We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Throughout my journey with various fitness wearables, the Oura ring has been my most consistent companion, collecting data since November 3, 2020. I have worn it almost every night since then, and in this piece, I’ll share insights from over 1,500 days of tracking, covering my views on the hardware, the app, and whether the experience has been worthwhile.
Comparing the Generations
The Oura ring is now in its fourth generation, and I have experience with versions 2, 3, and 4. Below is my analysis of each generation, what improvements were introduced, and my reasons for upgrading (or not).
Generation 2
My initial Oura ring was a review model that I returned after testing. Soon after, I purchased a silver Balance in size 7, which I wore on my ring finger. The gen 2 came with essential features like heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate tracking, providing reasonable estimates of my sleep phases, making it renowned for sleep tracking—albeit with some reservations.
Generation 3
When the gen 3 Oura ring was launched, I also reviewed it. The recommendation to wear this version on my index finger didn’t work well for me, as I often scraped my nose with it. After my gen 2 ring malfunctioned, I received a gen 3 as a replacement, upgraded with a subscription model that cost $5.99/month for enhanced data access, though I found I preferred the original model’s design.
Generation 4
Eventually, I reviewed the gen 4 Oura ring. While technologically superior, including improved heart rate detection and a redesigned app with more metrics, I still favored the gen 3 based on comfort and fit. Over the years, I’ve worn six Oura rings across three generations and various styles, and while the gen 4 is advanced, the nostalgia for the gen 2 remains strong.
Daily Experience with Oura
It takes time for any wearable to gather accurate baseline data, and the Oura ring is no exception. I’ve learned that individual metrics are most significant when assessed against personal norms rather than general benchmarks. Starting to wear the ring is flexible—initial readings can help build a long-term picture of personal health. My experience has shown that rhythms in metrics like resting heart rate and HRV reflect changes in my training and overall wellness.
Limitations in Sleep Staging
From my experience, I find Oura’s sleep stage tracking often inaccurate. While wearables can estimate total sleep duration well, they struggle with sleep quality assessments. I’ve seen a consistent correlation between total sleep time and sleep scores, to the point where keeping a sleep diary would suffice for understanding sleep patterns without needing a wearable.
Illness Prediction Capabilities
Oura’s initial reputation for disease detection, especially concerning COVID-19, was a topic of interest. However, my experiences did not support the hype; I received no advance notice from the ring about illness onset. While it noted post-factum physiological changes, an early alarm system, which was the intention, has not been realized based on my observations and other users’ feedback.
