Affiliate throughout: If you've been following me on Instagram recently, you may have noticed a new piece of jewellery making regular appearances in my daily outfits. It's subtle enough that you could easily miss it, but I've received so many messages asking what it is that I thought it was time to sit down and share my thoughts.
Over the past week, I've been wearing the brand-new Oura Ring 5 every single day (and night!) to see what it's really like to live with. Rather than rushing out a review after just a couple of hours, I wanted to spend some time getting used to it, exploring the app and seeing how naturally it fitted into my daily routine.
From the outside, the Oura simply looks like a beautifully designed ring. Yet behind that minimalist design is an impressive amount of technology that's quietly collecting information about your sleep, recovery, activity, stress and overall wellbeing.
After just one week, it's already become something I instinctively reach for each morning to check how I've slept and how my body is responding to everyday life.
So I'm here to tell you whether the new Oura Ring 5 is worth the investment, what it actually does, or whether it's right for you, here's everything I've learned so far. You may also like: Ultra Human v Oura Ring v Whoop
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Who Are Oura?
If you've somehow managed to avoid hearing about Oura over the last few years, here's a little background.
Oura is a wellness technology company that has become known for creating one of the world's most sophisticated smart rings. Rather than focusing purely on exercise or counting steps, Oura takes a much broader approach by helping you understand how your body is performing day to day.
The philosophy behind the brand is something I really appreciate.
Instead of encouraging you to chase endless numbers or compete for achievements, Oura focuses on recognising patterns. The idea is to help you understand your body better so you can make small, informed decisions that support your overall wellbeing.
The accompanying Oura App brings together more than 50 different health metrics and translates them into simple, easy-to-understand insights. Rather than overwhelming you with complicated data, it presents everything in a way that's genuinely useful.
Whether that's noticing your sleep quality improving, recognising periods of higher stress or understanding when your body might benefit from a little extra recovery, the emphasis is always on helping you feel more in tune with yourself.
What is the Oura Ring 5?
The Oura Ring 5 is the latest generation of Oura's smart ring, designed to track sleep, recovery, activity, heart health and overall wellness. It's around 40% smaller than the Ring 4 while offering upgraded sensors, improved comfort and battery life of up to 9 days.
Why I Wanted To Try Oura Ring 5
I've admired Oura for quite a while, but if I'm honest, I'd always wondered whether I'd actually enjoy wearing a smart ring every day.
Would it feel bulky?
Would it look too much like a gadget?
Would I become obsessed with the numbers?
These were all genuine questions I had before trying it.
When Oura invited me to experience the brand-new Oura Ring 5, I was particularly interested because this latest generation has been designed to be thinner, lighter and even more discreet than before.
That immediately appealed to me.
As someone who wears jewellery every single day, I wanted something that complemented my existing rings rather than replacing them.
What colours does the Oura Ring 5 come in?
The Oura Ring 5 is available in six beautiful finishes:
- Silver
- Black
- Gold
- Stealth
- Brushed Silver
- Deep Rose
Each one has a distinctly jewellery-inspired appearance, which immediately sets it apart from many other wearable devices.
Mine has blended surprisingly seamlessly with the jewellery I already wear, to the point where friends have commented on how lovely the ring looks before realising it's actually packed with technology.
Does the Oura Ring 5 feel like a fitness tracker?
I think this has probably been my biggest surprise.
If you've ever worn a smartwatch, you'll know that they can sometimes become quite demanding.
Notifications.
Messages.
Reminders.
Achievement badges.
Buzzing throughout the day.
For some people that's fantastic.
Personally, I prefer something much quieter.
Oura Ring 5 feels less like a gadget and more like a wellbeing companion.
It quietly gathers information while you simply get on with your day.
There's no pressure to constantly check it.
No endless distractions.
No feeling that technology is interrupting real life.
Instead, you check in when it suits you.
I actually love that approach because it feels much more intentional.
Rather than encouraging me to spend more time looking at screens, it's helping me become more aware of how I'm actually feeling.
That feels like a much healthier relationship with technology.
What Makes Oura Ring 5 Different?
The biggest update with Oura Ring 5 is how incredibly refined it feels.
Although previous generations already looked elegant, this latest version has become noticeably slimmer, lighter and even more comfortable for all-day wear.
It's one of those improvements that sounds small on paper but makes quite a noticeable difference once you actually put it on.
Because it's so subtle, it genuinely passes as a beautiful piece of jewellery.
That's important because I think many of us have reached a point where we don't necessarily want every piece of technology we own to be instantly recognisable.
Sometimes, less really is more.
The battery life has also impressed me.
Knowing that I only need to charge it around once a week means it's incredibly easy to fit into my routine without constantly thinking about it.
Again, that's something I really appreciate.
The best technology should quietly support your lifestyle rather than demanding your attention.
After my first week, that's exactly how the Oura Ring 5 feels.
It's elegant.
It's understated.
It's beautifully designed.
Most importantly, it's already helping me understand my wellbeing in a way that feels simple rather than overwhelming.
And I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
In the next section, I'll dive into the features I've been using every day, from Sleep Score and Readiness Score to activity tracking, stress insights, comfort, battery life and the Oura App itself.
What's new on the Oura Ring 5?
- 40% smaller and lighter design
- More accurate health sensors
- Improved sleep and recovery tracking
- Better battery life (up to 9 days)
- Waterproof to 100 metres
- Optional portable charging case
- New AI-powered Oura Advisor
- Enhanced blood pressure signals and breathing insights (where available)
How much does the Oura Ring 5 cost?
Prices start from approximately £399/$399, with premium finishes costing more. A portable charging case is sold separately.When was the Oura Ring 5 released?
The Oura Ring 5 was announced in May 2026 and began shipping in early June 2026.Is the Oura Ring 5 worth upgrading to?
If you have a Ring 3 or older, yes, the improvements in comfort, battery life and sensors are significant. If you already own the Ring 4, the upgrade is more about the slimmer design and incremental improvements than brand-new health features.Does the Oura Ring 5 require a subscription?
Yes. Most of Oura's advanced health insights require an ongoing Oura Membership after any included trial period.How accurate is the Oura Ring 5?
Oura has redesigned its sensor system with more powerful LEDs and improved skin contact to increase accuracy across different skin tones and finger shapes, especially for heart rate and sleep tracking.Can the Oura Ring 5 measure blood pressure?
It doesn't take traditional blood pressure readings like a cuff. Instead, it provides blood pressure trend signals that may help identify changes over time in supported regions.Can the Oura Ring 5 detect sleep apnea?
No. It isn't a medical device for diagnosing sleep apnea, but it can monitor nighttime breathing patterns and highlight potential changes worth discussing with your doctor.Can you wear the Oura Ring 5 in the shower or swimming?
Yes. It is waterproof up to 100 metres, making it suitable for swimming, showering and everyday wear.How long does the battery last?
Most users can expect between 6 and 9 days, depending on usage and features enabled.How long does it take to charge?
A full charge typically takes around 80 minutes.Does the Oura Ring 5 track workouts?
Yes. It automatically detects many activities and now includes improved Live Activity tracking for compatible workouts.Does it have GPS?
No. Like previous models, it uses your phone's GPS for route tracking during outdoor activities.Can I answer calls or receive notifications?
No. The Oura Ring 5 has no screen or notification system. It's designed purely for health and wellness tracking.Does the Oura Ring 5 track stress?
Yes. It measures physiological signs such as heart rate variability, resting heart rate and body temperature to estimate stress and recovery.Can it track menstrual cycles?
Yes. Oura continues to offer cycle tracking, fertility insights and menopause-related features within the app.Can I wear it all day?
Yes. The smaller, lighter design was created specifically to make 24/7 wear more comfortable.Which finger should I wear it on?
Oura recommends wearing it on your index finger for the most consistent sensor readings, although other fingers may also work well.Does the Oura Ring 5 work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. The Oura app is available for both iOS and Android devices.Can I connect it to Apple Health or Google Health Connect?
Yes. Oura integrates with Apple Health and Google Health Connect, along with several other fitness and wellness apps.What sizes does the Oura Ring 5 come in?
The initial launch includes sizes 6–13. Some users have noted that smaller sizes are currently unavailable.Is the Oura Ring 5 better than the Apple Watch?
It depends on your priorities. Oura excels at sleep, recovery and discreet health tracking, while the Apple Watch offers notifications, apps, GPS, calls and a wider range of fitness features.Who should buy the Oura Ring 5?
It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants:- Detailed sleep insights
- Recovery and readiness scores
- Stress monitoring
- Long battery life
- A discreet wearable without a screen
- Comprehensive wellness tracking
What's the biggest improvement over the Ring 4?
The standout upgrade is its dramatically smaller and lighter design, making it much more comfortable to wear continuously while maintaining or improving tracking accuracy. What are the features I use everyday on Oura 5?
One of the things I've enjoyed most about wearing the Oura Ring 5 over the past week is that it doesn't ask anything of me. I simply wear it as I would any other ring and, quietly in the background, it builds a picture of how I'm sleeping, recovering and moving throughout the day.
It's a very different experience from using traditional fitness wearables. Rather than feeling like I'm constantly chasing goals or watching numbers tick up and down, Oura encourages me to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
After seven days, there are already a few features that have become part of my daily routine:
My Morning Starts with My Sleep Score
If there's one thing I've found myself checking every morning, it's my Sleep Score.
I'll admit, I wasn't sure whether I'd become interested in my overnight data, but it's quickly become one of my favourite parts of using the Oura Ring 5.
Each morning, before I even start answering emails or scrolling through Instagram, I open the Oura App to see how I've slept. It's fascinating to see how different evenings can affect the quality of my sleep, whether that's a particularly busy day, a late dinner or simply not winding down early enough.
What I really like is that Oura doesn't just tell you how many hours you've slept. Instead, it looks at your sleep more holistically, taking into account different stages of sleep and presenting everything in a way that's incredibly easy to understand.
Rather than feeling judged for one restless night, it encourages you to notice patterns over time, and I think that's a much healthier approach.
As someone who's always trying to prioritise wellbeing, I can already see this becoming a really valuable habit.
Readiness Score: A Gentle Reminder to Listen to Your Body
Closely linked to sleep is your Readiness Score, which has probably been the biggest eye-opener for me during my first week.
It's all too easy to wake up and assume we should tackle every day with exactly the same amount of energy, but that's rarely how our bodies actually work.
Some mornings we naturally feel more energised, while others we could probably benefit from slowing down a little.
I love that Oura recognises this.
Rather than pushing me to do more every single day, it's encouraged me to pay attention to how well I've recovered overnight and think about whether my body might appreciate a slightly gentler pace.
I think that's a refreshing mindset, especially in a world that often celebrates being busy all the time.
I do a lot of activity and I never really know when to stop, recovery is never on my agenda so this feature has been absolutely invaluable to me.
Daytime Stress: A Feature I Didn't Expect to Enjoy
One feature that really intrigued me was Daytime Stress.
Stress is something we all experience from time to time, but I don't think many of us stop to consider how it ebbs and flows throughout the day.
It's been really interesting to look back and notice when I've felt calm, focused or perhaps a little more mentally stretched than I'd realised in the moment.
Again, I don't find myself obsessing over the numbers.
Instead, it's simply another piece of information that helps me understand myself a little better.
Sometimes just recognising that you've had a particularly demanding day is enough to remind yourself to slow down in the evening.
I think that's one of the reasons Oura appeals to me so much. It encourages awareness rather than anxiety.
What does the Oura Ring 5 look like?
As someone who genuinely enjoys wearing jewellery, I wasn't looking for something that would stand out as a piece of technology.
I wanted something elegant enough to wear every single day, whether I was travelling, heading out for dinner, attending an event or simply working from home.
The Oura Ring 5 delivers exactly that.
The updated, slimmer profile makes such a difference. It feels incredibly refined, and because it's lighter than previous generations, it's easy to forget you're wearing it at all.
I've been wearing it alongside my other rings and jewellery all week, and it blends in beautifully.
In fact, most people who've noticed it have assumed it's simply another piece of jewellery until I explain that it's actually a smart ring.
I love that.
For me, that's exactly how wearable technology should feel.
How long does the battery in the Oura Ring 5 last?
Thankfully, that hasn't been an issue.
Knowing that the battery is designed to last around a week means charging has never felt inconvenient.
Instead of constantly worrying about battery percentages, I know I can simply wear it throughout my normal routine and recharge it when it suits me.
It's another example of Oura fitting into my lifestyle rather than expecting me to adapt to it.
Is the Oura Ring 5 hard to use?
After all, there's a lot of information being collected behind the scenes.
But I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised.
Everything feels clean, intuitive and easy to navigate.
Rather than presenting endless graphs and technical jargon, the Oura App does an excellent job of translating all of those health metrics into insights that actually make sense.
Within a few minutes of opening it, I felt confident finding everything I wanted.
As someone who appreciates beautifully designed apps just as much as beautifully designed products, that definitely deserves a mention.
My First Week Verdict
Seven days isn't enough time to experience everything the Oura Ring 5 has to offer, and I think it's important to be honest about that.
One of Oura's biggest strengths is its ability to build a long-term picture of your wellbeing, so naturally many of the most valuable insights develop over weeks and months rather than days.
But even after just one week, there are already a few things I'm confident saying.
It's beautifully designed.
It's incredibly comfortable.
The battery life has fitted seamlessly into my routine.
The app is intuitive and genuinely enjoyable to use.
Most importantly, it's encouraged me to become more aware of my own wellbeing without making health feel overwhelming.
For me, that's exactly what good technology should do.
The Oura Ring 5 doesn't shout for your attention.
Instead, it quietly helps you understand yourself a little better every single day.
Lots of love, Em x
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