Oura Ring UK - Our review of the smart sleep ring (2024)

The design of the Oura Ring is modern and stylish, so at first glance, you would not guess it is a sleep-tracking device.

With the 2nd generation of the ring, you can choose between two different designs and several colours.

Since the 3rd generation, which has been available in the UK since November 2021, there has been a new design.

Now, you can choose between Heritage and Horizon. 👇

The 3rd generation of the ring is available in the following colours:

• Silver
• Black
• Stealth
• Gold
• Rose Gold

After a short period of getting used to the ring, our testers can confirm that it fits very comfortably and doesn't interfere with wearing or sleeping.

But how do you find the right size? Let's take a look.

Order the free-size kit

The Oura ring is not exactly cheap.

So, of course, you want to ensure your ring fits. That's why you can order the free-size kit from Oura.

This kit contains different plastic rings from sizes 6 to 13.

Try the different models and choose one that fits comfortably on your finger.

But how do you figure out the right size for the ring?

Just answer three easy questions to find the best size for your Oura ring.

When should you measure your ring size?

The circumference of your fingers changes throughout the day and depends on the temperature.

So if you measure your fingers on a hot summer day, your ring may be too loose in the winter.

This is because the fingers swell a little at high temperatures.

Therefore, measure your fingers at room temperature when it is neither hot nor cold.

When are your fingers thickest?

Whether you have been physically active during the day, your fingers swell a little towards the evening. In the morning, they are a little thinner.

Therefore, wearing the plastic ring from the Oura size kit for 24 hours is best.

This way, you can see if the ring fits comfortably on your finger at all times of the day.

After this period, you will know which Oura ring size is right for you.

Oura Ring*

How tight should a ring fit?

Of course, your Oura ring should neither be too tight nor too loose. But how exactly do you know if your chosen size fits perfectly?

It is too loose if you can slide the ring over your knuckles without feeling any resistance.

On the other hand, if you have to use force to slide the ring over the knuckle, it's a little too tight.

If your Oura ring does not fit despite careful selection of the size, you can return it within the framework of the legal right of withdrawal.

You can find more tips in the video on determining the correct ring size.

Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about your stress level or your degree of recovery.

The measurement determines the distance between 2 heartbeats. This gives you a sequence of intervals.

Of course, these intervals can be of different lengths. Therefore, the difference in time between these intervals is calculated.

Ultimately, the greater the difference in the time intervals between two beats, the higher the heart rate variability.?

What does heart rate variability depend on?

HRV itself depends mainly on the state of your autonomic nervous system. If your parasympathetic nervous system is active, you tend to feel calm and relaxed.

If, on the other hand, the sympathetic nervous system is active, your body is put into flight and fight mode.

However, the absolute values of HRV depend on many different factors. These include, for example, your age, gender and hormone status.

This way, the app can eventually give you recommendations regarding your sleep patterns, diet and activity.

How accurate is the heart rate variability measurement?

Since the Oura Ring calculates HRV by measuring the pulse, the values are not as accurate as those of an ECG device.

However, because the ring is worn both day and night, your HRV can be monitored over a 24-hour period.

This is the big advantage compared to an ECG measurement, which is only done once a day. ?

The most essential function of the Oura Ring is, of course, sleep tracking.

In the app, you will find the following information:

• Your sleep stages

• The duration of deep sleep

• The duration of REM sleep

• Your latency (time to fall asleep)

• Your total sleep time

Let's take a look at what these actually mean.

The measurement of REM sleep

REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement.

This type of sleep is mainly important to revive the mind and body. In this sleep phase, you not only dream but also transfer your experiences into long-term memory.

This sleep phase is, therefore, significant for your creativity and prevents you from forgetting what you have learnt.

The REM sleep phase accounts for between 5% and 50% of your total sleep.

However, the duration can vary from night to night and person to person.

Most adults spend about 25% of their time during sleep in the REM sleep phase. However, as you get older, the amount of REM sleep decreases.

Measuring deep sleep

Deep sleep is the most restful sleep phase.

During this time, your body can regenerate, and your muscles can repair.

When you're in a deep sleep, things like your blood pressure, the amount of oxygen in your blood, and your heart and breathing rates are all really low.

Your arms and legs are also relaxed. During this time, it's harder for you to wake up.

The duration of deep sleep depends on the night in question and the person.

On average, deep sleep accounts for about 15% to 20% of your total sleep. However, the duration of deep sleep decreases with age.

How long does it take you to fall asleep?

The time it takes you to fall asleep is called latency. It is when you lie awake in bed before you finally fall asleep.

Ideally, this time should be between 15 and 20 minutes.

Can the Oura Ring improve sleep quality?

The Oura Ring measures REM sleep, deep sleep and latency. All the data recorded overnight is summarised in a so-called sleep score.

This gives you an insightful overview of how your sleep was every morning.

Based on the measurements, the Oura app calculates the optimal time when you should go to bed. Unfortunately, the app also shows you unhealthy behaviour that can negatively influence your sleep.

However, you do not receive any concrete recommendations for action.

In theory, the Oura Ring can help make your sleep better. But it's up to you to figure out the best ways to change your habits.

How accurate is the measurement of sleep phases?

Most users of the ring are satisfied with measuring the different sleep phases. However, there are also a few other opinions.

If you compare the data with the data from the Garmin sleep tracker, you may notice differences in the recognised sleep phases.

In general, however, the data should be seen as an indicator for improving one's behaviour.

And the measurements of the Oura Ring are accurate enough for this.

The Oura Ring measures your pulse, heart rate variability, sleep, and calorie consumption.

At 4 am, the smart ring starts calculating your total calories burned.

First, the estimated basal metabolic rate is logged, i.e. the calories your body needs at rest. This is because the basal metabolic rate makes up most of your total calorie consumption.

Until 4 am the next day, the Oura Ring adds up all the calories used for different activities. This gives you your total calories burned the next morning.

Can the Oura Ring count steps?

With its 3D accelerometer, the Oura Ring can measure your movement and activity.

In combination with your personal details, such as age, gender, and height, the ring can calculate the calories burned and count the number of steps taken.

In addition to the number of steps, the distance covered is displayed in miles or kilometres.

Conclusion: Is the Oura Ring suitable as an activity tracker?

The Oura Ring is primarily designed as a sleep tracker. This is clearly where the gadget has its strengths.

As described above, the ring is only suitable for tracking fitness activities to a limited extent.

In this case, we recommend using the usual smartwatches. These offer significantly more functions in this area and provide more precise data/evaluations.

In our independent ring review, we paid particular attention to the quality of the mobile phone app. After all, good hardware without the right app isn't worth much.

The Oura app can easily be downloaded from the Apple App Store (iOS) or the Google Playstore (Android) to your smartphone or tablet. Here you will be provided with the recorded data and recommendations.

All the data in the app is assigned to the 4 important categories. In addition, there is also a meditation mode.?

The home screen and timeline: View your data

The start screen shows you a complete summary of your data. Here you can also view information about past days (Timeline).

How fit are you for the day ahead?

This score is calculated from the recorded data of the previous night in combination with your activity on the previous day.

The daily fitness score itself ranges from 0 to 100, and the higher the score, the better.

A low score means that you should take it easy for the day ahead.

On the other hand, a high score means that you are refreshed and have a lot of energy at your disposal. ?

Sleep: How restful was your sleep?

Here you get information about the quality of your sleep. Of course, the data collected during the last night is used for the calculation.

Your activity: How active were you?

The activity score shows you how active you have been compared to the past 7 days.

However, if you are exercising regularly, you may be warned by the ring.

You will receive notifications that you should take it easy during the day. This can be a little annoying. ?

The meditation mode

The Oura app also has a meditation mode. Here you can choose from various relaxation techniques.

The ring records all data and displays it in the Oura App during your meditation.

In addition, the effect of meditation on your well-being and on your sleep is also examined. You can also find the results in the app.?

How to set up the ring via the app

The Oura Ring can be easily set up via the app.

First, download the app onto your smartphone or tablet. Then you can create a user account and connect the ring to your mobile phone via Bluetooth.

Now you will be asked a few questions about yourself / your current life goal.

Please answer them as precisely as possible, as this information is important for the evaluation of the data.

The set-up process only takes a few minutes.?

You also have the option to connect the Oura app with other apps such as Apple Health, Google Fit, etc.

Once the Oura Ring has been set up, the smart jewel starts recording data.

However, a relatively large amount of data is needed to be able to create forecasts and trends. Therefore, you will only receive meaningful information after about 14 days.

Our experience with the app - conclusion

Many manufacturers bring good hardware to the market but ultimately fail with the software (the app).

This does not apply to the Oura sleep ring or the Oura app in any way!

Quite the opposite:

We have nothing to criticise about the app.

The translation is flawless. The use is intuitive. Bugs = none whatsoever!

The brand from Finland impresses with its attention to detail, and this is also noticeable in the user rating: The app received a whopping 4.7 / 5 stars in the Apple Store.⭐

We can only agree with this rating!

The Oura Ring comes in a simple white box. The minimalist design makes the packaging look very appealing and classy.

Besides the ring itself, a charger with a USB cable and two instruction leaflets are included in the delivery.

So you have everything you need to measure your sleep and activity!

Many health lovers ask themselves: can I buy the Oura Ring in the UK? We have good news for you!

The smart ring is available on the brand's website (ouraring.com). You can also order the free sizing kit to find the right size for your fingers.

Should your Oura ring turn out to be too small or too big in the end, you can, of course, return it within the legal framework.