6 Months with the Oura Ring 4. Is it worth it?

Brief Summary

This video reviews the Oura Ring 4 after six months of use, assessing its worth and accuracy. It covers the pros and cons, including size options, sensing technology, subscription fees, and activity tracking. The review also addresses accuracy compared to other wearables, discusses wearing the ring on different fingers, and touches on scratching and tarnishing. The reviewer shares personal experiences and insights, offering advice on whether to upgrade from older models or choose the Oura Ring over alternatives like WHOOP.

• The Oura Ring 4 offers bigger sizes and improved sensing technology.
• A major con is the subscription fee, unlike some competitors.
• The ring's small size can be both a pro and a con, making it discreet but easy to misplace.

Why I got an Oura Ring

The speaker has been using Oura Rings for about five years, including the Oura Ring 4, Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 2. The initial reason for getting the Oura Ring was inspired by his CEO, who said it helped him fix his sleep and focus better at work. The speaker hoped the ring would help him optimize his sleep and recovery to improve his business and athletic performance.

How the Oura Ring Changed My Life

The speaker shares three main life lessons learned from wearing the Oura Ring. First, avoiding alcohol before bed improves sleep quality, noting that drinking during the day is less disruptive than drinking at night. Second, eating close to bedtime elevates resting heart rate and disrupts sleep. Third, limiting caffeine intake after 2:00 p.m. also helps. The ring keeps him accountable by making him aware of these behaviors and discouraging negative changes.

PROS of Oura Ring 4

One of the biggest pros of the Oura Ring 4 is the availability of bigger sizes, ranging from 4 to 15, which allows for a better fit on more fingers. The new sensing technology enhances data accuracy, regardless of how perfectly the ring is worn. Its small and discreet design is more comfortable for sleep compared to smartwatches or WHOOP straps. The Oura Ring 4 has slightly better battery life, lasting about eight days, which is beneficial for weekend travel.

CONS of Oura Ring 4

A significant con is the subscription fee of about $6 per month, which is frustrating since the ring already has an upfront cost. Unlike the WHOOP strap, where you only pay for the subscription while using the device, the Oura Ring requires a continuous monthly fee. The speaker also notes that the activity tracking is not very accurate, as heart rate data can vary depending on how well the ring fits on a given day. There are also concerns about Oura sharing health data with third parties, especially since users pay a subscription fee. The small size of the ring can be a disadvantage, making it easy to misplace.

Is the Oura Ring Accurate?

The speaker tests the Oura Ring 4's accuracy against devices like the WHOOP, Apple Watch, Garmin, and Eight Sleep, and by comparing the data to sleep lab results. He primarily focuses on the start and end times of sleep, finding that these are generally close to accurate. He doesn't rely on sleep stages due to algorithm changes that can significantly alter the data. Step accuracy is also discussed, noting that the Oura Ring and Apple Watch are usually within a hundred steps of each other. Overall, the data is considered mostly accurate but not perfect, requiring users to interpret it with a grain of salt.

Can you wear the ring on other fingers?

The Oura Ring can be worn on other fingers, especially with the availability of larger sizes in the Oura Ring 4. The speaker mentions that he can wear it on his index finger on either hand. He prefers wearing it on his pointer fingers because it doesn't interfere with closing his hands, unlike wearing it on the middle finger.

Oura Ring scratch or tarnish?

The Oura Ring does scratch and tarnish over time. The speaker tries to avoid weightlifting or grabbing metal objects with the ring to minimize scratches. He has the titanium silver version, which hides scratches a bit better.

Oura Ring Sizing Kit

When sizing the Oura Ring, the speaker ensured the ring would fit on his pointer or middle finger, preferring the pointer finger because it interferes less with hand movements. Oura's studies suggest that the ring is more accurate when worn on the pointer or middle finger. While it can be worn on the ring finger, the speaker primarily uses it on his pointer fingers.

Oura Ring 3 vs 4

The upgrades from the Oura Ring 3 to the Oura Ring 4 are not significant enough to warrant an upgrade for most users. The speaker purchased the Oura Ring for his entire family, but they all still use the Gen3 because they don't need a new size or improved battery life. Upgrading is only necessary if the user needs a new size or if the battery life of their current ring is degrading.

Is Oura Ring 4 actually worth it?

The most important factor when choosing between the Oura Ring, WHOOP, or other devices is picking the one you are most likely to wear consistently. All these devices are good at sleep tracking, providing data on heart rate, heart rate variability, and the impact of alcohol, food, and caffeine on sleep. The key is to choose a device that is good enough and that you will wear regularly, as many people stop using their devices after a month.

200k Subscriber Q&A

The speaker thanks viewers for helping him approach 200,000 subscribers. He announces a Q&A session and encourages viewers to ask questions about his channel in the comments.

EVERY Oura Ring 4 Color

The speaker mentions having videos showcasing every Oura Ring 4 color and comparisons between the Oura Ring, WHOOP, and Apple Watch. He encourages viewers to watch these videos to make informed purchasing decisions.