Oura, the pioneer of smart rings, is back at it again with its latest innovation: the Oura Ring 4. Unveiled on Thursday, this new model is already available for preorder at $349—$50 more than its predecessor. While it’s slated to start shipping on October 15, I managed to get my hands on one early, and let me tell you, the upgrades are definitely worth a look.

First Impressions: The Interior Upgrade That Changes Everything

From the moment I slipped the Oura Ring 4 onto my finger, it was clear that Oura focused on comfort this time around. One of the biggest design changes is the removal of the sensor bumps on the ring’s interior. These bumps, which were present in previous versions (including the Oura Ring Generation 3), were generally small enough to avoid major discomfort but still noticeable. With the Ring 4, the interior is now smooth and refined, providing a snug, comfortable fit without any awkward pressure points.

This may seem like a minor change, but it dramatically improves the overall experience, especially during everyday activities. Gripping objects or wearing the ring for extended periods feels more natural now. The new Ring 4 really sets itself apart from the competition by creating a piece of wearable tech that doesn’t feel intrusive.

Sleeker Look and Expanded Sizing

The comfort improvements don’t end there. Oura has expanded the sizing options for the Ring 4, now offering 12 different sizes ranging from size 4 to 15. This is an upgrade from the Generation 3, which only came in sizes 6 to 13. When you order, Oura provides a sizing kit to help you find the perfect fit, even if you’ve used an older model, as slight differences between generations can affect fit.

The aesthetic of the Oura Ring 4 is all about sleek minimalism. Unlike the previous version, which offered two styles—the fully rounded Horizon and the flat-topped Heritage—Oura has opted to focus solely on the Horizon design for the Ring 4. Buyers can choose from six stunning color options: brushed silver, gold, rose gold, silver, stealth (dark gray), and black. The new model also features a titanium exterior and interior, replacing the epoxy lining found in the Generation 3, which adds both durability and a more premium feel to the design.

Advanced Sensors and Smart Sensing Technology

At its core, the Oura Ring 4 still offers all the essential features we’ve come to expect. The ring is equipped with red and green infrared LEDs to track health metrics like blood oxygen level (SpO2), heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory rate. It also features skin temperature sensors and an accelerometer to provide comprehensive health monitoring. Additionally, it remains water-resistant to a depth of 328 feet, meaning it can handle shallow water activities without an issue—just don’t take it deep diving.

However, the Ring 4 introduces Oura’s new Smart Sensing technology, which significantly enhances its performance. Instead of increasing the number of sensors, Oura has optimized how they work. The Ring 4’s sensors can now identify up to 18 different signal pathways, up from just eight in the previous model. This means it adapts better to the shape of your finger and the ring’s position, ensuring accurate and consistent tracking—even if the ring rotates a bit throughout the day.

These improvements translate into a significant boost in SpO2 signal quality, with Oura claiming a 120% increase over the Generation 3. This results in more accurate overnight readings, better breathing disturbance detection, and fewer gaps in heart rate data—both during the day and while you sleep.

Battery Life and Streamlined Charging

Another area where the Oura Ring 4 shines is battery life. Thanks to the more efficient sensing technology, Oura claims the Ring 4 can last up to eight days on a single charge. The Generation 3 often fell short of its seven-day estimate, generally lasting up to six days in my experience, so this could be a substantial improvement for those who dislike frequent charging.

The Ring 4 also comes with a redesigned charging stand and cable, which adds to the overall sleekness of the user experience. It’s convenient and simple, making recharging an afterthought rather than a chore.

Revamped App Experience With New Features

Alongside the Ring 4, Oura is rolling out a complete redesign of its app, which is packed with new features for both new and existing users. The app now features a more intuitive layout, broken into three main sections: “Today,” “Vitals,” and “My Health.”

The “Today” tab is all about real-time insights. It gives you updates on your readiness, sleep, and activity scores throughout the day, so you can stay on top of your wellness. The “Vitals” tab provides a deep dive into all of your health metrics, with everything organized consistently so you always know where to find it. Lastly, the “My Health” tab offers a long-term look at trends like cardiovascular age, sleep quality, and stress resilience, helping you track your progress over time.

One of the most exciting additions to the app is the expanded activity tracking, which now supports 40 different types of activities—up from just five previously. Each activity type benefits from automatic detection and heart rate monitoring, and after a workout, you’ll get a breakdown of your heart rate zones, helping you understand your effort and regulate your training.

The app also includes improved stress-tracking features, showing your stress levels alongside your activity data, which helps identify stress triggers. For women, the new fertile window tracker predicts the most fertile days during the menstrual cycle, making it a useful tool for those trying to conceive.

Subscription Model and Pricing Considerations

While the Oura Ring 4 packs plenty of upgraded features, it does come at a premium price—$349, with just a one-month free trial of the Oura app. After that, the subscription costs $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year. It’s worth noting that the Generation 3 came with a six-month trial, so the shorter trial period is something of a drawback for potential buyers. Without a subscription, users can only access basic health data, which significantly limits the Oura Ring’s value.

This subscription model stands in contrast to some other fitness trackers and smart rings that provide full access without ongoing fees. However, the quality of insights and the level of detail Oura offers might be enough to justify the cost for serious health and wellness enthusiasts.

Facing a Growing Field of Competitors

The smart ring market has grown considerably since the Oura Ring Generation 3 launched, and the landscape looks quite different now. New entrants like Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, Ultrahuman’s partnership with Verizon, and emerging contenders like Circular, Evie, and RingConn have all tried to stake their claim.

However, Oura remains a strong contender, and the Ring 4 could help it stay ahead. While the Generation 3 struggled to keep up with wrist-based wearables for activity tracking, the improved sensors and revamped app in the Ring 4 may finally bridge that gap. Plus, with the new bumpless interior, the Ring 4 becomes one of the most comfortable options for users who need reliable long-term health data without the bulk of a smartwatch.

I’m still in the process of testing the Ring 4’s accuracy, battery life, and revamped app, so stay tuned for my complete review coming in the next few weeks. Until then, if you’re in the market for a fitness tracker or smartwatch, make sure to check out our comprehensive buying guides for more options.