The Oura ring is everywhere, but is the price tag worth it?

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Wearable technology has come a long way, and a smartwatch isn’t your only option anymore. Smart rings are less obtrusive, more stylish, and still provide all of the in-depth health tracking data that you would get with a smartwatch, if not more. Oura is the leading smart ring brand in the game, taking a fashion-forward approach to tracking everything from stress levels to sleep cycles. Although it’s by far the most popular pick and an Amazon bestseller, with a price tag starting at $349, it’s not cheap. Is it worth it to make the splurge, or does it better fit your budget to opt for a more affordable alternative? Read on to see if the popular smart ring is right for you, and budget-friendly Oura Ring alternatives you can buy, too.

Is the Oura Ring worth it?

As a long-time fan and owner of an Oura Ring, it’s been a game changer in bettering my health with data I never would’ve known otherwise. Through tiny sensors, you get access to your heart rate in real time, calories burned, and your step count, similar to a smartwatch. But it dives even deeper than a standard smartwatch, providing insight into your stress levels, advanced data on your sleep cycle, and an overall readiness score that combines a few contributing factors, including your resting heart rate, body temperature, sleep, the previous day’s activity level, and more.

I’ve been using an older version of the Oura Ring that has since been phased out. Luckily, it’s still going pretty strong, and I’ve been wearing it regularly for around four years. It’s waterproof, which adds to its durability, but it’s not immune to scratching. There are some scratches on the metal, but they’re very minimal, and I also purchased a cover to swap out the color and keep the finish intact. The only issue I have with the older model is that the battery has declined significantly since I first got it back in 2022, but that seems to be the fate of most modern electronics these days, especially as newer models come out. The latest version of the Oura Ring has an increased battery lifespan of up to eight days, which is a bonus for those opting for the Oura Ring 4. This feature even had me considering upgrading to the newest model. 

The other caveat is that it requires a subscription, which is $5.99 per month. The pro is that it’s significantly cheaper than a streaming service, but it can be a frustrating additional fee to pay on top of its already high price tag. 

The Oura Ring is a stylish health-tracking wearable that won’t cramp your style, and it’s a leading smart ring brand that’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices. If you want better insight into your health and don’t mind the monthly subscription fee, the Oura Ring is a purchase you won’t regret making, as it is a top-of-the-line smart ring and is made to last for years 

Oura Ring 4

Subscription-free Oura Ring alternatives

It seems like everything runs off the subscription model these days, including the Oura Ring. While the monthly fee could be pricier, it’s the last thing you want to pay for after shelling out nearly $350 (at minimum) to get access to your health data. There are other smart ring options available that are not only cheaper but don’t require a monthly subscription. These mid-tier smart rings are perfect for anyone who isn’t afraid to spend a little extra to get a good health tracker but might not be ready to spend as much as an Oura Ring. 

RingConn is one of the names that commonly pops up alongside Oura. Prices range from $199 to $299, making it cheaper than the Oura Ring while having some brand-name recognition. The rings have increased battery life, ranging from 10 to 12 days before your next recharge, which is significantly better than the Oura ring’s estimated battery life. Plus, the RingConn Gen 2 is known for its sleep apnea monitoring. 

But they lack in some areas where Oura shines. While the data tends to be close between the two brands, some shoppers say that Oura data is slightly more accurate than RingConn. Oura’s app is also praised for being smooth and easy to read, breaking down the health insight with actions you can take to improve your health. The Oura Ring also provides extra benefits, like logging meals and tracking glucose levels, and seemingly continues to improve and add to its features.

RingConn Gen 2

RingConn Gen 2 Air

Affordable Oura Ring alternatives under $100

If budget is your top priority and you don’t care for brand names, there are smart rings out there for well under $100. They’re also great if you’re completely new to smart rings and don’t want to pay a ton up front for something you’re not sure you’ll even like wearing. Consider these great options for seeing what smart rings are all about before spending a ton of money. These would also make a good gift for teens or loved ones who are interested in advanced health data.  

Many affordable smart rings and Oura ring alternatives offer just as much insight into your health, including sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. They have similar stylish designs compared to high-end options, and they can even come with bonus accessories like a charging carrying case. Best of all, many of them don’t have monthly subscription fees, giving you free and easy access to your health data. 

There are some payoffs, though. Off-brand smart rings might not have the longevity of other brands, whether it’s the material or battery life. Premium brands with higher price tags are often made of titanium, which is lightweight and durable. Affordable brands, on the other hand, tend to be made of stainless steel, which is still strong enough to withstand daily use, but is typically heavier than a titanium ring and could become uncomfortable with all-day wear. The latter is a big factor. Some options last for up to a week, while some require daily charging depending on usage.

Kirama Smart Health Ring

Colmi R02 Smart Ring

Hivisuals Smart Ring