Oura Ring 5 Review Roundup: Is the $399 Smart Ring Worth Buying in 2026?
The Oura Ring 5 has been on wrists — or rather, fingers — for just over two weeks, and the reviews are in from every major tech publication. The verdict is remarkably consistent: this is the best smart ring ever made. But is it worth $399 plus a subscription? We compiled every major review to help you decide.
Reviewer Consensus
Unanimously positive. Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Tom's Guide, and Android Authority all call it the best smart ring available.
Biggest Upgrade
40% smaller design at 6.09mm wide. Reviewers say you forget it is on your finger — a first for the category.
Main Drawback
Still requires a $5.99/month subscription. Budget alternative: RingConn Gen 2 at $299 (no subscription).
What Do the Reviews Say?
Bloombergpublished a detailed review on June 19 titled "The $399 Smart Ring Makes More Sense for First-Time Buyers." Their take: the Ring 5's dramatically smaller form factor removes the biggest barrier to entry for people who have been curious about smart rings but found earlier models too bulky. Bloomberg particularly praised the new blood pressure trend monitoring as a differentiator that no competitor matches.
TechCrunchcalled the Ring 5 "thinner, lighter, better" — a ground-up rebuild rather than an incremental update. Their review highlighted the 40% size reduction as the headline improvement, noting that the Ring 5 is often forgotten on the finger during daily wear. Battery life tested at 7 days, consistent with Oura's 6–9 day claim.
Tom's Guidedeclared the Ring 5 "the wearable to beat in 2026," calling out the combination of smaller size, longer battery, and new health features as a category-defining package. They noted that the portable charging case — an Oura first — makes multi-day travel much more practical.
Android Authoritysaid it was "already one of my favorite smart rings" after just 72 hours. Their early impressions focused on comfort and the improved live activity tracking capabilities.
What Changed From Ring 4 to Ring 5?
The Oura Ring Gen 4 was already our top smart ring pick, so the Ring 5 had a high bar to clear. Here is what changed:
Size and comfort:The Ring 5 measures 6.09mm wide compared to the Ring 4's 7.90mm — a 40% reduction. Weight drops to 2.0–2.69g from 3.3–5.2g. Every reviewer noted this as the most impactful change; most said they forgot they were wearing it.
Battery life: Real-world testing shows 6–9 days, up from 5–8 on Ring 4. The new portable charging case adds a full charge on the go — previously Oura required a dock.
Health features: Blood pressure trend monitoring tracks changes in your baseline over time. Nighttime breathing analysis detects disturbances during sleep. The software also adds live activity tracking, a GLP-1 section, and smarter AI-powered insights.
Price: Starts at $399 for Silver and Black finishes, $499 for Gold and Stealth. The $5.99/month subscription remains required for full features.
Should You Upgrade From Ring 4?
If your Ring 4 feels bulky or you have been waiting for a smaller design, the Ring 5 delivers exactly what you want. The size difference is immediately noticeable. Blood pressure trend monitoring and improved battery are meaningful bonuses.
If your Ring 4 works well and you are satisfied with the fit, waiting for a trade-in promotion is reasonable. The core sleep and health tracking experience is similar between generations — Ring 5's advantages are primarily physical comfort and the new blood pressure feature.
How Does Ring 5 Compare to Competitors?
With Samsung's Galaxy Ring 2 shelved until 2027 due to an Oura patent dispute, the competitive landscape heavily favors Oura. The original Galaxy Ring at $399 is still available but lacks blood pressure monitoring and is noticeably larger. The RingConn Gen 2 at $299 is the best budget alternative with no subscription required. And the Ultrahuman Ring Air suits fitness-focused buyers who prioritize metabolic insights.
Who Should Buy the Oura Ring 5?
Buy if: You want the best smart ring available, you prioritize sleep tracking and health insights, you are comfortable with a $5.99/month subscription, or you are a first-time smart ring buyer looking for the most polished experience.
Consider alternatives if: You refuse to pay a subscription (get the RingConn Gen 2), you are deep in the Samsung ecosystem (the Galaxy Ring integrates with Samsung Health), or your budget is under $300 (the Ultrahuman Ring Air is the best option). Compare all smart rings in our smart ring guide and the compare hub.
Related Articles
Smart Ring FAQ
Common questions about the Oura Ring 5
Quick answers to help you decide whether the Oura Ring 5 is right for you.
Is the Oura Ring 5 worth upgrading from Ring 4?
If comfort is important to you, yes. The Ring 5 is 40% smaller and noticeably lighter. The blood pressure trend monitoring and improved battery are meaningful upgrades. However, if your Ring 4 still works well and you do not need the smaller size, waiting for a trade-in deal is reasonable.
Does the Oura Ring 5 require a subscription?
Yes. The Oura Ring 5 requires a membership at $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year to access full health insights, Readiness scores, and detailed sleep analysis. Basic tracking works without a subscription but with limited data.
How accurate is Oura Ring 5 blood pressure monitoring?
The Ring 5 monitors blood pressure trends — changes over time — rather than providing absolute readings. It is not a medical device and should not replace a clinical blood pressure monitor. Think of it as an early-warning system for shifts in your baseline.
What is the best smart ring without a subscription in 2026?
The RingConn Gen 2 at $299 and Ultrahuman Ring Air at around $200 are the best no-subscription options. Both offer sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking without ongoing fees.
How long does the Oura Ring 5 battery last?
Reviewers report 6 to 9 days of battery life in real-world use, up from 5 to 8 days on the Ring 4. The new portable charging case provides additional charges on the go.