Oura Ring 5 vs Oura Ring 4: is the upgrade worth it in 2026?

Q: Does the Oura Ring 5 track blood pressure accurately?

The Ring 5 offers passive blood pressure signal tracking for trend monitoring, but it's not medical-grade. Calibration with a traditional cuff is recommended for accuracy.

Q: Can I use the Ring 5's charging case with the Ring 4?

No. The new magnetic charging case is exclusive to the Ring 5 and does not work with the Ring 4.

Q: Are Health Radar and Live Activity Tracking available on the Ring 4?

Yes. These are software features available on Ring 3 and newer via the Oura app, so Ring 4 owners get full access.

Q: What sizes does the Oura Ring 5 support?

The Ring 5 is available in sizes 6 through 13, whereas the Ring 4 supports sizes 4 through 15.

The Oura Ring 5 is the better choice for most buyers in 2026 due to its 40% smaller, lighter design that significantly improves comfort, plus a new charging case and slightly longer battery life. However, if you already own the Ring 4 and don’t mind its bulk, the upgrade is mostly a comfort fix—new health features like Blood Pressure and Health Radar are software-based and available on Ring 4 too.

Key Takeaways

The Ring 5 is 40% smaller (6.09mm width vs. 7mm) and ~35% lighter, making it far more comfortable for daily wear.
Battery life improves to 6–9 days (vs. 5–8 on Ring 4), and a new charging case adds up to a month of power.
New features like Blood Pressure monitoring, Live Activity Tracking, and Health Radar are software updates compatible with Ring 3 and newer.
Ring 5 is $50 more expensive ($399 start vs. $349) and has fewer size options (6–13 vs. 4–15).
For current Ring 4 owners, the upgrade is worth it only if comfort is a priority; otherwise, waiting for future software-driven features may be smarter.

What to Look For?

When comparing smart rings like the Oura Ring 5 and Ring 4, focus on these six critical factors that determine real-world value:

1. Comfort and Fit

The most significant difference between the two models is physical design. The Ring 5 is 40% smaller in volume, with a width of 6.09mm (down from 7mm) and thickness of 2.28mm (vs. 2.88mm). Its weight drops to 2.0–2.69g, compared to 3.3–5.2g for the Ring 4. For users with smaller fingers or those who found the Ring 4 “chunky,” the Ring 5 offers a noticeably sleeker, less noticeable fit.

2. Battery Life and Charging Ecosystem

Battery performance is modestly improved: the Ring 5 lasts 6–9 days per charge, versus 5–8 days for the Ring 4. Crucially, the Ring 5 introduces a new magnetic charging case that holds up to a month of battery life—a feature incompatible with the Ring 4. This is a major convenience upgrade for travelers or those who hate frequent charging.

3. Health Tracking Capabilities

Both rings track core metrics: sleep stages, heart rate, HRV, and activity. The Ring 5 adds passive Blood Pressure monitoring, Live Activity Tracking (real-time workout data in the app), and Health Radar (a predictive health overview including breathing and BP signals). However, these are software features, not hardware-exclusive: they’re available on Ring 3 and newer via the Oura app. This means Ring 4 owners get the same health insights without upgrading hardware.

4. Size Availability

The Ring 4 offers a broader size range (4–15), making it more accessible for users with very small or large fingers. The Ring 5 is limited to sizes 6–13, which could exclude some buyers. If you’re on the edge of the size spectrum, this is a critical limitation.

5. Price and Value

The Ring 5 starts at $399, which is $50 more than the Ring 4’s $349 starting price. Premium finishes (Gold, Deep Rose, Stealth) on the Ring 5 cost $499, up from $399 for Ring 4’s gold option. Meanwhile, the Ring 4 is often available at discounts (e.g., $226 during Prime Day). For budget-conscious buyers, the Ring 4 remains a strong value.

6. Water Resistance and Durability

Both rings use titanium, but the Ring 5 adds a vaporized coating for enhanced durability and an upgraded IP68 rating (waterproof), whereas the Ring 4 is only “water resistant”. This makes the Ring 5 more reliable for swimming, showering, or heavy sweat.

How to Choose?

Your decision depends on your priorities. Here’s how to match your needs to the right ring:

If You’re a New Buyer (No Current Oura Ring)

Choose the Oura Ring 5. As a first-time owner, you get the latest design, best comfort, and future-proof features. The smaller size, longer battery, and charging case make it the most polished experience. The $50 premium is justified for the tangible comfort upgrade and new charging ecosystem.

If You Own the Ring 4 and Find It Comfortable

Stay with the Ring 4. Since new health features (Blood Pressure, Health Radar) are software-based and available on Ring 4, you won’t lose functionality. The Ring 4’s larger size range (4–15) also offers better fit flexibility. Unless the bulk bothers you daily, the upgrade is unnecessary.

If You Own the Ring 4 and It’s Too Bulky

Upgrade to the Ring 5. Reviewers consistently report the Ring 4 feels “chunky,” while the Ring 5 is “much smaller and sleeker”. If comfort is your main pain point, the 40% size reduction and weight drop make the Ring 5 a worthwhile $50 investment.

If You’re Budget-Conscious or Need Sizes 4–5 or 14–15

Stick with the Ring 4. The Ring 4 is cheaper (often under $250 with discounts) and supports sizes outside the Ring 5’s 6–13 range. For users with smaller/larger fingers or tight budgets, the Ring 4 is the pragmatic choice.

Comparison

Feature	Oura Ring 5	Oura Ring 4
Starting Price	$399	$349
Width	6.09 mm	7 mm
Thickness	2.28 mm	2.88 mm
Weight	2.0–2.69 g	3.3–5.2 g
Battery Life	6–9 days	5–8 days
Charging Case	Yes (1 month power)	No
Size Range	6–13	4–15
Water Resistance	IP68 (Waterproof)	Water Resistant
New Health Features	Blood Pressure, Health Radar*	Same features* (software-only)

*Available on Ring 3+ via app software.

Is the Ring 5 Worth It for Ring 4 Owners?

The upgrade is mostly a comfort upgrade, not a must-have feature leap. If your Ring 4 fits well and doesn’t bother you, you’ll gain little beyond a slightly smaller ring. However, if the bulk is an issue, the Ring 5’s 40% size reduction is a genuine improvement.

New software features like Blood Pressure monitoring and Health Radar are not exclusive to Ring 5—they work on Ring 3 and newer. This means Ring 4 owners get the same health insights without spending $50 more.

The only hardware-exclusive perk is the new charging case, which adds a month of battery life. If you dislike frequent charging or travel often, this alone could justify the upgrade.

FAQ

Does the Oura Ring 5 track blood pressure accurately?

The Ring 5 offers passive blood pressure signal tracking, but it’s not a medical-grade measurement. It’s designed for trend monitoring, not diagnosis, and requires calibration with a traditional cuff for accuracy.

Can I use the Ring 5’s charging case with the Ring 4?

No. The new magnetic charging case is exclusive to the Ring 5 and does not work with the Ring 4.

Are Health Radar and Live Activity Tracking available on the Ring 4?

Yes. These are software features available on Ring 3 and newer via the Oura app, so Ring 4 owners get full access.

What sizes does the Oura Ring 5 support?

The Ring 5 is available in sizes 6 through 13, whereas the Ring 4 supports sizes 4 through 15.