that subtle difference matters.

The reduced size also improves comfort during sleep tracking. One of the biggest advantages smart rings already have over smartwatches is nighttime wearability, and the Ring 5 pushes that advantage even further. It feels less intrusive while sleeping and remains comfortable throughout the night.

Battery performance has also improved modestly. Oura estimates between six and nine days of battery life, compared with the Ring 4’s range of five to eight days. Based on my experience, those claims seem realistic. The ring arrived with a 50% charge, and after approximately half an hour of charging during setup, the battery reached 75%. Five days later, after continuous use, I still had around 25% remaining and had not needed to recharge.

One change worth noting is the available sizing range. The Ring 5 comes in sizes 6 through 13, whereas the Ring 4 was available in sizes 4 through 15. Oura explained that producing the smaller design created manufacturing limitations, leading the company to focus on the most commonly purchased sizes. The company says it is monitoring customer demand for the discontinued sizes.

The Ring 5 is available in six different finishes. Alongside Silver, Brushed Silver, Black, and Stealth, Oura has redesigned its Gold finish and refreshed the Deep Rose option with a more copper-inspired appearance.

I received the Gold version for testing and found it to be one of the greatest improvements in the lineup. Previous gold Oura rings often carried a yellow tint that felt artificial. The updated finish adopts a more natural, understated tone that more closely resembles traditional gold jewellery. Buyers should note that the Gold, Stealth, and Deep Rose finishes cost $499, which is $100 more than the standard versions.

Regarding durability, Oura claims the Ring 5 offers improved scratch resistance thanks to a revised finishing process. Since I have only been using the ring for a few days, it is too early to make definitive judgments about long-term durability. However, there was one incident that initially worried me. After grabbing a rusty swing chain, I noticed marks on the ring and feared the alignment guide had been scratched. Fortunately, the discolouration turned out to be rust residue that wiped away easily with a cloth.

The company says its updated physical vapour deposition coating process helps preserve the ring’s premium appearance for longer. It remains to be seen how well that promise holds up over months of daily use, but the early signs are encouraging.

The Ring 5 is launching alongside several new software capabilities that will also become available on Oura Ring Gen3 devices and newer models. These include Blood Pressure Signals and Nighttime Breathing features. Since those updates are scheduled to arrive later this month, I have not yet had an opportunity to evaluate them.

Overall, the Oura Ring 5 represents a meaningful evolution of Oura’s smart ring lineup. The improvements in comfort, size, and appearance make it a compelling option for first-time smart ring buyers and for users who previously found smart rings too bulky. For existing Ring 4 owners, the decision to upgrade will largely depend on personal priorities and budget considerations. Since the Ring 4 is expected to receive the same software enhancements, the primary reasons to upgrade are the slimmer design, improved comfort, and more refined aesthetics.

For anyone entering the smart ring category for the first time, however, the Oura Ring 5 delivers a noticeably more polished and wearable experience than its predecessor.