For many, Oura’s offerings remain the benchmark in emerging category, providing a simpler and more discreet option compared to smartwatches that track everything.
Now valued at $5.2 billion, Oura is navigating a far more competitive landscape, with major players like Samsung Electronics Co. entering the fray. As technology has advanced and components have shrunk, rings are evolving into viable alternatives to smartwatches and other health-monitoring devices. They can monitor sleep, activity, and heart rate without a bulky design or screen. The latest version, the Oura Ring 4, continues to lead the market. Tech firms are quickly pouring resources into artificial intelligence, eager to demonstrate its potential for revenue generation. Oura’s CEO, Tom Hale, views AI as a crucial element of their strategy, which will necessitate more precise and advanced data gathering. The $349 Ring 4 introduces a new “Smart Sensing” system that optimizes its sensors for better accuracy and battery performance while eliminating the cumbersome domes from earlier models, making it resemble traditional jewelry more closely.
Smart rings are experiencing a boom in popularity, with IDC forecasting that annual sales will nearly double to 1.7 million units. The Ring 4 is positioned to compete against Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, which launched last year but faced some design and performance issues. Although the Galaxy Ring wasn’t without flaws, Samsung, as the largest electronics brand globally, doesn’t impose a subscription fee for all its smart ring’s software features, unlike Oura. With an influx of options in this market, Oura must work to maintain the 80% market share it held prior to last year.
What Sets This Smart Ring Apart After several weeks of testing, which included wearing the Ring 4 during workouts and overnight, I found it to be a more accurate and dependable health tracker compared to both its predecessor and Samsung’s offering. While many may appreciate the ring’s sleek titanium design, I believe its software is by far its greatest asset. Oura excels in converting the personal data it gathers into a user-friendly and actionable format. For example, the app provides a “daily readiness score” that assesses your wellness each morning based on various factors.
