Oura launches Ring 5 with 40% smaller form factor and blood pressure monitoring

Oura has unveiled the fifth generation of its smart ring, the Ring 5, marking a significant shift in hardware design and software capabilities for the wearable technology company. Starting at $399, the new device is positioned as the world’s smallest smart ring, boasting a form factor that is 40% smaller than its predecessor, the Ring 4. Pre-orders are available immediately, with general availability and shipping commencing on June 4.

The reduction in size was driven by direct consumer feedback and intensifying market competition. Maz Brumand, Oura’s vice president of product, stated that the company narrowed the ring’s width by approximately two millimetres and reduced its thickness by roughly 30%. This redesign required a complete overhaul of the mechanical, electrical, optical, battery, and sensing architectures. The move comes as rivals such as RingConn and Ultrahuman gain traction with subscription-free alternatives, prompting Oura to accelerate its product cycle to just 18 months after the Ring 4 launch.

Hardware improvements extend beyond physical dimensions. The Ring 5 offers an enhanced battery life of six to nine days, an increase from the five to eight days provided by the previous model. Oura has also reengineered its sensors to ensure better skin contact and integrated more powerful LEDs, aiming to improve tracking accuracy across a wider range of finger sizes and skin tones. The device is available in sizes 6 to 13 and comes in six finishes, with the Black and Silver models priced at $399, while the Gold, Deep Rose, Brushed Silver, and Stealth options retail for $499.

Alongside the hardware launch, Oura is introducing significant software updates, including a new feature called Health Radar. This tool monitors key biometric signals in the background to identify patterns that may indicate cardiovascular strain. The initial release includes Blood Pressure Signals, which tracks nocturnal blood pressure patterns to detect potential risks, and Nighttime Breathing, which provides a 30-day rolling view of sleep-related breathing disturbances. Users can also log manual blood pressure readings from cuffs directly into the app.

The company is also expanding its service offerings through a partnership with Counsel Health, an on-demand platform that utilises artificial intelligence and licensed physicians. This integration allows members to receive personalised medical advice and connect with doctors within the Oura app, though access requires an additional fee on top of the standard $5.99 monthly subscription. Other software additions include live activity tracking for real-time metrics during workouts, improved automatic detection for low-motion activities like pilates, and a new Brain Health Study to map the impact of daily choices on mental sharpness.