The short answer: the Oura Ring 5 is smaller and a bit more efficient, but it costs $50 more than the Oura Ring 4 at list price ($399 vs $349). Most of what you get for that $50 is a slimmer, lighter ring. The app and membership are the same.
Oura announced the Ring 5 on May 28, 2026, and reports say it started shipping on June 4. Many review sites cover the specs. Fewer tell you who should skip each ring, what both really cost with the membership, whether the Ring 4 is cheaper right now, and whether your old ring size still fits. We cover those here.
Key dates
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| May 28, 2026 | Oura announces the Ring 5 and opens pre-orders |
| June 4, 2026 | Ring 5 ship date, per press reports (Oura's own post does not state it) |
| Sept 22, 2026 | Android Authority reports the Ring 4 Ceramic at $319.99 on Amazon |
| Nov 2026 | Black Friday. No 2026 Ring 4 or Ring 5 deal has been confirmed yet |
Specs: what really changed
| Oura Ring 5 | Oura Ring 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $399 (Silver, Black), $499 (Gold, Deep Rose, Stealth, Brushed Silver) | $349 at launch (Amazon also lists some finishes at $399) |
| Thickness | 2.28 mm | 2.88 mm |
| Width | 6.09 mm | 7.90 mm |
| Weight | From about 2 g | 3.3 to 5.2 g |
| Battery | 6 to 9 days | 5 to 8 days |
| Sizes | 6 to 13 | 4 to 15 |
| Membership | $5.99/mo or $69.99/yr | $5.99/mo or $69.99/yr |
Oura says the Ring 5 is about 40% smaller and can be worn on the index, middle or ring finger. It also says the sensors were redesigned. Oura claims better accuracy. T3, as quoted by BGR, found no meaningful sleep-accuracy gain over the Ring 4, so treat the accuracy claim as the company's own.
New software features such as Health Radar launched alongside the Ring 5. Oura says they are available to members with Ring Gen3 and newer, so you do not need a Ring 5 to get them.
Where each ring wins
Ring 5 wins on:
- Size and weight. It is thinner and narrower, which matters if you found the Ring 4 chunky or you sleep with it on.
- Battery. Oura quotes 6 to 9 days against 5 to 8.
- Finish options. Oura lists six titanium finishes, including a new Deep Rose.
- A charging case. It is sold separately.
Ring 4 wins on:
- Price. It is $50 cheaper at list, and it has been discounted several times this year.
- Size range. Sizes 4 to 15 cover small and large fingers that the Ring 5 range (6 to 13) does not.
- Same app, same membership, same data tracking.
What it really costs with the membership
Both rings need the Oura membership for most features. It is $5.99 a month or $69.99 a year. New members get the first month included.
On the yearly plan, three years looks like this:
| Ring 5 (Silver or Black) | Ring 4 (list price) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ring | $399 | $349 |
| 3 years of membership | $209.97 | $209.97 |
| Total | about $609 | about $559 |
The membership belongs to your Oura account, not the ring. If you upgrade later, your plan moves with you. The gap between the two rings stays at the price of the hardware, about $50 for the base finish, and more if you want a $499 finish.
Sizing: can you reuse your Ring 4 size?
Do not assume you can. Amazon's Ring 5 listing says it "uses unique sizing different from standard jewelry rings and other Oura Ring generations" and asks you to use the Ring 5 sizing kit first. BGR's writer reported having to go up a size from their old Oura.
The Ring 5 range is 6 to 13. The Ring 4 range is 4 to 15. If you wear a 4, 5, 14 or 15 today, check that a Ring 5 size exists for you before you plan an upgrade.
Order the sizing kit and wear the plastic sizer for a full day, including a workout and a night of sleep. BGR says the kit is free. Check the current terms on Oura's store.
Which should you buy?
- Buy the Ring 5 if you want the smallest, lightest Oura, you have never worn a smart ring and want the newest hardware, or you plan to keep it for three or more years.
- Do not buy the Ring 5 if you already own a Ring 4 that fits well. The software features come to your ring anyway, and the accuracy gain is hard to feel day to day.
- Buy the Ring 4 if the price matters most, you need a size outside 6 to 13, or you find a good discount.
- Do not buy the Ring 4 at full price if you have small fingers and care about comfort. For $50 more, the Ring 5 is the more comfortable pick.
- Wait if you are not in a hurry. The Ring 4 was discounted on Amazon in June and again in late September. Black Friday often brings more. No 2026 Black Friday price is confirmed yet. Do not count on a deep Ring 5 discount this soon after launch.
Check Oura Ring 4 price on Amazon
Check Oura Ring 5 price on Amazon
Prices on Amazon change by finish and size, so check the page for your exact ring size before you buy. See our guide to the best smart rings or the Oura vs Whoop comparison if you are still deciding on brand.
FAQ
What is the difference between Oura Ring 5 and Ring 4?
The Ring 5 is about 40% smaller, thinner (2.28 mm vs 2.88 mm), lighter, and rated for 6 to 9 days of battery against 5 to 8. It costs $50 more at list price.
Is the Oura Ring 5 more accurate than the Ring 4?
Oura says yes. Independent testers quoted by BGR say the sleep tracking gain is not meaningful. We did not test either ring.
Can I use my Ring 4 size for the Ring 5?
Not safely. Oura uses different sizing on the Ring 5, so order the Ring 5 sizing kit first.
Is there an Oura Ring 5 sale?
Oura's list price is $399 to $499. We could not confirm any Ring 5 discount. Ring 4 discounts have been common in 2026.
Sources
- Oura: Introducing Oura Ring 5
- Oura Ring 5 store page
- Oura Ring 4 store page
- The 5K Runner: Oura Ring 5 vs Ring 4
- BGR: 5 things to know before buying an Oura Ring 5
- Android Authority: Oura Ring 4 deal
- Gizmodo: Ring 4 clearance after Ring 5 launch
Image: Oura. As an Amazon Associate, BeastCompare earns from qualifying purchases.
