I’ve been eyeing the Oura Ring for years. But, until yesterday’s announcement, I wasn’t really sold on it.
As a shopping writer with a focus on health and wellness, I love the idea of a compact, simplified health tracker that isn’t strapped to your wrist. The fact that something so small can monitor over 50 health metrics, including sleep, activity, heart rate, readiness (Oura’s way of indicating recovery levels), and women’s health, is genuinely impressive.
Yet, I’ve never been completely sold on the design. The bulky metal look, glossy finish, plus the fact that the coating could wear and fade over time has always held me back from fully committing. But yesterday, when Oura unveiled the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic, my hesitation began melting away.
This is the first ring I’d actually want to show off, and not just wear for the data. With soft new colors and a convenient new portable charger, Oura has finally checked all my boxes.
“For years, health wearables have been designed to blend into your life without drawing attention. Today, that changes,” the company stated in an Oct. 1 post, introducing the new Oura Ring 4.
Oura partnered with a Japanese vendor to craft four subtle new shades inspired by nature — Cloud, Tide, Petal, and Midnight. Each was designed to let users express their personal style while enjoying real-time health tracking as well as some more revamped features.
The new ceramic colorways are already available on Amazon, offered in sizes four through 15, and priced at $499. For reference, that’s the same price as a gold Oura Ring 4.
Customization is another big draw. Now, users can have multiple Oura Ring 4 styles under a single account, perfect for anyone who wants to swap looks for a workout or match their ring to an outfit. Users want flexibility, and this feature gives you control over your style and routine.
I’ll admit, I’m partial to the new look, but it’s more than just a cosmetic upgrade. I’m also sold on the material. Older Oura Rings used a PVD coating on titanium that could fade over time (aka my personal nightmare: peeling, tacky gold).
“Crafted from high-performance zirconia ceramic, a material prized in fine jewelry for its exceptional durability, lightweight comfort, and skin-friendly nature, the new Ceramic Collection is more than a refresh,” the statement continued.
The new ceramic colors are infused throughout the material, making them more durable, fade-resistant, and wearable for those allergic to titanium. In other words, they’re built to stay beautiful over time. If I’m going to drop $500, it better last.
Beyond the ring itself, Oura will also introduce a redesigned portable charging case in the coming months. Another game-changer for people who despise detangling cords, or simply don’t want another device they have to remember to charge.
The new compact charging case is exactly what I was waiting for; it holds up to five full charges, slips easily into a pocket, and uses USB-C for universal compatibility. It’s also a bit more eco-conscious, being crafted with recycled aluminum.
Oura’s technology is getting an upgrade as well. The Oura App will introduce “Health Panels,” letting users schedule blood tests, track over 50 metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers, and receive personalized insights powered by Oura Advisor AI.
Between the sleeker styles, added convenience and enhanced health features, Oura has finally crafted a model that’s equal parts stylish and smart. Will I finally bite the bullet and buy one? Maybe.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.