When it comes to the best smart rings currently available, Oura has to be in the conversation: its third-generation model launched in October 2021, and in our Oura Ring 3 review we praised its sleep monitoring and heart rate tracking , with a design. We describe it as “soft and comfortable.”
With the fourth-generation Oura smart ring likely to arrive this year, we're eager to see how it will improve over the current model, particularly with the Samsung Galaxy Ring set to go on sale later this year. While we still don't know everything there is to know about the Galaxy Ring, it certainly looks like a strong Oura rival.
We haven't heard anything official about the Oura Ring 4 yet, but it shouldn't be too far away now, considering it's already been several years since the Oura Ring 3. Here we'll walk you through all the leaks and rumors revolving around the smart ring, along with the new features we want to see, and we'll be updating this guide regularly, so check back often.
Oura Ring 4: release date and price
Unlike some consumer devices — like the best smartphones, for example — the Oura smart ring isn't updated every year at around the same time. However, there is a pattern of sorts: we had the Oura Ring 1 in 2015, the Oura Ring 2 in 2018, and as we already said, the Oura Ring 3 was released in 2021.
That suggests the Oura Ring 4 will arrive in 2024, but there has been no official word from Oura that a new model is in development. Speaking to Tom's Guide, Oura CEO Tom Hale would only mention “new features” for next year, not new hardware. And we haven't seen any leaks or rumors about an imminent release yet either.
As for price, the Oura Ring 3 currently starts at $299/£299 (around AU$460). That matches the price of its predecessor, so we expect the next model to remain at the same level, although with various market forces to contend with, it could cost a little more.
Oura Ring 4: leaks and rumors
We haven't seen a huge number of leaks about the Oura Ring 4 yet, but there have been some hints about what to expect: Oura's acquisition of digital identity company Proxy in May 2023, for example, suggests there could be something to do with digital payments on demand. Could the next Oura Ring offer contactless payments?
That's not certain, but what we do know is that Oura recently launched a beta software program for those who want to try out new features first (although as of this writing, it's only available on iOS). It's called Oura Labs, and it shows the company's commitment to gaining even more insights from the data collected by its smart ring.
The first feature to be tested at Oura Labs is the symptom radar, which monitors a variety of biometric data recorded by the ring to preemptively warn users of potential problems, so if you start to show a lot of fatigue, it is possible let them notify you. to rest more, for example. It's a feature that could fully debut with the Oura Ring 4.
Otherwise, the biggest indicator that a new Oura ring is on the way is the expected launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring in July 2024. We've only seen a prototype so far, but it will offer advanced AI-assisted sleep insights. , and Oura will want to keep up with both the hardware and software Samsung offers this year.
Oura Ring 4: what we want to see
The years of experience the TechRadar team has had with the Oura Ring 3 means we have a pretty good idea of where the device works really well and where it still needs improvement. If anyone from Oura is reading, these are the improvements we'd like to see in the next generation of the smart ring.
1. Easier assembly
Getting the right Oura ring for you is not the easiest process, because a selection of plastic models must first be tried on to find the right size for your fingers. The good news is that Oura knows it's a bit tedious and says it's “always looking for ways” to improve the process. May we suggest an augmented reality app for smartphones?
2. Greater precision
We didn't have many complaints in our Oura Ring 3 review, but the device occasionally had a problem in terms of correctly identifying workouts – cooking or brushing your hair sometimes counts towards our daily goals. With more data entering Oura's algorithms every day, hopefully this can be improved with Oura Ring 4.
3. More statistics
The Oura Ring 3 excels in terms of collecting statistics related to heart rate and sleep quality, but if you're someone who already relies on one of the best running watches, the tracking in this regard is not up to par. This is partly due to the limitations of the smart ring as a device, but we hope that Oura engineers can make some improvements in this area.
4. Refined design
There's no doubt that a smart ring is less obtrusive and more comfortable than a smartwatch or even a fitness tracker, especially when it comes to wearing a device in bed, but as far as rings go, the Oura Ring 3 It's a little thick. We're hoping for a lighter, thinner model next time, and perhaps also made of more durable material.
5. Cheaper subscriptions
We understand that Oura needs to make a profit, but we also know that users are overwhelmed with digital subscriptions for their software and hardware, and to get the most advanced information that Oura Ring 3 offers, you have to pay $5.99 a month in the United States. It's not a huge amount on its own, but it all adds up.
Outside the US, it costs $6.99 a month, around £5.50 or AU$10.75. If Oura could reduce the monthly cost a little, we would appreciate it, or maybe you could offer a month or two free, if you sign up for the year. To be fair, the Oura Ring 3 came with six months of free premium membership and we expect the same to happen with the Oura Ring 4.
