My experience with activity and wellness tracking began in 2015, coinciding with the arrival of Fitbit in India and the global debut of the first-generation Apple Watch. Since then, I have tested numerous activity trackers and smartwatches.
Over the past decade, smart rings have gained increased market share and cultural recognition. Finnish company Oura, which pioneered the smart ring concept with its first-generation product in 2015, has now launched the Oura Ring 4 in India. During the launch, Oura released the Oura India Sleep Report, highlighting the ring’s sleep tracking capabilities. After a few weeks of wearing the smart ring, I have developed a commitment to this technology, though it does come with both advantages and drawbacks.
Design
One of the challenges for smartwatches has been their form factor, particularly when used for sleep tracking. The Oura Ring 4 offers a clear advantage in this area due to its unobtrusive design. It resembles jewelry more than a gadget and can easily be mistaken for a wedding band. After a decade of development and now in its fourth iteration, Oura has refined its design, successfully blending functionality with aesthetics. The domes that previously housed the sensors have been flattened, making the ring feel comfortable on the finger. Constructed from titanium, the current generation weighs between 3.3 and 5.2 grams, depending on the size selected. However, the compact design means the ring is not repairable, and the battery is not replaceable.
Oura offers a sizing kit as the first step in the purchasing process, enabling users to find the perfect fit. The ring is available in sizes ranging from 4 to 15 and comes in a variety of colors, with a premium of ₹11,000 for Brushed Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, and Stealth options. Inside the ring, sensors measure heart rate (and heart rate variability), respiration rate, and skin temperature while an accelerometer tracks movement and activity around the clock.
The Oura Ring 4 is water-resistant up to 100 meters and suitable for sauna use and water sports, though it is not recommended for diving. Users who are not accustomed to wearing rings may find it easy to remove and forget about the device. I removed the ring when using a swimming pool and every time I took a shower during the three weeks of testing.
Setup and Companion App
The Oura Ring 4 pairs seamlessly via Bluetooth with smartphones, and the companion app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The user interface is one of the most visually appealing on any wellness app, featuring intuitive navigation paths. Oura’s user experience is centered on three main pillars: sleep, readiness, and activity. Information is organized within three sections—Today, Vitals, and My Health—offering not just data but valuable insights into one’s physical status. For example, the Readiness score consistently reflected my feelings on any given day, and the sleep tracking is among the best available on any wearable device.
The Oura app can also share data with the Apple Watch and Strava. It detected my gym workouts and was worn during weight training sessions. While cycling on a 15-kilometer trail in New Zealand, the Ring 4 automatically recorded my route and synced with my iPhone to create a map. It effectively registered multiple fast walks, allowing me to validate these activities. Some users have reported visible scratches from gym activities; however, using gym gloves helped keep my Ring 4 largely unscathed.
Oura’s subscription plans have sparked debate, especially since some competitors, like the Samsung Galaxy Ring, do not require a subscription for full data access. Oura’s subscription plan in India costs ₹599 per month, which, while expensive, provides detailed insights that many users find advantageous.
Battery Life
The design of the charging dock is commendable. Oura claims an 8-day battery life, which was confirmed during my testing across two charging cycles. I disabled blood oxygen monitoring, which could extend battery life by an extra day. Most users can expect roughly a week of battery usage, giving the Oura Ring 4 a significant edge over many smartwatches in this aspect.
Verdict
The Oura Ring 4 is among the most advanced wellness wearables available. It provides actionable insights and helps users manage their everyday routines more effectively. Smart rings appear to have reached a peak with the Oura Ring 4 at the forefront of this evolution. With additional AI-driven insights expected in the future, the experience promises to improve further. Its discreet form allows users to wear it without thinking about it until seeking insights via the app. For fitness enthusiasts, it is advisable to pair the Oura Ring 4 with a smartwatch for tracking workouts, as wearing a smartwatch constantly is unnecessary. While the Oura Ring 4 may be the top smart ring on the market, its significant price and ongoing subscription costs position it as a niche product better suited for those willing to invest in wellness.
Price: ₹28,999 onwards
Published on: April 8, 2026
