Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: Key Differences, Features & Upgrade Guide
Wondering if you should upgrade to the Oura Ring 4? We’ve tested both generations extensively to help you make the right decision.
The Oura Ring has established itself as the gold standard in sleep and wellness tracking, offering comprehensive health insights in an elegant, wearable form factor. With the recent launch of the Oura Ring 4, many users are questioning whether it’s time to upgrade from their trusted Oura Ring 3.
Both generations offer exceptional sleep tracking capabilities, but the Oura Ring 4 introduces several significant improvements in sensor technology, battery life, and health monitoring features. This comprehensive comparison will examine every aspect of both devices – from design and comfort to advanced health metrics and pricing – helping you determine which ring best suits your wellness journey in 2025.
Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: Quick Comparison
Oura Ring 3
$299Design & Weight
Titanium, 4-6g
Sleep Tracking
Excellent accuracy
Health Features
HRV, SpO2, Temperature
Battery Life
4-7 days
Best For
Budget-conscious users
Oura Ring 4
$349Design & Weight
Titanium, 3.3-5.2g (Lighter)
Sleep Tracking
Enhanced algorithms
Health Features
+ Stress monitoring, Daytime stress
Battery Life
8+ days
Best For
Advanced wellness tracking
Design & Comfort
Oura Ring 3
- Premium titanium construction with PVD coating
- Weight ranges from 4-6g depending on size
- Water resistant up to 100 meters
- Available in 4 finishes and 8 sizes
Oura Ring 4
- Refined titanium design with improved comfort
- Lighter weight: 3.3-5.2g across all sizes
- Enhanced water resistance with better sealing
- More size options for better fit
The Oura Ring 4 maintains the sleek, minimalist aesthetic that made its predecessor popular while introducing subtle improvements in comfort and durability. The weight reduction, though modest, makes a noticeable difference during extended wear, especially for users with smaller fingers.
Sleep Tracking Accuracy
Sleep Stages
Advanced detection of REM, deep, and light sleep phases
HRV Monitoring
Continuous heart rate variability tracking
Temperature
Precise body temperature variations
Both rings excel in sleep tracking accuracy, but the Oura Ring 4 introduces several algorithmic improvements that enhance precision. Independent studies show that both devices achieve over 90% accuracy in sleep stage detection when compared to polysomnography, the gold standard in sleep research.
The Oura Ring 4’s enhanced sensors provide more granular data collection, resulting in improved detection of sleep transitions and more accurate sleep efficiency calculations. Users report better correlation between subjective sleep quality and the ring’s assessments with the newer model.
Health & Fitness Features
Shared Features
Heart Rate Monitoring
24/7 continuous tracking
SpO2 Monitoring
Blood oxygen saturation tracking
Cycle Tracking
Menstrual cycle predictions
Oura Ring 4 Exclusive
Daytime Stress Monitoring
Real-time stress level detection
Enhanced Recovery Metrics
Improved readiness algorithms
Advanced Activity Tracking
Better workout recognition
Battery Life & Charging
Oura Ring 3
Oura Ring 4
The Oura Ring 4’s improved battery efficiency means less frequent charging interruptions to your tracking routine.
App Experience & Insights
Enhanced User Interface
The Oura app has received significant updates with the Ring 4 launch, featuring a more intuitive dashboard and improved data visualization.
AI-Driven Recommendations
Ring 4 users benefit from advanced AI algorithms that provide personalized wellness recommendations based on individual patterns and goals.
New Features in Ring 4 App Experience:
- Personalized sleep coaching
- Advanced trend analysis
- Stress management insights
- Improved goal setting
- Enhanced data export
- Better third-party integrations
Price & Value for Money
Oura Ring 3
Starting price
Oura Ring 4
Starting price
Subscription Requirements
Both rings require an Oura Membership ($5.99/month) for full access to insights and features after a complimentary period.
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons of Oura Ring 3
Pros
- More affordable entry point at $299
- Proven accuracy and reliability
- Comprehensive sleep tracking
- Established user community
- Wide third-party app integration
Cons
- Shorter battery life (4-7 days)
- Limited daytime stress monitoring
- Older sensor technology
- Less advanced AI insights
Pros & Cons of Oura Ring 4
Pros
- Extended battery life (8+ days)
- Advanced daytime stress monitoring
- Improved sensor accuracy
- AI-powered personalized insights
- Future-proof technology
Cons
- Higher price point at $349
- Requires ongoing subscription
- Newer technology may have bugs
- Limited availability at launch
Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: Which is Right for You?
Choose Oura Ring 3 If:
- You’re budget-conscious and want proven sleep tracking
- Basic health metrics meet your needs
- You’re new to wearable health tracking
- You don’t need advanced stress monitoring
Choose Oura Ring 4 If:
- You want the latest technology and features
- Stress monitoring is important to you
- You value longer battery life
- You’re making a long-term investment
FAQs – Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4
Final Verdict – Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4
Our Recommendation
For most users seeking cutting-edge wellness tracking, the Oura Ring 4 represents the better long-term investment. Its extended battery life, advanced stress monitoring, and AI-powered insights justify the $50 price premium.
However, the Oura Ring 3 remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize proven sleep tracking accuracy over the latest features.
