I've Worn the Oura Ring for 3 Months—Here’s What You Need to Consider Before Purchasing One

      Although I am a beauty editor who evaluates new beauty products for a living, I also have a strong interest in health and wellness (I previously worked as a health writer early in my career). If your TikTok For You Page resembles mine, you might be flooded with reviews of the Oura Ring and contemplating whether to get one for yourself. I've always been curious about wearable health trackers, but to be completely honest, many smartwatches don't appeal to me aesthetically. However, upon discovering the sleek Oura Ring, with its minimalist and unobtrusive design, I was convinced that this was a health tracker I wanted to wear. Therefore, I decided to test it over three months, and my impressions—both positive and negative—are numerous. If you’re considering investing in the new Oura Ring 4, read on for my candid review to determine if it suits you and is worth the cost.

      **Oura Ring 4 Reviewed**

      **Pros**

      - Tracks sleep, activity, stress, heart health, and menstrual cycle along with various other health metrics.

      - Features a discreet, comfortable, and sleek design with multiple color and finish options.

      - Syncs with the Oura app to provide both detailed insights and a general overview of your health.

      - Offers practical advice to enhance your health.

      **Cons**

      - It's a significant investment, and some color options are pricier than others.

      - Requires a £6 monthly subscription to unlock all features of the Oura app.

      - Finding the right size can be challenging if you're between sizes since there are no half sizes.

      **What's Included:**

      - Oura Ring 4

      - Charging dock

      - USB-C cable

      **What Is the Oura Ring and How Does It Work?**

      Beauty editor Eleanor Vousden wearing the Oura Ring 4 in Gold, Size 7. The Oura Ring is a wearable health tracker that monitors various health indicators, including sleep, activity levels, stress, heart health, and menstruation. It uses multiple sensors to measure vitals like heart rate, blood oxygen, and body temperature. It connects with the Oura app, which provides a snapshot of your overall health while allowing you to dive deeper into your health data if desired.

      **My Experience with the Oura Ring 4**

      Having worn my Oura Ring 4 for three months, I’ve truly put this health tracker to the test. If you're considering an Oura Ring, I strongly recommend ordering the sizing kit (free with purchase on the Oura site or redeemable against the ring from other retailers like Boots), which allows you to try on different sizes before committing. For the most accurate reading, it’s best to wear the ring on your index, middle, or ring finger. I was between sizes 7 and 8, and Oura suggests sizing down if you're in between sizes. A snug fit ensures accurate vital measurements and prevents the ring from slipping off (after spending hundreds on it, that's something you'd want to avoid!). I went with size 7, which fits my middle and index fingers comfortably.

      **Readiness**

      When you wake up and check the Oura app, you receive a "Readiness" score based on your sleep quality, yesterday's activity, and biometric data (including heart rate, body temperature, and heart rate variability). This score, rated out of 100, reflects how prepared your body is for the day. A high readiness score indicates that you can push harder during workouts, while a lower score suggests you should focus on recuperation when possible. The app also provides an overarching overview along with detailed metrics, highlighting areas needing attention if desired. For instance, my heart rate variability (HRV)—a recovery marker—indicated I needed to focus on recovery after being unwell.

      **Sleep Tracking**

      A key component in determining your daily "Readiness" score is your quality of sleep, with the Oura Ring tracking extensive data during your rest. It not only measures total sleep duration but also breaks down the percentages spent in REM, deep sleep, and light sleep stages. It can even recognize daytime naps. Furthermore, it records when it detects movement at night or any breathing irregularities. It also informs you of any "sleep debt," promoting accountability for achieving adequate rest. After 90 days of use, it compiles data to identify your sleep chronotype, helping determine whether you're a night owl or a morning person.

      I appreciate being able to tag my evenings to identify patterns or factors affecting my sleep, like eating late or late-day caffeine intake, which could disrupt sleep. Conversely, I can log positive behaviors that enhance my sleep, such as pre-bed yoga or a warm bath. This feature effectively provides a comprehensive overview of what works and what doesn’t for me. I've prioritized sleep lately, and my sleep scores consistently hover around 80/100, which is motivating. However, I've also noticed how illness and stress can impact sleep quality on lower-scoring days.

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