No one proposed to me with the Oura Ring, but I instantly fell for it. This sleek fitness tracker looks like jewelry, has outstanding battery life, and doesn’t scream for attention. While I adore my Oura Ring 4, there are a few surprises—both good and bad—that I wish I’d known before jumping in.

1. Time to Establish Baselines
When I got the Oura Ring, my excitement was through the roof. However, I soon discovered that I needed to wait a bit to get the most out of it. Unlike many wrist wearables, the Oura Ring takes several weeks to gather enough data for useful insights. Sure, it tracks basic metrics like sleep and heart rate from day one, but features like Chronotype and Bedtime Guidance take time to develop. If you’re looking for instant results, this might not be the device for you.
2. Missing the Display
The Oura Ring is discreet, with no display or notifications, which means you can’t check your stats at a glance. For someone who enjoys the immediate feedback of a smartwatch, this was an adjustment. Sure, some people prefer this "set-and-forget" style, but I often find myself reaching for my phone to check the time or my heart rate. It made me realize how reliant I had become on being able to glance at my stats.
3. A Broad Approach to Health
The Oura Ring offers a holistic view of health rather than focusing solely on fitness metrics. While many devices obsess over steps or calories, the Oura Ring reflects on sleep quality, readiness, and overall well-being. This comprehensive method is refreshing, especially compared to the performance-driven nature of other fitness trackers. However, this means that if you’re an athlete craving detailed workout insights, you may not find what you need; it lacks advanced tracking features.
4. Comfort Is Key
On the comfort front, I’ve found myself taking off the ring more often than I expected. Activities like lifting weights or playing tennis can be uncomfortable with a ring on. The sleek design is great for daily wear, especially for sleep tracking, but I can’t always wear it during more vigorous activities, like swimming, for fear of losing it. Plus, while it’s durable, I’ve noticed it scratches more easily than other devices.
5. Love-Hate with My Smartwatch
Using the Oura Ring has changed how I view my smartwatch. I find myself craving the features I used to take for granted, like checking notifications or setting timers easily. The contrast in battery life is also striking; while I have to charge my smartwatch every night, the Oura Ring can last up to eight days on a single charge. This convenience became another reason to appreciate the Oura Ring.
In Summary
The Oura Ring 4 offers discreet health tracking and a more extensive approach to wellness. While it’s not for everyone—especially if you need constant notifications or in-depth workout tracking—its long battery life and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice for those who prefer subtlety in health monitoring.
For additional insights on smart devices and health tracking, you can check this article by authority health experts.
Check out this related article: Why Gen Z is Reviving Retro Tech: Discover the Value Behind Polaroids and Vinyl Trends in 2025!
Source linkfitness trackers,Oura,Smart Rings,Wearables