The Readiness tab on the app tracks things like your resting heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate. The Ōura Ring uses these metrics to help guide my day; it reminds me to take it easy when I’ve had a lousy night’s sleep or to seize the day when my energy is high. Another favorite feature of mine is that it can sense if my body might be coming down with a cold or flu, and will encourage me to rest and recover. This has allowed me to stay so much more in tune with body and really listen to what it’s craving.
How has it held up?
The battery life on the Ōura Ring 4 is pretty impressive; mine can usually last six or seven days before it needs to be recharged. It’s also water-resistant in up to 330 feet of water, so you can leave it on to wash your hands, shower, or swim. It can handle heat and cold temperatures, too: On a recent trip to check out the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s new Basin spa, I wore my Ōura Ring in the sauna, hot tub, and ice bath without any hiccups. I’m not the most gentle with it and have banged it against things countless times by mistake—but it still looks pretty good, with small scratches only visible if you’re looking up close. Each Ōura Ring is made from aerospace-grade titanium, which helps it to be durable and long-lasting.
What about its new charging case?
Ōura’s new portable charging case was definitely designed with travelers in mind. The sleek case, about the size of an AirPods case, holds up to five full charges, meaning it can go weeks—perfect for a long vacation—without needing to be recharged using the traditional cord. I’ve been using the new charging case for the past month, taking it with me on a few weekend trips, and its a total game-changer. Now I don’t have to worry if my Ōura Ring’s battery will last while I’m away from home and I don’t have to pack its charging cord that needs to be plugged into an outlet. I simply place my ring in the case and let it do its thing. It can charge the Ōura Ring in about 20-80 minutes, depending on the ring’s battery level.
When its time to recharge the case, which I’ve only had to do once or twice since having it, it powers up in under 90 minutes. You can check the case’s battery level in the Ōura app or by the color of the LED light on the device (solid amber light for low battery; pulsing white for charging in progress; and solid green once its fully charged). Of course the cool thing here is that I don’t need to carry around another cord with me when I travel, but I’m equally excited about how it keeps my ring safe when I’m not wearing it. The durable, water-resistant case is tiny enough to slip into a weekender bag or small purse on the go.
What about sizing?
It’s important to have a well-fitting ring to get the most accurate metrics and the most comfort. If you’re not sure what size you are, select that you’d like to receive a free sizing kit upon checking out. If you’re purchasing on Amazon, you can buy a sizing kit there for $10, and receive a $10 Amazon credit toward your Ōura Ring purchase. The sizing kit comes with several plastic ring sizers to help you determine what size is best for you. Ōura recommends wearing the ring on your index finger, but it works on all fingers. The brand doesn’t offer half sizes, but the plastic ring sizers will help you decide if you should order a smaller or larger one if you’re in between sizes.
How about its looks?
It’s a pretty thick ring, similar to a traditional wedding band. I actually don’t mind the thickness of it—it feels very lightweight and I usually forget I’m wearing it. (For what it’s worth, I have heard friends say it’s way easier to wear and more stylish than a smart watch.) It’s otherwise pretty simple in design and looks quite sleek. I have it in a shiny gold, but it’s also available in rose gold, brushed silver, silver, stealth, and an updated black finish that features a glossy PVD coating for improved durability. (It’s worth noting that some finishes, like gold, are more expensive than others.)
